375-351-Great Vocals
375. A WHITE SPORT COAT (and a Pink Carnation) (1957)
Vocalist: Marty Robbins (Vocal chorus arranger Ray Coniff)
Writer/Composer: Marty Robbins (1957)
He was one of the freshest sounds to ever come out of Country / Western music—Proof? This song! It had a chorus, a guitar, just enough of a clear Honky Tonk sound to make the grade, arranger Ray Coniff’s musical prowess to bring in the Singing the Blues crowd, and the stellar voice of one Country’s legends. It made a huge splash in that remarkable year, with his crystal-clear delivery, going number 1 in Country, number 2 on the Pop charts. Never has disappointment sounded so good, “Once you told me long ago / to the prom with me you’d go / Now you changed your mind it seems / someone else will hold my dreams.”…Simply Amazing!
Link - Original recording, 1957.
374. QUANDO ME’N VO’ (Musetta’s Waltz) “La Boheme” (2010)
Vocalist: Anna Netrebko (Yuri Temirkanov cond. / St Petersburg Philharmonic.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1886)
One of the most astonishing voices to grace the 21st century. this coloratura soprano, in every sense of the word, doesn’t like to talk about her star diva status, she just prefers to let her voice do the talking. She is Russian / Austrian and her Opera / Classical skills are stunning, yet she remains an enigma of sorts. Well known for one of the most appreciated renditions of “Musetta’s Waltz,” she is considered by many as the greatest female voice in Opera this century, with her lyrical, rich, exuberant vocals, not needing a safety net when hitting those notes of high register. Her voice is Eloquent, almost Magical, and Enchanting!
Link - Original recording from Opera, La Boheme, 2010.
373. LINGER (1993)
Vocalist: The Cranberries (Lead Dolores O’Riordan)
Writer/Composer: Dolores O’Riordan / Noel Hogan (1990)
This 5-piece Irish Band gave us this wonderful tune that stayed popular for a half year on the charts, thanks in large part to O’Riordan’s sweet, austere, haunting and floating vocals. A needy and losing song about being on the wrong end of a relationship, the song soars and stays in the memory for a long time after it ends. Mostly with honest Alternative Rock and Indie/Pop songs, this group really appealed to a world audience as one writer put it this way, “Her inimitable voice was both tonally brisk and eerily sweet.” “Do you have to / Do you have to / Do you have to let it linger” just sticks with you…Lofty and Elegant!
Link #1 Official music video in 1993. Link #2 Live in Paris, France 1999
372. NOBODY KNOWS THE TROUBLE I’VE SEEN
Vocalist: Marian Anderson (piano Kosti Vehanen)(1925) *(1939)
Writer/Composer: 1867 Traditional lyrics (Modern version Harry T. Burleigh)
When American singer, Marian Anderson, was finally allowed to sing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, it was a defining musical moment in American history—she was already enormously popular in Europe, and the world, but it was at this moment, when she was accepted in the U.S. Her larger-than-life voice, from its low baritone to its beautiful contralto delivery, stunned the crowd of around 75,000 people, giving them a life-changing experience. Accompanied by a lone piano, against all odds, with her eyes closed, opening doors for multitudes that would follow. Her vocals covered Blues, Traditional, and Spiritual. Result?…Spellbinding and Inspirational!
Link #1 Original 1924 recording, 1924. Link #2 Live at Lincoln Memorial in 1939 with 75,000 people.
371. YOU KEEP ME HANGING ON (1966)
Vocalist: The Supremes (lead Diana Ross)
Writer/Composer: Brian Holland / Lamont Dozier / Eddie Holland (1966)
“Set me free, why don’t cha, babe / Get out of my life, why don’t cha, babe / ‘Cause you don’t really love me / You just keep me hangin’ on.” With these words we are caught up in the beginning chorus of their 2nd entry on our list, featuring America’s most popular female group of the 1960s. Diana Ross shines in this offering, and her sweet and pleading vocals here are sincere and convincing. This most popular girl group made music history by charting 12 #1 hits, and many in retrospect, consider this number their best song. Some considered this Rock / Pop / R&B / and Soul, all rolled into one…Simply Marvelous and Unparallelled!
Link #1 Original recording in 1966. Link #2 Live TV appearance in 1966.
