175-151-Great Vocals
175. VIENS, MALLIKA (Flower Duet) “Lakme” (1966)
Vocalist: Joan Sutherland / Marilyn Horne (London Symphony Orch. / Richard Bonynge cond.)
Writer/Composer: Leo Delibes (1883)
Australian Joan Sutherland’s musical gift to the Classical Opera world was her magnificent soprano voice, one critic defining it as “caressing molten honey.” American Marilyn Horne’s gift, a rapturous mezzo soprano voice, specializing in “executing difficult coloratura passages.” This magnificent pairing, results in one of the most stunning deliveries as a duet in Opera history. Together, this is one of their crowning achievements in their 50-year-plus careers. Their ability to read each other and hit those complex high harmonies makes this a surreal listening experience…Breathtakingly Beautiful!
Link - Original recording from the Opera Lakme, 1966.
174. THE DANCE (1990)
Vocalist: Garth Brooks
Writer/Composer: Tony Arata (1990)
When this American singer / songwriter hit the Country charts in 1989-1992, with his first albums, Garth Brooks, No Fences and Ropin’ the Wind, his popularity soared to superstar status—the rest is history. Selling more records than any other singer in the 1990s, (170 million) and more albums (156 million), only Elvis Presley and the Beatles sold more. And why? He combined Country, Rock and Pop, capturing the public with an amazing variety of song selections, and making himself accessible through continuous concerts all over the world! Being a deep baritone to high tenor notes, he was ans exercise in showmanship, whether emoting with passion or fun. This selection is one of his best, about the painful memory of losing at love, even life. His sincere delivery gets inside you…Truly Moving!
Link #1 Live performance in Texas. 1990. Link #2 Official music live video, 1990.
173. BLUE (1996)
Vocalist: Sarah McLachlan
Writer/Composer: Joni Mitchell (1971)
From her critically acclaimed album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, this Canadian singer / songwriter reinvents this poetic Joni Mitchell classic and delivers an ethereal vocal performance and arrangement of this enigmatic song. Starting in the 1990s, she’s been a fixture in Pop / Folk / Celtic / World music, she started Lilith Fair for female songwriters, and she plays at least six musical instruments. Her captivating angelic voice is said to be capable of 3 to 4 octaves and sometimes she gracefully bends notes to hit a higher falsetto, as she does in this splendid many-layered performance. Beautiful! No doubt about it…Absolutely Stunning!
Link #1 Original recording, 1996.
172. ON A CLEAR DAY (YOU CAN SEE FOREVER) “On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)” (1971)
Vocalist: Cleo Laine / Writer/Composer: Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner (1965)
Adapted from the 1965 Musical of the same name, Cleo took this standard and totally reinvented it to suit her bluesy Jazz / Pop style. This British singer has been the standard-bearer for Jazz interpretation since the 1960s, and her 3 to 4 octave range has only solidified her reputation and longevity for some of the most awe- inspiring, remarkable British Jazz performances ever recorded. Still recording and entertaining well into the 2000s, her adaptable, contralto voice is nothing short of extraordinary, whether performing live or scat-singing. Husband John Dankworth’s arrangement accompanies her musically here, and what a beloved, Jazzy treasure. Listen closely, especially to the song’s conclusion…Vivacious and Scintillating!
Link - Official recording and performance, 1971.
171. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING “South Pacific” (1949)
Vocalist: Ezio Pinza / Mary Martin
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1947)
This Italian star was blessed with rugged good looks and one of the most superb bass singing voices of the 20th century. He appeared in multitudes of Operas and easily made the transition to Broadway Theater and Movies in the 1950s. His vocal performances were described as smooth and flexible, and rich and powerful. His singing of this Musical Theater song opposite Mary Martin in the 1940s was indeed a stroke of genius. Will love triumph over racial and age differences? Listen attentively as he softly concludes this number with the most beautiful high note imaginable for a bass singer, recognized as one of the great moments in music history…Simply Spectacular!
Link #1 Original recording, 1949. Link #2 Live performance with Mary Martin from Broadway’s “South Pacific,” 1947.
