01 Dec 09 - 10:12 PM (#2778080) Subject: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,The Folk E 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 |
01 Dec 09 - 10:23 PM (#2778092) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: pdq 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. |
01 Dec 09 - 10:26 PM (#2778096) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Jerry Rasmussen 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 |
01 Dec 09 - 11:15 PM (#2778121) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: beeliner 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 12:07 AM (#2778144) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Genie 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* |
02 Dec 09 - 12:44 AM (#2778156) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 01:01 AM (#2778163) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Genie 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!! |
02 Dec 09 - 01:26 AM (#2778179) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion ... 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 01:53 AM (#2778188) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion ... 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... |
02 Dec 09 - 01:56 AM (#2778189) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Little Hawk 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 05:30 AM (#2778258) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: BobKnight Great singers - Merle Haggard. |
02 Dec 09 - 05:37 AM (#2778270) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Acorn4 Dolly Parton. |
02 Dec 09 - 05:41 AM (#2778274) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 06:29 AM (#2778307) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Jerry Rasmussen 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 |
02 Dec 09 - 06:38 AM (#2778318) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Steve Shaw Luke Kelly for Christ's sake! |
02 Dec 09 - 07:12 AM (#2778344) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: bubblyrat 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 !! |
02 Dec 09 - 07:15 AM (#2778347) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Smedley Lots of great singers already listed. I'd add: Michael Stipe k.d.lang Gladys Knight Mariza and dozens more.............. |
02 Dec 09 - 07:35 AM (#2778362) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Bobert 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~ |
02 Dec 09 - 07:41 AM (#2778369) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion 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 ----- +.+.+.+.+. |
02 Dec 09 - 07:43 AM (#2778371) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion ... & happy to endorse Dolly Parton — "my favourite group", as Billy Connolly said. |
02 Dec 09 - 07:54 AM (#2778378) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion & 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? |
02 Dec 09 - 07:57 AM (#2778379) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: kendall 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 08:15 AM (#2778394) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 08:29 AM (#2778403) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: kendall 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 09:11 AM (#2778446) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,DonMeixner 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 10:25 AM (#2778491) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: frogprince 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 |
02 Dec 09 - 10:54 AM (#2778512) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 11:02 AM (#2778522) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: frogprince Nope: This is the Judy I'm married to : ) Dean, who is always very objective |
02 Dec 09 - 11:22 AM (#2778546) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 11:27 AM (#2778552) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion 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? |
02 Dec 09 - 11:56 AM (#2778581) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Elmore Priscilla Herdman, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Archie Fisher, James Keelaghan,Jean Redpath, Margaret Christl, Jeannie Stahl, Dave Webber,Evelyne Beers, Sandy Paton. |
02 Dec 09 - 12:10 PM (#2778595) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: C. Ham 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 12:13 PM (#2778599) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Gusty Nioclas Toibin Joe Heaney |
02 Dec 09 - 12:18 PM (#2778609) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego 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)? |
02 Dec 09 - 12:20 PM (#2778612) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Smedley 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 12:53 PM (#2778651) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Janie 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 12:55 PM (#2778655) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: John P 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 |
02 Dec 09 - 12:57 PM (#2778656) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion Theo Bikel? — great actor as well as singer. His One Sunday Morning just incomparable. |
02 Dec 09 - 12:58 PM (#2778662) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Seamus Kennedy Kendall, I'll nominate you, if you'll nominate me. Kendall Morse. |
02 Dec 09 - 01:05 PM (#2778668) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: pdq I have not seen Burl Ives mentioned yet, so... Burl Ives |
02 Dec 09 - 01:13 PM (#2778680) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion I mentioned Burl Ives at 07.54 AM |
02 Dec 09 - 01:15 PM (#2778681) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Genie 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! |
02 Dec 09 - 01:22 PM (#2778691) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Acorn4 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 01:30 PM (#2778699) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: pdq Perhaps these are just "favorites" of mine, but... Tony Rice Ricky Skaggs Bill Clifton Charley Waller Marty Robbins John Duffey John Starling |
02 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM (#2778898) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Tony Williams is great Jane Olivor Glen Yarborough |
02 Dec 09 - 04:53 PM (#2778920) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: McGrath of Harlow 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 |
