1050-1026-Great Vocals
1050. (GHOST) RIDERS IN THE SKY (A COWBOY LEGEND) (1949)
Vocalist: Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Stan Jones (1948)
His booming distinctive baritone voice from the 1940s through the 1950s, sounded like no other in his time, nor in any time—even now! It has been recorded by over 50 artists, but Vaughn’s version took #1 and stayed on the Top 100 chart for 22 weeks—it may still the best. This was considered the best Western song ever recorded, but its enormous popularity saw it take on the Pop charts in 1949, becoming the most popular song in America! Vaughn deep, full-throated baritone was in a class by itself. He fronted his own band for years, being one of the most successful hitmakers of his era. The chorus simply repeats the lines, “Yi-pi-yi-yay, Yi-pi-yi-yo / Ghost riders in the sky.” His voice almost takes on an inspirational dimension, a baritone with “muscles!”…Absolutely Seismic and Spellbinding!
Link # 1 Original recording with Orchestra and Quartet 1949. Link # 2 Live performance 1965.
1049. MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC! (Put Another Nickel In) (1950)
Vocalist: Teresa Brewer / feat. Dixieland All Stars
Writer/Composer: Stephen Weiss / Bernie Baum (1949)
She could sing, she could yelp, and always in any timbre, and one of the most successful of the 1950s female Pop singers. Her 3rd song on our list is her first massive hit—one of the biggest hits in 1950. Teresa was extraordinarily talented, with a strong, cheery, soprano voice, and she didn’t just sing, she performed, not even needing a microphone in smaller venues. She recorded around 600 songs and was one of the most popular vocalists in the 1950s, appealing to Pop / Jazz / Country / R&B and Novelty fans, extending her career some 50 years. From the very start of the spinet piano intro you were hooked, “Put another nickel in / In the nickelodeon / All I want is having you / And music, music, music.” She was a superstar for a while, with verve, vitality and vibrato…Simply Phenomenal!
Link # 1 Original recording 1950. Link # 2 Live performance 1950 at 18 years of age.
1048. BECAUSE (1965)
Vocalist: Jan Peerce (Yeshoshuan Pinkhes Perelmuth)
Writer/Composer: Guy d’Hardelot “Parce Que” - (English) Edward
Techemacher (1902)
He was one of the most popular American Opera tenors for over half century from the early 1930s through the 1980s. He was a descendant of Jewish immigrants like his brother, Opera singer Richard Tucker. The legendary conductor Toscanini chose him as a perennial favorite and he was a leading man in many well-known Classical Operas. His voice was a marvel, his power was amazing, and his ability to hold a note made him a favorite to even take on an occasional Pop song. His concerts and stage cantorias were somehow considered better than his recordings…Amazingly Spectacular!
1047. THE LIVING YEARS (1989)
Vocalist: Mike & the Mechanics (Paul Carrack lead vocals)
Writer/Composer: B.A. Robertson / Mike Rutherford (1988)
This heartfelt homage to his father and the sincere regrets left behind because of lost time and life apart, make this moving vocal a beauty. Very few Soft Rock musical compositions have such meaningful insights into the ever-present generation gap as this masterpiece by the two writers. Paul Carrack’s lead vocals soar with a crystal-clear message, “I wasn’t there that morning / When my father passed away / I didn’t get to tell him / All the things I had to say / I think I caught his spirit / Later that same year / I’m sure I heard his echo / In my baby’s new-born tears / I Just wish I could have told him / In the living years,” Whew! This 6-man ensemble, born out of British Rock band Genesis, went worldwide with this #1 hit, riding Paul’s perfect, golden baritone with soulful phrasing…Stirring, Sublime!
Link # 1 Official recording and video 1988. Link # 2 Live performance 1989.
