Paul Bernard Rodgers, born on December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England, is a renowned English-Canadian singer and songwriter celebrated for his powerful voice and significant contributions to rock music. He gained prominence as the lead vocalist for several influential rock bands, including Free, Bad Company, The Firm, and The Law. Rodgers also collaborated with the remaining active members of Queen, performing under the name Queen + Paul Rodgers from 2004 to 2009.

Rodgers' career began in the late 1960s when he joined the band Free, achieving international success with the hit "All Right Now," which he co-wrote. This song became a defining anthem of the era and solidified Free's place in rock history. After Free disbanded, Rodgers formed the supergroup Bad Company, which achieved significant commercial success in the 1970s.

In the 1980s, Rodgers embarked on a solo career and formed The Firm with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page. He continued to explore musical collaborations throughout the 1990s and beyond, including a project called The Law with drummer Kenney Jones.

Rodgers' influence on rock music is profound, with artists like John Mellencamp and Freddie Mercury praising his vocal prowess. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 55 on its list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time." In 2011, he was honored with the British Academy's Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

Throughout his career, Rodgers has sold over 90 million records and released 30 albums. His enduring impact on rock music is underscored by his collaborations with legendary musicians such as Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Brian May. Rodgers continues to perform and record, maintaining a significant presence in the music industry.