Who has the best voice in folk?

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 08:02 AM

As was Dave Burland's Rosie Anderson. He seems to have been overlooked also.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 07:55 AM

Surprised that nobody seems to have nominated Tony Rose -- don't think so, anyhow. His performance of Sheath And Knife is one of the great tracks.

≈M≈

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 05:47 AM

Another old thread, but I was surprised to see Anne Briggs mentioned only once. More than one of those mentioned above was inspired to take up singing by listening to her. And now that her early recordings are remastered and on a compilation CD ("A Collection") the clarity of her voice stands out. For instance compare her a-capella "She Moved through the Fair", or her recording of Johnny Moynihan's "Standing on the Shore" with later recordings by Cara Dillon (who, make no mistake, I regard a very fine singer indeed), and Anne Briggs' clarity stands out. Likewise the covers of Andy Irvine's arrangement of "Willie O' Winsbury/Fause Foodrage" by Anne Briggs and Jaqui McShee (again an extremely fine singer). Of the 60s and early 70s female vocalists, and many of them were very good, Anne Briggs stands out.

Two very good singers from that era whose work is nowhere near as well known as it should be are Anne Byrne from Ireland, and Janet Jones from Yorkshire. Both still working I think, though their back catalogues seem unavailable. Anne Briggs of course isn't still working, at least as a a singer, mores the pity.

Of the male voices Nic Jones was outstanding, and Johnny Moynihan in his early days had a very fine voice himself.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: gnu
Date: 29 May 11 - 07:08 PM

The last one that you heard that moved your soul? I'm just sayin...

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,silver
Date: 29 May 11 - 05:50 AM

How come no one has mentioned Pete Seeger? OK, OK, he no longer has a good voice, but on all the records he made in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s! WOW!
Likewise Joan Baez, her voice has lost a lot, but in her prime, there was no one like her.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 11:50 AM

Eileen McGann

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 02:45 PM

John Jacob Niles

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest: Mal Waite
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 12:35 PM

Many thanks to Stuart Cook for mentioning my name in this context but I have to second his vote for Lorna Campbell. She was a huge influence on me back in the days of the Jug of Punch in Birmingham. For a male voice it has to be Stan Rogers.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 04:49 PM

Julie Covington,Lea Salonga,Rita Connelly.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,John Lamb
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 04:01 PM

All of you are wrong unless you've said Tom Waits as he has the best voice apart from Louis Armstrong and Rod Stewart who are equally as good and Jim Moray who comes a close second along with Shane Macgowan and Lemmy from The Motorheads.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 03:49 PM

Cindy Kallet, Lui Collins, Louis Killen

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 01:09 PM

I've never heard of many of them.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Peter (Guest)
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 01:08 PM

Many of the people mentioned are hardly 'folk' singers!
My best voices (livingare Muireann Nic Ambhlaoibh (Danu) - female, and Bob Fox - male

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 12:51 PM

Strange that no one has mentioned Tony Clifton so far... ;-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: number 6
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 10:59 AM

Eric Burdon

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: gnu
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 10:48 AM

Gosh. Reading through all the names is a process for me of saying, "Yeahhh, her/him too."

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 09:59 AM

Ed Miller, Ray Fisher, John Langstaff

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Richie Black (misused acct, bad email)
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 08:01 AM

Gordon Lightfoot.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 07:09 AM

Jim Reeves

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 02:37 AM

Forgot to mention the vastly underrated Mick Hanley and Priscilla Herdman. She recorded a song of mine on her Forgotten Dreams LP years ago for which I'm most appreciative.

Another guy who is REAL good is Jim Craig from Chicago. He owns a music store there called Hogeye Music and is very much a singer's singer. Golden voice, clear as a church bell. Sterling individual as well. Also, from Chicago Megan Mcdonough can break your heart she's SO good. Was in 4 Bitchin' Babes for a couple of tours.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Dad Perkins
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 10:20 PM

So glad someone mentioned, Stan Rogers, Archie Fischer AND Dick Gaughin. amazing singers and songwriters.

ARCHIE FISCHER PLAYS IN EAST LANSING MICHIGAN NEXT FRIDAY!!!! DRIVING SIX HOURS TO HEAR HIM!!!!!

I've never driven that far to hear a singer. just can't wait.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 06:35 PM

Nobody seems to have heard Tim O'Brien....

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,glueman
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 05:59 PM

Interesting that Jim Causley lists Cyndi Lauper among the great folk voices. I was wondering only last week whether her touring companions Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of the B52s might not have something of the shape note singer about them. Cindy's solo work sounds old Greenwich Village to these tabs:
Go Cindy

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 05:11 PM

James keelaghan

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 02:31 PM

I see 'voice' in the sense of this thread as being the over-all result of understanding/loving the material being presented and then presenting it well.