1046. IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND (1970)
Vocalist: Gordon Lightfoot
Writer/Composer: Gordon Lightfoot (1969)
Singer / songwriters simply reigned in the 1970s and his remarkable rich Folk baritone voice was as smooth as silk. This recording, his 5th on our list, had such mass appeal that it crossed over into the Pop charts and became a big hit, satisfying Pop / Folk and Country fans as well. It’s stands the test of time as a stellar example of how the addition of strings in the background add depth and dimension to his beautiful voice, with lush vibrato, yearning, and sorrowful regrets of days gone by in a meaningful relationship. In a bridge too far, he laments, “I never thought I could act this way / And I’ve got to say, that I just don;t get it / I don’t know where we went wrong / But the feeling’s gone and I just can’t get it back.” Gord’s gold of the past brings back brings the reality…A Remarkable Magnum Opus!
Link # 1 Original recording 1970. Link # 2 Live performance for BBC 1972.
1045. HEAD OVER FEET (1995)
Vocalist: Alanis Morissette
Writer/Composer: Alanis Morissette / Gen Ballard (1995)
This Canadian Rock / Alt Rock / Pop singer / songwriter shines again with a single that was lifted from her debut album, Jagged Little Pill in 1995. She swept the free world with her 3rd song on our list. The subsequent years have validated her influence in music for over 30 years now, and she possesses a sound and voice unlike any other singer. In this song she expresses a vulnerable distrust in her relationship, yet the feeling of elation by just trusting it. The chorus, “You’ve already won me over in spite of me / And don’t be alarmed if I fall head over feet / And don’t be surprised if I love you for all that you are / I couldn’t help it, it’s all your fault.” is remarkable. He mezzo soprano 4-octave voice is powerful, emotive, versatile—she’s earned her place on Rock’s Mount Rushmore…Mercurial, Ungowa!
Link # 1 Oficial music video 1995. Link # 2 Live performance at Prince’s Party in the Park 2004,
1044. BEFORE HE CHEATS (2006)
Vocalist: Carrie Underwood
Writer/Composer: Chris Tompkins / Josh Kear (2006)
No one, absolutely no one, stormed upon the Country / Pop / Rock scene as this winner of the 2004 American Idol. As the dominant female force in Country music in the 2000s and 2010s, she has sold more records than any Country artist, and collected more Grammys, this one included. She utilizes her 3+octaves to sing with such power, it’s almost like she’s channeling Reba, k.d, and Shania, all at one time. She can sing in a mellow falsetto or extend it to rough and ready, low soprano. This may be the ultimate song about retaliation, attitude and getting revenge on a former boyfriend. She excels as an American singer / songwriter, even though she didn’t write this from her debut album, her multiple hits keep on coming, even crossing genres into Pop / Country Rock and Gospel…Taunting and Spectacular!
Link # 1 Original recording 2006. Link # 2 Live from The Today Show 2006.
1043. WITH ONE LOOK “Sunset Boulevard” (1996)
Vocalist: Glenn Close & Original Cast
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Don Black / Christopher Hampton / Amy Powers (1993)
She was a superb actress from the 1980s and beyond, into the 2020s, and that prompts the question—Is this an actor who can sing, or a singer who can act? The answer is…Yes, to both questions! From the Broadway Theater, she stars and belts this Webber adaptation as Norma Desmond would, with gusto, despair, and confidence. Her performance in Sunset Boulevard was not only jaw-dropping for her acting, but her vocals are a true revelation. She’s at the fading star’s heart in character in this verse, “Yes, with one look / I put words to shame / Just one look / Sets the screen aflame / Silent music starts to play / One tear from my eye / makes the whole world cry.” She sings within her 2 octaves with conviction, sincerity and the expectation of impending doom…A Remarkable, yet Beguiling Delivery!
Link - Straight from Broadway 1996.
