650-626-Great Vocals
650. MORE “Mondo Cane” (1963)
Vocalist: John Gary
Writer/Composer: Riz Ortolani / Nino Oliviero (1962)
A rare thing happened musically in 1963, an excellent score from a documentary film caught everyone by surprise. Even more of a shock, John made a brilliant vocal recording of its main theme. Long considered one of the finest voices of Pop and Theater standards in American music, his voice glides, vibrates, and quivers with a beautiful, silky, golden smoothness, almost to the point of disbelief, as he delivers his 2nd song on our list. Venture to say, this is as close Perfect as you can get. His recordings from the 1960s / 1970s were…Ecstatically Elegant!
Link - Original recording, 1963.
649. DO YOU REMEMBER THESE (1972)
Vocalist: The Statler Brothers
Writer/Composer: Don Reid / Harold Reid / Larry Lee (1972)
If there ever was a nostalgic song about…nostalgia…this is it! This well-crafted song was a Country / Pop delight, written by 3 members of the 4-member Statler Brothers who distinguished themselves by being the first Country supergroup from the 1960s into 1980s. Funny thing, there’s only two brothers named Reid, and no Statlers. They were enormously popular in that era, starting as a Gospel group, known for splendid harmonies as each member displays here from bass to tenor. They’re singers, songwriters and TV entertainers, The clever song simply caught almost everything that affected pop culture and history in the years od the 1950s through the 1960s, simply in a marvelous way…Smilingly Beguiling!
Link #1 Original recording, 1972. Link #2 Live recording, a little later.
648. THE WEDDING SONG (There Is Love) (1972)
Vocalist: (Noel) Paul Stookey (from Peter, Paul & Mary)
Writer/Composer: Paul Stookey (1971)
His first solo entry, but the 3rd entry as a member of Peter, Paul & Mary, the world-famous Folk group, comes as a precious gem. If there ever was a sweet, gentle, and overwhelming song that extolls unfailing love and the precious adulation to its ultimate degree—this is it—and oh, what a lovely composition it is! His golden baritone voice becomes a like musical instrument—loving, and affectionate, like a dove descending from above, in the uniting of a man and woman together in spiritual matrimony. The beautiful song takes a brave approach about marriage…Poignant and Inspirational!
Link #1 Original recording, 1972.
647. CHILDREN WILL LISTEN “Into the Woods” (1987)
Vocalist: Bernadette Peters (Melissa Lazzara)
Writer/Composer: Stephen Sondheim (1986)
She has been a mainstay in show business since the 1970s, and she’s still going strong in the 2020s. Also, an American entertainer / singer / actress, she’s flourished in movies, television and Broadway Musicals. With her version of this Sondheim masterpiece, showing a remarkable 3 octave range, demonstrating a high, mezzo-soprano voice that sweetly exudes sincerity, confidence and cheerfulness. This is one of her best vocals, and it remains one of the superior songs about how our children turn out, for better or for worse, and the lessons they learn on the way…Splendidly Poignant!
Link #1 Original recoeding, 1987.
646. TWIST AND SHOUT (1964)
Vocalist: The Beatles (lead John Lennon)
Writer/Composer: Phil Medley / Burt Russell (1961)
When the Beatles decided to record their cover of this classic R&B song, they hit the musical jackpot on what cover…to cover! This original dance song by the Isley Bros became a Tsunami Rock song for the early Beatles. John torches his voice on each verse, while Paul supplies the ultimate screams, some of the best ever. Given an incredible boost by the 1986 movie, Ferris Bueler’s Day Off, it took on a life of its own, becoming an iconic Rock anthem. It’s their 7th entry on our list, crossing all boundaries, and it continues its momentum each year—an El Capitan of Rock classics!
Link #1 Live performance on Ed Sullivan Show 1964.