02 Dec 09 - 06:20 PM (#2779015) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST 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. |
02 Dec 09 - 06:22 PM (#2779018) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Grampus Sorry, that Guest was me minus cookie G. |
02 Dec 09 - 06:25 PM (#2779020) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Ron Davies 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.) |
02 Dec 09 - 06:49 PM (#2779041) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,DonMeixner Some how Bruce Murdoch was left off my list. Purely an over sight on my part. Don |
02 Dec 09 - 07:55 PM (#2779078) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Steve Shaw And Mary's sister, Frances Black. Wonderful. |
02 Dec 09 - 09:18 PM (#2779113) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Neil D 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. |
03 Dec 09 - 11:13 AM (#2779591) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Big Elk 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 |
03 Dec 09 - 12:01 PM (#2779654) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Mick Woods 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! |
03 Dec 09 - 01:16 PM (#2779751) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Ebbie 10 Singers who CAN sing? Surely that leaves out those who are DEAD? |
03 Dec 09 - 01:26 PM (#2779766) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Details, details..... |
03 Dec 09 - 04:18 PM (#2779929) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Tunesmith 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. |
03 Dec 09 - 04:59 PM (#2779965) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Mick Woods Thanks to modern technology you still CAN hear them! |
03 Dec 09 - 05:15 PM (#2779974) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: olddude 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 |
03 Dec 09 - 08:32 PM (#2780138) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,chinmusic Maybe I missed her name on this thread, but Eva Cassidy, should be on the list.. |
03 Dec 09 - 08:47 PM (#2780143) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 Sinead O'Connor Sheena Easton Bob Knight |
03 Dec 09 - 08:47 PM (#2780144) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 Wil Maring |
04 Dec 09 - 06:50 PM (#2780940) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Stringsinger Jussi Bjorling |
04 Dec 09 - 07:12 PM (#2780958) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: kendall Seamus Kennedy |
05 Dec 09 - 03:14 AM (#2781121) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Diva 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 |
05 Dec 09 - 05:02 AM (#2781162) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Diva Lizzie Higgans and Stanley Robertson........Jerry O Reilly |
05 Dec 09 - 05:41 AM (#2781176) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Seamus Kennedy Kendall Morse. |
05 Dec 09 - 08:28 PM (#2781728) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Jim White Gillian Welch Anne Murray Lyle Lovett Celia Cruz Casey Chambers Shawn Colvin Etta James Gregg Allman Daryl Hall Todd Rundgren |
05 Dec 09 - 08:33 PM (#2781735) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Herga Kitty This is really invidious, because I know I can sing, and I'm wondering about the other 9... Kitty |
05 Dec 09 - 09:15 PM (#2781756) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: kendall You certainly can sing, Kitty! |
05 Dec 09 - 09:27 PM (#2781765) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: gnu I know it's one of "those" threads, and all that goes with it, but, to me, an unsung (yeah, whatever) is Kevin Conneff. |
06 Dec 09 - 12:24 AM (#2781850) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST 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 |
06 Dec 09 - 11:43 AM (#2782129) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Stringsinger 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, .......................................... |
06 Dec 09 - 11:49 AM (#2782131) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Stringsinger 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. |
06 Dec 09 - 02:50 PM (#2782265) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: oldhippie 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 |
06 Dec 09 - 03:00 PM (#2782268) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: bob dylan My good ol' friend in Kidbrooke - Pete The Hat |
06 Dec 09 - 03:51 PM (#2782298) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Herga Kitty 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!) |
06 Dec 09 - 03:55 PM (#2782299) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Claudia K. Roy Orbison - yes? |
06 Dec 09 - 04:39 PM (#2782345) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,celticblues5 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. |
06 Dec 09 - 05:12 PM (#2782364) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: The Sandman Alistair Anderson, Ron Baxter,Pinky and Perky,Captain Gardner,Fathom, Steve Shaw. |
06 Dec 09 - 05:42 PM (#2782387) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: kendall 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. |
06 Dec 09 - 05:47 PM (#2782390) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MGM·Lion Bit of discrimination please now, Dick - Pinky *or* Perky: don't think you can have both, that's greedy! |
07 Dec 09 - 06:02 AM (#2782724) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Dáithí 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 |
07 Dec 09 - 07:03 AM (#2782750) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: kendall I can't comment on those I have never heard of. |
07 Dec 09 - 07:09 AM (#2782754) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: MikeL2 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 |
07 Dec 09 - 10:11 AM (#2782883) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Sir Roger de Beverley 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 |
07 Dec 09 - 10:47 AM (#2782905) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Ian Gill 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 |
07 Dec 09 - 10:53 AM (#2782909) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Tunesmith J D Souther wrote/co-wrote stuff for The Eagles. I love this track. The great Stanley Clarke is on double-bass. Silver Blue |
07 Dec 09 - 11:21 AM (#2782931) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego 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. |
