300-276-Great Vocals
300. ALL I REALLY WANT TO DO (1965)
Vocalist: Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian)
Writer/Composer: Bob Dylan
As the female half of the Sonny and Cher Pop duo, she goes solo here and takes this Bob Dylan classic to new heights. No one expected that her fame would reach diva status within the next few years as she gave us a massive amount of hits, selling millions of records from the 1960s and into the 2000s. She became an extremely popular singer / actress / entertainer / TV star with her career lasting over 50 years. Her low contralto voice is one you cannot ignore—she owns it and there’s no one like her. Some called her voice androgynous, others called it baroque Pop / Folk, but definitely unique. Among her hits were Gypsie, Tramps and Thieves, Baby Don’t Go and Bang, Bang, My Baby Shot Me Dead. Some called this Rock…znd it was…She has the pipes for it!…Wow…Stunning and Impressive!
Link - Official music recording, 1965.
299. THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS (1959)
Vocalist: Johnny Horton (and chorus)
Writer/Composer: Jimmy Driftwood (1957)
This Country / Pop singer made a huge splash in 1959 with this funny take on American history, taking this award-winning song to #1 on the Country and Pop charts, somewhat of a sensation, one of that year’s biggest hits. “Honky-Tonk Man’s” career ended when he tragically died at 35 years, but his vocals were pure Country / Rockabilly and Novelty—and his legacy of king of the story-song still lives on. “We fired our cannon ‘til the barrel melted down / So we grabbed an alligator, and we fought another round / We filled his head with cannon balls ‘n’ powdered his behind / And when we touched the powder off, the gator lost his mind.” …Pure Historical Fun!
Link - Original recording, 1959.
298. OPERATOR (That’s Not the Way it Feels) (1972)
Vocalist: Jim Croce
Writer/Composer: Jim Croce (1972)
This phenomenal Folk classic, many times included within the Pop / Rock and Blues genres, is a masterpiece of phrasing, pitch, and melancholy pathos. What an artist! Before his tragic death at 30 years of age, he earned the respect of his peers in the 1970s as one of an America’s premier singer / songwriters, and above all, a storyteller. Check this out—a broken-hearted man tries to place a call on from an old-time payphone. “There’s something in my eyes, / You know it happens every time. / I think about the love that I thought would save me.” His wonderfully unique, baritone vocal style was immediately recognized, and he touched the heart with his inspiring melodies and splendid guitar playing…Splendid Desolation!
Link #1 Official recording, 1972. Link #2 Live performance, 1972.
297. UNFORGETTABLE (1991)
Vocalist: Natalie Cole / Nat King Cole
Writer/Composer: Irving Gordon (1951)
This recording was an unexpected surprise in 1991—it won the award as record and song of the year! Natalie, Nat King Cole’s daughter, took a chance, recorded an album of American standards, mixed it in the studio, and with Dad’s vocals, it became a duet. The result—a beautiful Jazz track at a time when boy bands and Hip Hop was dominating the music charts. Part of the surprise—she was a famous R&B / Soul / Gospel singer, not a Jazz / Pop recording artist. She was now! Her lush, impressive soprano voice soars here in one of the perfect interpretations of Jazz improvisation. It brought worldwide admiration…Excellent and Sentimental!
Link - Official music video and recording, 1991.
296. KISS OF FIRE (1952)
Vocalist: Georgia Gibbs (Glen Osser’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Lester Allen / Robert Hill (1952) — Angel Villoldo (1906)
She paid her dues from the late 1930s until the end of the 50s, singing for the Big Bands and rooting herself in Jazz and Pop. With this stellar vocal performance, this American singer garnered her first #1 record, becoming one of the 1950s major Pop recording stars. Her versatility allowed her to interpret early Rock and Roll and R&B. No one ever questioned how that surprising big voice came from her 5’1'' size, with her amazing pitch, power and pace. She really delivered the goods with a unique sound and style, “sultry and throbbing with great vibrato,” With torch song capabilities, she demonstrates it here…Exceptionally Dazzling!
Link - Original recording, 1952.
