Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Tunesmith Date: 08 Dec 09 - 05:09 PM If I'm right, then we've all been lead to believe that Roy Orbison has this powerful tenor/counter-tenor voice. But if it's a whisper and all these high notes are created by expanding very little air, then I am disappointed. If I sing like that, then my highest notes are spot on without any straining. Roy has created an illusion. An illusion that only works with the aid of a microphone. Of course, nearly everyone you hear, whose voice has been captured by a microphone, on tv or recordings, has their voice manipulated by various effects. For example, the amount of echo or presence added to the voices of X-Factor contestants is amazing. I can safely say, that we'd all be disappointed by the performance of our favourite popular singers if they were to play live - minus mics/amplification and all the effects - in our living-rooms. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Bobert Date: 08 Dec 09 - 05:28 PM I like Lonesome Egggg's reference to Son House... Yeah, he could flat out sing... Also, someone mentioned Bruce Murdock who can also flat out sing... The best of all the Mudcatters I have heard... Others are just good... He is great... B~ |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,frankB Date: 08 Dec 09 - 11:23 PM Among all the "acquired taste" influential oddballs I can't believe nobody named Tom Waits! And then there's Neil Young.... |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Lonesome EJ Date: 09 Dec 09 - 01:23 AM Lonesome egg, Bobert? Is that some kind of yolk? Omelet you have it! (as Roger in Baltimore might say) |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Genie Date: 09 Dec 09 - 02:38 AM Tunesmith, I don't know that Roy Orbison's voice was ever regaled for its "power." I think it was mainly his pitch range, tone, and overall quality. Also, there's a HUGE difference between having a "whisper" of a voice and merely not being able to project one's voice in a huge venue or above a cacaphony of other sounds (such as in a pub) without a mic. I compared acoustic guitars to pianos and trumpets earlier. A prime example I think would be this: I heard Andrès Segovia in concert back in the '60s in a large concert hall. He absolutely refused to play unless and until the audience bloody shut the hell up -- totally! They/we did -- this time -- because when he had appeared at that same concert hall earlier on, and the audience wouldn't be quiet to listen, he had walked off the stage. Even with everyone being quiet, his classical acoustic guitar did not "fill" the room the way violins, brass, pianos, and many opera singers (not to mention rock belters) can. But to denigrate his talent or the beauty of his music because of that would be ridiculous. There are many singers -- and some instruments -- that can be heard just fine in small auditoriums with good acoustics or in small clubs, when the audience is listening (as opposed to trying to yak over them). But to be heard over an entire orchestra or in an arena or over the din of your average pub without a mic, that takes special lung power. I'd say range of volume is ONE criterion of being "a good singer" -- but neither a necessary nor a sufficient one. : ) And I'd far rather listen to Roy Orbison than the vast majority of big-voiced professional singers I've heard. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,zpc Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:33 AM No-one's mentioned Sam Brown? Lady's got one hell of a voice... |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: JohnB Date: 19 Feb 10 - 12:11 PM Maddy, Sandy and June of course. Nobody seems to have mentioned Jennifer Warnes, Leonard Cohen never sounded so good. I guess I don't like too many male singers, John Boden just sprung to mind though. In another vane Paul Robeson, Placido Domingo and a few other tenori whose names escape me at the moment JohnB. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Date: 18 Jul 10 - 10:16 PM Ugh? Roy Orbison isn't a HUGE VOICE? LOL Try singing Crying, or, It's Over I was trained to sing high church and Opera. Tom Jones' Delilah & Roy's It's Over challenge you. Ronnie SeCoy (Sarah's Song & Kiss her Goodnight) |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Patsy Warren Date: 19 Jul 10 - 09:21 AM There are singers who can really sing and there are those who have a distinctive way of singing. Singers who really have or have had good singing voices in their day:- Mario Lanza Katherine Grayson Julie Andrews Tom Jones Howard Keel Deanna Durbin Caruso (think that's how you spell it) Doris Day Elvis (although I am not a fan) P J Proby Rosemary Clooney Bobby Vee Aretha Franklin Bobby Darin Christina Aguillera Andy