Edward Joel Kowalczyk (/koʊˈwɔːl.tʃɪk/; Polish pronunciation: [kɔˈvalt͡ʂɨk]; born July 16, 1971)[1][2] is an American singer, songwriter, musician and a founding member of the band Live.

[citation needed] Ed Kowalczyk was the lead singer, lyricist, and main songwriter for the band Live from its formation until 2009.

When he left the band, the other three members issued a statement detailing what they felt were inappropriate actions by Kowalczyk in regards to contract and salary negotiations.

Kowalczyk has worked with musicians Stuart Davis and Glen Ballard and singers Anouk, Neneh Cherry, Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, Red Wanting Blue, and Shelby Lynne.

[1] Kowalczyk performed John Lennon's "Imagine" with Slash in 2003 at "Peace on the Beach," a rally to protest the coming Iraq War.