I find it fascinating how different people define someone who can 'really sing'. It seems to me it means more than a great voice (i.e. Slim Whitman, John Gary wouldn't fit my definition of great singers) or a specific and very distinctive style (Willie Nelson, John Stewart, Karen Dalton....all who I really like but wouldn't classify as great singers). And Bob Shane and Dave Guard? I liked the Kingston trio but I would have never thought of them as great singers. Same with any of The Beatles (great writers and performers..yes).

It seems to me that voice and style are important....as is vocal dexterity. But the most important is the ability to make a song come alive. That way many traditional balladeers would certainly fit!

My own nominations?    Gene McDaniels, Mickey Newbury, Tony Bennett, sometimes Sinatra, Nina Simone, Freddy Mercury, Solomon Burke (his early 60's recordings), early Gladys Knight, Ray Charles, Patrice Munsel, Jan Peerce, Ralph Stanley.....and probably 100's of others.