Williams Judy Garland Amy Whinehouse (when she was producing good songs) Abba girls (Classic trained) Mama Cass Nat King Cole Otis Reading Marvin Gaye Dusty Springfield Connie Francis Patsy Cline Dame Kiri Vera Lynn Ella Fitzgerald Edith Piaff Sammy Davis Junior George Benson Paul Robson All of the three Tenors Barbara Streisand Brenda Lee Bob Marley Distinctively good (quirky) Voiced Singers:- Tom Waites Leonard Cohen David Bowie Frank Sinatra Anthony Newley Mick Jagger Rod Stewart (with Faces) Bob Dylan Elton John John Lennon Liza Minnelli Lulu Cliff Richard (for the wrong reasons) Tony Bennett Morrissey Cilla Black (in her hey day) Diana Ross (had no singing training) Bing Crosby Stevie Wonder Specials Stevie Nicks Janis Joplin Jimi Hendricks Sugg's Paul McCartney Ringo George Harrison (each of the Beatles because they all were distinctive in their own way. Lou Reed Nick Cave Buddy Holly Roy Orbison Kate Bush Gracie Fields Vera Lynn Michael Jackson Fred Astaire (not brilliant singer but style) Ozzie Osborne Axel Rose Noddy Holder Frankie Valli Whatever opinions are on this it is so sad that a lot of the talent is no longer with us. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: olddude Date: 19 Jul 10 - 10:18 AM no particular order here Bruce Murdoch Shamus Kennedy Amos Bobert Jerry Kendall pretty much all of the mudcat ladies I heard but some I mention here JT Bankley George P. Will Fly Dan Joe Big Mick Dick Janie Maeve Jeri Sharyn Jacqui Wesley my list goes on and on since this is the only music I listen to anymore and I am not leaving anyone out ... just too long to type in each name |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,GUEST Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:59 PM SCOWIE ! |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Hi Lo Date: 19 Jul 10 - 01:35 PM If we are including opera singers..the two best singers, an genre, that I have ever heard are Maria Callas and Cecelia Bartolli. In fact, Cecelia Bartolli is, in my opinion, the best singer ever. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Tattie Bogle Date: 19 Jul 10 - 08:34 PM OK there's a certain geographical element about this isn't there? So here's a few from my neck o' the woods: Sylivia Barnes Gordeanna McCulloch Chris Miles Anne Neilson Jim Malcolm Alan Pryor Alison McMorland Scott Gardiner Adam MacNaughtan Barbara Dickson Alistair Ogilvy And more........ |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,CAP Date: 20 Jul 10 - 03:43 AM The late John Wright had an amazing voice even without a mic. Chipp enham festival proved this when the sound system broke down on the third number & he carried on without & could be heard everywhere in the auditorium. Also I had the pleasure of him singing in my garden early one morning, a memory I will will always treasure, every note spot on. My neighbour even asked for a CD. & autograph. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Date: 20 Jul 10 - 11:02 AM Len Graham Bob Fox Ken Wilson Sam Lee Jim Causley Sara Grey Janet Russell John Boden... |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Date: 02 Oct 10 - 06:24 AM Charice Pempengco Celine Dion Mariah Carey Whitney Houston |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Lighter Date: 02 Oct 10 - 10:17 AM More food for thought: when folies are asked to name the "best" singers (i.e., the ones they like the best), the names of trad singers and even "conservative" revival singers rarely appear. Consider other threads where Mudcatter admit that few of the "greatest" songs or "songs that make them drop everything" have anything to do with traditional music. Understand that I'm not dissing anybody or trying to be a smartass. I'm just pointing to a surprising fact. For many people, the appeal of traditional music seems to be somehow distinct from the appeal of mainstream music - which even folkies seem to prefer when you get right down to it. Why is that? |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,dame-yankee Date: 09 Nov 10 - 11:35 AM Just found this, and I have all but 10 of the artists you listed, but want you to know you didn't mention one of the greatest...Slim Whitman. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,kendall Date: 09 Nov 10 - 12:50 PM Slim Whitman indeed! Seamus Kennedy Did anyone mention Frank Ifield? |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Herga Kitty Date: 09 Nov 10 - 06:17 PM Kendall, I think not, otherwise I'd remember who.... Kitty |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: The Sandman Date: 09 Nov 10 - 06:35 PM JoeOffer |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Crispin Fox Date: 10 Nov 10 - 03:39 AM Jim Moray |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,schlimmerkerl Date: 10 Nov 10 - 03:41 PM This guy… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqD8MZHC5Lw |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Azoic Date: 02 Jan 12 - 05:12 PM In no particular order. Kate Rusby,Karrin Allyson,Karan Casey,Valerie Carter,Jo Stafford,Natalie Merchant,Nico,Niamh Parsons,Julie Covington,Lea Salonga,Cristina Branco,Rosa Passos,Kate Bush,Jennifer Warnes,Judee Sill,Linda Ronstadt,Karen Carpenter,Marina Topferova,Marta Sebestyn,Norma Winstone,Jackie Oates,Olivia Chaney. