I looked around and didn't see any recent threads, so I thought I'd start one. Please point me to a recent one if it exists. I say "vocalist" instead of "singer" because singers tend to be trained. They can have terrific control and even range, but this training can't give their voices something unique; a tone that is captivating. My favorite all-around vocalist is Tom Jones. He's both a great singer and a great vocalist. He had it all. My favorite rock vocalist is John Lennon; definitely not trained but terrific tone and growl. My favorite female singer/vocalist is probably Aretha Franklin, but there have been some others that came and went that were awesome. I'd love to hear about some others so I can check them out. Thanks.
To me "best vocalist" means someone whose voice sounds great to me, even if not technically the best, and someone whose singing reflects a lot of feeling. With that in mind, my favorites are: Neil Young Paul Westerberg Juliana Hatfield Steve Wynn Michael Stipe
You could argue almost anything he’s done. Check out a hits collection. Or go straight to A Change Is Gonna Come.
Exactly. Not necessarily trained or technical, but they have a tone or unique style that sets them apart.
That's great! Yeah, you can tell Cooke from a mile a way. Really unique voice; the perfect amount of rasp
Bessie Smith Billie Holiday Joe Williams Ella Fitzgerald Carmen McRae Sam Cooke Little Willie John Frank Sinatra Dean Martin Bing Crosby Perry Como Anita O'Day Irene Kral Lauren Newton Jackie Wilson
Male Vocalists: Elvis Presley Charlie Rich Frank Sinatra Roy Orbison Nat King Cole John Gary Female Vocalists: Patsy Cliine Ella Fitzgerald Sarah Vaughn Adele Carrie Underwood Pink
Frank Sinatra Jerry Garcia Otis Redding Hank Williams Willie Nelson Sam Cooke Nat King Cole Patsy Cline Ella Fitzgerald Billie Holiday There are many others, but that's a good start.
Los Hombres: Ronnie James Dio Roger Daltrey Rik Emmett Justin Hayward Dan Fogelberg Chris DeGarmo Rick Medlocke Ian Anderson Buddy Guy Bruce Dickinson Las Mujeres: Karen Carpenter Sarah Vaughan Sass Jordan Billie Holiday Grace Slick Beverly Kenney Ann Wilson Stevie Nicks Dinah Washington Aretha Franklin