1025-1001-GREAT VOCALS
1025. EVERYTHING I HAVE IS YOURS (1947)
Vocalist: Billy Eckstine
Writer/Composer: Harold Adamson / Burton Lane (1933)
With his signature song, I Apologize, this song was also a vanguard in contributing to the new Jazz / Blues / Bebop / Pop vocal sound, to the point where he formed his own band in the 1940s and into the 60s—and what a band it was! His 2nd song on our list was an examplr of that revolutionary sound that was to springboard many artists who became known for original American Jazz. One thing was for certain—Billy truly had one of the unique, distinctive voices as a base-baritone singer, one of the best in Jazz history, with a luscious vibrato and captivating delivery that could border on Operatic. Dig the opening phrase at the intro of the song, “Everything I have is yours / You’re a part of me.” Truly one of the most gifted singers of the 20th ((or any) Century…Absolutely Beloved and Beguiling!
Link # 1 Original recording 1947. Link # 2 Remastered recording a few years later.
1024. I NEED YOU NOW (1954)
Vocalist: Eddie Fisher / Hugo Winterhalter’s Orch.
Writer/Composer: Al Jacobs / Jimmie Crane (1953)
He dominated the Pop charts in the first half of the 1950’s, with at least 17 records in the Top 40, this was a #1 Pop hit. He was an American / actor / TV star in the 50s as well, sold millions of records, with matinee good looks, was “catnip” for female fans, but his claim to fame was a rocky one. Frank Sinatra, a good friend, told Eddie’s future bride, Debbie Reynolds, “Sweetie, don’t marry a singer.” Eddie dominated the Pop charts and was not just another crooner, he had a superb, exceptional, Broadway-type voice, a melodious 2 octave tenor, able to sing anthemic personal numbers, (Oh, My Papa) and romantic love ballads such as this one. His sound was very unique, and instead of adapting to accommodate the oncoming Rock era, his star faded by the end of the 1960s…Gratifying and Sensational!
Link - Remastered original recording 1954.
1023. GUITARS, & CADILLACS (1986)
Vocalist: Dwight Yoakum
Writer/Composer: Dwight Yoakum (1986)
Hillbilly rhythm never sounded so good, in one the best country songs of the 80s. He is an American Country singer / songwriter / actor who we primarily know as championing the Bakersfield Sound in Country Music and sticking to the Traditional Sound of Country / Country Rock / Honky-Tonk and Alt-Country. From 1980 on he’s been enormously influential in keeping connected to his traditional roots and sounds with his distinctive 2-octave, tenor nasal vocal and image. This song’s catchy chorus says it all, “Now it’s guitar, Cadillacs, hillbilly music / And the lonely, lonely streets that I call home / Yeah, my guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music / It’s the only thing that keeps me hanging on.” Even with fame, fortune and belongings, if it’s lonely in the end, you still hurt…Awesome and Celebrated Delivery!
Link # 1 Official music video 1985. Link # 2 Live performance from Austin TX 1989?
1022. JEALOUSY “Anchors Aweigh” (1945)
Vocalist: Kathryn Grayson
Writer/Composer: Winifred May (1932) / Jacob Gade (1932)
It’s not very often when a coloratura soprano becomes one of the most famous and sought after vocal sensations in Musical Motion Pictures, owning the categories in the 1940s and 1950s. Her 3+ octave voice was instantly recognizable, and so was her screen persona. This song and Movie selection takes us back to when Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly were on the way to stardom—even they in this clip are stunned at her angelic range and flawless phrasing and control. Her voice had the uncanny appeal to be childlike, yet powerful with sustaining versatility to hold a note with beautiful vibrato and trembling tremolo. Her 3rd listed song allows music analysts to place her as one of the truly great female vocalists od the 20th Century. This alluring, tantalizing song is truly hers…An Effortless, Stunning Performance!
Link - A clip from the 1945 movie Hit the Deck.
