The great 80: Vocal masters of the rock era (1955-present)
The role of the voice is one of the great paradoxes in jazz. Singers frequently learn about, phrasing, rhythm, and improvisation from listening to and mimicking instrumentalists. At the same time instrumentalists strive to emulate the unique timbres of the human voice in their playing. As much as the rock era (1955-present) has gotten us to take note of great lyrics and appreciate a guitar solo the voice holds an important place in rock. Many of our most revered artists don’t play or write or read music. Yet, when they open their mouths to sing when can’t imagine contemporary music without them.
With that in mind I describe 80 vocal masters of the rock era. They are masters because they are both technically proficient, in tone, texture, technique and range; possess a distinctive and instantly recognizable sound; and have influenced others to want to sing. This is often the result of defining a genre, or even an era, though commercial success is just one metric of influence. Several artists were never big sellers but other artists or critics have brought attention to their uniqueness.
You will find singers associated with variations of the blues, country, folk, rock ‘n’ roll, rock, pop, and R & B genres. Many of our greatest singers are eclectics whose commercial association with one genre belies the scope of their vocal talents. An artist’s transcendence of genre and other barriers often represents the very thing that makes them great vocalists.
As always, I strive to represent a range of genres, eras, and identities. One of the challenges is that a genre like rock doesn’t require traditionally pretty bel canto type singers so what constitutes a great rock ‘n’ roll voice is a bit different than, say, the more gospel influenced nature of R&B. The rock era prizes idiosyncratic voices more than others so there are lot of folks who are great interpreters of their own music. I focus on those voices that work in multiple contexts. Condensing 65 years of music into 80 entries means, inevitably, that I’ve excluded someone you enjoy. I like to think of lists as the beginning of a longer conversation.
For each artist, and there are a few duos or lead singers of groups represented, you will find general bio info, a description, and five single performances representing their greatness as a vocalist.
The Vocal Masters (alphabetical order):
1) Aaron Neville (b. 1941): Long considered one of the best if not the best balladeer from New Orleans, Neville’s ethereal tenor and supple phrasing have helped him make different songs within the American songbook great. Through his bell-like tones he has brought an impassioned sensitivity to songs representing the best of New Orleans R &B, Memphis soul, gospel music, singer-songwriter pop, popular standards, and rock. A vocalist with no bounds he is a legend as a solo artist and in the context of the Neville Brothers.
“Tell it Like it Is”
“Feels Like Rain”
“The Grand Tour”
“Who Will Buy?”
“A Change is Gonna Come”
2) Al Green (b. 1946): At Hi Records Green, and his producer Willie Mitchell, perfected an original style of Memphis soul defined by sultry percussion, punchy horns, and the soaring falsetto of Green. Capable of seducing, entrancing, and soothing listeners—often simultaneously—many consider him the last true soul singer. Green left secular music for gospel for years but when he has chosen to return he has retained his glorious instrument.
“Can’t Get Next to You”
“Let’s Stay Together”
“Love and Happiness”
“Call Me (Come Back Home)”
“Here I am (Come and Take Me)”
3) Alex Chilton (1950-2010): As lead singer of The Box Tops, who scored several hits from 1967-70 before disbanding, Chilton’s warm, raspy voice and urgent performing style established a model for delivering rock songs with soul. One can hear his influence in John Fogerty, Joe Cocker, and Van Morrison. After he formed the band Big Star various modern rock groups such as R.E.M. also cited him as a major influence.
“The Letter”
“Cry Like a Baby”
“Sweet Cream Ladies”
“Soul Deep”
“I Shall Be Released”
4) Anita Baker (b. 1957): Baker’s mastery of her rich, sumptuous voice, which critic Stephen Holden once likened to melted chocolate, helped her elevate R&B ballads to a new level of refinement in the 1980s. Both classic and contemporary, without ever being retro or trendy she elegantly intertwined elements of jazz, gospel, and pop into a delicious stew of sound. A defining voice of popular music for adults a generation of formidable vocalists, including Toni Braxton, Regina Belle, and Oleta Adams, reflect her influence.
“Angel”
“Sweet Love”
“Giving You the Best that I Got”
“Fairy Tales”
“I Apologize”
5) Aretha Franklin (1942-2018): The long reigning “Queen of Soul” brought a gospel-informed passion to virtually everything she sang. Unbound by genre and energized by contemporary musical trends she was a prominent force in popular music for over 50 years. Her most notable recordings, including classics like “I Never Loved a Man,” “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” “Don’t Play that Song,” and “Daydreaming” made generations of singers, ranging from Chaka Khan to Luther Vandross to Kelly Clarkson, want to sing for a living.
“Cold, Cold Heart”
“Misty”
“Respect”
“Ain’t No Way”
“Never Grown Old”
6) Barbra Streisand (b. 1942): Though not a “rock” singer per se, Streisand, known for a voice like “buttah”—is a bridge between eras. She translates the vocal refinement and dramatic flair of pre-rock vocal music into an era when female artists had greater expressive and creative freedom. As the most popular female singer on record her powerful vocal style, and creative control have influenced multiple generations of pop divas and divos.
“Happy Days are Here Again”
“I Never Meant to Hurt You”
“The Way We Were”
“Being Alive”
“Love Dance”
7) B.B. King (1925-2015): From the streets of Memphis to the virtually every major music venue in the world King became the greatest ambassador for the electric blues. The fusion of his warm, earthy voice and fluid interplay with his beloved guitar Lucille helped the world appreciate the emotional authenticity and musical mastery essential to embodying the style. Deeply respected by fellow musicians he was a generous mentor, an in-demand duet partner (recording duet albums with protégé Bobby “Blue” Bland, Diane Schuur, and Eric Clapton, among others) and a figure beloved by audiences.
“3 O’Clock Blues”
“You Know I Love You”
“Every Day I Have the Blues”
“Sweet Little Angel”
“The Thrill is Gone”
8) Ben E. King (1938-2015): From the first few iconic bars of “Stand by Me” we anticipate Ben E. King’s soulful pleading style and noting quite prepares us for its majesty. Before even this pop milestone King delivered iconic performances in The Drifters, including the lush R & B classics “There Goes My Baby,” and “This Magic Moment.” Though these three are enough to make him a legend he also authored classic hits like “Spanish Harlem” and “Don’t Play that Song” which singers continue to cover.
“There Goes My Baby”
“This Magic Moment”
“Save the Last Dance for Me”
“Spanish Harlem”
“Stand by Me”
9) Bette Midler (b. 1945): Midler is a virtuoso of tone with an almost limitless capacity. Whether reveling in camp (“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”), genuine drama (“Superstar”), or sheer sentimentality (“From a Distance”) she has mastered a unique cabaret-meets rock style all her own. Beyond her most iconic songs she is a gifted singing actress has authored a wide ranging, conceptual view of music that has allowed her to integrate songs as varied as “You Don’t Know Me” and “Waterfalls” in her repertoire.
