275-251-Great Vocals
275. ALICE “The Lovely Bones” (1996)
Vocalist: Cocteau Twins (lead Elizabeth Fraser)
Writer/Composer: Elizabeth Fraser (1996)
This 3-piece Scottish Rock band was a pioneer in Alternative Rock and Alt Pop in the 1980s / 1990s. They had something very unique going for them in that era—the ethereal 3-octave soprano voice of lead singer, Elizabeth Frazer! This offering added mystery to the film, “The Lovely Bones,” and displayed her uncanny knack of floating through time and space with the remarkable ability of letting her astonishing high notes soar effortlessly into the stratosphere. She possesses an extraordinary gift—an angelic sound and vocal dexterity that surprises everyone, stopping listeners dead in their tracks…Prepare yourself…Haunting and Celestial!
Link - Official music video, 1996.
274. SWEET NOTHIN’S (1959)
Vocalist: Brenda Lee & chorus (Saxophone Boots Randolph)
Writer/Composer: Ronnie Self
Here she is again, with her 2nd entry on our list. What makes this American Country / Pop singing star so entertaining? Her fearlessness! She does it again by performing this classic Rock / Pop / R&B / Country song with complete confidence and pizzazz. This song about flirting came out when she was only 15 years old! She, Laverne Baker (Jim Dandy), Wanda Jackson (Let’s Have a Party) and Connie Francis (Fallin’) may very well be the among the most influential female singers in jump-starting Rock and Roll—and Brenda really Rocks! She defies, teases, taunts and coos, all with her expressive, husky, low, alto, one-of-a-kind vocal sound…Incredibly Amazing!
Link - Original recording, 1959.
273. LOVE AT THE FIVE AND DIME (Live) (1984)
Vocalist: Nanci Griffith
Writer/Composer: Nanci Griffith (1984)
For about 30 years this American Folk / Country singer / songwriter stood out as one of the most prolific artists of new material. She wrote numerous song hits for other artists and composed great Folk / Country story songs for her 40 albums and her captivating concerts. She even coined the word “folkabilly” to describe her style and delivery. The warm sweetness of her beautiful songbird-like voice was pure, sensitive and beyond compare. When she sang in low tones her audience hung on every word, and when she delivered her high notes in that sublime soprano voice, she captured people’s hearts. As she narrates the intro…Well, hold onto your heart!…Sublime and Beautiful!
Link - Live performance accompanies recording, 1984.
272. THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT “Phantom of the Opera” (1987)
Vocalist: Michael Crawford
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Charles Hart / Richard Stilgoe (1986)
This wildly successful and seductive number is his sensational signature offering from this applauded Broadway / London theatrical Musical Play. It has endured throughout the years because of Crawford’s passionate vocal as the Phantom. His very presence drips with the obsession of his star-crossed love of his object of desire, and his remarkable vocal is earnest, sincere and beyond compare as he yearns and obsesses for her love. It is truly an amazing performance from this Irish tenor, and the endearing purity of his expressive voice makes him one of the very favorites in this role for all time.…Moving and Astonishing!
Link - From the play, The Phantom of the Opera, 1987.
271. WHEEL OF FORTUNE (1952)
Vocalist: Kay Starr (Harold Mooney’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Bennie Benjamin / George David Weiss (1951)
From its very beginning, the sound of a roulette wheel—we know something’s about to happen. The taunting jazzed-up orchestra kicks in, then…Kay Starr…with her soaring, crystal clear, commanding voice! So popular in the 1940s and 50s, she took this song to number 1 for 10 straight weeks, making it one of the most popular songs of the 50s. She was among a legion of female vocalists who came straight out of the Big Band era and specialized in Pop, Country, Blues and Jazz. Her distinctive, immediately recognized voice seemed larger than life and showcased a great vibrato, and a great versatility. Bessie Smith said, “She was the only white singer who could sing the Blues.”…Lofty, Awesome and Spectacular!
Link - Original recording, 1952.
270. SWEET DREAMS (Are Made of This) (1983)
Vocalist: The Eurythmics (lead Annie Lennox)
Writer/Composer: Annie Lennox / Dave Stewart (1983)
What can two great musicians do when depressed from the past failures in two other bands? Come out of the starting gate with two dueling synthesizers as they did here as the Eurythmics, voiced by the unique sound of Annie Lennox. The rest is history. This Rock / Pop / R&B / Soul / New Wave amalgam of a song became an international phenomenon, rocketing both to stardom. Her voice—magical, extraordinary, stunning and possessing a 3-octave contralto, allowed her vocal control to be “operatic to contemporary in tone.” Her recording career spawned many hits, as the Eurythmics and a solo artist, extending her career more than 40 years. She surprises and stuns us with her sudden soft to hard shifts in timing and octave changes, producing an uncanny sound and performance…Remarkably Superlative!
