The ability to "live" a song and become the character telling the story is, to me, what makes a singer of whatever style of music. I reckon the people mentioned above have that quality in abundance.

After that, I think it must be all down to personal taste. I have always preferred the more 'gutsy', powerful, alto voices as opposed to the 'girlie' soprano ones, which to my ears can often sound a bit on the thin, nasal side.

Nobody has mentioned Toni Arthur yet - she always sounded superb to me.

- jeanie