170. FANCY (1990)
Vocalist: Reba McEntire
Writer/Composer: Bobbie Gentry (1969)
Bobbie Gentry did a wonderful job with writing and singing this song, but American Country singer, Reba, takes it to a new level with her perfect phrasing, her Country twang, and her sharp defiant delivery. She has an instantly recognizable voice and owns the 1980s / 1990s as the bestselling female Country artist from that era on, selling millions of albums, racking up more big hits than any of her contemporaries. Also, an accomplished actress / entertainer, in this special story song of survival against all odds, she delivers in a beautiful expressive contralto voice, able to pack low and high notes in a very short space as she does here. With no spiritual core and without a prayer, Mama sends her packing, blaming their poverty, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down.” …Perseveringly Honest!
Link #1 Official music video, 1990. Link #2 Live performance, Omaha Civic Center, 1990.
169. PIE JESU “Requiem” (1987)
Vocalist: Sarah Brightman / Paul Miles Kingston & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber (1987)
Sarah Brightman’s angelic voice and interpretation of Webber’s now famous piece from the Musical Theater’s “Requiem,” send this astonishing performance into spiritual epiphany. Paired with young Kingston in this hymnal experience, his youthful (10 years old), classical soprano is breathtaking, especially when the two join together in blissful harmony. But it’s not over—the chorus join them on the final verse, sending the treasure into a fulfilling heavenly experience. This is Sarah’s 3rd offering in a duet on our list, and it’s so well-deserved. This international piece emphatically demonstrates the quality of blending two beautiful voices together, and the music is celestial, yes, heavenly, as are the voices…Stunning and Beyond Belief!
Link - Official music video from “Requiem.”
168. LUCRETIA McEVIL (1970)
Vocalist: Blood, Sweat & Tears (David Clayton Thomas)
Writer/Composer: David Clayton Thomas (1970)
Is it possible that a band can conquer Pop / Rock / Jazz / R&B and pure Blues? The answer—a resounding YES! Canadian singer / songwriter David Clayton Thomas truly is one of the outstanding, distinctive, natural Blues voices ranging from the late 1960s and well into the 2000s. His 9-plus piece band took on all musical genres, combining Jazz-infused Rock with a generous amount of brass instrumentation. This shining example displays his big and burley, robust singing voice, as well as his fearless, emotive, iconic delivery. Tis larger-than-life vocal really stands out—the man has SOUL!…Unrelenting, Incredibly Astonishing!
Link #1 Original recording,1970. Link #2 Live performance Ed Sullivan Show, 1970.
167. THE SOUND OF MUSIC “The Sound of Music” (1965)
Vocalist: Julie Andrews
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1958)
Without doubt, one of the most famous exhilarating opening scenes in Movie history is her singing on the hilltop in this introduction number from “The Sound of Music.” Julie Andrews was unquestionably right for the part because her near perfect extraordinary clarity, her wonderful classically trained 4-octave voice, and her effortless soprano and cheerful vibrato showcase her wonderful vocals. It led her to international stardom, as an actress, performer and singer, extending her career well into the 21st Century. She was superb and comfortable whether singing and /or acting on stage, in concert, or in movies. He crystal-clear expressive phrasing here is one of the very reasons Musicals are made, No one can forget this opening scene, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.”…Captivating, Life Affirming!
Link - Intro movie clip, The Sound of Music, 1965.
166. FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE (1958)
Vocalist: Jerry Butler & the Impressions
Writer/Composer: Arthur Brooks / Richard Brooks / Jerry Butler (1958)
Very few R&B / Soul singers matched the cool delivery of the “Iceman,” with his unique, full-throated, smooth, distinguished vocals. Popular for over fifty years from the late 1950s on, this singer / songwriter interpreted Soul numbers with such incredible sound, feeling, and charisma, his voice became a constant performer throughout all those years, recording, in concert and on TV. The Iceman’s vocal performances were identified as a one-of-a-kind sound that was instantly recognized. and his backup group, the Impressions, made this song into one of the most beautiful romantic slow-dance classics in American history. “Your precious love means more to me / Than any love could ever be / For when I wanted you / I was so lonely and blue / For that’s what love will do.”…Sparkling and Supreme!
Link - Original recording, 1958.