1021. MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT (1976)
Vocalist: Starbuck (lead Bruce Blackman) / Marimba solo Bo Wagner
Writer/Composer: Bruce Blackman (1975)
This selection was recorded in 1975 but took a while to gain traction, and became one of the most unique hits by June of 1976. From this Amercian 7-piece Rock band came this sound with a marimba, clavinet and synthesizers, in time it became a megahit of the 70s. Its Jazz / Pop motif appealed to Rock / Progressive Rock and a variety of genres everywhere. Especially appealing was Bruce Blackman’s lead vocal, soft, smooth and sparkling. From the very beginning, the song pulls you in for the experience and a silky, salient. wonderfully romantic ride. “I’ll take you on a trip beside the ocean / And drop the top at Chesapeake Bay / Ain’t nothing like the sky to dose a portion / The moon’ll send you on your way / Moonlight feels right / Moonlight feels right.” With great expectations, A Romantic Thrill Ride!
Link # 1 Original recording, remastered 1975. Link # 2 Live performance on The Midnight Special 1976.
1020. IT’S TOO LATE (1971)
Vocalist: Carole King
Writer/Composer: Carole King / Toni Stern (1971)
Her arrival on America’s musical landscape has never been questioned—her acceptance as one of America’s premier singer / songwriters / pianists is now firmly established. Sis now an institution, literally writing hundreds of songs for multitudes for other artists, beginning in 1960, on through the 2010s. This #1 song from her extraordinary 1971 album, Tapestry, is a prime example of a Soft Rock piece that embraced Rock / Pop / Blues / Soul / Jazz / Folk fans the world over. The song is steller for breakups, “Stayed in bed all morning just to pass the time / There’s something wrong here, there can be no denying / One of us is changing, or maybe we just stopped trying,” Her distinctive, Soulful, alto voice here is melancholy and haunting, as she laments about her loss…Aching, yet Celebrated!
Link # 1 Original audio recording 1971. Link # 2 Live performance for BBC 1971.
1019. THE SECRET GARDEN “Jerry McGuire” (1997)
Vocalist: Bruce Springsteen
Writer/Composer: Bruce Springsteen (1997)
Unlike most his vocal works, this American Rock singer / songwriter wins us over, he “has us with hello.” This soft romantic ballad still touches our heart with raw emotion. The scenes from the film are moving as it shows the true admiration of a woman who can only wonder if she and her young son will ever be final solution for a family, ending with the inevitable devotion needed for more than just a romantic encounter. The secret garden is that mystery and mythical point in a human relationship that supplies power and love to that relationship. He sings it as our 3rd listed song, with soft conviction and such sincerely, we know his normal, gruff, hoarse, growl is not necessary, it just flows with an accompanied musical arrangement, soothing to the heart and soul…A Monumental Achievement!
Link # 1 Official music video from scenes from Jerry McGuire 1997. Link # 2 Live performance from Leeds England 2013.
1018. THE WHITE ROSE OF ATHENS (1961)
Vocalist: Nana Mouskouri (Loanna Mouskouri)
Writer/Composer: Norman Newell / Hans Bradthe / Nana Mouskouri / Manos Hadjidakis (1961)
As a World Music / Pop / Jazz / Folk / singer with a very astonishing soprano voice, her 20th century appeal was and is absolutely worldwide. This amazing Greek singer / songwriter has entertained multitudes in concerts and over with 200 million in record sales and 450 different albums in 13 languages, making her one of the most recorded artists in history. Similar to Joan Baez, she possesses a tonal, quivering vibrato, gloriously shining since the late 1950s. Her longevity was aided by a vocal range covering 3+ octaves, from an exquisite alto to mezzo soprano. A big break occurred from her friendship with Michel LeGrand from the Oscar-nominated film, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg in 1964. This selection is in English for the world’s enjoyment and it remain…Beautifully Sublime!
