Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing

Subject: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,The Folk E
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:12 PM

The other thread has two much emphasis on the negative. Well perhaps it is more fun, but equal time to those who really do have good pipes. In no order:

Lyle Lovett
Teddy Thompson
Bob Shane
Joan Baez
Waylon Jennings
Marty Robbins
Emmy Lou Harris
Patty Lovelace
Herb Pedersen
Gordon Lightfoot

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: pdq
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:23 PM

Perfect.

I thought the same thing from day 1 of that thread.

Herb Pedersen? Emmylou Harris called him "the greatest harmony singer" she ever worked with.

Glen Yarbrough is the greatest voice I have ever heard in person.

Linda Ronstadt is the best female singer I can think of, but Suzy Bogguss is great also.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:26 PM

Ray Charles
Aretha Franklin
Frank Sinatra
Tony Bennett
Ed Trickett
Carmen McRae
Ella Fitzgerald
Richard Hidalgo
Roy Orbison
Tony Williams of the Platters

Anyone want to add another 10? I agree on several of yours, Folke E, although I haven't heard of some of them. By the way, I had a friend many years ago named Folke Johansen. As far as I can remember he didn't like folk music.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: beeliner
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 11:15 PM

The big "O", definitely!

Cleoma Breaux

Dick Price

Will Holt

Ashley Hutchings

Agnetha Falskog (sp?)

Sandy Denny

Terry St. Clair

Dick Justice

Bob Gibson

I've always considered Linda Ronstadt, like Frank Sinatra, a fine entertainer with a terrific stage presence, not really a great singer.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Genie
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:07 AM

Trying to narrow down my list of great singers to my "top 10" is, to me, kind of like People Magazine's annual "Most Beautiful People" list. Once you've listed the top 200 to 500 (or 1000) people who come to mind, the rest is a bit arbitrary.

Just off the top of my head - in no particular order - I could list:

Patsy Cline
Roy Orbison
Nana Mouskouri
Miriam Makeba
Joan Baez
Eva Cassidy
Placido Domingo
Jo Stafford
Alan Clarke (of "the Hollies")
Barry Finn
Aretha Franklin
Ella Fitzgerald
Willie Nelson
Jim Reeves
Marty Robbins
Michael Jackson
Anne Wilson (or her sister Nancy) of "Heart"
Celine Dion
Tracy Chapman
Clay Aiken
Joan Sutherland
Cecilia Bartoli
Edith Piaf
The guy who was the lead singer of The Ink Spots
Stevie Nicks
Robert Plant
Elvis Presley
Glen Yarborough
Emmylou Harris
Linda Ronstadt
Art Garfunkel
Paul Robeson
Annie Lennox
Yma Sumac
Harvey Andrews
Linda Waterfall
Allison Krauss
Elaine Paige
Colm Williamson
Michael Crawford
Diana Crall
Judy Garland
Tony Bennett
Odetta
Marian Anderson
Joan Osborne
Mary Humphreys
Loreena McKibbin (or however she spells her name)
Sissell
Finbar Hughes
Frank Sinatra
Janis Joplin
Harry Belafonte
Dave Guard
Mahalia Jackson


Give me a few more minutes and I'll think of another few dozen.


Then ask me to rank them, and I'll blow a fuse trying,


There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of those who could be in the "top ten."
And, given the number of people whose voices are still available to be heard via the wonders of technology, that's saying a lot!   *g*

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:44 AM

This thread could of course go on & on until 'continued p94' makes its appearance. Mention of a few whose innovative or distinctive styles have proved particularly influential might prove instructive — like John Lennon; Martin Carthy; Ewan MacColl; Bert Lloyd; Maddy Prior; June Tabor; Pete Seeger; Peter Bellamy ··· Not meant to be an exhaustive list by any means, but to start a new direction of thought as to influence as well as to ability. All the above, I would argue, are singers whom we have all heard countless others strive, with greater or less success, to sound like. Such influence, I would argue, can sometimes be beneficial, sometimes baleful and restrictive: but it is, I think, a recognisable phenomenon.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Genie
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:01 AM

Yes, M,
And if we don't set up arbitrary "benchmarks" such as "(pitch) range" or "style/genre," we might add many others, e.g. Leon Redbone, Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, Buffy St Marie, Iris Dement, Leadbelly, Louis Armstrong, Frankie Valli, etc.