295. TURQUOISE (1967)
Vocalist: Joan Baez (Music arrangement - Peter Schickele)
Writer/Composer: Donovan (Leitch) / (1965)
Joan’s 3rd entry on our list is a poetic song written by British Pop / Folk icon, Donovan, as he proclaims his love for her. From her Folk album, Joan, in 1967, she gives us an extraordinary vocal featuring her angelic soprano voice, and a very sumptuous musical arrangement from Peter Schickele. Oddly enough, the poetry is so lyrical, the three-verse song has no bridge or chorus. Her delivery of this obscure, melodic song is an amazing, crystal-clear, stunning, musical epiphany, one that would surely delight even the most jaded, opinionated listeners. Her unique and rapturous voice is beyond belief…Purely Ecstatic and Celestial!
Link - Original recording, 1967.
294. O MIO BABBINO CARO “Gianni Schicchi” (1985)
Vocalist: Kiri Te Kanawa / (London Philharmonic Orch. / J. Pritchard cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1918)
This angelic-voiced soprano from New Zealand delivers an astonishing, beautiful rendition of Puccini’s Opera / Classical masterpiece. This is her 2nd entry on our list and the 2nd also for this song, and even though covered by multitudes of sopranos, this version remains spectacular. Her worldwide respect as a Classical vocalist, her regal presence and her charisma confirms her international popularity. Her golden pipes were evident as the featured stellar voice heard in the movie, “Room with a View.” Her mezzo-soprano diva status, from the 1960s through the 2010s, maintains its aesthetic magical timbre. Listen…Beautiful and Endearing!
Link #1 A live performance / recording, 1985. Link #2 Scenes from the Film, Room with a View. 1985.
293. BEI MIR BIST DU SCHOEN (To Me You’re Beautiful) “I Would If I Could” (Yiddish musical) (1938)
Vocalist: The Andrews Sisters (lead Patty Andrews) / Nicolay Minkh Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Jacob Jacobs / Sholom Secunda (1932) / (English) Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin (1937)
This amazing number from a Jewish musical play became a worldwide sensation and launched the singing careers of the three sisters, who became the most popular female vocal group in the first half of the 20th century. They made movies, sold millions of records, and entertained thousands of soldiers during WWII. With a tight three-part harmony, Patty sings lead with the delightful, effervescent vigor that magnetically attracted all the Big Band leaders, all the major singers and the American public alike. They dominated Pop / Swing / Jazz / Boogie-Woogie and Novelty during the 1940s and into the 1950s…Absolutely Sensational!
Link - Original recording with montage of celebrity photos.
292. UP ON THE ROOF (1963)
Vocalist: The Drifters (lead Rudy Lewis) / (Tommy Evans / Gene Pearson / Charlie Thomas)
Writer/Composer: Carol King / Gerry Goffin (1962)
“When this old world starts getting me down / And people are just too much for me to face / I climb way up to the top of the stairs / And all my cares just drift right into space.” With these words we are hooked—right into a world where the stars put on a show for free—and with strings! In this R&B classic the comfort comes from the wonderful vocal of lead singer Rudy Lewis as he reflects on his safe place, the roof, for love and dreams. This poetic song from the King/Goffin writing team of the 1950s /1960s was an absolute romantic delight. Among their many hits were Under the Boardwalk, On Broadway and Some Kind of Wonderful. These popular R&B artists also crossed over into Pop, Doo-Wop and Soul …Listen!…Reassuring and Beyond Compare!
Link #1 Original recording, 1962. Link #2 Live performance, The Midnight Special, 1974.
291. HURT (1961)
Vocalist: Timi Yuro
Writer/Composer: Jimmie Crane / Al Jacobs (1961)
This Italian/American Soul singer / songwriter was the talk of the Pop music world in the early 1960s! People were shocked that a white nightclub Pop singer could conquer Soul / R&B / Jazz numbers as she does here with such a deep, powerful, emotional performance—she even throws in a sob for validation. Considered “the little girl with the big voice,” she astounded audiences and her peers with this intimate Bluesy Jazz number. Her contralto voice had such overpowering delivery that it caught many people by surprise; some mistakenly thought it was a man, largely because of her raw, intimate performance—she may have been the very best white “blue-eyed” Soul singer in the early Rock era…Stunning and Stupendous!