1017. YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME (1996)
Vocalist: Jewel (Kilcher)
Writer/Composer: Jewel Kilcher / Steve Poltz (1994)
This singer / songwriter brings it all to the table, including breakfast, and sings it with great melody and conviction “I hear the clock, it’s 6 AM / I feel so far from where I’ve been / I got my eggs and my pancakes too / I got my maple syrup / everything but you.” What a start for a new day! Perhaps this is one of the great songs about a failed relationship, trying to move along with your life. Jewel’s light soprano carries power when she needs it, and her key changes, phrasing and piercing agility make her very appealing to Pop / Folk and Soft Rock audiences. She seems to have ability to penetrate our deepest thoughts with her 3+octave voice and uncanny resolve to apply the little things in life with anxiety and heartbreak. An excellent example of singing without abundant acrobatics…Splendidly Superb!
Link # 1 Original recording 1995. Link # 2 Live performance On Point 1999.
1016. MY SPECIAL ANGEL (1957)
Vocalist: Bobby Helms (with Anita Kerr Singers) (Robert Lee Holmes)
Writer/Composer: Jimmy Duncan (1957)
This American Country singer / songwriter crossed over into Pop with this smash hit, appealing to all audiences. 1957 was indeed his year, and he ruled the Country / Honky-Tonk / Rockabilly roost with his mega-hit, Fraulein, which stayed # 1 for 4 weeks and on the 1957 Country chart, for one year! He also had the perennial Jingle Bell Rock that same year. His winsome smile. schoolboy good looks and strong, clear vocals with a light falsetto, won him a legion of fans but his 30-year career was shortened by health problems, never achieving the popularity of those 1950s. We know from the intro, “Angel, angel, whoa-oh-oh-oh / Angel, angel, whoa-oh-oh-oh,” and we know we’re in for something ‘Special.’ The talented Anita Kerr Singers backed him up with exceptional voices…Pure and Steadfast!
Link - Original recording 1957.
1015. JOHNNY ONE NOTE “Babes in Arms” (1970)
Vocalist: Johnny Mathis / the Lennon Sisters
Writer/Composer: Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers (1937)
We already know Johnny’s capabilities as an American singer from 1957 through the 1970s. But this clever number from the Broadway Musical, Babes in Arms, takes on new life when he does a Pop / Jazz reworking of this standard with the lovely harmony of the Lennon Sisters. Known for his distinctive, beautiful, baritone voice, whether crooning love ballads, or singing Broadway / Vegas showstoppers such as this, we turn to an anomaly of sorts with this jaw-dropping vocal where he holds a note at least 90 seconds while the girls sing away. “And they tell us Niag’ra stood still / He stopped the train whistles / Boat whistles, steam whistles, cop whistles / All whistles bowed to his skills.” His 6th selection on our list is a great example of the endurance of the human voice…Relentless and Phenomenal!
Link # 2 Live performance on Ed Sullivan Show 1961. Link # 2 Live performance (90 seconds) at the Hollywood Bowl in 1970.
1014. 80s LADIES (1987)
Vocalist: K. T. Oslin (Kay Toinette Oslin)
Writer/Composer: K.T. Oslin (1986)
The last 5 years in the 1980s Country music belonged to K. T. Oslin. She only released 3 albums in that span but had 5 songs take the #1 spot on the Country charts. This was her signature song, it won the Grammy and CMA award for best female Country performance, and oddly enough she endured—she didn’t have a hit until she was 45 years old. As an American singer / songwriter, she had remarkable vocal range, strength and agility with her 2+ octaves and amazing, rich vibrato. She never met a note she didn’t like as this anthemic number for female equality plainly shows. Her career was cut short by different health issues and Parkinson’s took its toll from the late 1990s on. She lays out studio tracks in this story song resulting in exceptional 3-part harmony…Bluesy and Meaningful!
Link # 1 Original recording 1987. Link # 2 Original music video 1987.