Oy!!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:26 AM

... or Luisa Tetrazzini; Bing Crosby; Enrico Caruso; Maria Callas; Frank Sinatra; Adelina Patti; Marie Lloyd; Amelita Galli-Curci; Gus Elen — as I said, this one could run&run - contd p 94!

Meanwhile the boy I love is up in the gallery... You could see him if it wasn't for the houses in between.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:53 AM

... not to mention [didn't think that was really it, did you!] Elvis Presley; Eartha Kitt; Albert Chevalier; Maurice Chevalier; Boris Chaliapin; Will Kemp; Giovanni Veluti ['last of the great castrati' Wiki]; Marlene Dietrich; Julie Andrews; Tony Rose; Woody Guthrie...

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:56 AM

Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne, Emmie Lou Harris, Ian Tyson (until very recently), Bob Dylan (until somewhat recently), Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Stan Rogers.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: BobKnight
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 05:30 AM

Great singers - Merle Haggard.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Acorn4
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 05:37 AM

Dolly Parton.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 05:41 AM

Cut & paste some of the ones from the "can't sing" thread.....

Ok, female singers of folk, jazz & blues do it for me. I have a special place in my musical affections for Kate Rusby, Maddy Prior, June Tabor etc etc.

Going off on a tangent, Ian Gillan could scream a good note in his Deep Purple days, and the lady on Pink Floyd's "The Great Gig in the Sky" Clare Torry (?) can send a shiver or two.

Truth is, we can all sing if we enjoy it. May be flat as a fart but the enthusiasm can shine through.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:29 AM

I like your lists, Genie. Just about every singer would make mine, too. And of course, countless names keep coming to mind. Two I can't believe I didn't put on my first ten are George Jones and Merle Haggard. And then there's Claude Jeter (no relation to Derreck), lead singer of the Swan Silvertones, Archie Brownlee, lead singer of the 5 Blind Boys of Mississippi who almost single-handedly created the fervent shouts in gospel music that led to James Brown, and countless other gospel and R & B singers like Wilson Pickett, Sonny Till of the Orioles and the incomparable Sam Cooke of the Soul Stirrers.

Coming up with the list of ten singers who can't sing was a lot easier.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:38 AM

Luke Kelly for Christ's sake!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: bubblyrat
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:12 AM

Mario Lanza
Maria Callas
Jim Reeves
Ray Charles
Harry Secombe
The Girl From Tiger Bay
   Maddy (obviously)
Gracie Fields (when she tried !)
Dave Cousins ( amazing power !)
Ethel Merman (mind blowing)

   Luke Kelly ?? You must be joking !!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Smedley
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:15 AM

Lots of great singers already listed. I'd add:

Michael Stipe

k.d.lang

Gladys Knight

Mariza

and dozens more..............

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:35 AM

Well, any list that does not have Vince Gill on it is missing one of the purest voices of our time... So...

Vince Gill
Tony Bennett
Craig Fuller (Pure Prarie League)
Faith Hill
Otis Redding
Don and Phil Everley
Roy Orbison
Joan Biaz
Our own, Jerry Rassmussen
...and can't leave out, Nat King Cole

B~

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:41 AM

Steve - 'Luke Kelly, for Christ's sake!' ...

Yes indeed — & Ronnie Drew. & no, I must not be joking. & of course Tom Clancy. & Tommy Makem. & Sarah Makem ----- +.+.+.+.+.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:43 AM

... & happy to endorse Dolly Parton — "my favourite group", as Billy Connolly said.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:54 AM

& talking of Sarah Makem - Now where, within these parameters, do we place the likes of Joseph Taylor, Harry Cox, Walter Pardon, Phil Tanner, Sam Larner, George Dunn, Cyril Poacher; Belle Stewart, Jeannie Robertson, Phoebe Smith [whom I personally cannot abide but recognise her importance & why so many admire her], Mary Brooksbank...???

