Not only one of the greatest musicians of all time but a gifted singer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykezvBZd35w&t=79s
Dropping this in just for the funk of it…
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Now, this is one thread that I could spam without any remorse… Which is exactly what I’m going to do over time. 
I’ll start with late Warrel Dane, about the best and most complete singer I’ve heard in my life. His music was aggressive and obviously metal is not everyone’s cup of tea but I’ve never heard anyone who could deliver such variety of emotions, from chilling your blood with cutting high notes to heartbreaking stuff like this one:
Agree with this very much.
Growing up I was a big fan of Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo and AFI. Each singer has a very distinctive voice which suits the music their bands play. I wouldn’t class Billy Corgan, Brian Molko or Davey Havok anywhere near someone like Sam Cooke though. In fact I understand completely that a lot of people would actively dislike their voices.
I remember when I first heard Rush and honestly thought they had a female singer in the group. Hardcore Rush fans seem quite offended if you suggest Geddy Lee sounds like a woman, but they do agree he has a distinctive voice and Rush wouldn’t be Rush with a different singer.
I think it’s also difficult to separate great songwriters from great singers. Hot take, but I don’t think Bob Dylan is a ‘great’ singer. One of my fondest memories was being out in Manchester one night when I was younger and we sang Rolling Stone with a homeless guy in the street. That guy was a better singer than Bob. But of course Bob Dylan is an amazing songwriter and has a distinctive voice, just not one I consider as the best.
My favourite voice in Rock was Ronnie James Dio.
Bobby Mcferrin (yea the guy who is known for don’t worry be happy)
His general musicianship is incredible.
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Sinatra is as yet missing from this list. I could never understand why he was often described as the worlds greatest voice. To me he seems to speak the majority of songs rather than sing them. But that could be just my musical preference kicking in.
Tony Bennett can certainly sing as could Bobby Darin. For a real distinctive voice Dean Martin would have to be up there. Being pissed seem to help his vocals.
The other singer with a voice like velvet is of course Nat King Cole and of course one of the coolest dudes to ever walk the planet.
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Felix Mayol, go figure! 
Sam Cooke.
Came to a sad and violent end -
He was entertaining a “lady of the night” at an hotel in LA after playing a gig, His substantial pay, in cash, was in his pocket.
The “lady” decided to rob him - grabbing his clothes and running from the room. Cooke (wearing nothing but a jacket and one shoe) pursued the thieving tart into the hotel car park and reception area.
The female hotel manager shot him through the heart.
Neither the Tart or the Manager faced any charges - ( this was 1960’s USA)
It later transpired that the manager and the Tart new each other very well and the whole episode was probably pre-planned.
Such a great voice - you can only wonder at the recordings he would have made had he not been murdered.
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Funny the things you and I have in common. I’ve seen Rush 6 times live. RIP The Professor. Geddy is another excellent example of distinctiveness. Most people say “Who?” when you mention Rush. But don’t ask me, I’m just improvising.
Interesting. I’d have to argue though that George Michael was more than good. I had the pleasure of seeing him live 3 times. His voice was like velvet, absolutely gifted.
To add to your list of distinctive voices, Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly of The Dubliners would fit into that category.
As for Axl, wasn’t there some test / study done a few years ago and apparently his vocal range had him the best vocalist at the time?
I sort of hoped that George Michael would get together with Queen as he was one of the few who were even 20% as good as Freddie.
As for Axle, just hate him for being such a twat. Doesn’t stop some of their songs from being very good though.
Saw Placebo many years ago when they burst onto the scene. Brian Molko has a nasaly voice but it fits perfectly for their sound. They’ve some great songs.
Agree totally on Dylan. Think he’s pretty awful, not my cup of tea at all.
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Big Freddie fan I see!
Axl definitely tested the patience of the fans and bandmates, appears that’s all changed now thankfully.
Freddie and George definitlely in my top 10. Though I don’t own records by either, there’s no denying their talent as singers.
I do own a cassingle of Bohemian Rhapsody/These are the Days of Our Lives, but that’s it.
Was that the re-release in the 90s? I had that too!
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That’s the one!
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