“Do You Wanna Dance”
“Hello in There”
“The Rose”
“I Think It’s Going to Rain Today”
“Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most”
10) Bill Medley (b. 1940) and Bobby Hatfield (1940-2003) (The Righteous Brothers): As a duo pop baritone Medley and pop tenor Hatfield virtually to invented the romantic epic ballad with 1964’s monumental “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin.’” The combination of their soaring voices with Phil Spector’s grandiose “Wall of Sound” production elevated this into pop aria territory; a sound they mined on “Unchained Melody” (re-immortalized in 1990’s Ghost) and “You’re My Soul and Inspiration.” Alongside Sam & Dave they are arguably the vocal standard for male duos, as well as pioneers of the power ballad.
“You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’”
“Just Once in My Life”
“Unchained Melody”
“Ebb Tide”
“You’re My Soul and Inspiration”
11) Bobby “Blue” Bland (1930-2013): One of the most distinguished singers to emerge from one of the premiere epicenters of blues and soul, Memphis, Bland was one of R&B’s vocal masters. Mentored by B.B. King he embodied the sound of Beale Street. From the mid-1950s through late 1970s he was an R&B radio favorite synonymous with an impassioned, slightly gravelly, but always suave style often punctuated by his trademark squall. After his legendary recordings for Duke, Dunhill, and ABC Records he became a banner artist at the R&B label Malaco Records from the 1980s until his retirement.
“Farther Up the Road”
“Who Will the Next Fool Be”
“Stormy Monday Blues”
“Share Your Love with Me”
“Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City”
12) Bobby Womack (1944-2014): Womack’s journey from gospel singer to Sam Cooke sideman to major soul artist is one of the most storied in pop music. Womack’s crisp vocal, and emphatic gospel flavored sound earned him the nickname of “The Preacher.” Traces of his style can be found throughout pop whether it’s singers like Aretha Franklin (“I’m in Love”) and Paul Young (“Stop on By”) covering his songs, or direct descendants like Jodeci’s K-Ci and Jojo, and their protégé Sisqo from Dru Hill.
“That’s the Way I Feel About Cha”
“Woman’s Gotta Have It”
“Across 110th Street”
“You’re Welcome, Stop on By”
“If You Think You’re Lonely Now”
13) Bonnie Raitt (b. 1949): Whether she’s raucously declaring her boundaries on “Give It Up, Or Let Me Go” or breaking your heart on “I Can’t Make You Love Me” Raitt is a refreshing voice of emotional clarity. After a decade of largely acclaimed but uneven works popular audiences embraced Raitt on 1989’s Nick of Time. Since then she’s been one of popular music’s most distinguished vocal interpreters of rockers, shuffles, and ballads.
“Love Me Like a Man”
“Love Has No Pride”
“Nick of Time”
“I Can’t Make You Love Me”
“I Sho Do”
14) Brenda Lee (b. 1944): Brenda Lee was the most popular female singles artist of the 1960 and its clear why: Few singers of her generation could move as comfortably between countrypolitan, rockabilly, and ballads with such authenticity. A predecessor to phenoms like Tanya Tucker and Leann Rimes, she began as a young powerhouse whose mature sound belied her age and grew into a credible interpreter of pop and country. Lee is the only woman inducted in the Country, Rock and Roll, and Rockabilly Halls of Fame.
“Jambalaya”
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
“I’m Sorry”
“Break It to Me Gently”
“Nobody Wins”
15) Bruce Springsteen (b. 1949): Born in New Jersey but national in flavor, Springsteen absorbed many facets of American music, including folk music, rock ‘n’ roll, soul music, and country, to cultivate his voice as a writer and singer. Though not a traditionally “pretty” or smooth instrument his voice has a powerful forcefulness and a discernible texture that has conveyed the sweep of “Born to Run,” the yearning of “Hungry Heart,” and irony of “57 Channels (And Nothin’s On)” The marriage of his distinct lyric sensibility with his voice has created an influential approach to rock music that has endeared him to fans, inspired fellow musicians, and garnered him critical respect.
“Born to Run”
“Hungry Heart”
“I’m on Fire”
“Ain’t Got You”
“If I Should Fall Behind”
16) Chaka Khan (b. 1953): Khan’s signature siren-like wail, from Rufus and her solo career, is one of soul music’s most thrilling sounds. Inspired by jazz, R&B, and rock music, Khan is a formidable chameleon who moves comfortably between sizzling funk, slow burn ballads, and bop inspired riffs. Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, and Erykah Badu, have all saluted her through covers of signature songs.
“Sweet Thing”
“I’m Every Woman”
“Ain’t Nobody”
“Through the Fire”
“My Funny Valentine”
17) Charlie Rich (1932-1995): Rich, who absorbed a range of musical influences growing up in rural Arkansas, illustrates the arbitrary nature of genre. Steeped in blues, swing, and gospel he began his career in jazz bands and has excelled in every style he’s attempted. This includes 1960’s rollicking “Lonely Weekends,” 1965’s soulful “Mohair Sam,” and 1973’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” as well as gospel and jazz recordings. Critically admired yet frequently overlooked he is a singer with profound gifts of interpretation.
“Lonely Weekends”
“Who Will the Next Fool Be”
“Mohair Sam”
“Pictures and Paintings”
“Feel Like Going Home”
18) Chrissie Hynde (b. 1951): Since forming The Pretenders in 1978 Chrissie Hynde has specialized in making uncommonly intelligent rock music for adults. Hynde’s no nonsense approach to rock made her a beacon of hope in a rock market torn between arena rock bloat and punk amateurism. On radio classics like “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” and “I’ll Stand By You” her no-nonsense approach has made her an icon.
“Brass in Pocket”
“Back on the Chain Gang”
“Middle of the Road”
“Don’t Get Me Wrong”
“I’ll Stand by You”
19) Clyde McPhatter (1932-1972): McPhatter was one of the pioneering voices of both male vocal groups and solo R&B singing. His rich, creamy voice made him the successful lead singer of Billy Ward and the Dominoes and The Drifters before he launched his solo career at Atlantic Records. Though his hits His sound has influenced generations of crooners including Johnnie Ray, Jackie Wilson, Elvis Presley, and Aaron Neville.
“Money Honey”
“Such a Night”
“Treasure of Love”
“Without Love (There is Nothing)”
“A Lover’s Question”
20) Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999): As lead singer of The Impressions and as a solo artist Mayfield’s delicate crooning style was deceptive. Just as you’re think he’s going to sing sweet little nothings he grabs your attention with pointed lyrics on anthems like “Choice of Colors,” “People get Ready,” and “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go.” A masterful composer, arranger, and producer Mayfield was a fine singer who helped distinguish The Impressions from other groups during his 1962-70 stint by mixing timeless politically minded songs with love songs in the 1970s he further distinguished himself as a composer of vital anthems like “Move on up” and his sly take on urban crime on The Superfly soundtrack.