Link #1 Official original music video, 1983.
269. YOU, YOU, YOU (1953)
Vocalist: The Ames Brothers (lead Ed Ames / Hugo Winterhalter Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Lotar Olias / Walter Rothenberg (German) / Robert Mellin (English) (1955)
This American Pop quartet, made up of 4 brothers, was recognized as one of the premier hitmakers from the 1940s into the 1960s. Their signature sound was totally unique, unlike any other. And why? There was no ALTO or TENOR in the group—they were all BARITONE to base singers! This was unheard of at this time in music history, especially as Rock and R&B stated taking over the industry. Ed Ames led the way as lead vocalist, and his beautiful full-bodied baritone captivated fans as they became one of the most popular male groups of the 1950s. They recorded some of the most popular songs of the era such as It Only Hurts for a Little While, The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane and Rag Mop. Their contemporaries could not imitate or top their crystal-clear harmony…Simply Impeccable!
Link - Original recording, 1953.
268. RHIANNON (Will You Ever Win) (1976)
Vocalist: Stevie Nicks (Lindsey Buckingham / Christine McVie backing vocals)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks (1975)
This British / American Rock group’s 2nd entry on our ranking is a great one, vocally and musically. The song seems to be about being one with nature, or about “The Maker of Birds.” But Stevie’s early career ideas make it seem to be drenched in folklore. It’s an over-the-top vocal performance celebrating her iridescent genius and musical prowess as a Rock artist. Their first 2 albums sold over 50 million units, making Rumours on of the best selling albums of all time. Stevie really nails it with the warm, husky vibrato in her delivery, giving us power and vulnerability at the same time. Now a legendary singer in Rock / Blues / Folk and Pop, one music writer says she possessed a “beautifully honeyed voice.”…Unique and Rapturous!
Link #1 Original recording, 1976. Link #2 Live performance, 1977.
267. COME IN FROM THE RAIN (1977)
Vocalist: Captain & Tennille (Daryl Dragon / Toni Tennille vocals / wife)
Writer/Composer: Carole Bayer Sager / Melissa Manchester (1975)
This amazing American Pop / Rock singer covered Melissa Manchester’s hit with extraordinary emotion and charisma. The Captain was known for his stellar keyboard work and Toni was a constant presence on the charts in the 1970s / 1980s with her beautiful, expressive, honey-dripping, contralto voice. Among their hits are Love Will Keep Us Together, Muskrat Love and Lonely Night (Angel Face.) They were one of the most successful husband/wife teams in music history, starring in their own TV variety show, acting, and subsequently selling millions of records and albums. Her voice was incredibly soulful and quite sensual, and she could take her vibrato to astounding heights, as she does in this song. From soft whispers to amazing power, she had it all…Truly Dazzling!
Link - Official music recording & video, 1977.
266. MY MARIA (1996)
Vocalist: Brooks and Dunn (lead Ronnie Dunn) (Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn)
Writer/Composer: Daniel Moore / B.W. Stevenson (1973)
One of the biggest surprises of how incredibly unique and transitional the decade of the 1990s was musically, was how Country and Country Rock suddenly seemed to become relevant, even appearing on the Pop charts. This pair of American singer / songwriters became one the most successful in Country history in record sales, concert performances and #1 songs. They were trail blazers, staying enormously popular through the 2000s. Ronnie Dunn’s distinctive lead voice contributed to their success, his nasal twang came from deep within, having an unmistakable vocal sound that was exciting, clever and jubilant. He shifts gears here into a higher octave with elegance and incredible falsetto, as they take on B.W. Stevenson’s old song, re-invent it, and take it to the moon!…Loving and Sensational!
Link #1 Official music video, 1996. Link #2 Live performance at Cain’s Ballroom, 1996, or later. 1997.