Link #1 Original recording, 1961. Link #2 Live performance, 1961.
290. A WHITER SHADE OF PALE (1967)
Vocalist: Procol Harum (lead vocals Gary Brooker piano / Matthew Fisher organ / Ray Royer guitar / David Knights bass / Bill Eyden drums)
Writer/Composer: Keith Reid / Gary Brooker / Matthew Fisher
This internationally acclaimed Rock / Baroque Rock / Psychedelic Pop classic was not just a great song from the 5-piece British group, it was a worldwide phenomenon! From the very beginning with its Hammond organ intro and Brooker’s sincere, bluesy, emotionally-pained vocal, it became ubiquitous in multitudes of cultural presentations, eventually culminating with full orchestra. Making a huge splash in the 1960s, its journey led to record sales of over 10 million copies. and it has gained momentum ever since. The melody is haunting, with its Bach-like Classical appeal, and through the years it has become one of the most popular songs of all time—in spite of its obscure lyrics which defy explanation…Awesome, Melancholy, and Superb!
Link #1 Official music video, 1967. Link #2 Live performance with full orchestra, 2006.
289. SMOOTH OPERATOR (1984)
Vocalist: Sade (pronounced Sha-day) (Helen Folasade Adu)
Writer/Composer: Sade Adu / Ray St. John (1982)
With a Latin / Bossa Nova beat, this English band makes its 2nd entry on our list, and they knock it out of the park with a up tempo lead-in, husky sax and superior orchestration. Sade again, with her sultry and soulful vocal style, glides through her R&B / Soul / Jazz / Pop audience and captivates it. She was a constant hitmaker in the 1980s and 1990s. She sings with lush, soft, breathiness and gives us clear warnings of the playboy’s heartless conquests. Her phrasing, immaculate, delivery assured, her tone and timbre are superb and sensual. As this song caught on, it became one of the most popular songs of 1984, assuring her of her band’s iconic status in the 20th Century. Her graceful, unique contralto voice is…well…Listen…Exceptionally Enchanting!
Link #1 Original recording. Link #2 Live performance, San Diego.
288. BLACKBIRD (1967)
Vocalist: The Beatles (Paul McCartney)
Writer/Composer: Paul McCartney / John Lennon (1967)
This beautifully crafted British Folk song has surfaced in recent years as one of the public’s favorites from the 7-year Beatles songbook. Paul McCartney’s soft and sensitive delivery, (their 3rd song on our Beatle list) makes this song a transcendent melody of love and freedom as it flows to its almost spiritual conclusion. My, my! “Blackbird singing in the dead of night / take these broken wings and learn to fly / all your life / You were only waiting for this moment to arise.” Whether it is a message of peace, a social statement extolling freedom for minorities, a love song, or a song of hope—it’s beauty cannot be denied…Noble, even Inspirational!
Link #1 Original recording, 1967. Link #2 Live from Abbey Road, reooftop, 1967.
287. STORMY WEATHER “Stormy Weather” (1943)
Vocalist: Lena Horne
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler (1933)
This American Jazz / Pop classic became Lena’s signature song as she was a major musical presence in the 1940s with her extraordinary charisma and her “honey-dripped, silken” voice. She was also among the first black artists to sing for a white Big Bands, something very rare in those days. This song became an amazing touchstone to transcend above the racism of its time, and her mixed-race beauty, her willingness to perform as an American singer / actress, and her longevity made her legendary in Jazz / Blues / Pop music. She was elegant, gracious— and could she hold a steady note to extend its beauty! She makes this offering her song…Gratifyingly Flawless!
Link #1 Original recording, film clip, Stormy Weather, 1943.
286. JOLENE (1974)
Vocalist: Dolly Parton
Writer/Composer: Dolly Parton (1973)
This extraordinary song by American Country singer / songwriter, Dolly, with her 2nd entry, is a shining example of her as one of the most iconic performers in—any musical genre! As she pleads with Jolene not to “take my man,” she does it with such ease in her natural, light and airy timbre, all within her remarkable soprano voice. Her unmistakable sound and confident delivery made her an international star, as perhaps the most famous of all female Country / Pop / Folk singers. From the early 1970s through the 2010s she has paved her own way to success as an entrepreneur, actress, writer, and entertainer. Listen!…Sincere and Exceptional!