1042. THE OLD LAMPLIGHTER (1960)
Vocalist: The Browns (lead Jim Ed Brown) Maxine & Bonnie (sisters)
Writer/Composer: Nat Simon / Charles Tobias (1946)
Their musical numbers flowed with a smooth-as-silk harmony and a sweet-as-honey sound that was immediately recognizable in those late 1950s and well into the 1960s. This treasured number they sang with such gentle delivery, it allowed you to look back in time with nostalgic memories, with a safe and secure feeling, not afraid of the darkness of night. “He made the night a little brighter / Wherever he would go / The old lamplighter of long. long ago.” The Browns sang with the most touching harmony of their era, embraced by Country / Folk / Pop and Gospel enthusiasts everywhere. They added so much beauty and luster to their Pop, Nashville Sound, it was not uncommon to hear people sing along. The Three Bells was their biggest hit. This superbly written song is…Inspiring and Exquisite!
Link - Remastered copy of original recording 1960.
1041. WHEELS OF A DREAM “Ragtime” (1996)
Vocalist: Brian Stokes Mitchell / Audra McDonald / & chorus
Writer/Composer: Lynn Ahrens / Stephen C. Flaherty
As Coalhouse Walker Jr. and wife Sarah, this duo gives perhaps one of the greatest emotional vocal performances in 20th Century music, as they sing about the hopes and dreams of transcending immigration status to become truly free. “Oh Sarah, it’s more than promises / Sarah, it must be true / A country that lets a man like me / own a car, raise a child, build a life / With you / With you.” Brian’s extraordinary, thunderous, baritone voice and Audra’s distinctive soprano sound (her 3rd song on our list) is beyond compare. Together they touch the human spirit, delivering a deeply moving number. The power and conviction they convey in this song destined why both became two of the most sought-after musical performers in Broadway Theater history from the 1990s through the 2010s…Monumental!
Link # 1 Live performance 1996. Link # 2 Live from the Kennedy Center performance 1997.
1040. HIGH SIERRA (1999)
Vocalist: (Trio) Linda Ronstadt / Emmylou Harris / Dolly Parton
Writer/Composer: Harley Allen (1980)
The uniting of these 3 singers was a miracle—we never could have heard the intense pleasure that these Folk / Country artists served us—on a gold platter! The harmony is heavenly, their unique voices, angelic, and the melody, as dazzling as the Northern Lights! The three collaborated on the Trio II album, and they each bring an ethereal quality to the number that’s a musical surprise and a sonic revelation. The musical production is marvelous, and this selection is one of their most astonishing numbers showcasing their talents. This is Emmy Lou’s 4th, Dolly’s 5th and Linda’s 10th entry on our list. The collaboration of the 3-point harmony is almost beyond belief, proving their vocal prowess with careers spanning 50 to 60 years+ each, is no fluke or flash in the—platter…Simply Enthralling!
Link # 1 Original recording released in 1999. Link # 2 Live appearance on the Today Show in 1999.
1039. LOVE ON THE ROCKS “The Jazz Singer” (1980)
Vocalist: Neil Diamond
Writer/Composer: Neil Diamond / Gilbert Becaud(1980)
Here he is, a man with a music career dating back to 1966, as one of the most respected, lauded American singer / songwriters for more than a half century, and one of its best-selling artists, selling over 130 million records. His concerts tours were legendary—his appeal embraces Movie songs such as this Pop number and Rock / Soft Rock / Folk / Blues / Country, even Classical compositions. “Love on the rocks, ain’t no surprise / Just pour me a drink, and I’ll tell you some lies / Got nothing to lose, so you just sing the blues / All the time.” What an opening to this amazing tune, whether he’s singing in a low baritone or growling the lyrics, he shines here, convincing us this is the best way to get over a romantic relationship. His 3rd entry on our list is an absolutely earnest plea in self-pity…Splendid Melancholy!
Link # 1 Original recording 1980. Link # 2 Live performance scene fro the Jazz Singer 1980.