“People Get Ready”
“Keep on Pushing”
“Move on Up”
“Freddie’s Dead”
“Superfly”
21) Darlene Love (b. 1941): Many people know Love’s voice, via girl group classics like “He’s a Rebel” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” but know little about her as an artist. Steeped in the rich techniques of gospel Love voiced various hits for The Crystals produced by Phil Spector in the 1960s, sang background on many classic pop hits, and had an overlooked solo career in he 1970s before turning to acting. Her 2011 induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and her stellar appearance in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom reminded listeners and viewers of her role as a kind of vocal thread who has shaped and linked an array of post-1960s styles.
“He’s a Rebel”
“He’s Sure the Boy I Love”
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
“Lord, If You’re a Woman”
“All Alone on Christmas”
22) Daryl Hall (b. 1948) & John Oates (b. 1949): It’s very easy to understand how Daryl Hall & John Oates became popular music’s most popular duo: They balance each other out perfectly. Between Hall’s suave phrasing and Oates’s subtle vocal counterpoint there’s a compelling tension unique to the. Great songwriting, ranging from the soulful “She’s Gone” to the propulsive funk of “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” has helped them cement their unique sound and feel.
“Sara Smile”
“She’s Gone”
“I Can’t Go for That”
“Missed Opportunity”
“Soul Violins”
23) David Ruffin (1941-1991) and Eddie Kendricks (1939-1992) (The Temptations): The Temptations have little competition when it comes to naming the finest male vocal group of the rock era, and its lead singers have such distinctive voices they are immediately identifiable by just their last names. Ruffin’s lead vocals on “My Girl,” “Ain’t too Proud to Beg,” and “I Wish It Would Rain” occupy a space between controlled emotion and grit. Comparatively, Eddie Kendricks’s falsetto sound made classics of the jubilant “Get Ready” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and the majestic “Just My Imagination.” With voices like on songs of this caliber it’s no wonder why many a singer and many a group have sought to emulate their musical grace.
“The Way You Do the Things You Do” (Kendricks-lead)
“My Girl” (Ruffin-lead)
“Get Ready” (Kendricks-lead)
“I Know I’m Losing You” (Ruffin-lead)
“You’re My Everything” (Kendricks and Ruffin-co-leads)
24) Dionne Warwick (b. 1940): The songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David had their premiere interpreter in the silky voice of Dionne Warwick. Drawing on her experience singing gospel as a child and formal music training, plus her unique sensibility, she had a graceful command of the intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and vivid lyrics of Bacharach-David’s songs. Many singers, including Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Jennifer Warnes and Luther Vandross, have covered the songs she recorded first. Though her 1960s era Scepter recordings are her greatest legacy she has continued recording in a variety of styles and arrangements.
“Don’t Make Me Over”
“Walk on By”
“Alfie”
“April Fools”
“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”
25) Dolly Parton (b. 1946): Parton’s country soprano launched her as one of country music’s most original songwriters and performers. Even when not singing original songs she’s a compelling vocal presence who delivers. For proof listen to her bluegrass inspired renditions of songs like the Fine Young Cannibal’s “She Drives Me Crazy” and Cole Porter’s “I Get a Kick out of You.” Many country singers, including Alison Krauss and Leann Womack, have taken inspiration from her style.
“Jolene”
“Coat of Many Colors”
“9 to 5”
“Travelin’ Payer”
“Shine”
26) Donna Summer (1948-2012): Summer epitomized the potential of disco’s transcendence thanks to her remarkable voice and dramatic interpretive skills. After emerging as its greatest icon, she moved forward recording rock, new wave, and pop classics like “The Wanderer, “She Works Hard for the Money,” and “This Time I Know It’s for Real.” Dance divas from Gloria Gaynor to Madonna to Dua Lipa have borrowed a page from her book.
“I Feel Love”
“Last Dance”
“On the Radio”
“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”
“There Goes My Baby”
27) Donny Hathaway (1945-1979): Conversant in multiple musical approaches Hathaway excelled as a studio musician and arranger before venturing into a full-time vocal career. Through a series of meticulously arranged, highly eclectic solo albums, and classic duets with Roberta Flack, he emerged as one of the architects of the experimental, album-oriented soul music of the 1970s. Though he wrote originals such as the epic “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and the classic “This Christmas” he sang with such conviction that many assumed he wrote “A Song for You” and “Giving Up.” It’s understandable—his versions are definitive.
“Giving Up”
“A Song for You”
“What’s Goin’ On” (Live)
“Someday We’ll all Be Free”
“I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”
28) Dusty Springfield (1939-1999): Springfield was both an extraordinary interpreter of epic ballads and a master of slow burn ballads. After a stint in folk music she embraced girl group inspired pop, ornate ballads, and R&B. Her most celebrated work includes classics like “The Look of Love,” “You Don’t Have to Say you Love Me” and “Son of a Preacher Man” and more modern songs like her guest vocal on Pet Shop Boys’s “What Have I Done to Deserve This.
“I Only Wanna Be with You”
“I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself”
“The Look of Love”
“Where Am I Going”
“Breakfast in Bed”
29) Eddie Levert (b. 1942) (The O’Jays): The gorgeously urgent music of the O’Jays was one of the defining sounds of Philly Soul and one of the main ingredients of their success was the soulful voice of Eddie Levert. His voice, in harmony with Walter Williams and William Powell, helped the group capture the dark mood of the era on haunting funk anthems “Back Stabbers” and “For the Love of Money.” Levert’s voice also soared on the hopeful “Love Train” and intimate hits like “I Love Music” and “Use ta Be My Girl.” The power of Levert’s voice has inspired many singers to cover their catalog, and influenced a range of crooners including New Jack swing singers like Levert’s son Gerald and Johnny Gill.
“Back Stabbers”
“For the Love of Money”
“Love Train”
“I Love Music (Part 1)”
“Use ta Be My Girl”
30) Elvis Presley (1935-1977): Growing up in Tupelo Mississippi Elvis Presley loved listening to the radio. After a few attempts to launch himself as a singer he synthesized elements of pop crooning, country, gospel, and R&B, into a style marketed as “rock ‘n ‘roll” that caught the music industry’s attention. Under the guidance of manager Colonel Tom Parker, he signed a lucrative contract with RCA that capitalized on his passionate live performing style and unique look, making him a global phenomenon especially among teenagers. Presley’s creamy vocal texture was largely inspired by R&B crooners like Clyde McPhatter, Roy Hamilton, and Jackie Wilson, as was his dramatic approach to phrasing and lyrics. Though his interpretive approach was often less compelling than the originals he was a credible voice on rockabilly, and a faithful interpreter of gospel and country tunes. Though his career was often unfocused and uninspired his prime material inspired generations of musicians to pick up an instrument and become rockers.