1013. RAPSODIA (1994)
Vocalist: Andrei Bocelli
Writer/Composer: Zucherro (Fornaciaro) (1994)
By now you know the beauty in Italian star, Bocelli, for his voice has appeal to both Opera / World Music and Pop enthusiasts. He’s performed duets with everyone from Celine Dione, Sarah Brightman, even Ed Sheeran. He is not handicapped by his blindness—his emotional tenor vocals are recognized by millions, and his album, Romanza, is now one of the world’s best sellers. His album, Sacred Arias remains the best-selling Classical album by a solo artist of all time. This is his 4th listed song—the purity in his vocals touches our hearts, and his Classical / Pop legend continues to grow…A Stunning Display of Passionate Beauty!
Link - From his beautiful album Romanza 1994.
1012. TWEEDLEE DEE (1956)
Vocalist: LaVern Baker featuring the Cues / Sam Taylor saxophone
Writer/Composer: Winfield Scott (1954)
Here it is! Laverne’s 2nd listed song is a landmark song, so often ignored because of its Novelty type lyrics, but the reality remains, this was probably the first Rock and Roll record and an anomaly of sorts when it became a big hit on the Pop and R&B charts as well. It was even a bigger hit for Georgia Gibbs for the ‘white’ fans. The chorus lyrics, “Tweedlee dum, Tweedlee dum / Give it up, give it up, give your love to me / Tweedlee dot, Tweedlee dot, / Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme / Gimme all the love you got / Hop-de-dum bump bump.” When she hits the growl, “Hop-de-dum- bump bump,” kids would go wild! She set a standard, whether intentional or not, for female black artists to make a difference in music, and this song and Jim Dandy, a year later, made that obvious difference…Wow! Cool and Sensational!
Link # 1 Original recording 1954. Link # 2 Live on the Ed Sullivan Show 1955.
1011. DANCE WITH MY FATHER (2003)
Vocalist: Luther Vandross
Writer/Composer: Richard Marx / Luther Vandross (2003)
Two legendary singer / songwriters composed this touching, heartfelt number, and it appears as Luther’s 2nd song on our list. It was based on his true-life personal experience. This deeply personal song comes right after his debilitating stroke, and it was so meaningful that it won everyone’s heart as his “career song” and the Grammy Record of the Year for Vandross & Marx, and best R&B Vocal performance. Luther’s warm, Soulful and poignant delivery caused many a tear to flow. Can you imagine the chorus, “If I could get another chance / Another walk / Another dance with him / I’d play a song that would never ever end / How I’d love, love, love / To dance with my father again.” His warm, smooth, tenor voice—like velvet, and this song became his swan song, he died in 2005Inspiring and Legendary!
Link # 1 Official music video 2003. Stunning and Moving!
1010. THE FOOL ON THE HILL (1968)
Vocalist: Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66 (lead Lani Hall with Karen Philipp)
Writer/Composer: John Lennon / Paul McCartney (1966)
This fabulous rendition and retooling of the Beatles song brings a beautiful Pop Latin Brazilian beat from this vocal group, with a Bossa Nova tempo. We are captivated by this Latino sound that went worldwide in those 1960s, carving out a new market for millions in the creative, experimental, musical landscape of thar era. Pay close attention to lead singer Lani Hall—she has been described as a melodious singer with an undulating, agile, versatile voice, bringing a fresh, new sound to the music market that would allow her to record over 20 albums, some as the wife of bandleader Herb Alpert, in a career that now spans over 50 years. She works wonders singing within her 2.5+ octaves, almost reminding us of an early Gloria Estefan. This is a magnificent cover…Stunning, Almost Ethereal!
Link # 1 Original recording 1968. Link # 2 Same recording with visual clips 1968.
1009. I GO CRAZY (1977)
Vocalist: Paul Davis
Writer/Composer: Paul Davis (1976)
Hey, is this a Pop song, a Soft Rock, a Soul song, or a Country Song? Never mind, it’s all those! As an American singer / songwriter he defied category and was accepted as an enigmatic artist. This enduring song just wouldn’t go away, spending 40 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100, and setting a record at the time for the most weeks in the Top 100. His baritone vocals worked within 2 octaves, and he was known for his smooth, mellow, fluid, yet sensitive voice. “Hello girl, it’s been awhile / Guess you’ll be glad to know / That I’ve learned how to laugh and smile / Getting over you was slow / They say old lovers can be good friends / But I never thought I would really see you / I’d really see you again.” His 2nd song on our list really stays with you, and the music arrangement…Oh!…A Beguiling and Elegant Delivery!