645. CELESTE AIDA “Aida” (1972)
Vocalist: Luciano Pavarotti / Weiner Volksopera Orch. / Leone Magiera cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giuseppi Verdi (1892)
When Pavarotti was a child, watching old Mario Lanza movies in front of the mirror, knowing that one day, he would have to live up to the vocal disciplines necessary to reach the seemingly unreachable, he did! Opera fans hold dearly to this rendition of Verdi’s Aida, and Pavarotti’s performance stands out as among the very best. He exerts the power, passion, the convincing charisma and personality to fit the part of Radames, the Egyptian warrior. His strong, larger-than-life tenor range is superb in this glorious aria, his 5th song listed…Ecstatic Splendor!
Link - Original recording, 1972.
644. DANCING IN THE STREET (1964)
Vocalist: Martha & the Vandellas (Martha Reeves lead) (Rosalind Ashford / Betty Kelly / and songwriters)
Writer/Composer: Marvin Gaye / William “Mickey” Stevenson / Ivy Jo Hunter (1964)
They became one of the American female supergroups of the 1960s and took this song to # 2 in female Rock / R&B / Pop Dance music. It was a sensational hit, topping a list by this 3-girl vocal group, a mainstay in producer Berry Gordy’s Motown stable of R&B artists. Martha was a vocal force, with a strong, brassy, mid-range contralto. Who can forget that opening anthemic invite, “Calling out around the world / Are you ready for a brand-new beat / Summer’s here and the time is right / For dancing in the street.” It was not just a fast-paced dance song, it endured through the years as a R&B answer to repel boredom…Simply Spectacular!
Link #1 Original recording 1964. Link #2 Live on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand 1964.
643. MORNING SONG FOR SALLY (1992)
Vocalist: Nanci Griffith
Writer/Composer: Jerry Jeff Walker (1969)
Legendary American singer / songwriter, Nanci Griffith, presents her 3rd entry on our list with a wondrous, glorious song about love and other foolish things, reminding us how good it is to be alive, whether with love or not. This sweet-as-the-morning-dew song is another fine discovery in her repertoire of cool Folk deliveries, as only she can sing them. Her beautiful, soft, honey-dripping, sweet, soprano sound is like listening to an angelic pied piper—even her hum, “mmm / mmm / mmm,” between each verse is Captivating…Absolutely Confectious!
Original recording of live performance, 1992.
642. HE’S A TRAMP “The Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
Vocalist: Peggy Lee / featuring the Mellomen
Writer/Composer: Sonny Burke / Peggy lee (1955)
One of the most endearing, enduring, enchanting scenes in Movie history comes from this animated Walt Disney classic. It’s short, sweet and funny, especially when the chorus of the Pound Dogs, sung by the diversified Mellomen, begin with accompaniment. As the years pass by, it seems to grow more on each generation. Peggy Lee’s wonderful, sultry, beckoning voice (her 3rd on our list,) takes the lead, trying to make Lady, Tramp’s girlfriend, jealous since they are both prisoners in the Dog Pound…Nostalgic and Priceless, a Treasure!
Link #1 Film clip from Lady and the Tramp 1955. Link #2 Studio recording with the Mellowmen 1955. Totally Entertaining!
641. DON’T CRY OUT LOUD (1978)
Vocalist: Melissa Manchester
Writer/Composer: Peter Allen / Carole Bayer Sager (1978)
This American singer / songwriter / actress has enjoyed a career spanning more than 50 years. She was one of the most popular female vocalists in the 1970 / 1980s, and her powerful and stellar delivery of this award-winning song, plus many others, have allowed her to garner many hits in the traditional Pop / Soft Rock / Blues-eyed Soul and Jazz genres. She was known for her dynamic, vibrant, full throttled, mezzo soprano voice, able to belt it out without resorting to stage histrionics or vocal gymnastics. Other hits include, You Should See How She Talks About You, Through the Eyes of Love and Midnight Blue. She conveys maximum feelings here…Simply Phenomenal!
Link #1 Original recording and video, 1978.
