Who is the best child singer of all time?

Jackie Evancho

 

He was pretty good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuOsB4psC9E

 

Foster Sylvers

 

Great discussion everybody!

 

Well, it sounded like a show tune sung in the appropriate style. I can't stand show tunes but could hear that she had more talent as a ten year old than most adult singers do.

 

Judy Garland and Shirley Temple were pretty great, but two of my favorites are:

1. Eddie Hodges in the original Broadway production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man playing Winthrop Paroo and singing "Gary, Indiana." (Sung by Ronnie Howard in the movie version.)

2. Alfalfa!

 

Judy Garland

 

If we're counting Lesley Gore, how about Stevie Winwood?

 

agree with Michael Jackson. His performance on Got To Be There was phenomenal. I still think those early songs were better than his adult hits.

 

I think it's a mistake to count singers in their mid-late teens. Seems to me a pre-teen cut-off makes the most sense for "child singers". Sorry, but a 16-year-old is sufficiently developed so that the term "child singer" doesn't really apply, IMO...

 

The one that gets me is "Don't Know Why I Love You".

When he died, I re-listened to Jackson 5 Anthology set. I played this one a couple of times in a row and marvelled at the performance.

 

None of the above:

Joselito

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9ifWBi4eu0&feature=fvwrel

 

Aled Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDh_L9JU5dQ

 

No one said Davy Jones(circa 1964) yet?

Robyn was singing on tv in 1993 and Alanis released a 45 in 1987.

 

For me, it's his Ed Sullivan performance of "Who's Loving You" - [starts proper at 45 seconds in]. Smokey Robinson wrote the song and said something to the effect that he himself couldn't have put more genuine feeling into it.

Jackson 5 - Ed Sullivan Show, December 14, 1969 [Michael aged 11]:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmre7_m-jackson-who-s-loving-you_music

 

Michael Jackson had it from the start... A very soulful voice at an early age!

 

I agree with your choices but, clearly, Alex Chilton wouldn't apply as he wasn't a child.

Someone mentioned Foster Sylvers and he fits nicely, though MJ is the clear winner - even if only on the strength of "Got To Be There."

Ed

 

Let's be honest. Shirley Temple wasn't a great singer. Cute, adorable, and a huge star, yes, but not a great singer.

 

The best Frankie Lymon performance in my opinion was at this song. But I think the best was Michael Jackson for his more natural and dynamic singing, mainly at 72/73

 

How about the Collins Kids?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjBsFV1JE-w&feature

 

Can't believe no one has mentioned Charice Pempenco yet...?

She knocks most of the afore mentioned into a cocked hat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8fR2jroUxE

 

The seven year old opera singer, the little blonde girl, was so good people thought her performances were hoaxes. Her singing voice is very mature for her age.

 

Nice voice - worst stage presence ever. Get your hands out of your pockets, boy!

 

Having a big voice does not make on the "best singer". God save us from that loud, flashy "diva" style!

 

+1

My vote goes to MJ