370. DOWNTOWN (1964)
Vocalist: Petula Clark
Writer/Composer: Tony Hatch / Jackie Trent (1964)
Joining music’s ‘British invasion’ were the opening lines of this song, “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely / you can always go - Downtown / When you’ve got worries all the noise and the hurry / you can always go - Downtown.” Petula Clark made her mark on music history with this #1 British treasure; she soon became the most popular female vocalist of the 1960s, only outsold by the Supremes, and Brenda Lee. A Pop / Soul / singer / songwriter / actress, she dominated the 1960s during the most difficult time, as men and Rock Bands totally dominated the music charts. This upbeat song was a wonder with her unique, sweet, show-stopping delivery…Absolutely Marvelous!
Link - Original recording, 1964.
369. THIS MASQUERADE (1976)
Vocalist: George Benson
Writer/Composer: Leon Russell
This American singer / songwriter knew no boundaries, he appealed to almost every genre of music, from this Jazz piece to R&B, Pop and Soul. He was known for his stellar guitar work, and for his super-smooth vocal delivery. His offering here is a stunner, with him frequently harmonizing with his guitar chords, producing a rapturous sound, unheard of in any Pop or smooth Jazz piece. His warm baritone vocal is both hypnotic and appealing, as he sings in a seemingly new style that has bravado and vibrato—it really is an Grammy award-winning masterpiece. His guitar work is now legendary, check this out…Absolutely Astonishing and Superb!
Link #1 Original Grammy-winning recording in 1976. Link #2 Live performance in the 1980s.
368. TURN, TURN, TURN (To Everything There is a Season) (1965)
Vocalist: The Byrds (Roger McGuinn lead vocals & guitar / Gene Clark vocals, tambourine / David Crosby vocals, guitar / Chriss Hillman bass / Michael Clarke drums)
Writer/Composer: Pete Seeger (Based on Bible book of Ecclesiastes) (1959)
This original protest song from Pete Seeger is perhaps the epitome of the Folk / Rock genre, and the pitch perfect harmony of this group sent it to legendary heights in those mid-1960s. Based on Solomon’s 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes, it features an appointed time for everything, perfect for Folk song material. Lead singer Roger McGuinn brought 12-string guitar into folk music with its distinctive “jangle” sound. David Crosby’s high vocal harmonies gave the group an amazing smooth sound, a one-of-a-kind treat that was really 2-part harmony. The result was stellar, unique, and beautiful…Pure Excellence!
Link - Original recording, 1965.
367. AND I’M TELLING YOU I’M NOT GOING “Dream Girls” (1982)
Vocalist: Jennifer Holliday
Writer/Composer: Henry Kreiger / Tom Eyer (1981)
There’s never been a better Soul / R&B classic than this Broadway Musical version, in spite of a culture at times that is still divided, this number presents all the pathos, the anger, the desperation and the incentive of refusing to let her man control the relationship, by walking out. Love’s loss, without any guilt, never hurt so much as in this tour-de-force number. The Broadway actress nails it—it becomes the signature song of Jennifer Holliday. With Gospel-tinted delivery of powerhouse emotions—no wonder it was an award-winning song! “I’m staying with you…You’re gonna love me!” never sounded so real!…Heartbreaking and Shattering!
Link #1 Original Broadway Theater recording, 1982.
366. LUCILLE (1977)
Vocalist: Kenny Rogers
Writer/Composer: Roger Bowling / Hal Bynum (1976)
Another great story song from one of the most convincing masters in Country music. Who can forget that chorus, “You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille / With four hungry children and a crop in the field / I’ve had some bad times / Lived through some sad times / But this time you’re hurting won’t heal / You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille.” With those words and his warm, raspy, gravelly voice, he enters the list with his 2nd ranking, expressing vocally one of Country’s most arresting heartbreaks. He’s just as convincing and sincere in his other hits such as Coward of the County, You Decorated My Life and Lady. No one does a story song quite like Kenny Rogers—you since he really feels it. A truly Remarkable delivery, with Mournful, Aching lyrics!
Link #1 Original music video, 1977. Link #2 Live Performance some years later.