640. JUST ONE LOOK (1963)
Vocalist: Doris Troy / and Chorus (Ernie Hays piano / Wally Richardson guitar / Bob Bushnell bass / Bernard Purdie drums)
Writer/Composer: Doris Payne (Troy) / Gregory Carroll (1963)
From its pulsating piano intro, this R&B classic took form, becoming Doris Troy’s biggest hit. This American singer crossed over into the Pop / Rock / Soul market and was a great example of the Dance / Doo-Wop sounds in music from that 1960s / 1970s era. She was known to her fans as “Mama Soul.” Her full-throated, Gospel-tinged, contralto Soul sound made her instantly recognizable. She amazed audiences in the U.S. and Europe singing backup for multiple high-profile artists. She really hit it out of the park with this one…An Unrelenting Performance!
Link - Original recording, 1963.
639. NEED YOU NOW (2010)
Vocalist: Lady Antebellum (lead Hillary Scott-Tyrell) / Charles Kelley / Dave Haywood
Writer/Composer: Josh Kear / Charles Kelley / Dave Haywood / Hillary Scott (2009)
Lady A’s, (Formerly Lady Antebellum,) is the American Country trio’s breakthrough hit—a juggernaut, becoming an award-winning number that featured the larger-than-life voice of Hillary Scott (later Tyrell), and the rest is history. It even invaded #1 on the Pop charts and has become their staple in mass arena concerts. Her contralto, low voice has feeling, clarity, warmth and raw power, something quite rare in today’s Country music. Within her 2 octaves is a sound of convincing, dramatic, Gospel-tinged roots, channeling “Real.” …Electrifying!
Link #1 Original recording & video 2010. Link #2 Live in concert 2010.
638. WHO CAN I TURN TO (When Nobody Needs Me) “The Roar of Greasepaint: the Smell of the Crowd” (1964)
Vocalist: Tony Bennett / Count Basie’s Orch.
Writer/Composer: Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley (1963)
From the opening orchestral intro, we know we are in for a wonderful ride, as Tony wonderfully sways us in perhaps one of his best vocals. This became an instant classic with the Pop / Jazz recording, his 4th entry on our list, straight from his cover of the Broadway Play. His mellow, yet strong vocal delivery really shines here, and his voice had power to spare as here he sings the ultimate song about loneliness. Songs can be successful without a chorus or bridge, such as this song clearly demonstrates, especially when performed by one of the greatest vocal treasures of his iconic, storied career…Stupendous!
Link #1 Original recording 1964. Link #2 Live on Ed Sullivan, with lone piano 1964.
637. THAT’S ALL (1965)
Vocalist: Mel Torme / arranged by Robert Mersey orch.
Writer/Composer: Alan Brandt / Bob Haymes (1951)
This smooth-as-satin voice has some of the best fans in the world, and rightly so. He wrote over 250 songs, many sung by other artists, and with his 2nd listed song, went through many musical changes through the years. Among those changes with his group, the Mel-Tones in his early career, was his Big Band sound and finally, his Jazz improvising, such as scat singing. But it was his tenor to baritone voice, the Voice, one of his most astonishing musical instruments in his 60-year career! Never has a man captured such clarity, resonance, and beauty as in this Jazz classic…Overwhelming!
Link - original recording, 1965
636. WILDFIRE (1975)
Vocalist: Michael Martin Murphey (Jac Murphy piano intro and outro)
Writer/Composer: Larry Cansler / Michael Martin Murphey (1974)
We’re captivated immediately when we hear the first intro piano notes, “She comes down from Yellow Mountain / On a dark, flat land she rides / On a pony she named Wildfire / With a whirlwind by her side / On a cold Nebraska night.” This now great Country classic is akin to a Folk song, with Soft Rock / Pop elements. MMM’s vocal production is beautiful, riding the heels of a clearly poetic, mystical, resonant voice, capturing even the most jaded Pop fan—a heartfelt musical experience that appealed to almost everyone…Stirring and Haunting!
Link #1 Original recording 1975. Link #2 Live in concert 1975.
