1200-1176 - Great Vocals
1200. FROM THIS MOMENT ON (1997)
Vocalist: Shania Twain
Writer/Composer: Shania Twain / Robert “Mutt” Lange (1997)
She filled stadiums and sold out concert venues as perhaps no other female Country singer in the late 1990s through the 2000s. She sold over a 100 million records and albums, and her live performances were full of showmanship, daring and her glorious, powerful vocals—in short, she was one of the most popular female artists of the new 21st Century. Why? Many of her fans embraced her beautiful, fresh looks, especially Country / Pop / Folk and Holiday Audiences. She, much like Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift, brought glamour to Country Sounds. Her big hits include You’re Still the One, Any Man of Mine and That Don’t Impress Me Much. Shania’s health challenges aside, her 2nd song listed is more like Country Pop. Her soprano 2+ octaves vocals are amazing…Beloved and Captivating!
Link #1 Original recording 1997. Link #2 Live performance in Chicago 2003.
1199. DEEDLES’ BLUES (LIVE) (1987)
Vocalist: Diane Schuur / The Count Basie Orch.
Writer/Composer: Diane Schuur (1987)
Diane Schuur’s blindness was never considered a personal handicap—she turned it into triumph! This American Jazz singer / songwriter / pianist has a remarkable 3+5 octave, soprano voice that was so agile, so commanding, she was in demand constantly. Blessed with perfect pitch and a wide vocal range, she has recorded with numerous artists in studio, live, even performing at the Lincoln, Center. She’s been recording and performing over 40 years since the early 1980s until around 2020, For “Deedles,” her 2nd listed song is a composition she wrote that won a Grammy in 1988, with Count Basie’s stellar arrangement. Her vocal clarity is wonderfully phenomenal, (Listen to Louisiana Sunday Afternoon) She is truly one of the greatest of contemporary Jazz singers of the last half century…Simply Magnificent!
Link #1 Original recording 1987. Link #2 Live performance in Seattle 2005.
1198. CRY TO ME (1962)
Vocalist: Solomon Burke (& Chorus)
Writer/Composer: Bert Berns (Russell) (1961)
It was an amazing time in music history when someone comes along who,s truly unique, combining R&B / Country / Blues / Rock and Gospel. This was such a time in the 1960s when this sort of Blues was searching for itself, and Burke helped find its footing. In a career spanning over 55 years, Burke released 38 studio album, had 31 singles that charted on the Billboard Hot 100, won a Grammy, and built a loyal fan base. Known for his gritty, instantly recognizable, baritone to falsetto, “that bristled with fire and brimstone.” Example near the song’s conclusion; “When you’re waiting for a voice to come / In the night, but there’s no one / A-don’t you feel like cryin’ (Cry to me) / Don’t you feel like CRYIN’?” Perhaps no one in R&B music expressed the desperation of sadness and loneliness any better…Electrifying!
Link - Original recording 1962.
1197. TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS (1934)
Vocalist: Sons of the Pioneers (featuring Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers) Bob Nolan & Tim Spencer)
Writer/Composer: Bob Nolan (Poem to song -1929-1934)
This Western song listed was a remarkable recording that really had great influence on Pop Culture in the 1930s, and into the 1950s. We list it as a Pop song because of its enormous acceptance / popularity, in that era, (even Bing Crosby) because there were no reliable Country charts yet to rank sales, radio play or influence in the music world. This was a standout, exhibiting some of the smoothest, flowing harmonies of all the time. This American 6-man vocal dressed as cowboys and played their own instruments—and the rest is history. “See them tumbling down / Pledging their love to the ground / Lonely but free I’ll be foun-ound / Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed.” The harmony was impeccable, the melody wass beautiful, even on a piano, and, well—It’s a Cowboy song!…Nostalgic, Epic and Exceptional!
Link #1 Original recording 1934.
