Who's an elite level guitarist AND singer ???

[telemnemonics]

Robert Cray. For me, the best.

Not a bad candidate but I'd prefer Buddy Guy thanks.
Not arguing, just prefer raw over refined I suppose.

 

[telemnemonics]

If we gonna let them country guys into this contest I'm calling Doc Watson!

 

[TwangToInfinity]

The Everly Brothers
Don Rich
Wade Hayes

 

[nathanteal]

Ian Thornley and Keith Urban come first to mind.

 

[Marc Morfei]

Richard Thompson
Ry Cooder
Buddy Miller
Marty Stuart
Keith Richards
David Hidalgo
Dave Alvin
Mark Knopfler
Dave Edmunds
Big Al Anderson


RJ

Keith Richards? Um....

 

[ftbtx]

Jason Isbell

 

[Marc Morfei]

Glen Tilbrook, of Squeeze.
Todd Rundgren
Stephen Stills
Glen Campbell

Stephen Stills is a good pick

 

[Toto'sDad]

JOE BONAMASSA

 

[sswoverl]

Prince. Yep I went there

I can't believe I had to look at 32 replies to see Prince mentioned.

 

[Audiowonderland]

can he sing?

He is capable but is not elite as a vocalist IMHO. I usually get torqued when half his record is vocals. I don't put on Vai record for the vocals...

 

[lil scotty]

Tom Petty
Duane Allman

Duane, a great vocalist?

 

[dickey]

Greg Lake was the best at everything he did. Singer,guitarist,bassist,writer,producer. He did it all & was 2nd to none.

 

[lil scotty]

I can't believe I had to look at 32 replies to see Prince mentioned.

He’s mentioned a few times above.

 

[lil scotty]

I haven't been through the whole thread, but if Bonnie Raitt hadn't been mentioned, she has been now.

As for some earlier posts, Mark Knopfler? Great player, but he's the guy I aspire to sing like because he can't sing either, but makes it work well enough. But he's not a great singer by any stretch. And Keef? I love they guy, and his vocal can work pretty well in the right context, but an elite level vocalist he's not. Not even close.

I’m with you on Knopfler. I love his singing. I love JJ Cale’s singing too. But, must concede that by most standards neither is a great singer, though I’d also argue that they’re at least as good as Clapton.

 

[koen]

Has Bruce Springsteen been mentioned?

 

[Skully]

Jerry Garcia maybe?

1970-1974 Garcia...Yea!

American Beauty through Mars Hotel peak of his vocal powers. Honorable mention for Ripple alone!

The peak of Garcia's vocal powers are like... I don't know... Barry White's personal best at the high jump. His pitch is more consistent than Bob Weir's (a low bar, indeed), but his tone is thin and reedy.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Chuck Berry yet. One of the founders of Rock and Roll.

Chuck's great, but he's nobody's idea (including Chuck's) of a great singer.

Ray Davies – yes, definitely. The Davies brothers are one of the most underrated guitar duos of all rock. Absolutely outstanding guitarists...but get no credit for it. They get credit for songwriting, while their guitar talents are mostly ignored – just like Paul Simon and Stephen Stills,

Ray Davies guitar playing never impressed me until I saw him (numerous times) on his "Storytellers" tours in the '90s.

I second that! Rik Emmett's performance at the 82 festival was unbelievable. I was too young and in the wrong country at the time, but man oh man. I was blown away by the videos.

I just watched Triumph's Us Festival performance last week and, although I don't care for their music at all, I was mighty impressed by Emmett's playing and singing.

 

[trxx]

John Fogerty is a great guitar player- and his singing chops are legendary.

Underrated as a guitar player.

 

[Cali Dude]

Did anyone mention Joe Walsh? I spaced out reading the comments.

He really has an odd singing voice.

 

[Cali Dude]

Willie Nelson and Trigger. His melodic guitar solos are something sweet on that beautiful ol' guitar.

Ick! Please no.

 

[Lockback]

How could I forget Eric Clapton ???

I think Clapton is hugely underrated as a singer.
Another in that category is Joe Bonamassa. Everybody knows he can really play. But he can sing too. I love his live version of Warren Haynes' "If Heartaches Were Nickels". I think he just nailed it.