Not to mention the 'straddlers', as I call them - the conscious true traditional singers who also recognised the significance of their traditions and became scholars & collectors themselves - Seamus Ennis, Paddy Tunney, Bob Copper, Doc Watson...: great singers all, surely - & something more...

&, getting back to my above lists of the 'influentials'; why haven't we heard it for Burl Ives?

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: kendall
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:57 AM

It depends on what you mean by "Can sing". Are you talking about talent or popularity? They are not one and the same.
Francis A. Sinatra was hugely popular but even he said he doesn't have a great voice.
I like many of the names listed even though Gordon Bok isn't among them. As far as I'm concerned, Paul Robeson and Placido Domingo top the list.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 08:15 AM

Francis A. Sinatra was hugely popular but even he said he doesn't have a great voice.>>>

Maybe - but what a technique.

As far as I'm concerned, Paul Robeson and Placido Domingo top the list.>>>

& should both have appeared om my 'influential' list likewise.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: kendall
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 08:29 AM

I'd also add Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins and Mario Lanza.

I don't want to get into the field of folk singers because too many of them are friends, so I can't be objective.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 09:11 AM

Mel Torme
John Gorka
Tracy Grammer
Nate King Cole
Cisco Houston
Malvina Reynolds
Iris Dement
Don Edwards
Red Grammer
Ronnie Drew
Rod Stewart
Kenny Rogers
Bobby Darren
Roy Rodgers
Art Garfunkle
The Everley Bros.
Ronnie Browne
Ken Curtis
Baby Gramps
amd on and on.

My list has whom I believe to be great performers.
Ultimately the list is endless and maybe pointless. Unless we use these lists to try out people we haven't heard before. I was never a fan of Sinatra or Elvis. Great singers don't need great voices. Listen to Ronnie Drew and Malvina Reynolds. Go to any church and hear some great voices who aren't great performers outside their context. Few people have the whole package compared to the amount of singers there are in the world. Few can argue that Bobby Darrin was the whole package. Or The Everley's. I hope people who have never met them will check out Malvina and Gramps and Don and Red.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 10:25 AM

I'm not even going to concern myself with the "top 10" part; whole bunchs of singers whom I love have already been mentioned. I'll just add these from the remaining few million who might qualify.

Anne Hills
Cindy Mangsen
Patricia Herdman
Steve Gillette
Janie
Judy

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 10:54 AM

By Judy, is Ms Garland meant here? Fred Astaire, whatever his virtues, was hardly a top singer [tho a most attractive one at that]; but 'A Couple Of Swells' from 'Easter Parade', his duet with Judy Garland, would probably be my choice of best-ever musical number in a film: even more than the two brilliant ones from 'Singing In The Rain', 'Make Em Laugh' & the title number.

Think that needs a new thread. Watch this space.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:02 AM

Nope: This is the Judy I'm married to : )

         Dean, who is always very objective

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:22 AM

From left field - Randy Sparks (before he formed the New Christy Minstrels) was a very credible balladeer.

Rusty Draper (made a hit with Willie Nelson's "Night Life" years ago)

I always thought that country singer Kathy Mattea had a near perfect voice for traditional folk music, had she been so inclined.

In pop, Sinatra always said that Vic Damone had the best pipes in the business. The unspoken inference was that he was a "technician" who lacked "soul." I prefer Tony Bennett, who has both.

Roberta Flack had both great pipes and soul. She might well have been very successful as a folk artist.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:27 AM

It was indeed, was it not, Roberta Flack who made Ewan MacColl's fortune by recording one of his songs, which then became the theme song on a film soundtrack, Play Misty For me, and a gargantuan hit?

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 11:56 AM

Priscilla Herdman, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Archie Fisher, James Keelaghan,Jean Redpath, Margaret Christl, Jeannie Stahl, Dave Webber,Evelyne Beers, Sandy Paton.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: C. Ham
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:10 PM

These lists are very brief and incomplete.

Kate McGarrigle, Anna McGarrigle, Chaim Tannenbaum, Stan Rogers, Garnet Rogers, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills, Cindy Mangsen, Maddy Prior, June Tabor, Kate Rusby, Nanci Griffith, Ian Tyson (then) and Sylvia Tyson all have great voices.

Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Dave Van Ronk, Robert Johnson, Reverend Gary Davis, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Tom Russell, Ian Tyson (now), Mississippi John Hurt, Michale Smith, Paul Geremia, Louis Armstrong and Alberta Hunter are (or were) all brilliant at communicating the meaning and essence of a song.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Gusty
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:13 PM

Nioclas Toibin
Joe Heaney

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:18 PM

Roberta Flack had a mega-hit with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which was taken from the sound track of Clint Eastwood's first directorial job, "Play Misty For Me." It was, indeed, written by Ewen McColl for Peggy Seeger, who was shortly to become his wife. Does anyone recall that Gordon Lightfoot also recorded this song many years ago (one of the few he did not compose)?

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Smedley
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:20 PM

It's a very widely-recoded song. There's even a great reggae version by Phyllis I-Confess-I-Have-Forgotten-Her-Surname.

And the British folk(ish) singer Kathryn Williams sings in beautifully in concert but has not, sadly, recorded it - or at least I don't think she has.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Janie
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:53 PM

Bonnie Raitt, Maria Muldaur, Ralph Stanley and Nina Simone would all be somewhere near the top of my list of 100, which is probably as far as I could whittle it down.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: John P
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:55 PM

In an attempt to keep my list short enough to read, I'll just list some of my favorite traditional folk singers:

Alan Stivell
Martin Carthy
Maddy Prior
Jamie McMenemy
Gabriel Yacoub
Anna Clemenger
Davy Axtell
Marta Sebastien
Jacqui McShee
William Pint
Lena Willemark

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:57 PM

Theo Bikel? — great actor as well as singer. His One Sunday Morning just incomparable.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 12:58 PM

Kendall, I'll nominate you, if you'll nominate me.


Kendall Morse.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: pdq
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:05 PM

I have not seen Burl Ives mentioned yet, so...

Burl Ives

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:13 PM

I mentioned Burl Ives at 07.54 AM

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Genie
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:15 PM

The ones I listed were just those who popped into my mind (and some names piggyback off of others).   You folks are mentions others who are also list-worthy. But I can't believe Sam Cooke and K D Lang didn't pop into my mind earlier!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Acorn4
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:22 PM

Just skimming through the list looking for omissions - I don't think Mick Ryan has been mentioned, though apologies to whoever included him if I've missed it. His voice just seems to get better all the time.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: pdq
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 01:30 PM

Perhaps these are just "favorites" of mine, but...

Tony Rice

Ricky Skaggs

Bill Clifton

Charley Waller

Marty Robbins

John Duffey

John Starling

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

Tony Williams is great
Jane Olivor
Glen Yarborough

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 04:53 PM

Ten who haven't been mentioned (I think), in no particular order

Martin Wyndham-Read
Norma Waterson
Phil Callery
Georges Brassens
Enda Kenny
Tim Laycock
Shirley Collins
Steve Knightley
Rick Fielding
Jerry Rasmussen

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:20 PM

Not forgetting:

Bob Fox
Anne Briggs
Isla St Clair
Mick Ryan
Mike Nicholson
Dave Burland
Ewan MacColl
Heather Heywood
Cyril Tawney
June Tabor
Hilary Spencer
Tony Rose
and of course Martyn Wyndham-Read

G.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Grampus
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:22 PM

Sorry, that Guest was me minus cookie

G.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Ron Davies
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:25 PM

I just can't find Mary Black on any of these lists.   She is one who has both a wonderful voice and the heart and soul to communicate the song. (I wish she hadn't decided to go pop--but I suppose earning a living is necessary.   Her older stuff is just wonderful.)

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 06:49 PM

Some how Bruce Murdoch was left off my list. Purely an over sight on my part.