I think Stan Hugill is another 'best' voice in folk. Technically, his voice when he does shanties/chanteys is horrible BUT, I listen to his work and because of him have come to understand that the days of sail didn't require a Pavarotti to synchronize the heaves and hos. Thus, he's a 'best' singer, imo.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 02:01 PM

Other than the obvious difficulties one would have in answering the thread-title question, I posit that it's a matter of how we hear, listen and 'see' what the singer is about.

For example, I think Kendall is a 'best' singer. I really think he has the best sense of 'timing' and 'phrasing' in the music business. His ability to get a song across is quite outstanding. (His sense of humour on the other hand . . .).

to be continued

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:52 PM

john cage, he is a great inspiration for chorus singers

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:48 PM

Cristina branco.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:47 PM

June tabor followed closely by Karan Casey and niamh parsons.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 11:36 AM

Margaret Christl, Carol Noonan, Karan Casey, Jeanie Stahl, Susan McKeown, Evelyhe Beers, Ronnie Gilbert, David Jones.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 08:16 AM

Jean Redpath for sure.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 08:04 AM

Does anyone else remember that poem that Neville somebody wrote about Screaming Lord Sutch just after he died. It was in one of the quality broadsheets. I can't find it on the net.

I remember it as rather lovely and wished I'd wrote it.

It was all about his contribution to theatre in Rock music - his benefactors like Alex Harvey, and David Bowie of course.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 07:12 AM

Chris Foster

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 08:01 PM

Quite right, Joe.

I'm just back from choir practice with Janet Russell and she does have an extraordinary voice.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: flush
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 05:23 PM

Judy Dinning is just great

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Doc John
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 04:45 PM

USA - Male: Cisco Houston
      Female: Hedy West
UK - Male: Nic Jones
    Female: Isla StClare

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 01:25 PM

Of females, the Basque woman who sang Eres Tu first.
Anne Byrne of Ireland

well, that is all I can think of for now. mg

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 01:19 PM

Well, Elmore, if you want to talk about Scottish women, let's add Janet Russell to your list.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 11:42 AM

There're so many.

My own personal favorites are Andy M. Stewart, Dick Gaughan, Paul Brady, Stan Rogers on the male side. Mary Black, Maura O'Connell, Eva Cassidy, and Loreena McKennitt on the female side.

These are people that never wear on my ears no matter how much I listen to them.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 11:41 AM

Jean Redpath

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 10:07 AM

Its funny how no one remembers Screaming Lord Sutch these days. Now there was a uniquely English voice....not in a poncy Noel Coward way, but he influenced loads of people.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Jim Causley
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 09:43 AM

This is a really interesting thread, it's fascinating seeing everyone's choices and tastes, plus it reminds me of singers i had forgotten about!

Some of my favourites are:

Mick Ryan
Norma Waterson
Joan Osborne
John Denver
Ron Taylor
Mary Anne Haynes
Queen Caroline Hughes
May Bradley
Jose Gonzales
Will Noble
Apmaro Sanchez
Julie Murphy
Eleanor McEvoy
Charlie Wills
Viv & Vic Legg
Ricky Nelson
Sid Kipper
Beyonce
Lal Waterson
Eliza Carthy
James Raynard
Mara Kiek
Dorothy Carter
Margaret Palmer
Dave Denford
Mary Humphries
Dave Fletcher
Mary Hampton
Keiron Means
Cyndi Lauper

I could go on!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 09:26 AM

I first became aware of a liking for folk music was listening to Judith Durham singing Now the Carnival is Over. My father remembers that song from when he was a POW I believe it was either a Russian or Polish folk song.

Not in any particular order:-

1) Judith Durham
2) Joni Mitchell
3) Maddy Prior
4) Stevie Nicks
5) Buffy Sainte Marie
6) Julie Felix
7) Eddie Reader
8) Melanie (sort of?)
9) Linda Ronstadt
10) Sinead O'Connor
11) Karine Polwart
12) Art Garfunkal

Must get to listen to more:-

Sandy Denny
Christy Moore
Tom Paxton

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 08:52 AM

I like Tim Hardin and Fred Neil

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:35 PM

It keeps us interested Kitty :-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:28 PM

Fewer than a hundred, HK,

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:27 PM

It's all subjective, innit? And hasn't there been a similar previous thread?

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:25 PM

Some fantastic choices! I'll bet Bernard Wrigley was surprised to get a mention.

Lorna Campbell had a voice that still comes back to me.

One of the best relatively unknown names would be Mal Waite- fantastic.

I have a CD by Heather Heywood that always amazes me when I play it.

Big Pete Rogers from the Taverners was most likely the finest male trad singer I've ever heard.

Big Lad from the Houghton Weaver - Tony is also extremely good.

I love Iris Dement, Joan Baez.

When Hallelujah was all the rage after the X factor I heard Julie Felix sing it - wonderful

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Mary Helsdon
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 09:35 AM

Sean O'Shea from The Claque has a soaring,creative voice.The best for me,by some way.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 08:04 AM

I just realized that I left out Stan Rogers. My bad.