365. WON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN (1971)
Vocalist: The Who (Roger Daltrey lead vocals / Pete Townsend vocals, guitar, keyboards / John Entwistle bass / Keith Moon percussion)
Writer/Composer: Pete Townsend (1971)
This marked a beginning of this band’s venture into Progressive Rock, and it featured one of the very best screams in Rock history. Their 2nd listed song was also a piece with a concluding message, “Yeah, meet the new boss / Same as the old boss.” This separated the Who as one of the greatest of Rock bands of the 1960s through the 1980s. Always innovative, creating new sounds and using inventive, creative instrumentation, they proved to be not just another British rock band, but great musicians and melody makers as well. Daltrey and Townsend appealed to the masses with their unique, stellar vocals. becoming one of Rock’s most anthemic messengers…An Absolute Tour-de-force!
Link #1 Original 1971 recording. Link #2 Live performance at Shepperton Studio in 1981.
364. LADY (1978)
Vocalist: Little River Band (lead Glenn Shorrocks / David Briggs guitar / Beeb Birtles vocals, guitar / Graeham Goble vocals, guitar / George McArdle bass / Derek Pellicci percussion)
Writer/Composer: Graeham Goble (1978)
If you ever wanted to hear pure harmony, look no further—LRB is the place to dwell. This Australian 6-piece band gave us this offering as a touchstone in crystal-clear harmony. From the opening strum of the acoustic guitar, and the intro as a soft touch of the piano, when Glenn starts singing, and especially when the rest join in on the chorus, the effect is marvelous—they send us to infinity! Among their wide array of hits are Lonesome Loser, Cool Change and Take It Easy on Me. The group captivated fans by conquering Pop / Rock / Blues / even Jazz with their stellar pin-point harmony. “So Lady, let me take a look at you now / You’re there on the dance floor making me want you somehow.”…Did I say Fabulous? Flawless!
Link - Original recording of live performance, 1978.
363. BLUE BAYOU (1977)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt
Writer/Composer: Roy Orbison / Joe Melson (1963)
Linda did many covers of other great songs—this one was among her best! With her crystal-clear delivery, her extraordinary sense of blending harmonies, and her beautiful control of at least 3-octaves, she reinvented this Roy Orbison classic and made it her own—it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing this song. With her 3rd entry on the list, this time she dominates with a Pop song. Her wide repertoire, now having embraced Rock / Pop / Folk / R&B / Jazz, & the American Songbook, illustrates how versatile and talented she is as a vocalist. Other Pop songs she made her own were Somewhere Out There, When will I Be Loved and Adios. Her mezzo-soprano voice has always been well respected for her range and control…Absolutely Poignant and Flawless!
Link #1 Official music video, 1977.
362. YOU’RE STILL THE ONE (1998)
Vocalist: Shania Twain
Writer/Composer: Robert “Mutt” Lange / Shania Twain (1997)
Part of the music sensation of the 1990s was that female artists not only came back—but they ruled! It was certainty true of this Canadian singer / songwriter and Country / Pop legend, who, with this Grammy award-winning song, became one of the most visible, successful vocalists of the 1990s / 2000s. It was just the beginning—she sold more than 100 million records worldwide, more historically than any female country artist, with such hits as That Don’t Impress Me Much. and Any Man of Mine. However, in the early 2000s she became physically challenged with Lyme disease, and that “glossy, supple and inviting” voice that millions of fans expected took time off to adjust her sound. As this early recording demonstrates, she was Truly Amazing and Very Spectacular!
Link #1 Official music video, 1998. Link #2 Live 1999 performance.
361. VESTI LA GIUBBA “I Pagliacci” (1980)
Vocalist: Jose Carreras (The Philharmonic Orch. / Riccardo Muti cond.)
Writer/Composer: Ruggero Leoncavallo (1892)
This amazing Spanish Opera star received worldwide acclaim when he contracted leukemia in the 1980s, and beat it, setting up a foundation which still exists today. He also reached wider recognition as the third star of “The Three Tenors,” this entry being his 3rd listed song on our list, including that concert album. His rich, powerful, and resonant voice has been considered one of the most beautiful since the 1970s and his amazing presence has attracted his peers and fans ever since. His rendition of this challenging piece is just one of the great examples of a vocalist who takes on even the most of difficult assignments. Listen and see for yourself…Absolutely Magnificent!