1196. THAT’S AMORE “The Caddy” (1953)
Vocalist: Dean Martin (Dino Paul Crocetti) & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Harry Warren / Jack Brooks (1953
Delightful, beautiful, joyful, effervescent—could love really be this happy? It could, with Dean’s wonderful, life affirming song! This American singer / actor / film star / TV star’s, 5th listed song was his signature song until 1964’s Everybody Loves Somebody replaced it. The song (that’s love) places Italy as being, a place of wonderful romance, only 8 years after WWII ended, and it succeeds musically and with the help of a great chorus, an accordion, and ukelele. Dean’s voice is crystal-clear, festive happiness, embracing the epitome of love’s fulfillment. “When the moon hits your eye / Like a big pizza pie, that’s amore / When the world seems to shine / Like you’ve had too much wine, that’s amore.” It’s hard to imagine anyone else singing this but Dino’s charming, elegant, baritone vibrato…Lofty & Luminous!
Link #1 Original recording 1953. Link #2 Live performance the Dean Martin Show 1965.
1195. WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE (1987)
Vocalist: Bon Jovi (Jon)
Writer/Composer: Jon Bon Jovi / Ritchie Sambora (1986)
From the beginning of Ritchie Sambora’s iconic, acoustic guitar’s hook, he wins us over as a renegade outlaw. This American 5-piece Glam Rock “Big Hair” band carved a lasting niche in the Rock / Pop musical landscape of the 1980s, extending their fame well into the 2010s. They held hundreds of concerts, sold over 130 million records and albums, becoming one of the most successful Rock / Pop groups in history, also appealing to Country / Metal and Blues. This power ballad from the album Slippery When Wet, exhibits Jon Bon Jovi’s hardcore, raspy, powerful anthems, and his distinct hallmark sound contributing to the song’s success. Other signature hits include Living on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name and I’ll Be There for You. From 1983 on, they rock!…Mesmerizing and Melancholy!
Link #1 Original recording and video 1987. Live performance on Letterman 2012.
1194. THEME FROM HARRY’S GAME (1982)
Vocalist: Clannad (lead singer Maire (Moya) Brennan)
Writer/Composer: Paul Brennan / Ciaran Brennan (1982)
From Ireland again comes Clannad, mostly composed by the gifted Brennans, with their 3rd entry on our list. This Celtic / New Age classic was a huge hit in he U.K., and it speaks to a musical sound unlike any other. Maire’s ethereal sound is mystifying, and she make this piece her own with her lush lyrical sound and exceptionally beautiful voice. She delivers this Folk number this time in Gaelic / Irish since this was the theme for an Irish TV series, instead of the Scottish suggestion by the series producer. Jaw-Dropping in its beauty and greatly respected during their 1970s / 2010ss career, they simply play and master instruments that are complex and unique, as they have here. Her mezzo-soprano vocals are haunting, clear and breathy…Simply Stunning and Rapturous!
Link - Official Music video, clips from the TV series 1982.
1193. ALL AROUND THE WORLD (1989)
Vocalist: Lisa Stansfield
Writer/Composer: Lisa Stansfield / Ian Devaney / Andy Morris (1989)
British singer / songwriter / actress Lisa Stansfield was one of the England’s great gifts to the world in the late 1980s through the 2000s and with her Award-winning R&B / Soul / Pop / Swing / Danceable hits in that era. This hit went international, along with her album Affection. Covering a wide range of musical styles, she is primarily known for her 4-octave soprano vocals with her delicate whispers to her surprising high notes, often compared to Annie Lennox and Anita Baker. Her voice is emotive, full of Soul with a distinct sound conveying sultriness and vulnerability. One music critic said her voice was like a suffocated flame—a very apt description. She is still active musically after 40 years, and this number has some of her best capabilities as an artist…Vivacious and full of High Voltage!
Link #1 Original recording and video 1989. Link #2 Live Performance, Manchester England 1989.