Link # 1 Original recording 1976. Link # 2 Live performance 1977.
1008. UNFORGETTABLE (1959)
Vocalist: Dinah Washington (Ruth Lee Jones) & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Irving Gordon (1951)
Her voice was truly unique as well as remarkable, unlike any other female vocal artist—all will agree with that. With her second entry on our list, and the 2nd appearance of this piece, she totally re-invents the song, as if to take ownership of it. to make it not only Jazz, but Soul / R&B / Pop, with a Gospel-infused style of bending the notes, perhaps more than any female singer up to that time. Backed up with angelic female vocals, when she sings the chorus the second time, it’s stunning, “Mmm-mm, unforgettable / Ooh, in every way / And forevermore / I intend to stay.” How can we express it? Is it, sad, glad, bad? Or is it real, alluring, celebratory? She encompasses all these qualities with crystalline precision and perfect phrasing and vibrato…Put her with Ella and Sarah, Simply Enchanting!
Link - Original recording in 1959.
1007. WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER (1975)
Vocalist: Janis Ian (Janis Eddy Fink)
Writer/Composer: Janis Ian / Finneus O’Connell (1975)
This is an example of the pure beauty of this Folk / Pop / Soft Rock artist’s voice, especially her lilting, layered harmonies, her 2nd song on our list. “I’ll teach you how to sing and dance / With a song and dance routine / And when the party’s over / You can fall in love with me.” In 1967 she rose to become an aspiring American Folk singer / songwriter / guitarist. He recording career lasted through the end of the 1970s. Among her thought-provoking tales such as Society’s Child, it took great courage to include subjects which included tales of forbidden interracial relationships, prejudice and intolerance, yet she included these among her works, not fearing the social repercussions. However, this song is very special—it allows her wonderful, eandearing, expressive, soprano voice to soar. Perfect…So Beautiful!
Link # 1 Original recordingin 1975 Link # 2 Live over 30 years later, still great.
1006. SHERRY (1962)
Vocalist: The Four Seasons (lead Franke Valli)
Writer/Composer: Bob Gaudio
A landmark song appeared in 1962, with one of the most recognizable vocals in the 20th Century. An American 4-piece vocal group emerged with new sound, led by Frankie Valli’s penetrating high falsetto, soulfully emoting the words, “Sher-r-ry, ba-ha-by / Sheery, can you come out tonight?” With Bob Gaudio writing, they created a new sound in Rock / Pop / R&B music, unlike anything heard from the Doo-Wop crowd. Featuring a call and response, they sailed, and in the next 3 years their next 5 hits went to #1, one went to #3. They owned the Pop market until Motown and the British Invasion took over. Frankie’s 2nd listed song went worldwide—he also went solo (My Eyes Adore You.) These Jersey Boys 40-year music career filled concert halls and sold over 100 million records!…Hey! Awesome!
Link # 1 Original recording remastered 1962. Link # 2 Original recording visualized 1960s.
1005. DOWN AT THE TWIST AND SHOUT (1992)
Vocalist: Mary Chapin-Carpenter / with Beausoliel
Writer/Composer: Mary Chapin-Carpenter (1992)
Yes, she can sing Country/ Folk / Rock / Pop and in this case, her 5th song listed, a Cajun party with a New Orleans twist. As an American singer / songwriter and poet, one writer simply wrote her vocals as “one of wisdom and a voice that not only survives but thrives to create and bring her own sense of peace to a trouble world.” In short, her alto delivery touches every spectrum of the heart! In this Grammy-winning Country song she brings partying and joy, with glee and attitude, along with the goodtime shouts, “Saturdays night and the moon is out / I wanna head on over to the Twist and Shout / Find a two-step partner and a Cajun beat / When it lifts me up I’m gonna find my feet.” What an invitation! This number crossed all boundaries for feeling life to the fullest…Seismic Whimsy!
