Queen’s legendary drummer, Roger Taylor, isn’t just a master behind the drum kit—he’s also got an incredible singing voice! If you’ve never heard him take the lead, you’re in for a real treat. On October 20, 2024, Taylor appeared on Later… with Jools Holland and delivered a stunning performance of John Lennon’s heartfelt ballad, Jealous Guy. With Holland accompanying him on piano, Taylor’s raw, emotional vocals shined in a beautifully stripped-down arrangement.
Most people know Taylor for his soaring backing vocals in Queen, and he occasionally took the lead on a few tracks. However, many fans might not realize just how powerful his voice really is. At 75 years old, his raspy, soulful tone brought a new depth to Lennon’s classic song, making it feel both personal and deeply moving.
Fans flooded the comments section with praise after the performance. One viewer wrote, “Having a great voice was a given to be a member of Queen. Great song, well done Roger Taylor.” Another added, “The funny thing is that Roger had the voice to be the frontman of any other great rock band other than Queen!” Clearly, Taylor’s talent goes far beyond drumming!
Throughout his time with Queen, Taylor often took the lead on songs he wrote himself. One of his most iconic vocal performances was when he sang Radio Ga Ga live with his solo band. While Freddie Mercury originally sang lead on the studio version, Taylor has taken the spotlight on multiple occasions, proving that his voice is just as electrifying as ever.
Taylor has always been vocal about his admiration for The Beatles, so it’s no surprise he chose to cover Jealous Guy. Back in 2013, he told Shortlist that the song was one of his all-time favorites. “I’d say it’d be Jealous Guy by John Lennon. I just think it’s the most beautiful song, beautifully sung, and I did used to sing it actually. I always enjoyed singing it. I find it just moves you, y’know—and that’s what sad songs are supposed to do.”
Lennon originally released Jealous Guy on his 1971 album Imagine, but it wasn’t put out as a single until years later. After Roxy Music’s successful cover version, Lennon’s estate released his original, and it quickly climbed the charts in both the UK and the US.
If you want to hear more from this incredible musician, be sure to check out Roger Taylor’s Facebook page or follow him on Instagram. His journey as a performer is far from over, and with a voice like his, we can only hope for more magical performances in the future!