1192. BILL “Showboat” (1936)
Vocalist: Helen Morgan (Helen Riggin)
Writer/Composer: Jerome Kern / P.G. Wodehouse (1917) Oscar Hammerstein II (1927)
This “Golden Age” classic from the Musical Theater is now over a century old, enduring and seeming to never die—A scene from the 1936 film adaptation tells us why. Helen’s emotive soprano vocals show us how beautiful her voice was in the 1930s, and what a universally beloved singer she was, and her versatility in theater and movie songs made her a favorite of Florence Ziegfeld’s Follies. In the Depression era and during WWII, she was considered America’s quintisential Torch Singer, and was enormously popular from the mid-1920s through the 30s—she died in 1941 at 41 years of age. She was also a dancer and talented actress and appeared in many musicals. Her vocals shine here expressing nostalgia, sincerity and unrequited love in her signature song…Admirably Poignant!
Link - From the stage play comes this movie clip 1936.
1191. BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE “Because You’re Mine” (1952)
Vocalist: Mario Lanza) (Alfred Arnoldo Cocozza) / RCA Victor Symphony Orch. / Jeff Alexander Choir
Writer/Composer: Nicholas Brodsky / Sammy Cahn (1952)
The record spent a half year in Bill Board Pop top 40, performed and sung by Lanza in a comic, romantic film, in his beautiful, rich powerful Opera style—it was one of the best-selling records of the year! Perhaps by making films he chose the right vehicle to advance Classical Music and Opera to the masses worldwide. With his 3rd entry on our list, he displays a stunning control of his tenor vocals, not selling out as some have opined, but selling millions of records and theater tickets instead, while performing Pop standards…as they had never been presented before. He only made 4 films before dying at 38 years of life but at the end, he was the most famous tenor in the world. His singing is a wonderful experience…Simply Superlative!
Link #1 Original recording 1952. Link #2 Movie clip from Because Your Mine 1952.
1190. WHITE HORSE (Taylor’s Version) (2012)
Vocalist: Taylor Swift
Writer/Composer Taylor Swift (2008)
Perhaps now, as of this writing in 2025, she continues to be one of the most prolific singer / songwriter / instrumentalist / moviemakers, putting out albums almost every year, filling stadiums and concert venues, and selling millions of records and streams, making her one of the most popular singers in the world. This is a Country / Pop entry, her 2nd on our list, that comes from her album, Fearless, and on its release, she predominately appealed to Country and crossover Pop. She now has ventured into Folk / Synth Pop / and Dance music. Her 2+5 to 3 octave vocals are mostly in the light-lyric, breathy, soprano range, ideally for storytelling songs of youthful, fragile relationships of teenage angst, and/or female empowerment, anthemic tunes. Any way you slice it, she’s everywhere!…Cool & Celebrated!
Link #1 Original recording and video 2012) Link #2 Live performance at American Music Awards 2008.
1189. ALCOHOL (2005)
Vocalist: Brad Paisley
Writer/Composer: Bradley Paisley!
From his exceptional album, Time Well Wasted, comes this example of sardonic humor, this modern-day classic about the effects of alcohol by one of the premier, American singer / songwriter / guitarists of the 21st Century. With Brad’s 2nd listed song, he began in the late 1990s and has been non-stop in Country Music ever since, with at least 19 #1 singles on the Country charts. He fills stadiums, concert venues and sells millions of records. He tours with a 7-piece band (Drama Kings) and is known for his expressive, 2+5 octave, baritone vocals. Don’t you love his cleverness, “I can make anybody pretty / I can make you believe any lie / I can make you pick a fight / With somebody twice your size.” This is simply one of the century’s most well-written warnings…One of Country’s Greatest ‘Woe Is Me’ Songs!
Link #1 Official recording & music video 2005. Link #2 Live performance on Letterman 2005.
1188. SHE’S GONE (1976)
Vocalist: Hall & Oates (Daryl & John)
Writer/Composer: Daryl Hall / John Oates (1976)
This is the breakout song from this sensational duo who dominated the 1970s and 1980’s, becoming one of the most popular, best-selling vocal duos of all time, blending R#B / Soul / Rock and Pop. No American Rock duo ever catapulted to fame and consistently stayed there with hits form the mid-1970s until 1991. They had 6 #1 hits with 29 of their singles reaching the top 40. Most of their songs featured the lead “blue-eyed” Soul of Daryl Hall’s 3-octave, tenor voice, with falsetto, and note bending dynamics. They primarily used session musicians in their band—they were ubiquitous on radio play with hits such as I Can’t Go for That, You Make My Dreams (Come True) and Kiss on My List. Check out their harmony on this piece. “She’s go-nne! / What went wrong?” Stupendous, Seismically Shattering!