1038. MICHAEL (Rowed the Boat Ashore) (1960)
Vocalist: The Highwaymen
Writer/Composer: Traditional 1860s spiritual / Tony Salatan 1954
There was a huge surge of Folk songs and Folk bands in the late 1950s and on through the mid-1960s. This number surfaced, going all the way to # 1 on the U.S. Pop charts. The re-working of this old Civil War song was genius, Michael being the name of the Biblical Archangel, and the delivery by this 5-man, collegiate Folk group was as smooth as silk. Beginning with an ethereal whistle, the group sported beautiful harmony and were exceptional musicians as well. The harmony really surfaces here, with the repetitive short verses lending themselves to simplicity and harmonic wonder, “Michael row the boat ashore / Hallelujah / Michael row the boat ahore / Hallelujah.” This diamond in the rough rode the peak of the early 60s Folk trend. The song is…Inspirational and Uplifting!
Link # 1 The original 1960 recording. Link # 2 Live performance on the Ed Sullivan show in 1961.
1037. HE’S A REBEL (1962)
Vocalist: The Crystals (lead Darlene Love (Wright) / Darlene Love & The Blossoms (The unknown Blossoms was the real group) / featuring Steve Douglas on saxophone
Writer/Composer: Gene Pitney (1962)
This nostalgic Rock / R&B / Pop classic was an enigmatic hit, going to #1 in a time capsule of uncertainty and lawsuits against producer Phil Spector, inventor of the “Wall of Sound.” Recorded by the Blossoms with Darlene Love, it was credited to the Crystals, helping to fill the vacuum era from 1960 to 1964, which was the era of girl groups filling the void left by the sudden absence of Rock and Roll. It sounded spectacular! Darlene’s strong pipes as lead instead being a backup singer, added an authenticity to the record, and it became one of the best representations of the girl groups. When she sings, “Oh, he’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no,” near the closing of the chorus, you know you’re hearing something special. Her power, versatility and strong charisma rise to the occasion—Edgy, Soulful and Wondrous!
Link - Original recording - Live pantomime in 1963.
1036. D’AMOR SULL’ ALI ROSEE “ll Trovatore” (1974)
Vocalist: Montserrat Caballe
Writer/Composer: Giuseppi Verdi (1836)
Curious to see why so many people feel intimidated by Opera? Why not start with what many consider the greatest female voice of the 20th century. It’s easy to see why her career lasted so long, and it can only be agreed, we find ourselves in awe by experiencing one of the most stunning vocals of all time. “El Superba” stretches her wings here, and she uses her voice like a secret weapon, converting all challengers. Is she imitating a flute, or is it a violin. Regardless, with her 4th entry on our list, we hear what seems impossible, or even not of this earth—an angelic, celestial, mesmerizing, soprano voice…An Absolutely Jaw-Dropping Performance!
Link - This style is called pianissimo. She also actually imitates a flute, and then, even a violin.
1035. YOU’RE GONNA MISS THIS (2008)
Vocalist: Trace Adkins (featuring Wes Hightower backing vocals)
Writer/Composer: Ashley Gorley / Lee Thomas Miller (2007)
This is a great song about people’s perception of how anxious they are to grow up to achieve the American Dream, and seemingly how time passes way to quickly to get true fulfilment. Trace has become an institution from the 1990s, through the 2020s. His booming bass-baritone vocals are easy to identify with his distinctive style and sound, singing about missing the biggest moments in life, appealing to Country / Country Rock / Americana / Folk / Pop. Example, “Cause you’re gonna miss this, you’re gonna want this back / You’re gonna wish these days, hadn’t gone by so fast / These are some good times, so take a look around / You may not know it now, but you’re gonna miss this.” His deep speaking voice has endeared him to many for causes and sacrifices…Unmistakenly Gritty and Trustworthy!
Link # 1 Original recording and music video 2008. Link # 2 Live at the Grand Ole Opry. ???
1034. BOOZE AND BLUES (1923)
Vocalist: Ma Rainey (Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett)
Writer/Composer: John Erby (C. 1924)
Known as the “Mother of the Blues,” this was an essential in the history of American Blues. She could mesmerize her black and white audiences with her deep-throated contralto vocals, and she was one of the first hitmakers among black artists. She may have been the first black woman to get recording contract, and in the 1920s, during the days of speakeasies and illegal alcohol, drinks were known as booze. She was a pioneer Blues singer known primarily for her moaning style. The quality of the records in those days was very poor but it was easy to recognize she could hold her audience—the early Blues of the era won over the Jazz / Dixieland and white audiences. She makes the most of this historical setting here, worked through racism, but sing she does…and dig that band!…Simply Tempestuous!