165. IT’S ALL IN THE GAME (1958)
Vocalist: Tommy Edwards / Arranged by Leroy Holmes Orch & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Charles Dawes / Carl Stigman (1912)
He possessed one of music’s greatest vocal gifts with his mellow, splendid tenor delivery. This song became the greatest hit of 1958, one of the biggest hits of the 1950s. Some music writers consider this song the first #1 hit by an African American artist: but not so. That would be the case if we just go back to 1955, when Billboard introduced its Hot 100, but the Mills Brothers went to #1 in 1943 with Paper Doll and Nat King Cole with Mona Lisa in 1950. However, this hit is a true wonder, by surviving the early Rock revolution, convincingly it’s because he sings it with such heartfelt sincerity and assurance. Truly a modern classic of a very old standard, “And he’ll kiss your lips / And caress your waiting fingertips / And your hearts will fly away.”…Nostalgic and Romantically Sublime!
Link - Original recording, 1958.
164. RING OF FIRE (1963)
Vocalist: Johnny Cash
Writer/Composer: Merle Kilgore / June Carter Cash (1963)
This remarkable recording by the legendary singer whose singing career lasted over a half century, gave him his 2ns entry on our list. Co-written by his future wife June Carter and suggested by Cash to use mariachi-horns in this Country classic was a huge gamble, somewhat of an anomaly, but it worked—It even became a huge Pop crossover hit. The hunch paid off and Johnny sings this with confidence and bravado and his famous gravelly delivery reaches new heights, coming across as a liquor-induced growl. The fans loved it—and so did the critics. Everyone knew that chorus, “I fell into a burning ring of fire / I went down, down, down and the flames went higher / And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire, the ring of fire.” …An Enduring, Spellbinding Country classic!
Link #1 Original recording and video, 1963.
163. THESE EYES (1969)
Vocalist: The Guess Who (Burton Cummings lead / Randy Bachman guitar / Jim Kale bass / Gary Peterson drums)
Writer/Composer: Randy Bachman / Burton Cummings (1968)
Most musicians will agree that front man Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, was truly one of the greatest voices in Rock music from the late 1960s until the late 1990s. This Canadian talented, 4-man Rock group was a standout in musicianship, and they had numerous hits in the 1970s as Hard Rock / R&B Soul / and Soft Rock became their repertoire. Respected by many for his songwriting with Randy Bachman, and the dynamic, larger-than- life vocals of his solo career, the one thing that really stood out—his voice, and the ease in which he switched octaves and notes. In this song he really delivers, playing the keyboards, changing pace from high to low, from fast to slow, and he sends this song into unexpected ecstasy…Absolutely Terrific!
Link #1 Original recording, 1969. Link #2 Live Performance, 1970.
162. VESTE LA GIUBBA “I Pagliacci” (1907)
Vocalist: Enrico Caruso
Writer/Composer: Ruggiero Leoncavallo (1892)
This could very well be the most famous and popular song ever recorded before radio broke through in 1920. This world-famous aria brought instant fame and recognition to the Italian Classical Opera singer, Enrico Caruso, as the world’s greatest tenor in the early 1910s. In retrospect, he still holds his own as one of the great ones, keeping in mine there were no microphones, electronics and his recording of this was done on a cylinder, before the days of vinyl, making this world-famous selection one of the oldest on record. Some music historians consider him the first singing performer to achieve “superstar” status, considering that Opera, Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley were at the time, the only music available in America…Still Astonishing!
Link - Actually remastered from an original recording from a cylinder, 1907.
161. SINCERELY (1954)
Vocalist: The McGuire Sisters
Writer/Composer: Harvey Fuqua / Alan Freed (1954)
There’s no question about it, the sweet sound of the McGuires became the most popular Pop female singing group in America in the 1950s. The trio possessed a tight 3-point harmony, and they became a constant hit machine in that decade, covering and re-inventing other songs as well as their own original material. They specialized in live performances, television and night clubs, reuniting years later, catering to standards in their song book. This song stands out as the longest running at #1 of the 20th Century by a female group—10 weeks! Their lilting sound was instantly recognizable, an infectious delight, and they held their own even during the Rock and Roll explosion of the mid 1950s…Illustrious, a Sheer Joy!
Link #1 Original recording, 1954. Live TV performance, 1959.
160. WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES (1979)
Vocalist: The Doobie Brothers (lead Michael McDonald)
Writer/Composer: Michael McDonald / Kenny Loggins (1978)
This American Rock band had already become major stars in Hard Rock / R&B Soul / Blue-eyed Soul, and even Country. Their stellar high-pitched harmony on this selection in the chorus is an absolute wonder to behold. Considered as one of the leading power bands of the 1970s, lead singer, Michael McDonald, with the band from 1975-1982, formerly sang backup on numerous songs, including Steely Dan, but here he sings astonishingly beautiful with his high tenor to falsetto. This whimsical tune of wishful thinking with real love possibilities is hard to imagine with someone else’s blue-eyed Soul delivery. From verse one, you’re hooked, “He came from somewhere back in her long ago.” …Nostalgia never sounded So Good!
Link #1 Original recording, 1979. Link #2 Official music video, 1979
159. GET HERE (1991)
Vocalist: Oleta Adams (Produced by Roland Orzabal)
Writer/Composer: Brenda Russell (1988)
This beautifully crafted whimsical song by Brenda Russell became one of the great miss-you love songs of the 1990s. It was a quintessential song that was perfect for slow dancing. Discovered and then covered by American Soul singer Oleta Adams while in Europe, it became a sensation, her signature song and ultimately, a worldwide hit. She delivers it here with an astonishing sincerity, honesty, reaching our heart with an inspirational performance. She displays great emotion and amazing vocal strength with this beautiful Soul / Pop arrangement. It’s anthemic feel for longing and reuniting make it one of the best love songs of the 1990s. “I don’t care how you get here, get here if you can.” …Tender and Poetic!
Link - Original recording, 1991. Link #2 Live performance on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. 1991
158. MY BABY LEFT ME (1956)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley
Writer/Composer: Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup (1951)
Elvis Presley’s 2nd entry on our list is an obscure Rock / Blues classic from his very early days, the B-side of his mega hit, I Want You, I need You, I Love You. We are hooked from the very beginning with the opening drum intro, the sliding-down-the-scale bass hook, and Scotty Moore’s classic guitar riffs. His youthful dynamics are on full display here and his Sun records sound is spot-on, an early example of re-inventing a Blues song into a Rock song. It’s this kind of upbeat delivery that ultimately led to his becoming the best-selling solo artist of all time with over 500 million records sold. He ROCKS!…An Amazing, Historic, Almost Forgotten Performance!
Link - Origina recording, 1956.
157. ALL BY MYSELF (Based on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor) (1996)
Vocalist: Celine Dion (Produced by David Foster)
Writer/Composer: Eric Carmen (1975)
For Celine’s 2nd entry, she takes this Eric Carmen song and presents it as an anthem for solitary loneliness, and it became a massive hit as she stretches her pipes into the stratosphere. She gives it her all, promoting her voice from Pop diva to Pop / Rock / R&B status, with an addition of Gospel thrown at the song’s conclusion to appeal to legions of worldwiide fans. Many fans hoped she didn’t hurt her voice when she hits that momentous high note near the song’s end. And even though some say this power performance may require some getting used to, and whether it known for its beauty or for its power-packed, style, emotion and delivery, very few small-statured artists can fist-pump their chest to demonstrate such passion as she delivers here…Uncanny and Sensational!
Link #1 Official music video, 1996. Link #2 Grammy live performance, 1997.
156. (Sittin’ on) THE DOCK OF THE BAY (1968)
Vocalist: Otis Redding
Writer/Composer: Otis Redding / Steve Cropper / (1967)
Considered by many as one of the greatest American singer / songwriters of classic Soul / R&B / Pop selections of all time, his rough, gravelly, and sometimes staccato delivery was always instantly recognized. From his Gospel background, his influence was monumental, even though he lived only 26 years. This signature song of his was a massive hit, hitting #1 in the middle of that renown “British invasion” of the mid 1960s. He delivers it with such emotion and hopefulness, in spite of its lyrical desperation, “Sittin’ here resting my bones / and this loneliness won’t leave me alone.” This nostalgic piece has passed the test of time and proves to be one of the centuries very best R&B songs. Listen and Reminisce…and Recapture the Mood!
Link#1 - Original recording and video, 1968 Link#2 - Official music video,1968.