“That’s All Right”
“Blue Suede Shoes”
“All Shook Up”
“Viva Las Vegas”
“Suspicious Minds”
31) Emmylou Harris (b. 1947): After launching her careers as a folk singer, Harris’s country-rock collaborations with Gram Parsons inspired her to become a dedicated student of country music’s past. Harris, who sings in a sweet and sour crystalline voice and thrives at harmony singing, advanced a new wave of rootsy, Americana style albums that fused traditional country, rock, folk, and R&B into a thrilling new sound. Harris’s stylistic synthesis expanded country’s boundaries and made her one of its premier interpreters.
“Luxury Liner”
“If I Could Only Win Your Love”
“Together Again”
“Wayfaring Stranger”
“You Don’t Know Me”
32) Etta James (1938-2012): An early pioneer of R&B James is best known for her prowess with the blues. Possessing an impressive gospel informed technique and a distinct texture she scored hits at Chess Records with “I Just Wanna Make Love to You,” “Trust in Me,” “Tell Mama,” and the immortal standard “At Last.” Later in her career her Grammy winning sets Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday (1994) and Blues to the Bone (2004) proved she remained a force four decades into her career and beyond.
“Good Rockin’ Daddy”
“At Last”
“I Just Want to Make Love to You”
“Don’t Explain”
“Got My Mojo Working”
33) Freddie Mercury (1946-1992): As lead singer of Queen, Mercury’s vocal grandeur brought rock to a new pinnacle of theatricality. His full-throated approach was delightfully bombastic (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), convincingly tender (“Somebody to Love”), and surprisingly versatile. In the 1980s he applied the same force to neo-rockabilly, percolating new wave, and the operatic “Barcelona,” (sung with Montserrat Caballé). Mercury’s catalog remains a staple for aspiring singers and has translated into the jukebox musical We Will Rock You and fueled Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning performance as Mercury.
“We Are the Champions”
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Somebody to Love”
“I Want to Break Free”
“The Great Pretender”
34) George Jones (1931-2013): Known affectionately as “The Possum” Jones is regarded by his peers as one of its greatest vocalists. Inspired by honky-tonk, gospel, and pop styles, he emerged as an important artist on 1959’s “White Lightning” and never looked back. His steady approach to melody and incisive readings of lyrics make him on of popular music’s finest interpreters. Though his career was rocked by scandals related to his volatile marriage to country singer Tammy Wynette and many struggles with addiction that nearly derailed his career, at his best he is a deeply affecting artist. In the same way that artists like Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin influenced whole subgenres it is arguable that most country singers have cited Jones, and/or his songs, as significant influences.
“Why Baby Why”
“She Thinks I Still Care”
“The Grand tour”
“He Stopped Loving Her Today”
“Choices”
35) George Michael (1963-2016): George Michael proved her could write trendy commercial hits in Wham! with ease. Going solo on ballads like “Careless Whisper” and “A Different Corner,” and 1987’s classic Faith he demonstrated a firm mastery of song styles including rockabilly, soulful ballads, and dance pop. Building from the richness of influences like Stevie Wonder and The Beatles he emerged as one of the most gifted melodists and vocalists of his generation.
“Careless Whisper”
“Faith”
“Kissing a Fool”
“One More Try”
“Cowboys and Angels”
36) Gladys Knight (b. 1944): As one of the four featured vocalists on 1986’s “That’s What Friends are For” the moment Knight enters her impassioned phrasing pushes a pleasant ballad into a bonafide soul classic. Previously she worked the same magic as lead singer of the Pips which first hit with 1961’s “Every Beat of My Heart.” At Motown and Buddah the Knight and the Pips illustrated multiple facets of soul on classics like “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).”
“Giving Up”
“I Heard it Through the Grapevine”
“Help Me Make it Through the Night”
“Midnight Train to Georgia”
“That’s What Friends are For”
37) Howlin’ Wolf (1910-1976): Howlin’ Wolf has a vocal grain that sizzles and often soars into a powerful vocal squall heard among many of popular music’s greatest voices including Bobby “Blue” Bland, Koko Taylor, Bobby Womack, and a host of British rockers entranced by American blues singers. Deeply steeped in the Mississippi blues, where he was trained by Charley Patton, he recorded for Chess and RPM simultaneously (the source of a famous lawsuit) before moving to Chicago and focusing on Chess. There recorded exciting electric blues, boogie-woogie, and R&B tunes many of which shaped what became rock ‘n’ roll. Rockers and blues musicians are still catching up with the singer, guitarist, and performer.
“How Many More Years”
“Moanin at Moonlight”
“Smokestack Lightnin’”
“Spoonful”
“The Red Rooster”
38) Irma Thomas (b. 1941): The Soul Queen of New Orleans has been a regional staple since the late 1950s giving voice to the songs of some of New Orleans’s finest composers including Allen Toussaint and Randy Newman. Thomas’s warm tone and gospel inspired phrasing made instant classics of signatures like “It’s Raining,” “Time is On my Side” and her original composition “Wish Someone Would Care.” After some a fallow period in the 1970s she found her footing in the blues and roots circuit thanks to a series of acclaimed recordings at Rounder Records most notably 1991’s Live: Simply the Best. Etta James, The Rolling Stones, Lou Ann Barton, and Linda Ronstadt are among those who have covered songs from her repertoire.
“It’s Raining”
“Ruler of My Heart”
“Wish Someone Would Care”
“Time is On My Side”
“I Needed Somebody” (Live)
39) Jackie Wilson (1934-1984): Wilson, known as “Mr. Excitement,” was the most dynamic performer of his generation. From his outsized operatic voice to his dazzling choreography to his ability to sing anything and everything, he was a man without limits. A stroke ended his career permanently but his legacy has shaped countless performers including Elvis, James Brown, and Otis Redding, among others, and his hits continued to be covered.
“To Be Loved”
“Lonely Teardrops”
“I’ll Be Satisfied”
“Baby Workout”
“(You Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher”
40) James Brown (1933-2006): James Brown’s signature repertoire of wails, riffs, sighs, and grunts is one of the most identifiable sounds in popular music’s aural repository. His voice, which he employed initially in a crooning style, is one of the most vital percussive instruments in pop. One that has provided shape and momentum to foundational funk classics (“I Got the Feelin’”), stirring cultural anthems (“Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”) and soulful ballads (“It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”). Brown’s impassioned vocal style sits comfortably beside the voices of Clyde McPhatter, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin, for pioneering the bridging of gospel techniques to secular music.
“Try Me”
“I Got You (I Feel Good)”
“It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”
“I Got the Feelin’”
“Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine”
41) Janis Joplin (1943-1971): Joplin’s explosive performance at 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival as lead singer of Big Brother & Holding Company made her an instant icon of psychedelic rock as did her raw recordings of “Summertime” and “Piece of My Heart.” As a solo artist she showed creative promise beyond psychedelia interpreting blues standards and pop tunes with an intensity inspired by idols like Big Mama Thornton and Bessie Smith. At the time of her premature death she from an overdose in 1971 was at the dawn of releasing her most accomplished work Pearl which featured classics like “Mercedes Benz” and her finest performance on Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee.” Despite only four years of national fame her powerful vocal approach informs rock singing to this day and has spawned reissues of her recordings, musicals, and a documentary film.
