Top 10 Queen songs with Roger Taylor on Lead and Back Vocals
The Queen drummer and occasional vocalist turns 75
Top 10 Queen songs with Roger Taylor on Lead and Back Vocals
“Galileo, Galileo”, one of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” most famous opera parts, much due to the “magnifico” Roger Taylor, the majestic and influential Queen drummer that also served as occasional lead vocalist and back vocalist on many of Queen’s songs. His distinctive drumming style influenced by The Who’s Keith Moon and The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Mitch Mitchell, has influenced generations of Rock drummers. His recognizable voice, for both its high range and raspiness, with an extremely high falsetto that spans four octaves (E2-E6), was characteristic of Queen’s vocal harmonies, being as a lead vocalist or together with Freddie Mercury, and was often thought to be a woman’s voice, or a synthesizer effect, as for example his screams on “In the Lap of the Gods”. But Taylor’s talent wasn’t limited to the drums and vocals, he also wrote and co-wrote several Queen songs, including the three U.K No.1’s “These Are the Days of Our Lives”, “Innuendo” and “Under Pressure” and co-wrote these five major hits by Queen: “Radio Ga Ga”, “A Kind of Magic”, “Heaven for Everyone”, “Breakthru”, and “The Invisible Man”. During the 1980’s, Taylor launched a discreet solo career, releasing his first album “Fun in Space” in 1981, and also in addition to his work with Queen, he formed a parallel band known as The Cross, in which he was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist.
Roger Taylor was born Roger Meddows Taylor on July 26, 1949, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England. Raised in Truro, Cornwall, Taylor demonstrated a natural affinity for music from an early age. He initially learned to play the ukulele and then the guitar before finally settling on the drums, which became his primary instrument. Taylor attended Truro Cathedral School and later Truro School, where he formed his first band, The Reaction.
During the late 1960s, Taylor moved to London to study dentistry at the London Hospital Medical College. However, his passion for music soon took precedence over his academic pursuits. In 1968, Taylor met guitarist Brian May and bassist Tim Staffell and joined their band, Smile. After Staffell’s departure and the addition of Freddie Mercury and John Deacon, Smile transformed into the iconic rock band Queen in 1970.
Queen’s rise to fame was meteoric, and Taylor played a crucial role in the band’s success. Known for his powerful drumming, distinctive high-pitched backing vocals, and songwriting skills, Taylor contributed to some of Queen’s biggest hits. His notable compositions include “I’m in Love with My Car,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “A Kind of Magic,” and “These Are the Days of Our Lives.”
The band’s breakthrough came with their third album, “Sheer Heart Attack” (1974), followed by the groundbreaking “A Night at the Opera” (1975), which featured the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Taylor’s dynamic drumming and harmonies were integral to Queen’s unique sound, blending rock, opera, and pop elements.
Queen’s legendary live performances, including their iconic set at Live Aid in 1985, showcased Taylor’s exceptional talent and stage presence. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, solidifying their place in rock history.
After Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Queen’s future was uncertain. However, Taylor and May continued to honor Mercury’s legacy by performing as Queen with guest vocalists and embarking on various projects. They collaborated with Paul Rodgers from 2004 to 2009 and later with Adam Lambert, performing as Queen + Adam Lambert from 2011 onwards.
Taylor also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums including “Fun in Space” (1981), “Strange Frontier” (1984), and “Electric Fire” (1998). His solo work allowed him to explore different musical styles and showcase his talents beyond the drum kit.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Taylor played a key role in overseeing the production of the 2018 biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which celebrated Queen’s legacy and introduced their music to a new generation of fans.
Roger Taylor has five children from various relationships. He was married to Dominique Beyrand, with whom he has two children, Felix Luther and Rory Eleanor. After their separation, he married Debbie Leng, with whom he has three children: Rufus Tiger, Tiger Lily, and Lola Daisy. Taylor and Leng eventually divorced, and Taylor is currently married to Sarina Potgieter.
Taylor is known for his philanthropy and support of various charitable causes, including the Mercury Phoenix Trust, which was established in memory of Freddie Mercury to combat HIV/AIDS worldwide.
His innovative drumming, distinctive voice, and songwriting contributions helped shape the band’s sound and success. Taylor’s ability to blend rock power with melodic sensitivity set him apart as one of rock’s great drummers.
Beyond his musical achievements, Taylor’s dedication to preserving Queen’s legacy and his philanthropic efforts have cemented his status as a respected figure in the music industry. As Queen continues to inspire new generations, Roger Taylor’s impact on rock music remains undeniable and enduring. Today we look back at the Top 10 Queen Songs Featuring Roger Taylor’s Vocals
10 – “Fight from the Inside” from “News of the World”, 1977 – Lead
9 – “In the Lap of the Gods” from “Sheer Heart Attack”, 1974 – Falsetto screams
8 – “My Fairy King” from “Queen”, 1973 – Back/Additional Vocals with Freddie Mercury, Falsetto screams
7 – “Bohemian Rhapsody” from “A Night at the Opera”, 1975 High-falsetto vocals during midsection
6 – “Rock It (Prime Jive)” from “The Game”, 1980 – Lead Except intro by Freddie Mercury
5 – “Loser in the End” from “Queen II”, 1974 – Lead
4 – “Modern Times Rock ‘n’ Roll” from “Queen”, 1973 – Lead
3 – “Drowse” from “A Day at the Races”, 1976 – Lead
2 – “Tenement Funster” from “Sheer Heart Attack”, 1974 – Lead
1 – “I’m in Love with My Car” from “A Night at the Opera”, 1975 – Lead
Special Mentions
“Under Pressure” from “Hot Space”, 1982 – Back Vocals
“Father to Son” from “Queen II”, 1974 – Back Vocals, Roger Taylor’s highest range ever recorded, from G4 to A5
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