History Lead vocalist

queen illustrating typical rock band layout during 1984 concert. lead singer (front man) freddie mercury stands centre-stage in front of drummer roger taylor , positioned between bass guitarist john deacon , lead guitarist brian may.

it uncertain when term lead vocals first used, may have emerged in late 1930s, when rich vocal interplay multiple voices 1 or more voices may dominate began impact on north american popular music, dominated solo vocals. practice of using lead singer in vocal groups, however, has longer history: form call , response found in work songs , spirituals sung african-american slaves. songs of late nineteenth century used leading solo voice (or call ), followed choral response other singers. style developed through commercial recordings , performances in 20th century, role of lead vocalist became more established, although popular groups of 1930s , 1940s such ink spots , mills brothers used different lead singers on different songs rather keeping same lead singer throughout. 1950s, singers such sam cooke (with soul stirrers) , clyde mcphatter (with drifters) took on more defined roles lead singers, , end of decade credited group names changed reflect leading roles of main vocalists, examples such frankie lymon & teenagers , dion & belmonts.

academic david horn has written:

the influence of rhythm , blues recordings may crucial 1 in assimilation of format of lead singer plus backing group guitar-based british beat groups of 1960s, , in groups such beach boys. these various points - including motown - went on become standard device in rock , pop music. in bands - famously, beatles - role of lead singer alternated (in case, principally between 2 performers), while in others - example, herman s hermits - 1 lead singer dominated.