“Piece of my Heart”
“Summertime”
“Maybe”
“Ball and Chain”
“Me and Bobby McGee”
42) Joan Baez (b. 1941): Baez’s unmistakably lovely and powerful soprano defined the youthful folk revolution of the mid-1960s, including popularizing “We Shall Overcome” among other folk melodies. She remained a devotee of Leftist causes in the 1970s, and expanded her career as an interpreter of some of the finer popular songs of her time from her sister Mimi Fariña, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Gram Parsons and John Prine, as well as originals. Baez’s fusion of musicianship and social convictions continue to inspire generations of folk musicians.
“We Shall Overcome”
“There But for Fortune”
“Love is Just a Four Letter Word”
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”
“Diamonds and Rust”
43) John Fogerty (1945): Writer, bandleader, and singer extraordinaire, Fogerty is a Berkeley born vocalist who launched a career in the Southern flavored “swamp rock” sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). Alongside rousing songs like “Born on the Bayou,” and fun rollicking songs like “Down on the Corner” and “Proud Mary” he managed to infuse introspection into rock on topical songs like “Fortunate Son” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” He maintained this passionate, dignified style when he left CCR and launched a well-respected solo career.
“Proud Mary”
“Born on the Bayou”
“Fortunate Son”
“Who’ll Stop the Rain”
“The Old Man Down the Road”
44) Joni Mitchell (b. 1943): Joni Mitchell’s appealingly dulcet vocal tone is integral to the way her original songs pervaded popular music, through her recordings and covers, beginning in the mid-1960s. No matter how often other singers interpret “Both Sides Now,” “Woodstock,” “River,” and “Big Yellow Taxi” her originals remain definitive. The combination of her intimate lyricism and sincere delivery have made her one of the cornerstone voices of how audiences define “singer-songwriter music.”
“Both Sides Now”
“Big Yellow Taxi”
“You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio”
“Help Me”
“Black Crow”
45) Judy Collins (b. 1939): Collins forged the “art song” interpreter archetype in rock era pop music by fusing the bel canto refinement of classical singing with the intimate lyricism of classic folk melodies and songs by contemporary songwriters inspired by folk such as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Wendy Waldman. Like generations of popular singers before her she also drew from the work of musical theater composers and popular standards. The resulting recordings showcased an adventurous sense of repertoire conveyed grounded in the purity of her voice and a keen interpretive sensitivity. Jennifer Warnes, Linda Ronstadt, Roberta Flack, Emmylou Harris, and Nancy Griffiths reflect her refined approach to interpretation.
“Suzanne”
“Both Sides Now”
“Since You Asked”
“Amazing Grace”
“Send in the Clowns”
46) k. d. lang (b. 1961): Some encountered lang as a cowpunk, some as an emotive country stylist, and others as an adult contemporary maven. In any of these guises the throbbing power of her voice and her stunning lyrical conviction captivates listeners through sheer momentum. Since crossing over with Ingenue she has continued to challenge herself by placing her voice in a variety of settings including sleek pop, orchestral arrangements, and rock and folk leaning settings.
“Pullin’ Back the Reins”
“Constant Craving”
“So in Love”
“Crying” (live)
“Hallelujah”
47) Laura Nyro (1947-1997): Soulful, mercurial, and thoroughly unique Nyro was one of the most original singer-songwriters to emerge in the 1960s. Though she is best known for songs that became hits for the Fifth Dimension, Three Dog Night, and Barbra Streisand, she was a formidable vocalist. Inspired by doo-wop, gospel, and soul, she is the finest interpreter of her music capable of soaring from eerily quiet crooning to almost volcanic wails of passion. The way she freed herself from the contained sound of 60s vocal pop informs the rippling sound of Kate Bush, Rickie Lee Jones, PJ Harvey, and Tori Amos among others. In her later recordings she adapted a mellower but still beautiful and distinctive crooning sound heard to great effect on her final recording Angel in the Dark released in 2001.
“And When I Die”
“I Never Meant to Hurt You”
“Stoned Soul Picnic”
“Emmie”
“Save the Country”
48) Levi Stubbs (1936-2008) (The Four Tops): Has there ever been a more reassuring, comforting vocalist than the always reliable Lev Stubbs, lead singer of The Four Tops? When he sings that he loves you, you believe it. When he assures you he’s there for you, you can trust him. One of the most potent and refined baritones in pop Stubb helped the Tops become one of Motown’s most consistent and reliable singles machines especially during their 1964-72 period when they scored 18 top 40 hits including two #1 pop and R&B hits “I Can’t Help Myself” and the epic “Reach Out.”
“Baby, I Need Your Loving”
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)”
“Reach Out, I’ll Be There”
“Standing in the Shadows of Love”
“Bernadette”
49) Linda Ronstadt (b. 1946): As the 2019 documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice documented Linda Ronstadt is unequaled in her commitment to understanding a range of popular music styles. A country-rock sound gained her fame but her forays into operetta, popular American standards, contemporary folk and country, Mexican folk music, and different Latin American styles showcased her willingness to take risks. An influence in pop, country, and folk interpretation she is singular in her achievements.
“Blue Bayou”
“La Cigarra”
“When You Wish Upon a Star”
“Still Within the Sound of My Voice”
“Heartbeats Accelerating”
50) Luther Vandross (1951-2005): Vandross was nicknamed “the Pavarotti of Pop” for good reason: the power, clarity, and texture of his voice is unmistakable. As a songwriter and interpreter, he was a leading light of what Nelson George terms “retro-neuvo soul.” A crooner for the ages he performed some of the most elegant, sensuous music to emerge since the 1980s ranging from his funky original “Never too Much” to the sublime “Superstar/Until You Come Back to Me” to his final major hit “Dance with My Father.”
“A House is Not a Home”
“Superstar/Until You Come Back to Me”
“Creepin’”
“Here and Now”
“Stop to Love”
51) Mariah Carey (b. 1970): “Vision of Love” instantly established Mariah Carey as a fresh and formidable new voice of the 1990s and she has never looked back. After excelling at pop-soul for years she integrated elements of hip-hop into her sound and modernized the sound of pop divadom. As a songwriter, producer, and arranger she has continually found creative ways to put her multi-octave voice, with its sumptuous and resonant bottom and operatic top notes, in its best light. She faced an inevitable generation gap head-on in the 2000s with triumphs like “We Belong Together” and “Touch My Body,” her acclaimed 2018 album Caution, and the ongoing popularity of her original holiday standard “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Adele, and Ariana Grande have all recognized Carey as an influence.
“Vanishing”
“If It’s Over” (Live)
“All I Want for Christmas is You”
“Fantasy”
“We Belong Together”
52) Marvin Gaye (1939-1984): Like his idols Nat “King” Cole and Frank Sinatra, suavity is the hallmark of Gaye’s finest recordings. Beginning as a crooner at Motown, as well as a drummer and songwriter, he became one of its premier hitmakers via mid-tempo R&B, romantic ballads, and his majestic duets with Tami Terrell. During the 1970s his innovative approach to vocal multi-tracking on songs like “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Got to Give It Up” gave his voice a timbral grandeur echoed in the music of Prince, D’Angelo, and Maxwell. His vocal texture and phrasing remain hallmarks for aspiring contemporary crooners.