265. STAR OF BETHLEHEM / ADORATION OF THE MAGI “Ben Hur” (1959)
Vocalist: MGM CHORUS & Orchestra
Writer/Composer: Miklos Rosza (1959)
Can this really be considered a great vocal performance? Absolutely! It is Movie Music at its best from the very beginning of the epic film, 1959’s “Ben Hur.” Comprised of the simple sound of the Chorus vocalizing long stanzas or expressions of the letter “O,” they do this WITHOUT WORDS—accompanying and blending in perfectly with Mr. Rosza’s awe-inspiring musical score. His craftmanship and orchestration of this religiously-based musical motif is truly beyond beautiful—the voices blend in perfect harmonic unity with the musical arrangement. Some could wonder, could this be the way angels really sound? Well, Maybe…Reflect on its Inspirational Beauty!
Link - Movie clip at beginning of the 1959 film, Ben Hur.
264. FIELDS OF GOLD (1993)
Vocalist: Sting (Gordon Sumner)
Writer/Composer: Gordon Sumner (1993)
From his heralded album Ten Summoner’s Tales, this former frontman of the British Rock band Police, gives us this masterpiece of mellow mood and beautiful melody. Sting’s status as one of the world’s great songwriter /producer / singers is now undeniable and from the 1970s on through the 2010s he gaves us tunes that cover Pop, Rock, Folk, Jazz and Blues. His voice was at one time considered weak—but no—it’s a soft high tenor that conveys emotion, empathy and compassion—and he surrounds himself with great musicians. His albums are sensational, such as The Dream of the Blue Turtles, Nothing Like the Sun and The Soul Cages. His 2nd song on our list is now considered a classic standard with beautiful melody…Intimate and Flawless!
Link #1 Official music video, 1993. Link #2 Live performance at Lake House, Wilshire, England, 1993.
263. YOU SEND ME (1957)
Vocalist: Sam Cooke (The Pied Pipers background vocals)
Writer/Composer: Sam Cooke / L.C. Cooke (1957)
This was the song that launched Sam Cooke’s career as a Soul / R&B / Blues / Pop star, his 2nd song on our list. This American singer / songwriter and former lead singer of the Gospel group, the Soul Stirrers, applied his voice in such a way—it just oozed with Soul! You can feel it in his every word, every nuance, every syllable, and his pitch-perfect sound was silky-smooth. Among his many hits were Only Sixteen, Bring it on Home to Me and Cupid. Remember the bridge in this glorious number, “At first, I thought it was infatuation / But woo, I’ve lasted so long / Now I find myself wanting / To marry you and take you home, whoa-oh,” This selection assures us of the sweet, romantic, giddy feeling that blossoms into true love…Ecstatic and Euphoric!
Link #1 Original Recording, 1957. Link #2 Live appearance, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, 1957.
262. FEVER (1958)
Vocalist: Peggy Lee
Writer/Composer: Little Willie John / Peggy Lee
This American singer / sonwriter’s voice was a standard in Jazz / Blues / Pop and Novelty songs—why? Because no one else sounded like her or dared to imitate her. He unique sound started in the 1940s with the Big Band era and continued through the 1970s. Described as a bluesy, husky, mature, come-hither, alluring, even seductive voice, she sang for bands, records, acted in movies and TV shows. She was one of a kind, with hit records in 3 decades. This song was originally an R&B classic by Little Willie John until she re-Jazzed it, even adding two verses. Amazing indeed, only finger snaps, a bass, and drums accompany her…Sultry and Very Impressive!
Link #1 Original recording, 1958. Link #2 Live TV performance some years later.
261. DOWN BY THE GLENSIDE (Those Bold Finian Men) “Rio Grande” (1950)
Vocalist: Sons of the Pioneers (lead Ken Curtis)
Writer/Composer: Peadar Kearney (1916)
American singer / actor Ken Curtis, lead singer at the time for this Country & Western / Folk group, is a true revelation in music. Yes, he’s the same actor who played Festus for years in the TV series, “Gunsmoke.” He even did a stint with Tommy Dorsey’s band in the early 1940s, eventually drifting toward Movies and Country / Folk music. This Irish Folk song, as told by an old woman, is a call to arms for a generation of fighting men in the 1800s. This surprising selection shows off his amazing vocal ability with his resonant, beautiful, full-throated, tenor to baritone delivery, showing in the 40s and 50s why he was a lead singer…Beyond Belief!
Link - Movie clip from the John Ford classic Western, Rio Grande. 1950.