Link #1 Original recording, 1974. Link #2 Live performance, from the Dolly Show, 1984?
285. I’LL BE SEEING YOU “Right This Way” (1944)
Vocalist: Bing Crosby (John Scott Trotter’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Sammy Fain / Irving Kahal (1938)
Is there a reason he appears again for the 4th time on our list? There is—the choice of this song from an obscure 1930s musical became one of the 1940s biggest Pop hits, a heart-tugging jewel in those desperate times. Released as a song to bring solace and comfort to the troops overseas during WWII, it now stands out as one of the most beautifully crafted love songs of that era, a song to ease the hurt, anxiety and fear of surviving the war and coming home. Bing croons to perfection here, the last refrain, “I’ll find you in the morning sun / And when the night is new / I’ll be looking at the moon / But I’ll be seeing you.”…Purely Rapturous!
Link - Original recording, 1944.
284. NESSUM DORMA “Turandot” (1956)
Vocalist: Franco Corelli
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini / Franco Alfano (1926)
Until Pavarotti came into prominence as one of the Opera world’s greatest tenors, this version of “Nessum Dorma” was considered one of the very best. Italian tenor Corelli’s extraordinary voice was one of the greatest from the early 1950s and well into the 1970s. Audiences worldwide accepted him wholeheartedly because of his clear, passionate, electrifying delivery, and his handsome good features. This selection was also used in the turning point of the film,“The Killing Fields.” He is said to have mastered all the great male Opera roles. The “vibrancy in his voice” was described as “white heat.” Listen carefully…Stunning…Awesome!
Link - From the Opera, Turandot, 1956.
283. KISS FROM A ROSE “The Never-Ending Story III” (1994)
Vocalist: Seal (Seal Henry Samuel)
Writer/Composer: Seal (1994)
This British singer / songwriter with Brazilian and Nigerian parents made a huge impact on music in the 1990s with his unique, astonishing vocal sound. He was described as a “honeyed baritone” with a surprising, raspy, almost 3-octave vocal range. His singing style contains great elements of Soul / R&B / Rock / Pop / and World Music influences. This Grammy Award-winning song, among his very best, is impeccably produced, with great instrumentation. Among his many hits were Crazy, Prayer for the Dying and Fly Like an Eagle. He sings with incredible Soul in this remarkable vocal performance, especially when he hits those unexpected high notes. Whether about a long journey about love or drug use, if you don’t understand the message, that’s okay, millions felt just as you do. Still at Spellbinding!
Link #1 Original recording, 1994. Link #2 Live performance, at Serious, 1995.
282. TILL THE END OF TIME (1946)
Vocalist: Perry Como (Russ Case & His Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Buddy Kaye / Ted Mossman (1945) Frederic Chopin
Mr. C’s 2nd entry in our ranking validates the fact, he could more than just croon—he could really SING! This massive hit from the mid 40s, based on Chopin’s Polonaise in A flat major, took off like so many of his other hits to #1, (10 straight weeks), adding to his legendary career that spanned 5 decades. It only confirmed his legacy of being one of the most popular singer / entertainers of the 20th century. He specialized in romantic ballads, and thrilled audiences with his relaxed, easy-going style for decades. as a TV Pop star, singing from deep within with a convincing sincerity. Yes, he sold over 100 million records…Relaxing and Totally Earnest!
Link - Original recording, 1946.
281. I BELIEVE IN YOU (1980)
Vocalist: Don Williams
Writer/Composer: Roger Cook / Sam Hogin (1980)
When we hear, “But I believe in love / I believe in babies / I believe in Mom and Dad / And I believe in you,” we cannot think of anyone other than Don Williams singing this song. Considered by many as one of the greatest Country songs of all time, this love ballad is a bonafide classic for this American singer / songwriter. His recordings have graced the Country / Folk / Pop market, and his smooth-as-silk bass/baritone is instantly recognized as one of the premier singers from the 1970s through the 2000s. His appeal crossed over into Pop charts, and was definitely influenced by his soft-toned, non-nasal delivery. You can chill out to his warm delivery…Steadfast and Sincere!
