I have to agree with Sinead that, it is the works of the known (often young softer voiced singers) that draw attention to the works of the unknown. That is a wonderful thing and notches up the value of the former even more in their service to the genre.

I don't see how it harms the music or the genre that the "breathy" singer brings the music and genre to the fore for younger generations to learn and enjoy. Every ear matures at its own rate. If a newly indoctrinated fan seeks to delve into the history of the song / genre and variety of presentations then more power to him/her. Job done.   If not, then it is no great loss is it?

But it is curious that for sometime now even going back into the 60s that the diet soda pop voice seems to have been more promoted /accepted than the whiskey voice when it comes to women singers.

And I think that is the direction guest CS meant for the thread to take. Speculations of misogynistic manipulative marketing and promotions industry aside, it would be interesting to know, to whom and why specifically that type of voice appeals. Would Sinead be willing / able to explore this among her peers?

We should also look into our own history of listening. I will admit that there was a time that I really did like the voice, and emulated it. Should I blame my soprano church hymn singing Mom? Should I blame a lifetime of movie musical and Disney heroines? When I was a teen in the early to late 70s, I drew from Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Tina Turner, etc. Then reverted back to high light voice in my 20s through 30s. Why? Because I wanted to stretch my voice in that direction and I sought music that made me feel better in a life that was pretty damn grim. I wanted music that lifted me, and that was mainly hymns and classical vocal music.

In my late 30s I shared Loreena McKinnitt with my teenage daughter who in turn introduced me to Silly Sisters. When she was 20 we both discovered Kate Rusby almost simultaneously and both enjoyed her music immensely. I don't feel we were wrong in this. Each artist has been a step on a journey to enjoying and learning the genre.