Who Sang Styx’s Biggest Hits?

Styx is one of those distinct classic rock bands where several members of its lineup could take the frontman reigns over at any point. Known for their three-man attack with soaring vocals complimenting each other perfectly to give the band their signature sound. With Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw and James “J.Y.” Young sharing lead vocal duties during the band’s “classic era,” some fans may not know who specifically sang lead on certain tracks.

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DeYoung and Young shared co-lead vocal duties with the late John Curulewski on the band’s first five records, before Shaw replaced him in 1975. Shaw would share lead vocals with the duo on the next six records. For those who don’t know, here’s who sang lead on a selection of Styx’s biggest hits:

DeYoung

• Lady (Styx II, 1972)*
• Light Up (Equinox, 1975)
• Lorelei (Equinox, 1975)
• Suite Madame Blue (Equinox, 1975)
• The Grand Illusion (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• Come Sail Away (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• Castle Walls (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• The Grand Finale (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• I’m O.K. (Pieces of Eight, 1978)
• Queen of Spades (Pieces of Eight, 1978)
• Pieces of Eight (Pieces of Eight, 1978)
• Babe (Cornerstone, 1979)
• First Time (Cornerstone, 1979)
• Rockin’ the Paradise (Paradise Theatre, 1981)*
• The Best of Times (Paradise Theatre, 1981)*
• Mr. Roboto (Kilroy Was Here, 1983)*
• Don’t Let It End (Kilroy Was Here, 1983)

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Shaw

• Mademoiselle (Crystal Ball, 1976)
• Crystal Ball (Crystal Ball, 1976)
• Fooling Yourself (The Young Angry Man) [The Grand Illusion, 1977]*
• Superstars (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• Man in the Wilderness (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• Sing for the Day (Pieces of Eight, 1978)
• Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) [Pieces of Eight, 1978]*
• Renegade (Pieces of Eight, 1978)*
• Boat On the River (Cornerstone, 1979)
• Too Much Time On My Hands (Paradise Theatre, 1981)*
• Snowblind (Paradise Theatre, 1981)
• Don’t Let It End (Kilroy Was Here, 1983)

Young

• You Need Love (Styx II, 1972)
• Rock & Roll Feeling (Man of Miracles, 1974)
• Midnight Ride (Equinox, 1975)
• Miss America (The Grand Illusion, 1977)*
• Snowblind (Paradise Theatre, 1981)

*Songs expected to be played on Friday, June 6, at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, based on prior setlists.