155. COME TO MY WINDOW (1994)
Vocalist: Melissa Etheridge
Writer/Composer: Melissa Etheridge (1993)
As one of the strongest influences in female Hard Rock / Pop Rock and Folk Rock in the 1990s, she’s still going strong into the 2020s. This singer / songwriter is known for her raw, raspy, coarse but sensational voice, and her live performances rank her as one of the most dynamic Rock musicians of the last generation. She can purr, she can growl, and she sing with power as she does with this song about forbidden love—or is it about unsettling relationships? This song is considered anthemic for its independence, its attitude, and its angst. She captures pure, raw, unadulterated Blues in this song, as she seems to lose her self-respect. “Keeping my eyes open, I cannot afford to sleep / Giving away promises I know that I can’t keep.” She really delivers…Simply Electrifying!
Link #1 Original recording with lyrics, 1994. Link #2 Live at the Kodak Theater, 2002.
154. ROCK-A-BYE YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY “Sinbad” (1918)
Vocalist: Al Jolson
Writer/Composer: Jean Schwartz / Joe Young / Sam Lewis (1918)
With his swaggering braggadocio and his on-his-knee take-charge delivery, this song is considered a standout for music historians in the first 30 years of the 20th Century. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sung in black face or not, it’s his delivery here that defines the Vaudevillian Musical Theater styles of those first three decades. For his 2nd listed number, he didn’t need a microphone and, yet amazingly, you can understand every word. He truly was the most beloved and legendary performer in the the first 30 years of the century, loved by all races and nationalities. He doesn’t just sing it—he performs it! And as he said many times, “You ain’t seen NOTHIN’ yet!”…An Astonishing Musical Performance!
Link #1 Original recording remastered, 1918 & 1932. Link #2 Movie clip -The Jazz Singer, 1929.
153. HALLELUJAH (1993)
Vocalist: Jeff Buckley
Writer/Composer: Leonard Cohen (1984)
This American singer / songwriter’s career was just getting started before his tragic death at 31 years. His version of this Leonard Cohen classic seemed to cement his legendary status in the field of Folk Rock and Alternative Rock and Blues. It reveals his marvelous vocal control, distinctive sound and a style that mesmerized his audiences. It was said he worked within 4 octaves, with the great ability to hold onto a note a long time and move seamlessly without effort to a higher octave. Even with Biblical passages, this is not considered a religious song, but a song of lost love. This song, with his lonely guitar, poetically expresses the hollow feeling that’s left over from the feelings of hopeless helplessness. However, we choose to view its interpretation—it’s Haunting, Stunning!
Link - Live performance at Bearsville, 1993.
152. RESPECT (1967)
Vocalist: Aretha Franklin (Carolyn & Erma Franklin Background vocals)
Writer/Composer: Otis Redding (1965)
Aretha’s 2nd entry on our ranking is without doubt, one of the most influential R&B / Soul / Rock songs in American music history. It ultimately changed the landscape for American music, more than any other Soul song. She really nails it, becoming her signature song, a Rocking, Gospel-charged delivery, impossible to duplicate! As her breakthrough song, her dynamic vocals are considered as one of the greatest examples of independence, attitude, and equality ever recorded. Listen to her “spraying a wash of notes over a single word or syllable,” as she adds emotional impact to her message. Who can forget? “R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me / R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care / T-C-B.” A Stunning moment in time…Wow! She really started something big, a new Style!
Link - Original recording & official video, 1965.
151. TRUE LOVE “High Society” (1956)
Vocalist: Bing Crosby / Grace Kelly
Writer/Composer: Cole Porter (1956)
This Cole Porter classic is considered one of the most beautiful and tender duets in Movie screen history. Even though Grace Kelly doesn’t come in with her wonderful harmony until the last verse in the last chorus of the song, this is Bing’s 2nd entry on our chart and it’s a beauty, even this late in his 50-year career. This lovely duet, a major hit, spent 4 months on the Pop charts, and it occurred right in the midst of Rock’s revolutionary worldwide domination of music. Bing’s baritone matured late in his career, but it still resounded and dripped with sincerity, confidence and a soothing Pop sound, as one of the most successful singers in the 20th century. Its melody, unforgettable, its vocal delivery sublime, setting the standard for romantic love songs…Timeless and Beloved!
Link - Movie clip from High Society, 1956.