LInk #1 Original recording 1976. Link #2 Live performance 1976.
1187. SLOOP JOHN B (1968)
Vocalist: The Beach Boys (lead Brian Wilson / Mike Love)
Writer/Composer: Traditional Nassau, Bahamas Folk song (1916) / Adaptation by Brian Wilson (1966)
This astounding song from the stellar album, Pet Sounds, is now a classic, for its harmonic vocals to its amazing minimal instrumentation. It promptly went gold amidst the peak of the ‘British Invasion’ in music, firmly imbedding the Beach Boys as the American answer to the Beatles. Never has Folk / Rock sounded better, with their 4th entry on our list. In this offering Brian Wilson excelled in his production creativity, and consequently, the song soared. The unity of their voices is full of a cappella harmony, mirthful playfulness, and a stunning, joyful cross section of fear and anguish, having one message—they just wanna go home. “So hoist up the John B’s sail / See how the mainsail sets / Call for the captain ashore / Let me go home / I wanna go home.” A mixed message, with a Rousing Sing a-Long!
Link #1 Original recording in 1968. Link #2 Live in concert in 1968.
https://youtu.be/nSAoEf1Ib58?si=VMpyonc9IEpTmhrF
https://youtu.be/09dQmeB_NgU?si=dJyiKVTqf8UAn6I2
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1186. AMERICA “West Side Story” (1960)
Vocalist: Ensemble (lead female Rita Moreno / lead male George Chakiris)
Writer/Composer: Leonard Berstein / Stephan Sondheim (1957)
This production number which includes amazing choreography and superb group plus singular singing, is phenomenal in its presentation and performance. Both lead singers won Oscars for their roles, and this proves to be a stellar number known for its taunting of the Sharks against the Jets (the men against the women.) It was also excellent in Steven Spielberg’s remake in 2021. The lyrics are glorious and tantalizing. Example (Anita) “I like to be in America / O.K, by me in America / Everything free in America / For a small fee in America /// Buying on credit is so nice / One look at us and they charge twice / I’ll have my own washing machine / What will you have though, to keep clean?” No matter how many times you see the movie, you never tire of this extraordinary number…Tantalizing and Captivating!
Link - Movie Clip from 1961 film 1960.
1185. LOVE’S GONNA LIVE HERE (1963)
Vocalist: Buck Owens (Alvis s Owens) / the Buckeroos (Don Rich harmonies)
Writer/Composer: Buck Owens
This song’s, his 2nd one listed, had staying power astounding for its time—it stayed #1 on the Country charts for 16 weeks, holding that record for 49 years, yes, almost half a century. Buck’s influence in music is legendary, known for his “Bakersfield” sound, for many years as co-host with Roy Clark of TV’s show, “Hee Haw.” He was a singer / songwriter / producer / musician and TV entertainer from the 1960s through the 1990s. His vocals were immediately recognized as happy, high spirited, unique, and well-written, and his tenor voice allowed featured high harmony. “Oh, the sun’s gonna shine in my life once more / Love’s gonna live here again / Things are gonna be the way they were before / Love’s gonna live here again.” When reconnecting with old flames, does it get any better?…Exceptionally Gratifying!
Link #1 Original recording 1963. Link #2 Live TV performance 1966.
1184. STOP DRAGGING MY HEART AROUND (1981)
Vocalist: Stevie Nicks / Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Writer/Composer: Tom Petty / Mike Campbell (1980)
From Stevie’s first solo album, Bella Donna, she graces us with a great collaboration with Tom Petty to produce a Rock / Pop masterpiece as a duet. This may be one of the best Rock duos of the 1980s—the Heartbreakers supplying the music and Petty giving his raspy, easy-going, emotive sound, while Nicks gives us her 6th listed song, a delivery that seems to span space and time. her contralto voice is at its best here, sometimes growling, sometimes singing like a captive bird. When she repeats, “Stop draggin’ my / Stop draggin’ my / Stop dragin’ my heart around (ooh-ooh),” we get the message—she’s not only tired—she’s through! This was her biggest solo hit, and Tom’s as well. One of the best examples of a 50-50 breakup ever recorded…Fantastic, Flamboyant and Formidable!