Don

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 07:55 PM

And Mary's sister, Frances Black. Wonderful.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 09:18 PM

Props to Beeliner for mentioning Cleoma Breaux. You really know your early Cajun music. Hank Williams might not be a great singer but he sends chills up my spine. Shawn Phillips is the greatest vocalist I've ever seen in person. Incredible range and power.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Big Elk
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 11:13 AM

Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
Bob Fox
And Last but not least Terry Silver

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Mick Woods
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 12:01 PM

Top 10 singers

Bob Dylan
Captain Beefheart
Neil Young
Marty Balin
Martin Carthy
Sandy Denny
Grace Slick
Gene Clark
Kevin Ayers
Dave Kenningham

Not in any particular order, but these would be my desert island choice!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:16 PM

10 Singers who CAN sing? Surely that leaves out those who are DEAD?

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 01:26 PM

Details, details.....

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 04:18 PM

Well, my first choice is dead! Dinah Washington! She's usually included in the quartet that also includes Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. But, Dinah not only sang the Great American Song Book, she was also known as the Queen of the Blues, the mother of soul music ( Aretha idolized her), and her r&b duets with Brook Benton are just fablulous.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Mick Woods
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 04:59 PM

Thanks to modern technology you still CAN hear them!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: olddude
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 05:15 PM

List is way too long
but I love to listen to my old friend Emmylou Harris, beautiful singer and beautiful person.

Lightfoot,
James Taylor,
pretty much all the great old crooners

Patsy Cline

Pam tillis

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 08:32 PM

Maybe I missed her name on this thread, but Eva Cassidy, should be on the list..

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,999
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 08:47 PM

Sinead O'Connor
Sheena Easton
Bob Knight

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,999
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 08:47 PM

Wil Maring

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Stringsinger
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 06:50 PM

Jussi Bjorling

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: kendall
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:12 PM

Seamus Kennedy

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Diva
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 03:14 AM

Cy Laurie

Gordeanna McCulloch

Sheila Stewart

Elsa La Maitre

Ray Fisher

Heather Heywood

Jphn Dillon

Maggie Macrae

Brian Miller

Brian Peters


Only ten? Its really difficult. No apologies for the west coast bias

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Diva
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:02 AM

Lizzie Higgans and Stanley Robertson........Jerry O Reilly

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:41 AM

Kendall Morse.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:28 PM

Jim White
Gillian Welch
Anne Murray
Lyle Lovett
Celia Cruz
Casey Chambers
Shawn Colvin
Etta James
Gregg Allman
Daryl Hall
Todd Rundgren

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:33 PM

This is really invidious, because I know I can sing, and I'm wondering about the other 9...

Kitty

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: kendall
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 09:15 PM

You certainly can sing, Kitty!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: gnu
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 09:27 PM

I know it's one of "those" threads, and all that goes with it, but, to me, an unsung (yeah, whatever) is Kevin Conneff.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 12:24 AM

Andrea Bocelli:          'Melodrama'   (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prtEy37aScA   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr15TWHvdCE&feature=related   (Studio)

Josh Groban:             'Per Te'      (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3VGW9PdPLI&feature=PlayList&p=A08CCF26075E9CFD&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18      

                         'Broken Vow' (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1_DKFDzrZE

Glenn Close:               'With One Look'   From 'Sunset Blvd' (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXx6MwhtXWQ&feature=PlayList&p=8A7BF4238E5700E8&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6

Lisa Kelly:                'The Voice'       (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARNiv8MR4JE

                           'May It Be'   (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RugSclNY4y8

Chloe Agnew:               'When You Believe'    (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B15gWqNUKrU

OKAY, There's the links..put them up for you, and for you to enjoy! Make use of them!!!
Warmest Regards,
GfS

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Stringsinger
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 11:43 AM

Judy Collins. Peter Yarrow's daughter, Bethany. Jo Stafford (must've been mentioned).
Jo Mapes when she was younger. Audra MacDonald. Renee Fleming. Ella, Sassy and Billie (though Billie never had a legit voice), Russ Columbo, Dick Powell, Cesare Siepi (who you've probably never heard of but was one of the leading bass opera singers in the world and a contemporary of Jussi Bjorling), George London, Pavarotti of course but Fisher-Diskau (sp?) was the master of Schubert Lieder. Bidu Saou (sp?) Villa Lobos interpreter,
Netania Devrath, Mahalia,

Some would debate Ethel Merman but Gershwin told her not to take voice lessons.
If you ever saw her live on the Broadway stage, you wouldn't forget her.

