The music industry can be imagined as a web, with many musicians connecting to one another through inspiration and admiration. From how they incorporate different styles into their music to how they pay homage to their favorite musicians, the threads of influence and inspiration can be seen woven throughout rock history. In a recent interview with the Metal Voice, Lou Gramm revealed his four favorite musicians of all time.
“We had a chance to talk before 2012. You told me that one of your favorite singers was Aretha Franklin,” recalled interviewer Neil Turbin, and Lou Gramm agreed. Aretha Franklin was his favorite, but not the only one. When he was asked about any other singers, he named Marvin Gaye.
In the rock genre, his favorite name was clear. When Turbin asked, “What about in the rock genre? Is there anyone?” his answer was, “John Lennon for sure.” Turbin was also curious about Gramm’s rockabilly favorite, and when he asked about it, Gramm answered without thinking, “Buddy Holly. Absolutely, Buddy Holly. As a matter of fact, there’s a song on four and four called ‘Luan.’ Did you ever hear it? It’s just a slight take off on… not a particular Buddy Holly song, but his style.”
As a musician, Lou Gramm has also left a significant impact on the industry. His powerful and emotive singing style, coupled with his ability to write catchy and memorable songs, has made him one of the most recognizable voices in rock music. He has sold over 80 million records worldwide and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the industry, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As the lead singer of Foreigner, he helped define the sound of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s, with hit songs like ‘Hot Blooded,’ ‘Juke Box Hero,’ and ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ becoming anthems for a generation. Gramm’s influence extends beyond just his work with Foreigner, as his solo career also showed his artistic range and continued relevance.