Link - Original recording from I Pagliacci, 1980.
360. ENDLESS LOVE “Endless Love” (1981)
Vocalist: Lionel Ritchie / Diana Ross
Writer/Composer: Lionel Ritchie (1981)
The song was ubiquitous—it wouldn’t go away, recognized worldwide as perhaps one of the greatest of love duets in Pop / R&B history. This song of songs stayed as #1 for 9 straight weeks, longer than any other duet at that time. also staying popular 27 weeks on the chart. It was Ritchie’s first time as singer / songwriter on our list, and it also ranks as Ross’s first solo entry, as well as her 3rd entry as lead singer for the Supremes. Blending perfectly, Diana with her sweet-as-honey voice, and Lionel, with his ever present smooth-as-silk vocal as male counterpart. Many rank it as truly one of the most heavenly of love songs, and it stays with you long after its over…Sweetly Sublime!
Link - Official music video, 1981.
359. ANTICIPATION (1971)
Vocalist: Carly Simon
Writer/Composer: Carly Simon (1971)
What a song! What a delivery! What a unique voice! She became one of the great singer / songwriters of the 1970s with her contralto voice with a playlist which included American Pop / Folk / Rock. Her voice has been described as “hauntingly beautiful with a multifaceted musical style,” and she demonstrates that here with an uncanny ability to achieve unforgettable story songs. She moves within her motif with an amazing 3-octave range to surprise, tempt, and influence other singers, and her fans. Among her cherished hits are You’re So Vain, Mockingbird with James Taylor and You Belong to Me. This song is about the uncertainties of a new relationship—which way will it go? Come along for the ride…Riveting, and Mesmerizing!
Link - Official music video, 1971.
358. ON THE RADIO “Foxes” (1980)
Vocalist: Donna Summer
Writer/Composer: Donna Summer / Georgio Moroder (1979)
She took the world by storm during the Disco mania of the 1970s and into the 80s. She was an American singer, a force in mastering Soul / R&B / Funk / Gospel / Pop and Disco. She could sing in three octaves as a mezzo-soprano, and then some. Her astounding vibrato was amazing, and she was known for holding a note for long stretches of time, thanks to her musical training. Known as the “Queen of Disco,” she became the most popular singer in the world for a time, but it was the voice and how she used it that really gained legions of fans. She sold over 100 million records and this selection just shows her extraordinary capabilities…Electrifying and Wondrous!
Link - Official music video, 1980.
357. WHERE OR WHEN “Babes in Arms” (1958)
Vocalist: Frank Sinatra (Bill Miller piano / Nelson Riddle cond.)
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart (1937)
“It seems we stood and talked like this before / We looked at each other in the same way then / But I can’t remember where or when.” These opening words introduce us to one of the finest album cuts of all time, his remarkable Only the Lonely. Sinatra takes this legendary Jazz / Pop classic and redefines it—actually making it a torch song for lovers. His 5th entry on our listing is a masterpiece, validating his ability to take a song where it’s never been before. The song’s last line, “And so it seems that we have met before / And laughed before / and loved before / But who knows where or when.” is stunning…Absolutely Haunting, and Intimate!
Link - Original recording, 1958.
356. POETRY MAN (1974)
Vocalist: Phoebe Snow
Writer/Composer: Phoebe Snow (1974)
She was an outstanding American singer / songwriter / guitarist from the 1970s, and this is a sterling example of her ability to sing a Folk selection in a lazy, growly blues style, and shift into a near 4-octave falsetto, with a touch of beautiful vibrato—not bad for a Folk singer. This was her signature song, and she also had range for Blues and Jazz. She had the advantage of singing in a black voice, and most people were attracted by her melancholic songs with “A tough, gritty phrasing and sensual voice.” Her dazzling contralto vocals were distinctive, one of the most unique in Pop music in the 1970-1990s…Purely Exceptional, and Splendid!
Link #1 Original 1974 recording. Link #2 Live performance in 1981.