07 Dec 09 - 11:42 AM (#2782952) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,HiLo 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. |
07 Dec 09 - 03:44 PM (#2783157) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Tunesmith 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. |
07 Dec 09 - 03:50 PM (#2783165) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Little Hawk 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? |
07 Dec 09 - 03:59 PM (#2783172) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Tunesmith 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! |
07 Dec 09 - 04:04 PM (#2783179) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Little Hawk Yes, I see what you mean... ;-) |
07 Dec 09 - 04:39 PM (#2783209) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Lonesome EJ 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 |
07 Dec 09 - 04:43 PM (#2783213) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Lonesome EJ Left out Tim Obrien, probably the best Bluegrass tenor around. |
07 Dec 09 - 06:26 PM (#2783329) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Dave the Gnome I'm sure I posted this but it was probably on the wrong thread:-( Neil Diamond Judith Durham Roger Whittaker DeG |
07 Dec 09 - 10:29 PM (#2783472) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity Lonesome EJ , I forgot all about Mary Fahl!...Thanks for reminging me. She sings low, but great material! |
08 Dec 09 - 07:50 AM (#2783648) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Genie 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. : ) |
08 Dec 09 - 12:39 PM (#2783849) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Piano and trumpet ? Don't you mean warpipes and bombardes ? |
08 Dec 09 - 05:09 PM (#2784085) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Tunesmith 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. |
08 Dec 09 - 05:28 PM (#2784098) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Bobert 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~ |
08 Dec 09 - 11:23 PM (#2784330) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,frankB Among all the "acquired taste" influential oddballs I can't believe nobody named Tom Waits! And then there's Neil Young.... |
09 Dec 09 - 01:23 AM (#2784402) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Lonesome EJ Lonesome egg, Bobert? Is that some kind of yolk? Omelet you have it! (as Roger in Baltimore might say) |
09 Dec 09 - 02:38 AM (#2784423) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Genie 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. |
19 Feb 10 - 05:33 AM (#2843963) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,zpc No-one's mentioned Sam Brown? Lady's got one hell of a voice... |
19 Feb 10 - 12:11 PM (#2844244) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: JohnB 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. |
18 Jul 10 - 10:16 PM (#2947403) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST 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) |
19 Jul 10 - 09:21 AM (#2947573) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Patsy Warren 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. |
19 Jul 10 - 10:18 AM (#2947602) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: olddude 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 |
19 Jul 10 - 12:59 PM (#2947724) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,GUEST SCOWIE ! |
19 Jul 10 - 01:35 PM (#2947737) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Hi Lo 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. |
19 Jul 10 - 08:34 PM (#2947974) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Tattie Bogle 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........ |
20 Jul 10 - 03:43 AM (#2948095) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,CAP 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. |
20 Jul 10 - 11:02 AM (#2948310) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Len Graham Bob Fox Ken Wilson Sam Lee Jim Causley Sara Grey Janet Russell John Boden... |
02 Oct 10 - 06:24 AM (#2997999) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST Charice Pempengco Celine Dion Mariah Carey Whitney Houston |
02 Oct 10 - 10:17 AM (#2998072) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Lighter 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? |
09 Nov 10 - 11:35 AM (#3027641) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,dame-yankee 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. |
09 Nov 10 - 12:50 PM (#3027681) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,kendall Slim Whitman indeed! Seamus Kennedy Did anyone mention Frank Ifield? |
09 Nov 10 - 06:17 PM (#3027953) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Herga Kitty Kendall, I think not, otherwise I'd remember who.... Kitty |
09 Nov 10 - 06:35 PM (#3027968) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: The Sandman JoeOffer |
10 Nov 10 - 03:39 AM (#3028133) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Crispin Fox Jim Moray |
10 Nov 10 - 03:41 PM (#3028608) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,schlimmerkerl This guy… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqD8MZHC5Lw |
02 Jan 12 - 05:12 PM (#3283665) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Azoic 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. |
02 Jan 12 - 07:42 PM (#3283744) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Larry Saidman 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. |
02 Jan 12 - 08:02 PM (#3283751) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 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. |
02 Jan 12 - 08:09 PM (#3283758) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: saulgoldie 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 |
02 Jan 12 - 09:13 PM (#3283787) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,Larry Saidman 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? |
02 Jan 12 - 09:25 PM (#3283793) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 Indeed, do, Larry. |
02 Jan 12 - 09:50 PM (#3283804) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: pdq 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. |
02 Jan 12 - 10:05 PM (#3283811) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: Bert 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. |
02 Jan 12 - 10:23 PM (#3283819) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: ollaimh 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 |
02 Jan 12 - 10:27 PM (#3283820) Subject: RE: Top 10 Singers Who CAN Sing From: GUEST,999 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. |