1033. OVER THE MOUNTAIN, ACROSS THE SEA (1957)
Vocalist: Johnnie and Joe (Johnnie Louise Richardson / Joe Rivers) / Rex Garvin backing vocals & piano
Writer/Composer: Rex Garvin (1957)
This American male and female R&B / Soul duo made a big impression with their unique sound of soulful harmony. They teamed up in 1957 and with the help of Rex Garvin on piano, blended this recording, giving it an almost spiritual uplifting sound, perfect for slow dancing. Joe sang a strong baritone lead, Johnnie sang with strong improvising in the background, and Rex gave the song structure with his backing harmony and keyboards. If you’re old enough you’ll remember that intro, “Over the mountain / Across the sea / There’s a girl, she’s waiting for me.” Perhaps this song might have been a bigger classic—it did break into the top 10 on the Pop Charts, but it had so much competition in that stellar year of ‘57, that it got lost in the crowd…A Wonderful, Beloved Song of Sincerity!
Link - Orignal recording 1957.
1032. I SEE THE LIGHT “Tangled” (2010)
Vocalist: Mandy Moore (Amanda Leigh Moore) / Zachary Levi
Writer/Composer: Alan Menken / Glenn Slater (2010)
Emerging as a Pop / Folk offering, this romantic ballad is delivered by Mandy as Rapunzel to her object of affection, Flynn, in this Disney animated Movie. It was widely accepted with accolades from critics and won a Grammy as best song from a movie. She is an American singer / actress / songwriter who has blossomed in the last 20 years as a voice possessing an eternal sweetness, working within her 2-octave range. Zachary has a very pleasant male tenor response when he joins the number, and joining together on the last verse, is a musical reward. When the Disney team compose songs for their animation, it seems year after year, decade after decade, it always seems to work, with poignant scenes for not only children, but adults as well, seeming to etch itself into our memories…Simply Endearing!
Link - A scene from the animated movie Tangled 2010.
1031. YOU HAVEN’T DONE NOTHIN’ (1974)
Vocalist: Stevie Wonder (Stevland Hardaway Morris) / feat. Jackson Five
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder / Syreeta Wright (1974)
What can you say but WOW to Stevie’s ability and, even though he’s handicapped by his blindness, he is a true visionary when it comes to rhythm, rhyme, reason and stunning performances. His 5th listed song is a masterpiece, a single that was pulled from his Fullfillingness’ First Finale, with his combination of R&B / Soul / Rock / Pop / Jazz and Funk. With such verve and energy, most folks forgot it was a protest song against U.S. President Nixon, and went instead with “Doo Da Wop” and the amazing clavinet, drum machine and heavy synthesizer keyboard work he provided in the studio. His vocals are stellar within his tenor range, and no one in history had the early universal praise form 4 critically praised albums of the 1970s. Listen carefully to his great production…A Monumental Achievement!
Link # 1 Original Recording 1974. Link # 2 Live performance 1974.
1030. MAKE LOVE TO ME (1954)
Vocalist: Jo Stafford / the New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Writer/Composer: Bill Norvas / Alan Copeland & the New Orleans Rhythm Kings (1953)
Her 50-year career, beginning in the mid-1930s, included joining the Pied Pipers vocal group in the 1940s. If you listened to every Jazz / Pop recording of the 1950s, you’ll never find a voice quite like Jo Stafford. She fronted stellar musicians in the Big Band era and recorded with a style and flair that other competing artists could hardly match—she was a classically-trained contralto with perfect pitch and phrasing. This song rode the Pop charts in 1954 for 24 weeks, making it all the way to #1. She was an unstoppable force and as one of the most successful American singers from the mid 40s into the mid-50s, and even in the U. K., she was the first female singer to take a song there to # 1. The band is complete delight, even the, “Ba-ba-bom-ba boom.” …A Wonderful, Nostalgic Keeper!