635. YEAR OF THE CAT (1977)
Vocalist: Al Stewart (Al Stewart piano / Tim Renwick electric & acoustic guitar / Phil Kenzie saxophone / plus session)
Writer/Composer: Al Stewart / Peter Wood (1976)
A Scottish singer / songwriter emerged from the radio in 1977, and everyone recognized this metaphoric Pop song and bought into it. Al wasn’t known for his powerful vocals, but he still had the ability to come across as gentle, trustworthy and very intelligent. The year of the Cat refers to Chinese astrology and the songs oozes with love, affection and nostalgia. He immerses himself deep into a Jazz / Rock motif, resulting in a wonderfully crafted piece where everyone gets to play a beautiful solo part, for our unexpected pleasure…Simply Enchanting!
Link #1 Original recording & video 1977. Link #2 Great live performance 1977.
634. PRAYER FOR THE DYING (1994)
Vocalist: Seal (Henry O Lusegun Adeola Samual)
Writer/Composer: Seal / Augustus Isadore (1994)
U.K. Artist Seal presents us with his 2nd Soul / R&B / Pop / Rock song on a silver platter. Really an anti-drug song showing the chances we take by experimenting and playing with fire, he sings it with a grit and growl but also with absolute perfect musical accompaniment, and it’s really no accident that it’s a perfect vocal performance. Soul just oozes through the pores of his skin as he proves to be one of the stellar vocalists of the 1990s. Some consider him as the conscience of those who don’t flee drug addiction…Time has proved this song to be a Monumental Achievement!
Link #1 Original recording and video, 1994.
633. NOW WE ARE FREE (2000)
Vocalist: Lisa Gerrard / Hans Zimmer - soundtrack (Gavin Greenaway/ The Lyndhurst orch.)
Writer/Composer: Lisa Gerrard / Hans Zimmer (1998)
This haunting music from the Ridley Scott film Gladiator, is a stunning melody, sung in her own private idiom language called idioglossia, perfect for the beautiful contralto voice of Australian singer / composer, Lisa Gerrard. Her 3 to 4 octave voice surely grabs our immediate attention, as an ethereal, sorrowful sound, making this epic film stay burned in our mind, long after viewing. She “sings in the language of her heart.” This unusual, rare form of music has gained popularity in the succeeding years…An Emotional Experience!
Link shows the artist and some clips from the motion picture, 2000.
632. WE JUST DISAGREE (1977)
Vocalist: Dave Mason / Jim Krueger harmony (12-string guitar)
Writer/Composer: Dave Mason / Jim Krueger (1977)
This Soft Rock / Pop classic comes to us from one of the busiest session players ever. He’s a British singer / songwriter / guitarist who, behind the scenes, played, sang and recorded with many of the biggest names in British Rock history. A founding member of the band Traffic (he wrote the legendary song, Feelin’ Allright, his influence has been stellar, but hardly anyone talks about his strong, wonderful, full-throated, Soulful, Blues-flavored, baritone voice. Also, check out Kreiger’s great harmony! This song is not tarnished by time, it’s validated as a polished diamond…A Magnificent, Stirring Recording!
Link #1 Original recording 1977. Link #2 Live - The Midnight Special 1978.
631. AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH (1970)
Vocalist: Diana Ross (long version from debut album) / Backing vocals Nick Ashford / Valerie Simpson / the Adantes
Writer/Composer: Nicolas Ashford / Valerie Simpson (1967)
This was the vehicle from her solo album Diana Ross, chosen by the A&S writers and Diana when she chose to launch her new solo career—what a lovely song it was, and still is! This is Ross’s 4th entry as a singer, as a duet, or with the Supremes. From her intro speaking voice until her actual singing, this show-stopping song became a monster hit. Her soft, sweet-as-honey delivery, moving within her vocal capability, and from a smokey, even husky vocal range, to a warm soprano sound is just overwhelmingly beautiful…Superbly Dazzling!
Link #1 Original recording 1970. Link #2 Live performance at Wembley Stadium, 1980s.
630. ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE (1990)
Vocalist: Phil Collins / featuring David Crosby (Leland Sklar bass / Dominic Miller guitars)
Writer/Composer: Phil Collins (1989)
His enormous popularity in the 1980s was not a fluke— this was a worldwide #1 hit on the Pop charts, a mainstay on Soft Rock / R&B stations and a crowning achievement for the guilt we should feel when we avoid the homeless, keeping our distance to not be approached. We experience Phil’s unique, expressive, gritty voice and the purity in his supporting personnel with his surprise featured guests. He could do no wrong in his 1970s-1990s career. His vocals soar to new heights as he really gives his fans songs to remember…A Stunning Recording!
Link #1 Original eecording and video, 1990.
629. WOULD I LIE TO YOU (1985)
Vocalist: Eurythmics (Annie Lennox) (Benmont Tench organ / Nathan East bass / Dave Plews trumpet / M. Dobson sax / Olle Romo drums)
Writer/Composer: Annie Lennox / Dave Stewart (1985)
She’s back for her 3rd entry on our list. Known previously as a Synthpop duo, this number exploded on the scene as a Rock / R&B song, and Dave Stewart supplied the kinetic energy with his guitar riffs. He surrounded Annie with great musicians—Result? One of the most sensational videos of her high-energy singing and performing ever imagined, full of charisma and her amazing 3-octave voice. This may be one of the best of music videos of the 1980s and it’s impossible to be still to its base-driven beat…Absolutely Electrifying!
Link #1 Original recording. Link #2 Live performance / video
628. MISSISSIPPI QUEEN (1970)
Vocalist: Mountain (lead Leslie West)
Writer/Composer: Leslie West / Felix Pappalardi / Corky Laing / David Rea (1970)
Very few American Hard Rock bands came upon the scene like this one! They first played Woodstock in 1969, and after a few band members changed, they recorded this Rock Classic the next year. The “cowbell” intro, and the guitar riff introduces us to Leslie West’s high-spirited, powerful, guttural voice. This song, their biggest hit, was a revelation, highly influential, as a precursor to Heavy Metal, and a leader in the Blues Rock revolution—too bad they couldn’t stay together. Noteworthy is his stunning voice…Simply Jaw-dropping!
Link - Original recording, 1970.
627. (In My) SOLITUDE (1952)
Vocalist: Billie Holiday (Duke Ellington’s Orch. / Oscar Peterson piano / Ray Brown bass / Barney Kessel guitar)
Writer/Composer: Duke Ellington / Eddie DeLange / Irving Mills (1934)
With sparse phrasing and a moody vocal timbre, this, her 2nd entry, is considered a classic standard for Jazz vocalists. No one could interpret these type of Jazz classics like “Lady Day.” Her remarkable, unique voice was instantly recognized, in fact, it was without equal—too bad she left us wanting more at 44 years of age by succumbing to alcohol and drugs. Many today do not recognize her gifts to our music culture, but all music historians agree she was one of the most influential artists of all time. This Jazz / Blues / Pop classic will surprise and amaze you…Mesmerizing!
Link - Original recording, 1952.
626. ANGELICA (1969)
Vocalist: Roy Hamilton
Writer/Composer: Cynthis Weil / Barry Mann (1966)
Roy’s 3rd entry on our list comes with some regret. He died of a stroke at 40, shortly after recording this magnificent recording. He came upon hard times, was a close friend of Elvis Presley, and his friend covered the cost of his funeral. However, we go back to the voice, certainly one of the greatest in Pop history, one in which his pipes had the quiver and vibrato of an Opera star, to one that covered Gospel, Soul, R&B, Rock, and Jazz. His vocals were powerful, astonishing and captivating. Among his hits were Pledging My Love, Don’t Let Go and You Can Have Her. Now almost forgotten when mentioned among 20th century’s great singers, this vocal is a Shattering, Tour-de=force!
Link - Original recording, 1969.