260. MOONLIGHT GAMBLER (1956)
Vocalist: Frankie Laine (Francisco Paolo LaVecchio) / Ray Coniff Orch. (Ray Coniff Whistling / Mitch Miller verbal clip-clopping)
Writer/Composer: Bob Hilliard / Phil Springer (1956)
From the 1940s through the 1960s, Frankie Laine was one of the most popular singers in the world. Only Elvis Presley had more charted hit records in the 1950s. This American Pop singer / songwriter was known for his strong, booming voice, unlike any other, his singing career lasting nearly 75 years. He was loved by his peers, acted, did TV appearances, sang in many duets, could sing the Blues, Jazz, and Country. He gradually settled on vocals in a Western style motif, leaning toward the American West, as this selection demonstrates. This number exhibits the power and emotion in his delivery…Sensational Confidence and Energy!
Link #1 Original recording, 1956.
259. STAND BY YOUR MAN (1968)
Vocalist: Tammy Wynette
Writer/Composer: Tammy Wynette / Billy Sherill (1968)
This song is historically significant—It tells women they should stand by their man—no matter what! Mrs. Wynette, wife of Country singer George Jones at the time, was said to have a teardrop in her voice—in spite of the fact that she could “pluck the heartstrings with ruthless abandon.” It doesn’t matter if Pop culture agrees with its message or not, even if the relationship in marrige is at best stormy, it is considered one of the greatest Country songs of all time, largely because of her impassioned, heartrending delivery. In the “First Lady of Country’s” final plea in the last verse, she hits a home run into the upper deck! “Stand by your man / And show the world you love him / Keep goving all the love you can / Stand by your man / Your Man”…Awesome and Passionate!
Link #1 Original recording, 1968. Link #2 Live performance, 1968.
258. LE FLEUR QUE TU M’AVAIS JETEE (The Flower Song) “Carmen” (1984)
Vocalist: Placido Domingo (The Orchestre National de France / Lorin Maazel cond.)
Writer/Composer: Georges Bizet / Henri Meilhac /Ludovic Halevy (1875)
This extraordinary vocal, (his 4th on our list) by the legendary Spanish Opera singer, really delivers in this successful film in a wonderful, stunning rendition of Bizet’s controversial Spanish Opera. The piece was accepted and extolled, lauded and praised for his passionate vocal performance. Many consider his version of the aria as the best of all time, his full-bodied powerful tenor soars with feeling, conviction and gusto. Imagine Domingo as Don Jose as he confesses his overwhelming, destructive love for the reckless, untamable gypsy, Carmen—and she escapes his custody! One musical commentary put it this way, “His consummate musical artistry, his remarkable durability, sustain importance to the opera world.” Among the greatest male arias ever performed…A Truly Power-packed Passion!
Link #1 From the Opera, Carmen, 1984. Link #2 Live performance from Carmen, 1984.
257. SILENT LUCIDITY (1991)
Vocalist: Queensryche (*queens/raiyk) (lead vocals Geoff Tate) / Michael Wilton guitar / Chris DeGarmo guitar / Scott Rockenfield drums / Eddie Jackson bass)
Writer/Composer: Chris DeGarmo (1990)
It’s not often when an American 5-man Progressive Metal / Alternative Metal band admits their talented baritone / bass voice is considered operatic by his peers. But in Tate’s case, you may be more than surprised—even his peers were astonished by his 4-octave vocal range. This selection about our subconscious, creative dreams captured world attention when he became the front man of the 4-man Rock band, Queensryche. Known in the 1980s / 2000s as one of the unique voices in Rock, he displayed an uncanny ability to electrify audiences with his amazing larger-than-life voice. In this selection listen carefully as he slowly builds to an amazing climax, not disappointing…Emotional and Overwhelming!
Link - Official music video and recording, 1991. Link #2 Live performance, Music Awards, 1992.
256. CITY OF NEW ORLEANS (1972)
Vocalist: Arlo Guthrie / and Chorus
Writer/Composer: Steve Goodman (1971)
In the last 50 years many music lovers have embraced and wrapped their arms around this wonderful story song, putting it on a pedestal as one of the truly great Folk songs of all times. Guthrie’s version fulfills that bill with his fine, easy-going, lovable voice, perfect for Folk music. This finely crafted song pays homage and respect to the American railway systems of the past with abundant love and affection. A golden tribute to the value, importance and the affection of ever-present railway travel in America. “Good morning, America, how are you? / Say, don’t you know me? / I’m your native son. / I’m the train they call the city of New Orleans. / I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.” A beautifully written…Life affirming, Lofty and Noble!
Link - Official recording and video, 1972.
