A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
People often say things like “Your husky voice is wonderful,” but what exactly is the definition of a husky voice?
If you translate it literally, it comes out as a “hoarse voice” or a “raspy voice,” which can sound negative in the context of singing.
But in reality, a husky voice tends to contain a great many overtones, and those overtones often change unpredictably with the singing and pitch.
That randomness can make the voice sound incredibly appealing.
This is especially true for male singers, where the degree of rasp or breathiness can enhance a sense of masculinity and sex appeal, making the voice very compelling.
In this article, we’ve gathered a selection of songs by singers whose husky voices are especially captivating.
Please enjoy the distinctly masculine charm you won’t find in clear-voiced singers!
- For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
- [2025] A roundup of recommended popular ballads sung by male Western artists
- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Commercial Songs by Male Western Artists: CM Songs, Commercials, and Popular Track Rankings [2025]
- The Appeal of Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Classics and Popular Songs
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- [2025] Take the next step. Breakup songs sung by male Western artists
- A Collection of Classic 80s Western Ballads with Male Vocals
- [Karaoke] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that are easy to sing even for people with low voices
- [For Men] Cool, Popular Songs That Impress at Karaoke
- [2025] Recommended for those who struggle with high notes! Enka by male singers that can be sung in a low register
Male foreign-music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 41–50)
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.
Male Western music vocal artists with a charming husky voice (ages 51–60)
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.
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.
Broadway GirlsMorgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen, who is popular as a country singer, doesn’t lean toward the pop style of someone like Taylor Swift; his country music often skews closer to traditional blues.
His musical style is known to pair exceptionally well with his husky voice.
Since the 2021 release of Broadway Girls, which features Lil Durk, the range of his musical expression has broadened, allowing listeners to enjoy even more of his husky vocal delivery.
The heavily effected husky vocals on that track are particularly compelling, aren’t they?
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a lot of singers with captivating husky voices up to this point—what did you think? From powerful, raspy tones to sweet voices with a hint of romance, I think we covered many different types of singers.
If this article helped you discover a new favorite, nothing would make me happier.
Just one last note as a voice coach and vocal director: even if you admire husky vocals, please never try to forcefully damage your voice to achieve it.
Please be very careful about that!