My response to "GUEST" who just asked why we don't just say who we like and leave it at that?

I'm not particularly interested in who people "like"....you can probably tell that through record sales, etc.

I'm more interested in why certain singers appeal to some and not to others.    And what is the criteria we use to judge somebody as a 'great' singer....whether we like them or not.

One striking example for me of the difference is Ella Fitzgerald....who I am only rarely drawn to, yet I so appreciate her voice, dexterity, and the creativity of her interpretations.

And people who can barely sing (eg. Frank Black, Fabian (from the 50's), John Stewart) who I always love to listen to.

I don't know if there is a thread on what qualities make a great singer. If not, should I start one?