“Pride and Joy”
“How Sweet It Is (To be Loved by You)”
“I Heard it Though the Grapevine”
“Trouble Man”
“After the Dance”
53) Mavis Staples (b. 1939): Mavis Staples’s lusty asides in The Staple Singers’s classic “I’ll Take You There” is one of the most seductive sounds in pop music. In this anthem of optimism her sense of divine hope takes on a profoundly sensual texture characteristic of the spiritual ecstasy associated with gospel. As the lead voice of the family group the Staple Singers, and as a solo artist, Staples voice has conveyed an emotional urgency virtually unmatched in pop music. Her collaborators have included Bob Dylan, Prince and Jeff Tweedy. Over five decades she has brought her signature intensity to everything she sings whether its gospel hymns or contemporary folk.
“Respect Yourself”
“I’ll Take You There”
“If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)”
“We’ll Never Turn Back”
“You Are Not Alone”
54) Michael Jackson (1958-2009): Child prodigy, maturing crooner, global pop phenomenon, and fallen star are among the identities Michael Jackson inhabited as breakout singer of the Jackson Five and then as a solo artist. His voice, a lithe instrument full of color, was shaped by techniques he adapted from the great performers who preceded him, including pre-rock crooners like Sammy Davis Jr. and Fred Astaire, and soul singers like Jackie Wilson and James Brown. His fruitful partnership with producer Quincy Jones on 1979’s Off the Wall, 1982’s Thriller, and 1987’s Bad made him the most prominent and accomplished black male solo singer popular music had ever known. El DeBarge, Usher, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars are all children of Jackson’s epic approach to singing and performing.
“Never Can Say Goodbye”
“I Can’t Help It”
“Human Nature”
“Billie Jean”
“Man in the Mirror”
55) Michael McDonald (b. 1952): Mixing the huskiness of Bill Medley, the sweetness of Smokey Robinson, and inflections steeped gospel and R&B McDonald is an iconic voice of post-1970s pop. Beloved by pop, rock, and R&B fans he first emerged as lead singer of The Doobie Brothers and excelled as a soloist, background vocalist and duet partner. He has harmonized with Aretha Franklin, James Ingram, Julia Fordham, Nicolette Larson, Patti LaBelle, and Phoebe Snow, and sang on everything from the South Park: Bigger Longer Uncut soundtrack to The Songs of Westside Story.
“You Belong to Me” (The Doobie Brothers)
“What a Fool Believes” (The Doobie Brothers)
“I Keep Forgettin”
“No Lookin’ Back”
“On My Own” (with Patti LaBelle)
56) Minnie Riperton (1947-1979): Though best known for her operatic flights on 1975’s “Lovin’ You” Riperton there was more to her than her biggest hit. After singing the soul-psychedelia group Rotary Connection Riperton went solo, and her secret weapon was her ability to soar into her operatically trained soprano range. Her sensuous vocal texture and ethereal flourishes made her a pioneer of the 1970s soft soul sound, and has inspired the sound and texture of various artists including Mariah Carey, Jill Scott, and Julia Fordham, as well as the neo-soul genre.
“Lovin’ You”
“Perfect Angel”
“Inside My Love”
“Memory Lane”
“Woman of Heart and Mind”
57) Nina Simone (1933-2003): The “High Priestess of Soul” was a classically trained pianist who expanded her nightclub “act” to include singing out of necessity. The result of this happy accident is a truly singular voice: clear, strong, playful (occasionally), and authoritative. During her tenures at Bethlehem, Colpix, Phillips, and RCA she recorded her most enduring music—a formidable mix of standards, blues, hymns, R&B, folk songs, and rock songs, recorded in her inimitable style. The tongue in cheek diva of “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is just as convincing as the activist who sang “Mississippi Goddam.” Simone’s uniqueness and versatility has inspired legion of artists to explore her repertoire and approach from “Love Me or Leave Me” to “Feeling Good.”
“I Loves You Porgy”
“My Baby Just Cares for Me”
“Mississippi Goddam”
“I Put a Spell on You”
“I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free”
58) Odetta (1930-2008): Odetta Gordon studied piano and opera in her youth but was ultimately drawn to perform folk songs, blues, work songs, and hymns in the public domain. In the mid-1950s she recorded a series of influential albums at Vanguard Records that made her a leader of the era’s folk revival of the era. Her rich, voluminous voice and steadfast conviction inspired generations of younger singers and writers to explore folk styles, including Harry Belafonte, Bernice Johnson Reagon, who founded Sweet Honey in the Rock, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Carly Simon, Joan Armatrading, and Tracy Chapman connect their music to social justice. Her music and career have inspired tribute concerts, tribute albums, and a dance suite choreographed by Matthew Rushing.
“Freedom Trilogy: Oh Freedom/ Come and Go with Me/ I'm on My Way"
“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
“This Land”
“If I Had a Hammer”
“No More Auction Block”
59) Otis Redding (1941-1967): Redding’s gravelly tone, emphatic phrasing, and sense of humor made him the icon of the Stax sound of the mid to late 1960s. Influenced by Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Solomon Burke, he knew how to build a song dramatically (“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”), how to collaborate (“Tramp” with Carla Thomas), and how to croon (“Try a Little Tenderness”). Dead at only 26 from a fatal crash his most enduring song is the posthumously released folk-soul masterpiece “(Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay.” Al Green, Rod Stewart, and virtually all southern soul singers cite Redding as an inspiration.
“These Arms of Mine”
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”
“I Can’t Turn You Loose”
“Try a Little Tenderness”
“(Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay”
60) Pat Benatar (b. 1953): She began her career studying opera but preferred roaring guitars to Puccini. Benatar’s throaty vocal sound made her a mainstay of 1980s radio as she powered through anthems like “Heartbreaker,” “Love is a Battlefield,” and “All Fired Up.” Whereas many listeners associated women in rock in the context of groups, like Fleetwood Mac and The Pretenders, Benatar was one of the first solo female rockers. From 1981-84 she won four consecutive Grammys for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, and clearing a path in rock for future powerhouses like Melissa Etheridge and P!nk.
“Heartbreaker”
“We Live for Love”
“Hit Me with Your Best Shot”
“We Belong”
“True Love”
61) Patsy Cline (1932-1963): The pioneering voice of producer Owen Bradley’s lush “countrypolitan” sound Cline began as a honky tonker but her beautiful tone production shone brightest on aching ballads like “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” and “Leavin’ on Your Mind.” Cline also excelled on standards like Irving Berlin’s “Always” and country fare like “Lovesick Blues” making her one of the genre’s greatest vocal ambassadors. Despite a brief run of hits from 1957-63 (she died in a plane crash) her repertoire and style have continually informed a wider range of vocalists than perhaps any other country vocalist.