Now for the tradition side:

Jean Ritchie, Texas Gladden, Jeannie Robertson, Margaret Barry, Nimrod Workman, Horton Barker, and Bess Hawes (though not many heard her sing solo), Hally Wood, Vera Hall,
Josh White, Burl Ives, Lloyd and McColl, Silly Sisters, Liam and the Clancys with Tommy Makem and his mom, Sara, Bill Chipman (Art Theime knows) and for that matter, Art Theime, Shoshana Damari, Martha Schlamme (though trained knew the Yiddish feel),
Alan Mills (from Canada), the blues shouters: Big Bill, Son House, Lightning,afro-folk Mance,Mississippi John, South African Miriam Makeba, Amalia Rodriguez, Germaine Montero, Cynthia Gooding, Uncle Dave, Doc Boggs, Mercedes Sosa, Piaf? (some would argue about this one), ..........................

If you don't know these folks you should if you think you know folk music.

Then the pop side: Whitney, Diana, Gladys Knight, Smokey, Barry Manilow (yes he can sing), Andy Williams, Nat King, Louis, Johnny Mathis, Celine Dione, Mariah Carey,Tony Bennett, Dick Haymes, Connie Francis, Rosemary Clooney, Anne Murray,
Ronnie Gilbert, Holly Near, even Elvis could sing, throw Sinatra in there as stylist,
Frankie Valli, Ink Spots, Stevie Wonder, ..........................................

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Stringsinger
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 11:49 AM

Top Ten for whom? There's takers for even Jimmy Durante.

The legit voices are different from the pop voices and the trad folk voices.

Then there's the singing groups. Andrew Sisters, Barry Sisters, King Family, Take Five,
Manhattan Transfer, Ink Spots (mentioned above), Swingle Singers, The New York Jazz voices,


Hey, Fred Astaire could sing. Popularized a lot of songs from the 20's and 30's.
Johnny Mercer.

This "can" sing business is highly subjective and has to be defined. Legit? Bel Canto?
African-American? Middle Eastern? Asian? Indian? Blues shouters? (Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith), Irish trad?

Not sure where this thread is going but at least it brings to mind many singers who
have left a lasting impression on their audiences.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: oldhippie
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 02:50 PM

Here's ten on my list:

Sissel
Holly Near
Carolyn Hester
Larry Jon Wilson
Rory Block
Harry Chapin
John McDermott
Julia Ecklar
Phyllis Morrissey
Molly Scott

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: bob dylan
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 03:00 PM

My good ol' friend in Kidbrooke - Pete The Hat

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 03:51 PM

Thanks Kendall.... hope you, me and Seamus can get together for a sing somewhere, sometime....

Kitty

(But I'd vote for Grampus's 2 December list any time!)

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Claudia K.
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 03:55 PM

Roy Orbison - yes?

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,celticblues5
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 04:39 PM

A lot of great nominees here, & many I need to look up! Thanks for the education.

Can't believe Gordon Bok wasn't mentioned more often. The only ones I can think of offhand that no one mentioned (unless I missed it) are Rod Paterson and Christy Moore.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:12 PM

Alistair Anderson, Ron Baxter,Pinky and Perky,Captain Gardner,Fathom, Steve Shaw.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: kendall
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:42 PM

The yardstick I use is, quality of voice, range, ability to stay on key, etc.
Anyone remember Mrs. Miller? Very popular flash in the pan a few years ago, but she couldn't carry a note with a co-signer.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:47 PM

Bit of discrimination please now, Dick - Pinky *or* Perky: don't think you can have both, that's greedy!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 06:02 AM

Can't believe no mention of Shirley Bassey!!!!

Oh, and what about Lisa Gerrard - with Dead Can Dance and more recently solo and with various other artists. Not so much singing as channellin!
D

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 07:03 AM

I can't comment on those I have never heard of.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: MikeL2
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 07:09 AM

hi

A very interesting thread.

As I have entered it late most of the people I would have chosen have been mentioned.

