Thanks to Cluin for resurrecting this.

There are no wrong answers, of course, and the opportunity to share opinions with so many folks with such diverse listending experiences is great.

Looking back, I notice one single mention of the great Levon Helm, but no reference to the other two members of The Band's unique and revolutionary vocal ensemble:

Rick Danko

Richard Manuel

Levon and Rick were a terrific rhythm section, masters and innovators on their intruments as well as strong and emotinoally expressive singers. But Richard, God rest his soul, was somethng else entirely. Not to take anything away from his prowess as a pianist, but his absolutely transcendant vocal powers were what defined him. In addition to incredible technique and range, he had the ability to lay open his soul about as wide open as anyone, ever: Billie, Otis, whoever...

Richard recorded at least one duet with his buddy, "Belfast Cowboy" Van Morrison, that's really something to hear...