“Walkin’ After Midnight”
“I Fall to Pieces”
“Crazy”
“She’s Got You”
“Leavin’ on Your Mind”
62) Patti LaBelle (b. 1944): Philadelphia native Patti LaBelle rocked audiences with her beautiful soaring renditions of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Over the Rainbow” as lead singer of Patti Labelle and the Bluebells which included Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash. Rechristened as LaBelle in 1971 the group embraced a mix of funk, soul, and rock elements epitomized by the chart topper “Lady Marmalade.” Once she transitioned to a solo career she was even freer to unleash the glorious power, range, and color of her voice on everything from ballads to dance pop to gospel, and beyond. She is renowned as one of the most dynamic and charismatic live performers of our time.
“Over the Rainbow”
“You Are My Friend”
“If Only You Knew”
“If You Asked Me To”
“Crazy Love”
63) Phillip Bailey (b. 1951) (Earth, Wind, & Fire)-Bailey’s supple falsetto is one of the sweetest sounds in American funk. On both emotive ballads like “Reasons” and joyful anthems like “September” the fullness of his range shines though. Influenced by gospel, R&B, and prominent female jazz vocalists Bailey has also released solo albums that showcase his voice.
“Keep Your Head to the Sky”
“Fantasy”
“Reasons”
“September”
“Sing a Song”
Wynne is seated at the center and Smith is standing up in the second row at left.
64) Phillip Wynne (1941-1984) and Bobby Smith (1936-2013) (The Spinners): The most consistent and enduring vocal group of the Philadelphia soul sound was The Spinners. After mostly floundering at Motown they signed with Atlantic and the combination of producer Thom Bell’s innovative arrangements, a stellar selection of original songs, often co-written by Bell and Linda Creed, and the vocal blend of the soulful Bobby smith, who had co-founded the group with the addition of soul virtuoso Phillip Wynne made them the premier group of the decade. Wynne’s clear voice, graceful approach to melody, and clever improvisations made “One of a Kind (Love Affair),” “Sadie,” and “Rubberband Man” some of the most unique and influential songs of the genre. Similarly, Smith's leads on I’ll Be Around and “Could It Be i’m Falling in Love” made them a radio mainstay for pop and soul fans, and critics.
“I’ll Be Around”
“Could It Be I’m Falling in Love”
“One of a Kind (Love Affair)”
“Ghetto Child”
“Sadie”
65) Phoebe Snow (b. 1950-2011): Arguably the best pure vocalist to emerge from the 1970s singer-songwriter era Snow’s fluid sound is one of the most distinctive of her generation. Whether singing idiosyncratic originals like “Poetry Man” and “Harpo’s Blues” or interpreting fare ranging from “There’s a Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon” (from Porgy & Bess) to Paul McCartney’s “Every Night” she is always in full command of her instrument. It’s no wonder Paul Simon, Bobby McFerrin, Lou Rawls, and a host of singing ensembles invited Snow to harmonize with them over the course of her almost 35-year recording career.
“Poetry Man”
“Two Fisted Love”
“Garden of Joy Blues”
“His Eye is on the Sparrow”
“If I Can Just Get Through the Night” (Live)
66) Prince (1958-2016): Few artists have embraced, mastered, and contributed to as wide a range of musical influences as Prince. Though he was not trained formally he was a vigilant student of Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Joni Mitchell, as well as 1960s rock, Philadelphia Soul, funk, and disco. Listening to his music its clear his aim was to create something new rather than merely mimic his influences. The resulting synthesis produced some of the definitive masterpieces of the era including “1999,” “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss,” and “Diamonds and Pearls.” Soul man, rock star, funk master, and crooner Prince’s voice was a supple kaleidoscope of textures and colors unbound by genre.
“Controversy”
“When Doves Cry”
“Kiss”
“Adore”
“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”
67) Ray Charles (1930-2004): Inspired by gospel, blues, big band jazz, and country music Charles became one of popular music’s greatest visionaries. By fusing elements of these styles into a unique approach he pioneered the notion of “soul” music, a secular adaptation of gospel techniques at Atlantic Records in the 1950s. Switching over to ABC-Paramount in 1960 he became a major albums artist highlighted by his original approach to country music on his chart-topping Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music albums. By the 1970s he was a highly accomplished statesman (9 Grammys, 10 #1 R&B hits, 3 #1 pop hits) and continued to dazzle with everything from his majestic 1976 version of “America the Beautiful” to 1989’s sizzling duet with Chaka Khan on “I’ll Be Good to You.” A pervasive influence on multiple genres his impact on singing and songwriting can be heard in many corners of popular music. Performers as disparate as Bobby Darin, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Horn, and Roseanna Vitro have recorded tributes to his artistry.
“I Got a Woman”
“What I’d Say”
“Georgia on my Mind”
“Hit the Road Jack”
“You Are My Sunshine”
68) Roberta Flack (b. 1939): Soulful expression comes in many forms and Flack’s hushed, elegant approach was a fresh approach. Classically trained on piano Flack drew from folk music, showtunes, contemporary singer songwriter pop, and standards, and the space of the LP to create soul epics including her chart-topping Grammy-winning “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Her album-oriented approach to soul expanded the boundaries of R & B in 1970s, alongside Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, and her frequent duet partner Donny Hathaway, and influenced other soft soul singers.
“Hey That’s No Way to Say Goodbye”
“Killing Me Softly”
“After You”
“Oasis”
“You Know What It’s Like”
69) Ronald Isley (b. 1941): Among R&B vocal groups the Isley Brothers, fronted by what Rolling Stone called “the raw, rangy tenor” of Ronald Isley, were the best fusers of soul music with guitar driven rock. Though they produced several classic hits early in their career including 1959’s “Shout Part 1 & 2” and 1966’s “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You),” their most enduring legacy came from their prolific run of hits at CBS/T-Neck during the 1970s onward. Both originals like the iconic jams “It’s Your Thing,” “That Lady,” and “For the Love of You,” and their funky covers of pop tunes like “Summer Breeze” and “Love the One You’re With” demonstrated their immense range. The Isleys remained icons of R &B well into the 2000s on hits like “Down Low” and “Contagious,” and Ronald’s solo albums.
“Shout”
“This Old Heart of Mine”
“That Lady”
“For the Love of You”
“Between the Sheets”
70) Roy Orbison (1936-1988): Orbison’s exquisite tremolo, powerful belt, and penchant for haunting themes made him one of rock’s most distinctive and powerful stylists. His contributions to songwriting include classics such as “Crying,” “In Dreams,” and “Pretty Woman” but, arguably, his voice has made the most indelible mark. After soaring from the late 1950s-mid-1960s he experienced a major resurgence in the late 1980s toward the end of his life which reminded audiences how impactful he was and how successfully he maintained his talents.
