17 Famous Male Pop Singers of the 1930s Every Fan Should Know

The 1930s was a formative decade for Pop Music Songs. During this time, the genre began to gain structure and commercial appeal. Radio and phonographs played a crucial role in spreading the voices of male vocalists who would come to define the early era of popular music. This article highlights 17 influential male pop singers of the 1930s. Their voices, styles, and personalities shaped a generation of music lovers and helped lay the groundwork for modern pop music.

17 Famous Male Pop Singers of the 1930s Every Fan Should Know

1. Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby was the most popular singer of the 1930s. His smooth baritone and relaxed style made him a favorite on radio and in film. His recordings with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and later solo releases sold millions of copies. Crosby’s performance of “White Christmas” became an all-time classic, although it was recorded later, his influence in the 1930s was massive. He made crooning the standard style of male pop singing.

2. Rudy Vallée

Rudy Vallée was one of the first modern pop stars. He began his career in the late 1920s and remained popular throughout the 1930s. Known for his megaphone-assisted singing, he charmed audiences with hits like “The Vagabond Lover.” Vallée also hosted one of the first successful radio variety shows. His elegant presence and romantic voice appealed to millions.

3. Russ Columbo

Russ Columbo was often compared to Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallée. His warm voice and romantic ballads made him a popular singer in the early 1930s. He was also an actor and composer. Sadly, his career was cut short by an accidental shooting in 1934. Still, his recordings like “You Call It Madness (But I Call It Love)” remain admired.

4. Al Bowlly

Al Bowlly was a British singer known for his strong vocal delivery and emotional performances. He recorded hundreds of songs during the 1930s. Many of his tracks featured the Ray Noble Orchestra. Songs like “Love Is the Sweetest Thing” and “The Very Thought of You” became classics. Bowlly’s rich tone and versatility made him a major influence on pop music worldwide.

5. Gene Austin

Gene Austin was one of the first crooners. He helped define the smooth, intimate vocal style that became popular in the 1930s. His song “My Blue Heaven” was one of the best-selling records of the early 20th century. Austin’s clear voice and calm presence helped transition pop from vaudeville to modern ballad singing.

6. Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire was known more for his dancing, but he was also a gifted pop singer. In the 1930s, he recorded songs for many of his film appearances. Hits like “Cheek to Cheek” and “Night and Day” showcased his rhythmic timing and graceful voice. His collaborations with composers like Irving Berlin added sophistication to 1930s pop music.

7. Dick Powell

Dick Powell began his career as a light tenor pop singer. He was featured in many Warner Bros. musicals during the early 1930s. Songs such as “I Only Have Eyes for You” made him popular with fans of romantic ballads. Powell later became known for film noir roles, but his musical contributions were important in early pop.

8. Tony Martin

Tony Martin had a deep, rich voice and a charismatic screen presence. He gained popularity in the late 1930s and continued into the 1940s. His hit “To Each His Own” and appearances in musical films helped build his career. Martin was also known for his smooth phrasing and warm vocal tone.

9. Morton Downey

Known as the “Irish Nightingale,” Morton Downey had a soft and sentimental singing style. He became popular through radio broadcasts and recordings. His emotional delivery on songs like “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” endeared him to many. He was one of the early stars of pop music radio.

10. Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson was a classically trained bass-baritone. He became famous for both his singing and political activism. In the 1930s, he recorded spirituals and popular ballads, blending classical and pop styles. His version of “Ol’ Man River” became iconic. Robeson’s commanding voice and dignity influenced many genres.

11. Arthur Tracy

Arthur Tracy, known as “The Street Singer,” had a unique style and international fanbase. He performed romantic ballads and was often heard on radio programs. His best-known song was “Marta.” Tracy’s elegant phrasing and heartfelt tone made him stand out among 1930s pop vocalists.

12. Buddy Clark

Buddy Clark rose to fame in the mid-to-late 1930s. He had a smooth baritone voice and recorded many romantic songs. His early work with big bands helped him gain recognition. He later achieved great success in the 1940s, but his roots were in the 1930s pop scene.

13. Smith Ballew

Smith Ballew was a bandleader and singer who specialized in sweet, melodic tunes. He recorded hundreds of songs in the early 1930s. Ballew also starred in musical westerns. His soothing voice and gentle delivery fit well with the pop ballads of the era.

14. Will Osborne

Will Osborne was both a bandleader and a singer. His crooning style and slow-tempo arrangements made him popular with romantic audiences. He also pioneered a “slide trumpet” sound in his band, creating a unique atmosphere in his music. Osborne was one of the top radio voices of his time.

15. Jerry Cooper

Jerry Cooper sang with big bands in the 1930s and had a pleasing tenor voice. He worked with orchestras led by artists like Guy Lombardo. Cooper’s smooth voice suited pop standards and romantic ballads. He also made early television and radio appearances.

16. Chick Henderson

Chick Henderson was one of Britain’s top pop vocalists in the 1930s. He often sang with Joe Loss and his band. His gentle voice and good looks made him a teenage idol. “Begin the Beguine” and “The Moon Got in My Eyes” were among his best-known performances.

17. Bingie Madison

Bingie Madison was primarily a jazz clarinetist but also sang on some recordings. His voice was distinctive, and he added variety to vocal jazz-pop recordings. While not as well known as others on this list, his contributions reflected the diversity of 1930s pop music culture.

Conclusion

The influence of these singers extends beyond their time. Many 1930s recordings remain available and are studied for their vocal quality and lyrical delivery. Artists like Bing Crosby became multi-decade icons. Their methods of delivery, vocal expression, and emotional storytelling continue to inform modern pop performance.

The 1930s male pop singers helped transition music into a more intimate, expressive art form. They set the stage for the music revolutions of the 1940s and 1950s. Their legacy lives on through recordings and the modern pop artists they inspired.