However I have seen nothing here about Harry Nilsson. His Can't Live if Living is Without You IMHO is a classic and most of his music was great.

Similarly I love Mel Torme. My dad was a huge fan and as a kid I used to argue with him about his choice of music. But when my Dad died I inherited his record collection and when I listened to Mel Torme again I realised what a talent he was, and it saddened me that just once I should have agreed with my dad over music....lol

cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 10:11 AM

Buddy Holly!

I know that he has a distinctive/idiosynchratic way of phrasing but his range and pure note hitting are second to none.

Just listen to the full recording of True Love Ways. : The pianist hits one note, Holly clears his throat, the pianist hits the note again and Holly sings unaccompanied "Just you know why" and then the orchestra hits in - absolute note perfect magic and light years better than any othe version since; most of them don't have the range to sing it properly. Many talk of him as a three chord wonder but you look at the sheet music for that song, nine chords with a change on almost every phrase for a song that he wrote at the age of 21.

R

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Ian Gill
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 10:47 AM

Here are 10 to think about;
June Tabor
Mara Kiek
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Nic Jones
Tony Rose
Dolores Keane
John Tams
Christine Collister
Christy Moore
Martin Carthy

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 10:53 AM

J D Souther wrote/co-wrote stuff for The Eagles. I love this track. The great Stanley Clarke is on double-bass.

Silver Blue

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 11:21 AM

Jussi Bjorling?? Wow - can we also resurrect Kirsten Flagstad, Jan Peerce and Robert Merrill?

I'm glad someone mentioned Theodore Bikel. I still have a book of his, "Folksongs and Footnotes," which must have been published in the late 1950's or early 1960's. He might be the most eclectic folk singer I've heard. A great performer, whether theatrical or musical.

I just heard from Randy Sparks, recovering well from prostate cancer treatment and still performing regularly (at 70-something) with his small group, which also includes Clarence Treat, Art Podell and Arizona's official state balladeer, Dolan Ellis.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 11:42 AM

My choices would be based on the ability to sing on Key, to able to carry the notes and to understand, musically, what you are meant to be conveying..
I will leave out the opera singers since all seem able to accomplish these things...
June Tabor, Ella Fitzgerald, Jo Stafford, Louis Armstrong, Al Bowley, Roy Orbison,Amy Winehouse, Anne Murray, Edith Piaf, Norma Waterson, Aretha Franklin, Sarah Brightman, Judy Garland . Lot more but these come instantly to mind. A very interesting thread, thanks.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 03:44 PM

Roy Orbison and Karen Carpenter seemed to have been purely microphone singers inasmuch as they had very small voices and without a mic would have totally lacked projection.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 03:50 PM

Well, there's a girl here in Orillia who's pretty much like that. Her voice is quite small without a microphone, but she sounds absolutely marvelous with a microphone, has perfect pitch, great phrasing, excellent in every way you could want when she has amplification...so what's wrong with that?

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 03:59 PM

Being a folkie, it interests to think that the great Roy Orbison would not sound so great if he turned up at my local singaround and couldn't be heard unless you were sitting right next to him!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 04:04 PM

Yes, I see what you mean... ;-)

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 04:39 PM

Lowell George
Steve Marriott
Steve Perry
Elvis Presley
Little Richard
Merle Haggard
Gordon Lightfoot
Patsy Cline
Dusty Springfield
Otis Redding
Nat King Cole
Mary Fahl
Janis Joplin
Van Morrison
Roy Orbison
Son House

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 04:43 PM

Left out Tim Obrien, probably the best Bluegrass tenor around.

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 06:26 PM

I'm sure I posted this but it was probably on the wrong thread:-(

Neil Diamond
Judith Durham
Roger Whittaker

DeG

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 10:29 PM

Lonesome EJ , I forgot all about Mary Fahl!...Thanks for reminging me. She sings low, but great material!

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: Genie
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 07:50 AM

Well, if unamplified volume is a main criterion for "good singing," then one would have to say the piano and trumpet are much better musical instruments than acoustic guitars - especially classical guitars. : )

Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 12:39 PM

Piano and trumpet ? Don't you mean warpipes and bombardes ?

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.