“Only the Lonely”
“Running Scared”
“Crying”
“It’s Over”
“Oh, Pretty Woman”
71) Sam Cooke (1931-1964): Silken, elegant, soulful, and flexible Cooke translated his experiences as a gospel superstar in The Soul Stirrers to the secular field. A pioneer of soul music—as a vocalist, composer, and record label head—originals like “You Send Me,” “Bring it on Home to Me” and the posthumously released “A Change is Gonna Come” are monumental songs of their time that have inspired many interpretations. Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, and Aaron Neville are among the notables Cooke has inspired.
“You Send Me”
“You Were Made for Me”
“Wonderful World”
“Bring it on Home to Me”
“A Change is Gonna Come”
72) Sam Moore (b. 1935) & Dave Prater (1937-1988): Before Hall & Oates and K-Ci and Jojo there was Sam & Dave. In the span of three years (1965-68) Sam & Dave brought the soul duo sound to a new apex of intensity. Their hits at Stax/Atlantic, including “When Something is Wrong with My Baby” and “Soul Man,” blend a workman like professionalism with an inspired sound deeply rooted in gospel. The results are a string of highly influential original songs that have influenced soul singers and bar bands for generations.
“You Don’t Know Like I Know”
“Hold On, I’m Comin’”
“When Something is Wrong with My Baby”
“Soul Man”
“I Thank You”
73) Smokey Robinson (b. 1940): Robinson’s silky tenor defined the sound of young romance at Motown thanks to masterpieces of longing like “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Tracks of My Tears,” and “Ooh Baby Baby” recorded as lead singer of The Miracles. In the 1970s he pioneered a whole genre of music with 1975’s epic “Quiet Storm” and soldiered on as one of the era’s premier crooners on “Cruisin,’” “Being with You” “Just to See Her,” and “Everything You Touch.” His luscious songs and sumptuous phrasing have inspired many vocalists including covers by Aretha Franklin (“Tracks”), Linda Ronstadt (“Ooh”), Kim Carnes (“More Love”), and D’angelo (“Cruisin’”).
“Tracks of My Tears”
“Ooh Baby Baby”
“I Second that Emotion”
“Quiet Storm”
“Cruisin’”
74) Stevie Wonder (b. 1950): While commonly heralded for his songwriting and instrumental skills Stevie Wonder’s singing—soulful, effervescent, and forceful—is also core to his art. Though his original appear at Motown was due in part to being a promising musical prodigy he blossomed into a superb writer and interpreter for the ages. He’s earnest on message songs like Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” exuberantly funky on 1965’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” endearing on late 1960s ballads like “Hey Love,” “For Once in My Life,” and “My Cherie Amour.” In the 1970s when his songwriting continued maturing he pushed his voice even further including sultry funk (“Superstition,” “Living for the City”), reggae (“Boogie on Reggae Woman”), horn spiked swing (“Sir Duke”), and songs that defy category (“As”). His songs remain radio staples and he has earned acclaim well into the 2000s, receiving four of his 25 Grammies between 2003-07, and being inducted into the R&B, Songwriters, and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. Singers as varied as Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King have recorded his songs and legions of musicians have cited him as an influence ranging from George Benson to India.Arie.
“Hey Love”
“If You Really Love Me”
“Superstition”
“As”
“Lately”
75) Tanya Tucker (b. 1958): Whether you consider her a honky tonker, an outlaw, or just classic country the exquisitely sandpaper texture of Tanya Tucker’s voice is unmistakable. Through over almost five decades her gutsy unbridled style has been a staple of country music. Debuting as a 14-year vocal phenom on “Delta Dawn” her musical approach has matured alongside her personal growth and made her one of country’s most distinctive and influential vocalists.
“Delta Dawn”
“Not Fade Away”
“I’ll Come Back as Another Woman”
“Down to My Last Teardrop”
“Bring My Flowers Now”
76) Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010): Teddy Pendergrass’s baritone is an emphatic instrument of great flexibility. As lead singer of Philly Soul group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes he was capable of rallying listeners to empathize with social injustice (“Wake Up Everybody”), pour out their hearts in anguish (“The Love I Lost”), and, as a solo artist, whet their appetites for seduction (“Turn Off the Light”). Despite a paralyzing accident in 1982 he remained a highly regarded crooner of love songs until his death, forever associated with the Philadelphia Sound, disco, and some of pop’s most seductive love songs.
“If You Don’t Know Me by Now”
“The Love I Lost”
“Wake Up Everybody”
“Close the Door”
“Love T.K.O.”
“Joy”
77) Tina Turner (b. 1938): When Tina Turner wails “Wooah ooh/What’s love got to do/Got to do with it” in her signature rasp audiences can’t help but sing along. After two decades of being defined as the voice of the Ike Turner Revue, Turner left her troubled marriage, and remade herself into a global rock superstar. Her classic album Private Dancer, led by the Grammy winning “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”, redefined her as a major interpreter with plenty to say to modern audiences even at the age of 45. The album’s success gave her a worldwide forum to dazzle audiences with her powerful voice and stunning choreography.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It”
“Private Dancer”
“Let’s Stay Together”
“The Best”
“I Don’t Wanna Fight”
78) Tony Williams ((The Platters)-From 1953-60 the smooth, mellifluous tenor of Tony Williams helped The Platters emerge as vocal royalty. Despite the perceived tensions between pre-rock and rock styles the commercial success of the group’s luscious versions of “Only You,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “Harbor Lights” define the era as much as anything. The group created a blueprint many doo-wop groups followed in their wake but Williams’s voice is an icon of the vocal group field.
“Only You and You Alone”
“The Great Pretender”
“Twilight Time”
“Smoke Gets in your Eyes”
“Harbor Lights”
79) Van Morrison (b. 1945): Van Morrison’s thick, reed-like timbre, and gospel inspired phrasing is one of the most recognizable and iconic sounds in rock music. Informed by gospel, jazz, Celtic music, and R&B, among others his writing and singing has long transcended any discernible formula; he simply creates. His most popular songs, “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance” and “Crazy Love,” are well regarded and oft covered, but his actual range as a writer and singer goes beyond them. Morrison is as likely to interpret popular American standards with top tier musicians as he is to compose. In all of his iterations he has made an unmistakable mark.
“Moondance”
“Crazy Love”
“Wild Night”
“Tupelo Honey”
“Have I Told You Lately”
80) Whitney Houston (1963-2012): The silky texture, elegant phrasing, and powerful belting of Whitney Houston made her the most exciting vocal phenomenon of the 1980s. After a succession of pop hits in dance and ballad styles she achieved her greatest commercial triumph with the epic performances from 1993’s The Bodyguard soundtrack highlighted by her stunning performance of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” In addition to soundtracks Houston branched into hip-hop soul remaining conversant with modern styles, and highly beloved until her untimely death from years of struggle with addiction.
“You Give Good Love”
“Saving All My Love”
“I Will Always Love You”
“I Believe in You and Me”
“It’s Not Right But it’s Okay”
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