355. THREE TIMES A LADY ( 1978)
Vocalist: The Commodores (lead Lionel Ritchie)
Writer/Composer: Lionel Ritchie / Clive Jeffrey (1978)
Here he is again, his 2nd entry on this page listed, with his group, not Diana Ross. This romantic ballad is the perfect slow dance song, with soul, feeling, and sincerity. The late 1970s and into the 1980s, this group was a hit-making machine, before Ritchie went solo. With plentiful hits such as All Night Long, Hello, and Still, He was among the five most successful singer / songwriters of the 80s, and his influential, meaningful, romantic lyrics, put him among the elite in Soul / R&B / Pop music. Example: “When we are together, the moments I cherish / With every beat of my heart / To touch you, to hold you, to feel you, to need you / There’s nothing to keep us apart.” What makes it more meaningful, it was written for his wife and mother…Heartfelt and Endearing!
Link #1 Original 1978 recording Link #2 Live performance in 1978 on The Midnight Special,
354. CALIFORNIA GIRLS (1965)
Vocalist: The Beach Boys (Mike Love lead vocals (3 layered tracks) / Brian Wilson, 1st tenor, falsetto / Carl Wilson, 12-string guitar / Dennis Wilson / Al Jardine / Bruce Johnson / The Wrecking Crew, added studio musicians)
Writer/Composer: Mike Love / Brian Wilson (1965)
Their 2nd entry on the list, America’s Rock / Pop answer to the overwhelming popularity of the Beatles, is also considered a masterpiece. The wonderful arrangement features a total inventory of girls from all over the world, wishing they were all in California. This complex song and the subsequent finished product resulted in numerous changes, dropping the orchestral intro and replacing the lead with a guitar. Brian Wilson, perfectionist to a fault, made sure it was perfect, and indeed, perfect it was. Mike Love took the lead vocals, triple tracked for a fuller, lush sound, and the beautiful harmonies and imaginative, extraordinary vocals surfaced until it seemed they were rising to another level. They were!…Flawlessly Spectacular!
Link #1 Original 1965 recording. Link #2 Live televised performance, 1965.
353. TIME AFTER TIME “It Happened in Brooklyn” (1947)
Vocalist: Kathryn Grayson (Piano Andre Previn)
Writer/Composer: Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne (1947)
It’s hard to imagine an American actress / singer with a more beautiful voice than Miss Grayson, a coloratura soprano, trained in Opera. But her looks, charm, and easy-going nature was front and center as an interpreter of American song. This selection from the Movie Musical was her forte, and she excelled. Originally written for Sinatra, but reprised by her later in the film, it became a Jazz standard. Among the most beautiful voices of 1940s and 1950s, she overwhelmed audiences with her crystal-clear vocals, her beautiful vibrato and captivating screen presence. One the great voices of the 20th, or any century!…Shimmering with Exquisite Beauty!
Link - The movie clip, It Happened in Brooklyn in 1943.
352. MOONDANCE (1970)
Vocalist: Van Morrison
Writer/Composer: Van Morrison (1970)
Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van Morrison wears many hats, Jazz, (this song) Rock, Folk, Blues. R&B, and Soul. He proves it here with his very remarkable ability to cross genres, and his amazing agility to switch gears with his flexible voice. He has always been somewhat of an enigma, being from a Rock background and with a voice that’s considered abrasive, yet distinct and unique. His long career, preserved by being a multi-instrumentalist, began in the mid-1960s and continued well into the 2010s. Now legendary, his baritone voice doesn’t seem to age, even reaching a sweet falsetto…Stunning and Fulfilling!
Link #1 Original recording in 1970. Link #2 The Jazzed-up live performance, 1970.
351. AUTUMN LEAVES (1965)
Vocalist: John Gary
Writer/Composer: Jacques Prevert / Johnny Mercer / Joseph Kosma (adapted from the French song “Les Feuilles Mortes”) (1947)
Did someone say John Gary had the greatest voice ever in Pop music?…Oh, well, you’re not saying he was a household name, or the most successful male vocalist, or sold the most albums. You just think he really has a surprisingly beautiful voice—and you’re right! His 2nd entry on our list is magnificent! Believe it and just listen with geatful attention to the voice from this classic song. Perfect phrasing, perfect timbre, perfect breath control, perfect vibrato, perfect control of his 3 and a half octaves. Eloquent, as smooth as silk, soft as melted butter, sweet as honey, all those things describe his indescribable voice…Splendidly Exquisite!
Link - Original recording, 1965.