Link - The original recording 1953.
1029. HERE’S WHERE THE STORY ENDS (1990)
Vocalist: The Sundays (lead Harriet Wheeler)
Writer/Composer: David Gauvurin / Harriet Wheeler (1990)
This alternative Rock Indie singer has it, a unique quality to express herself beautifully, lyrically, and with a lofty verve. She sounded unique, yet she seemed to slip through the cracks in the music business, not recording any albums after 1997. With jangling guitars and captivating charisma, she represented the sound of British Rock and Alt Pop from the late 198os and 90s. This tune was their breakout hit, coming out of the era which gave us the Cranberries and other diverse songs that led to a cult following. The “souvenir” of the song seems to be the regret of wishing they had never ended their relationship. Her soft, sweet, contralto voice, not known for reaching multi-octaves, sort of floated effortlessly, taking us to a heavenly bliss somewhere in the great beyond…Elite and Elegant!
Link - Official Music video 1990.
1028. BABY, COME TO ME (1983)
Vocalist: Patti Austin / James Ingram (feat. Michael McDonald on harmony)
Writer/Composer: Rod Temperton (1981)
This became a R#B classic, not when it was initially released, but when it was used as a character theme for the soap opera, General Hospital—straight to # 1 on the Pop charts and was one of the biggest hits of the year. Talented performers they both were, Patti’s graceful contralto and James soulful baritone. The result was a wonderful collaboration in the recording studio, with stunning harmonies and beautiful arrangements, making this appeal to not only R&B, but Pop / Soul & Jazz as well. The chorus soars. “Baby, come to me / Let me put my arms around you / This was meant to be / And I’m so glad that I found you / Need you ev’ry day / Gotta have you’re love around me / Baby always stay / Cause I can’t go livin’ without you.” One of the 1980s best duets is now firmly cemented…Enchanting & Ecstatic!
Link # 1 Original recording 1982. Link # 2 Original audio 1982/
1027. HEY! BABY (1962)
Vocalist: Bruce Channel (Delbert McClinton harmonica
Writer/Composer: Bruce Channel ( Margaret Cobb (1961)
Once in a while a breakthrough song hits in Rock that demands instant attention—this is one of those songs! Bruce’s powerhouse hit, one of the biggest in 1962, was everywhere, #1 on the charts, and on the Juke box. Young Delbert McClinton’s harmonica hook pulled everyone in, and people popped up like jack-in-the boxes, wanting to dance with his big booming baritone voice, with a nasal sound, that seemed to encompass Rock / Blues / Country / Pop, all in one! Verse 1 says it all, “When I saw you walking down the street / I said that’s the kind of girl that I’d like to meet / She’s so pretty, Lord, she’s fine / I’m gonna make her mine, all mine.” Life was more simple, love was strong, “Hey, hey baby / I wanna know, if you’ll be my girsl.” Who could resist it, it made you happy!…Cool and Captivating!
Link - Original recording 1961, Sounded just as good live.
1026. HELLO (2015)
Vocalist: Adele
Writer/Composer: Adele / Greg Kurstin (2015)
This Pop masterpiece is gloriously delivered with tender trappings and Soulful responses—it’s an instant classic! Her 3rd song selected is a great one, from her album, 25, one of her splendid Grammy-winning recordings that add to her totals of 120 million sold and still counting, making her one of the top artists of this 21st Century. Her mezzo-soprano may be fading, but her contralto low notes slowly rise, satisfying Pop / R&B / Soul / Jazz and Rock fans everywhere in the world. When she reveals, “Hello, from the outside (outside) / At least I can say that I’ve tried / (I’ve tried) / To tell you I’m sorry for breaking your heart / But it don’t matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore.” Wow! She takes full responsibility when she sings “Hello from the other side” in in the chorus—Just Breathtaking!
Link # 1 Original recording 2015. Link # 2 Live recording 2015.
