A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
People often say, “Your husky voice is lovely,” but what exactly is the definition of a husky voice?
If we explain it literally, it becomes “raspy” or “hoarse,” which might sound negative when it comes to singing.
However, husky voices often contain a great deal of overtone components that can shift randomly depending on the singing and pitch, and this can be extremely appealing to the ear.
This is especially true for male singers, where the degree of rasp or hoarseness can convey “masculinity” and a “sexy edge,” making the voice very attractive.
In this article, we’ve gathered many songs by singers with captivating husky voices.
Please enjoy the distinctly masculine allure you won’t find in clear-voiced singers!
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- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
Male foreign-music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 41–50)
HonestyBilly Joel
A track from Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52nd Street, released as the third single from the album.
Billy Joel is also a singer known for the appeal of his husky voice, but as you can hear on this song, he sings the quiet first verse mainly with a clear tone, then in the more intense later sections and the bridge, he skillfully switches to a slightly throaty, distorted timbre, using it deliberately to add color and expression.
I think this deft variation is outstanding.
It’s a track where you can enjoy not only his husky voice but a wide range of vocal textures.
Love, Love, LoveDonny Hathaway
One of the most popular singer-songwriters of the 1970s New Soul boom, Donny Hathaway had an unusual background for a Black artist of his time: he majored in classical music.
His soul music carried a weighty, almost classical gravitas.
His vocal timbre was highly distinctive—thick and full, yet husky at the same time.
A low, husky voice with that kind of richness is quite rare, so be sure to give it a listen.
INDUSTRY BABYLil Nas X, Jack Harlow
Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow, the American rappers who teamed up on 2021’s “INDUSTRY BABY,” both have incredibly captivating voices.
Lil Nas X, who’s especially popular with younger audiences, holds the record for 19 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his single “Old Town Road.” Jack Harlow also made waves when “Whats Poppin” peaked at No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What they share is a sexy, slightly raspy tone.
If you’re in the mood for rap with a uniquely husky voice that stands out from other artists, give their tracks a listen!
Love HurtsDan McCafferty (Nazareth)
Nazareth is a hard rock band from Scotland.
The original member and singer I’d like to introduce here is Dan McCafferty.
I must admit my own ignorance—while preparing this article, I listened to this song for the first time, but in their track “Love Hurts,” Dan delivers a wonderfully husky high tone right from the start.
If you love husky voices, I hope you’ll enjoy his slightly wistful, husky high-register singing to the fullest.
There seem to be many singers in Western music with beautiful husky voices in the mid-to-low range, but when you go looking for singers whose appeal lies in a husky high register, there actually aren’t that many.
You could truly call it a voice bestowed by heaven.
GoJohn Wetton (ASIA)
This is the opening track of ASIA’s third album, Astra, and the first single released from the album, by the so-called supergroup formed by members renowned for both popularity and skill.
John Wetton’s vocal/bass features a husky voice with a uniquely wistful, complex overtone quality that shines through the band’s lavish, almost flood-like sound.
The contrast between his slightly muffled vocal timbre and the sparkling synths is exquisite in this track.
In My DreamsDon Dokken (Dokken)
Don Dokken, the leader and singer of the band Dokken that emerged from the L.A.
metal boom of the ’80s.
He, too, is a singer whose slightly wistful, husky voice is part of his appeal.
When people think of L.A.
metal, many likely imagine something flashy and party-rock oriented; however, Dokken stood out in that scene with songs and sounds that carried a hint of melancholy—perhaps to showcase Don’s unique charm as a vocalist.
The track we’re featuring today, In My Dreams, is mid-tempo in a minor key with a poignant melody, making it a perfect vehicle to fully appreciate Don’s husky voice.
Enjoy!
Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry
Chuck Berry, the legendary artist known as a “legend of the rock world.” He was an artist who laid the foundations of primitive rock ’n’ roll and had a major influence on later rock.
His vocal timbre could be described as a light, husky voice.
It’s not a deeply gravelly huskiness, but a lightly rough tone that makes it very easy to listen to.
If you want to learn about primitive rock ’n’ roll, be sure to check him out.