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Larry Saidman Date: 02 Jan 12 - 07:42 PM 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. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 Date: 02 Jan 12 - 08:02 PM Threads like this sure do get tiresome. The BEST of this, the BEST of that. Why the fu#k can't people just say who they like, which they do anyway, and leave it at that? The BEST fighter I ever met was a Vietnamese kid no one here ever heard of. The BEST singer was likewise someone no one here ever heard of. The implication is that the people who write have heard all singers everywhere, and from that they will pronounce the winner. Sheesh, spare us all. Just tell us who YOU like, and leave it at that. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: saulgoldie Date: 02 Jan 12 - 08:09 PM I skimmed the list. And everyone I would have mentioned has been listed. Man o MAN, we are blessed to have experienced so many great voices! Saul |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Larry Saidman Date: 02 Jan 12 - 09:13 PM 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? |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 Date: 02 Jan 12 - 09:25 PM Indeed, do, Larry. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: pdq Date: 02 Jan 12 - 09:50 PM The title of this thread seems to be asking for examples of singers who can really sing, as in technically fine singers, as in singers with fine voices. The best singers, in my opinion, are the ones who can sell the song, as in get the point across. I listen to both extremes and everything in between. Jerry Garcia had no real singing voice, but I cannot imagine anyone else who could do a convincing job with Black Peter or Warf Rat. Imagine those songs done by John Gary or Al Martino and cringe. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Bert Date: 02 Jan 12 - 10:05 PM Lots of good ones mentioned, but for someone who can put a song across and hold and entertain an audience you buggers have missed out the great Tommy Steele. |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: ollaimh Date: 02 Jan 12 - 10:23 PM at the risk of being too canadian, gordon lightfoot , and joni mitchell both have had top ten hits and are great singers. joni is one of the finest voices in any genre |
Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 Date: 02 Jan 12 - 10:27 PM That was my point, pdq. It always comes down to a matter of taste. We could use guitar tuners to see who's hitting the notes accurately; we could also read people's brains wired to EKGs to determine which sounds 'get to us'. Bucks to donuts it would differ person to person. I think this type of thread asks us to say what we like. It also asks us about singers--with no definition of what that means. Pavarotti could sing. I don't know that he COULD miss a note, but opera does nothing for me. For some people it's the greatest music in the world. I listen to Goodnight-Loving Trail by Utah and it sends shivers through my being. Others of his songs leave me cold. Other folks love Bryan Adams--I'm one of them. His Summer of '69 is imo a great song, well-sung. There will be lots of people who disagree, and rightfully so. It is not in a genre they like. To me, it boils down to what we like, what resonates within us. Dylan's Times They Are A Changing is wonderful. He SINGS that. I think Baez would murder the song. And many people would disagree. I like to hear songs the singer(s) make work. I love some of MCC's work. Not all of it. I'm like that with Sinead O'C, too. But to blanket any vocalist or singer with "this one is in the top 10" seems to deny the songs they've done that just don't cut it. Define the criteria, define the genre, define yer musical likes and dislikes and have at it. S'far's I'm concerned, The Family Brown nailed it with The Three Bells. Some folks might find it a bit too sentimental. Listen to Deep River Blues by Doc and whoa--what a song. "16th Avenue" by Lacey J is phenomenal--but if you don't like singer-songwriter stuff, likely you wouldn't care for it. (I wish English had another pronoun that meant the impersonal 'one'.) I boils down to whatcha like and whatcha've heard. Nothing more, nothing less. IMO. |
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