Link #1 Original recording 1981. Link #2 Official live music video 1981.
1183. WHERE IS LOVE “Oliver!” (1968)
Vocalist: Mark Lester
Writer/Composer: Lionel Bart (1960)
Carol Reed’s direction of 10-year-old actor, Mark Lester, nearly brought many viewers to tears in this 1968 Oscar-winning musical based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Orphaned and lonely beyond belief, brought on by the loss of family at the edge of despair, it never sounded so heartfelt and beautiful. The poignant scene from the Film reminds us of how important family should be and how youthful isolation and abandonment is never the answer. With beautiful music to support this tender number, along with Sir Carol Reed’s impeccable direction of Lionel Bart’s lyrics, we are moved by the song’s repeated inquiring questions,“Where-er-er is love / Does it fall from skies above / Is it underneath the willow tree / That I’ve been dreaming of / Where-er-er is she / Who I close my eyes to see…Stirring and Sublime!
Link - Original recording & film clip from 1968’s, Oliver!
1182. THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE (1964)
Vocalist: Joan Baez
Writer/Composer: Phil Ochs (1964)
This American Folk singer presents her 6th entry on our list, and what is a wonderful reminder of how astonishingly beautiful her angelic pipes really were in the early 1960s. Seemed she could do no wrong—she simply opened her mouth and that soaring, quivering, mezzo-soprano voice just drifted effortlessly into the celestial heavens. As a Folk purist tempered with activism, she had no equal in those early 1960s days. Her sincere approach to the inevitable social changes really guaranteed in a free society, whether you agreed with her choice of songs or not, is yours to debate. Her heartfelt delivery is now over 65 years old, still astounds us with a vibrato, second to none, and a 3+ octave voice that sounded like a musical instrument, with deep emotion and a stunning performance…Purely Mesmerizing!
Link #1 Original recording 1964
1181. PORTRAIT OF MY LOVE (1961)
Vocalist: Steve Lawrence (Sidney Liebowitz) / Don Costa Arranger (Harry Volker piano)
Writer/Composer: Norman Newell / Cyril Ornadel (1961)
Everyone in America seemed to love the long-lasting marriage and personalities of Steve and Eydie Gorme, who often appeared as TV entertainers and vocalists during the 1960s through the 1980s. Going solo on this number, this was one of Steve’s best, winning a Grammy for best male Pop performance, displaying his smooth silky voice. The unique song went international. As an American singer / comedian / actor, he was one of the busiest performers, but it was his wonderful, recognizable baritone voice that millions embraced. As a crooner, he was often mentioned in the same class as Perry Como, Dean Martin and Al Martino. Among his biggest hits of the 60s were Go Away Little Girl and Pretty Blue Eyes. Check out the piano intro in this beautiful romantic ballad…Simply Devine and Sublime
Link - Original recording 1961.!
https://youtu.be/JdmaZnslLx4?si=vzAOoWETKsyewUOU
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1180. AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (1929)
Vocalist: Thomas “Fats” Waller
Writer/Composer; Fats Waller / Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf (1929)
If a song ever characterized the ‘Golden Age of Jazz,’ this is it. Fats Waller was a cog in the machinery that took place from the 1920s into the 1930s. The song’s title denotes the singer’s desire to not get into trouble, displaying loyalty and fidelity. Based on a Broadway all-black musical about the Harlem Renaissance, it soared in fame and popularity. “No one to talk with / All by myself / No one to walk with / But I’m happy on the shelf / Ain’t misbehavin’ / I’m saving my love for you.” What a number! It consecrated Fats Waller as an iconic singer / entertainer in the early radio days. His influential stride / Harlem piano was easily identified in that era, along with his lazy, distinctive, raspy baritone and his entertaining clowning personality. This assuring song promised…uh, promises!…Spunkey and Splendid!