Link #1 - Official recording and video, 1980, Link #2 Live performance,
280. FAITHFULLY (!983)
Vocalist: Journey (Steve Perry vocals) / Neil Schon guitar / Ross Valory bass / Jonathan Cain keyboards / Steve Smith drums)
Writer/Composer: Jonathan Cain (1983)
Once again, for the 2nd time, Journey’s entry appears, as modern, unforgettable, Soft Rock / Pop classic. This defining song touches the heart, and at the moment of hesitation…when the music stops…and Steve Perry eloquently delivers the chorus, “Oh, girl, you stand by me / I’m forever yours /"Faithfully,” we’re captivated. Again, the music arrangement is stellar. It has deservedly become one of the great power love ballads of the 20th century, loved and beloved—by musician. peer and fan alike. Again, Perry’s vocals soar into infinity, completely awash in sincerity, longing and honesty. He convinces us that even a musician can definitely miss his family while touring on the road. With worldwide appeal…Hauntingly Beautiful and Emotional!
Link #1 Official video and recording, 1983. Link #2 Live performance, Philadelphia, PA.1984.
279. PIECE BY PIECE (2015)
Vocalist: Kelly Clarkson
Writer/Composer: Kelly Clarkson / Greg Kurstin (2013)
Since her introduction to the world in an American talent TV show, this 21st century singer / songwriter / entertainer has become an iconic, worldwide artist, and a household name with her TV talk show. She has become a versatile, phenomenal artist, able to conquer modern Pop and capture Soul / R&B and Country in her repertoire. Her appealing soprano voice includes 3 octaves, and she delivers it in a unique way, not depending on technical histrionics or gaudy musical styles. One writer nails it when saying, “She takes pride in putting emotional delivery over technical perfection.” She is admired by audience and musicians alike…Intimately Touching and Heartrending!
Link - From her 2015 music video.
278. RUNNING UP THAT HILL (A Deal with God) (1985)
Vocalist: Kate Bush
Writer/Composer: Kate Bush (1985))
This song has gained momentum through the years as a wondrous gathering storm in the music world. Why? Because of the long overdue recognition of this British female soprano’s unique vocal style and charisma! She’s one of a kind, an absolute epiphany, using of her gifted 4-octave vocal range, and in her use of multiple music instruments. Her singing career has lasted from the late 1970s into the 2010s that includes Rock / Pop / Progressive Folk. In this number about making a deal with God to swap role reversals, she reveals it’s really about getting inside each other’s head. She delivers here with astonishing vocal dexterity…Simply Mesmerizing!
Link: Straight from her 1985 recording.
277. YOU ALWAYS HURT THE ONE YOU LOVE (1948)
Vocalist: The Mills Brothers
Writer/Composer: Doris Fisher / Alan Roberts (1944)
Their 2nd entry on our chart confirms that beautiful harmony in the first half of the 20th century was jump-started with the Mills Brothers. This wonderful quartet ruled the male singing groups from the late 1920s and into the early 1960s. They specialized in interpreting Pop, Jazz and R&B, starting young as a Barbershop Quartet in their father’s shop. Early on they were known as “4 men and a guitar.” As black artists they were the first to have a number 1 hit—in 1943! Their amazing sound was smooth, impeccable, and appealing—to all races, countries and cultures. Listen to the warm harmony in this vocal…Truly Exquisite!
Link: Straight from the 1944 recording.
276. TAMMY “Tammy and the Bachelor” (1957)
Vocalist: Debbie Reynolds
Writer/Composer: Jay Livingston / Ray Evans (1957)
One of the sweetest, most memorable songs ever performed in a Movie is this beautiful number by this bubbly, effervescent, expressive singer / actress. She was a force in musicals, comedy and drama and world famous as a movie star and singer. The whimsical sweetness displayed here is unforgettable—she took this Pop song to number 1 right in the middle of the explosion of Rock and Roll in 1957, and it became the biggest selling record by a female vocalist that same year. And she sincerely sings the song from the first-person point of view, “Wish I knew that he knew what I’m dreamin’ of, / Tammy, Tammy, Tammy’s in love.”…Absolutely Beautiful and Poignant!
Link - Straight from the 1957 movie.