255. SUMMERTIME “Porgy and Bess” (2012)
Vocalist: Audra McDonald
Writer/Composer: George Gershwin / DuBose Heyward (1934)
She knocks it outa the park with her rendition of this complex Broadway number and does it with extraordinary grace and power. This is her 2nd entry on our list and rightly so—it also won a Tony Award in 2012 when she played Bess among its many revivals. Trained to sing Classical, Broadway or Pop, she delivers every time—this is a sterling example of her vocal prowess as she delivers and executes with poise, phrasing, and aplomb. She is unmatched as one of the most decorated and awarded singers in Broadway history. Very few singer / actresses can display the confidence and richness as she. Remember, she is the only winner of 6 Tony awards for her Theatrical performances, and she is building a legend with her self-assured vocal exhibitions. Since the turn of the century, she has few equals…Indomitable!
Link - Live performance and recording, 2015.
254. PEGGY SUE (1957)
Vocalist: Buddy Holly (lead singer & the Crickets / (Jerry Allison drums / Joe Mauldin bass / Niki Sullivan rhythm guitar)
Writer/Composer: Jerry Allison / Norman Petty / Buddy Holly (1957)
In Rock’s early years this song with the help of Buddy Holly’s signature sound helped pioneer the early shape of Rock and Roll’s legacy. This American iconic lead singer of the Crickets became one of the most influential singer / songwriters in Rock’s formative years, but unfortunately his career ended at 22 years of age in a plane crash. His unique style of vocalizing also appealed to Pop audiences—he was soon in a class by himself. He really displays it in this song, one of his biggest hits, with his unique hiccup style of delivery, “Oh, Peggy, my Peggy Sue oo, oo, oo, oo, oo, oo, oo, ” The template he set as a major influential voice was etched in stone from his unique voice and by his early death…Amazing, Beyond Compare!
Link #1 Original recording, 1957. Link #2 Live performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, 1957.
253. YOU’LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER LOVE LIKE MINE (1976)
Vocalist: Lou Rawls
Writer/Composer: Kenny Gamble / Leon Huff (1976)
This wonderful song was a big hit in R&B / Soul / Jazz and Pop. Lou’s expressive and distinct baritone delivery was a mainstay in the late 1960s and well into the 1970s, and he was also a leader in backing up other artists. This song stood on its own as his biggest hit, along with Lady Love, and Natural Man. His smooth rich voice has been described as “dark as mahogany, as deep as a rolling river.” His performances are considered classy and elegant, he was very respected by his peers and fans alike. His velvety 3+ octave voice was one of the best of his era and he was often compared to a cross between Sam Cooke and Nat King Cole. Listen closely as he shifts tone and octaves in this song, taking man and woman alike down a romantic memory lane…Flawless and Beautiful!
Link #1 Original recording, 1976. Link #2 Live TV performance, Soul Train, 1976.
252. IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME (1959)
Vocalist: Brook Benton
Writer/Composer: Brook Benton / Belford Hendricks / Clyde Otis (1959)
This American singer / songwriter’s 2nd listed song in our ranking is a precious jewel indeed. We’re hooked from the very beginning, “Someday, someway / You’ll realize that you’ve been blind / Yes, darling, you’re going to need me again / It’s just a matter of time.” Very few singers of the 1950s - 1970s could convey and love and sincerity of the smooth-as-velvet, baritone voice of Brook Benton. His forte in this selection puts him front and center as an interpreter of Blues / Soul and Pop, and he validates it here with his warm, expressive, caring style and delivery—and don’t you just love it when he hits those unexpected low notes? Truly one of the century’s best…Splendidly Poignant!
Link #1 Original recording, 1959. Link #2 Live performance, 1960.
251. WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (1984)
Vocalist: Tina Turner
Writer/Composer: Terry Britton / Graham Lyle (1984)
Her 2nd song on our list was an astounding departure from the fast-paced R&B hits and her Rocking selections from movies. She takes her hard, edgy, emotional voice, slows it down and re-invents her style with what’s become a bonafide R&B / Soul / Pop classic. This was one of the biggest hits of the 1980s and her career, securing her place as one of the greatest Soul singers from the 1960s through the 2000s. Described as “a vocal powerhouse with an electrifying stage presence,” only adds to her status as the “Queen of Rock.” She initially thought this song would not be a hit—Wow! Was she ever surprised…Truly Spectacular!
Link #1 Official music video and recording, 1984. Link #2 Live performance - Arnhem, Netherlands, 1993.
