In 1986, Metallica released ‘Master of Puppets’ and shook the world. The record was great, but James Hetfield’s vocals made it stand out.
Hetfield grew up listening to rock & roll and joined Metallica in 1981 after responding to Lars Ulrich’s post. His voice helped make Metallica famous.
Even vocalists like Hetfield are favorites. Over his career, he has mentioned many outstanding vocalists, but just one is the best.
James Hetfield’s view on the greatest vocalist
James Hetfield has seen rock, metal, and heavy metal evolve. Heavy metal was popular when he joined Metallica. One of the most popular genres at the moment.
Many bands had huge fanbases. The performer Hetfield mentions was successful in the 1980s, as were many.
Hetfield told Rolling Stone in 2008 that Freddie Mercury, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant, Bon Scott, and Rob Halford were among the 20 greatest singers in history, but Ronnie James Dio, a former member of Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio, came first.
In 2010, the iconic vocalist died of stomach cancer at 67. He will always be remembered in music. Hetfield met and performed with him in the 1980s. The band covered Ronnie James Dio songs in 2014.
Hetfield loved Dio. He recounted asking Rio how he maintains his voice in a 2016 Music Radar interview.
We did the Ronnie Dio tribute record. This medley included several Dio songs. I was furious when I realized how amazing he was. When I met him, I asked, “Can I hear your warmup tape?” You do what. “What’s your secret to this?”
He replied, ‘Well, I just have a small glass of wine and go out and sing.’ What?! All right! I don’t think he lied. His singing was natural. His range was powerful throughout. He keeps challenging me, which is terrific, James Hetfield remarked.