Link #1 Original recording 1929, remastered. Link #2 Movie clip from Stormey Weather 1943.
1179. COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER (1965)
Vocalist: Jay and the Americans (lead Jay Black)
Writer/Composer: Tommy Boyce / Bobby Hart / Wes Farrell (1964)
Their 3rd listed song is this Rock song that appealed to Pop / Country / Folk audiences everywhere, a great well-crafted story song with a satisfying ending. This was their biggest hit, prevented from hitting #1 by the “British Invasion.” Jay Black had one of the most remarkable voices in the 1960s, a tenor voice, capable of 3+ octaves that saturated all their hits for this American 4-man Rock / Pop group. It was described as a “soaring voice, almost with an operatic foundation.” Who can forget that the girl belonged to badman Jose, “So we stated to dance / in my arms, she felt so inviting / And i just couldn’t resist / just one little kiss, so exciting / And then I heard the guitar play say /“Vamoos, Jose’s on his way.”” Among their hits, Cara Mia, She Cried and This Magic Moment…Simply Sensational!
Link #1 Original recording 1964. Link #2 Live performance 1964.
1178. CROSS OVER THE BRIDGE (1954)
Vocalist: Patti Page (Clara Ann Fowler)
Writer/Composer: Bennie Benjamin / George David Weiss (1954)
Magnificent delivery by overdubbing in harmony with her own voice...in layers! This technique was not a slam on backup singers; it was a smart, innovative studio production that would be used for generations to come, enabling her to be a quartet of voices. Patti’s distinctive contralto vocal style proceeded to make her the most popular female vocalist of the 1950’s with songs such as Tennessee Waltz, How Much Is that Doggie in the Window and Allegany Moon. Who can forget her 3rd listed song’s chorus, “Cross over the bridge / Cross over the bridge / Change your reckless way of livin’ / Cross over the bridge / Leave your fickle past behind you / And true romance will find you / Brother, cross over the bridge.” This Pop song drew Country and Jazz. In 60 years, she sold over 100 million records…A Dazzling Diamond!
Link #1 Original recording 1954. Link #2 Live performance The Ed Sullivan Show 1954.
1177. LOVE AND AFFECTION (1976)
Vocalist: Joan Armatrading
Writer/Composer: Joan Armatrading (1975)
Joan presents us with this pleasant surprise, an amalgam and fusion of Jazz / Pop / Rock / Folk / Blues elements—this may be her most beloved and famous song in a career spanning from 1973 onward. She is an English-Caribbean singer / songwriter / guitarist, known as the first British female composer, to write all her own songs. Her guitar work is stellar, but it’s her voice—oh, what a voice! Within her 2.5 octave, contralto vocal range, she displays astounding phrasing with a deep, booming, resonant delivery, yet sensitive and fragile. We list this as a Jazz entry on our list because her ability to transcend and not be categorized in a single musical genre. The song captured moments, as you will hear, from her raspy Blues sound to distinctive, warmth and tenderness…Awesome and Avant/Garde!
Link #1 Original recording 1976. Link #2 Live performance 1976.
1176. BARCELONA (1988)
Vocalist: Freddie Mercury / Montserrat Caballe
Writer/Composer: Freddie Mercury / Mike Moran (Keyboards in video) (1988)
Sometimes. very rarely, we are shocked when certain musical collaborations take place seeming to stop time in its tracks—this is one of those times! It begins with both artists appearing on our World Music list for their 4th entry each, spawning a duet for the ages. Freddie, Queen’s lead vocalist from Rock music, Montserrat from Classical Opera. The result is a jaw-dropping performance that endures well into this 21st Century. Freddie, who was already diagnosed with AIDS, supplied his baritone vocals from deep within, with power, grit, strength, and eloquence. Miss Caballe’s (La Superba) supplied her soprano vocals, also from deep within—they are jubilant, enthralling, rapturous and phenomenal, just as we would expect. This song was composed to honor the 1992 Olympics…Simply Spellbinding!
Link - LIve performance at La Nit, remastered (1988)