Link # 1 Original recording of live concert 1991. Link # 2 Live 1992.
1004. PEACE TRAIN (1971)
Vocalist: Cat Stevens / and chorus (now known as Yusef Islam)
Writer/Composer: Cat Stevens (Steven Dmetre Georgiou) (1971)
This British Folk / Rock / Pop singer / songwriter presents a song with gentleness, yet conviction, with the ability to turn his pace and phrasing on a dime. The hit, his 2nd on our list, went worldwide as a call for peace and an end to war, two of the greatest hopes and dreams that mankind could ever have. Even though this number achieved massive hit status, it still invited some political controversy as somehow hypocritical. We are assured, however, “Get your bags together / Come bring your good friends too / Our cause is getting nearer / It soon will be with you.” But this is a spectacular vocal performance—the upbeat delivery is fabulous and timely. He uses his distinctive baritone delivery here to the max, with a satisfying, sincere, earnest plea to “get on the train!”…A Radiant, Epic Message!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1971. Link # 2 Live concert in 1976.
1003. I’M HERE “The Color Purple” (2016)
Vocalist: Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Amarachhukwu Owezuke Echimino)
Writer/Composer: Brenda Russell / Allee Willis / Stephan Bray (2005)
This British singer / actress took the entertainment world by storm, in the Broadway Theater, in movies, by her unique appearance, but especially by her soulful, powerful, distinctive, 3+ octave, soprano voice. Her vocals soar in this theatrical performance, with a delivery of such magnitude and emotion that she rivals even the best of the 21st Centuries theater productions. Her dynamics require that we listen, because she puts so much feeling and technique into this number, from the softest whisper to belting out those sustained high notes. This is an example of coming back even from the strongest of tragic adversities, and she does this with incredible relish. This award-winning number, her 2nd on our list, is a crowning achievement in her career, especially from 2010 on… Riveting and Spellbinding!
Link - Live performance directly from the Musical play on Broadway 2016.
1002. BETTER MAN (1994)
Vocalist: Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder)
Writer/Composer: Eddie Vedder (1994)
A master of mood and emotion, Eddie’s 2nd listed song takes this to the moon! Straight from this 5-piece American band’s third studio album comes one of Eddie Vedder’s most personal songs about the strained relationship of his mother and stepfather. Dysfunction usually produces more of the same, but Eddie, even with a stripped-down version, displays his 3+octave voice with sensitivity and strength. From the late 1980s into the early 2000s, this truly significant band was among the most successful representing the Seattle Sound of the Rock Grunge / Alt-Rock movement, drawing huge crowds to their concerts and keeping Rock music alive for a little longer. This song quickly rose to be fan favorite, largely because of the band’s high-voltage, gutsy performances…Tempestuous and Captivating!
Link # 1 Official Audio with lyrics 1994. Link # 2 Live performance at Madison Square Garden 2010.
1001. SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES “Roberta” (1958)
Vocalist: The Platters (Tony Williams)
Writer/Composer: Otto Harbach / Jerome Kern (1934)
Bringing back the old standards, they could re-invent them and let lead singer Tony Williams do the rest with his 4th entry on our list. The most popular vocal group of the 1950s and early 60s were the Platters—case closed! Their limitless appeal led to hit after hit because they spanned every major category, R&B / Pop / Rock / Soul / Jazz and traditional American classics, and they had a secret weapon—the magnificent tenor voice of lead singer, Tony Williams. He always delivered, as he does here in this 1934 classic. “Now, laughing friends deride, tears I cannot hide / Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, / So I smile and say / When a lovely flame dies / Smoke gets in your eyes. / (Smoke gets in your eyes) / Smoke gets in your (drumroll) EYES!” That last note is jaw-dropping…An R&B Soul-Searching Torn-de-Force!
LInk # 1 Original recording 1959. Link # 2 Live performance The Ed Sullivan Show 1960,
