75-51-Great Vocals
75. BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? “Americana” (1932)
Vocalist: Bing Crosby (Harry Lillis Crosby) / (Lennie Hayton’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Jay Gorney / E. Yip Harburg (1932)
He was perhaps the most popular singer / actor / entertainer of the 20th century. Proof? He recorded over 1,700 songs, made 40 movies, made countless TV appearances and sold over 300 million records. In his half century singing career, he was not just a crooner, but early on he could also sing with amazing power as he does in this selection. His golden baritone voice, an instrument in itself, his influence on Pop and Jazz, and his versatility in vocal delivery were stunning. This is the defining song for the Great Depression. It represents from a beggar’s point of view, how the system left him broke and broken, even after he paid his dues, His warm, smooth, velvety delivery is a wonder to behold…Listen intently here to early Bing…Wow! Unbelievable, Awe-Inspiring and Astonishing!
Link - Original recording 1932.
74. THE SKY IS CRYING (1991)
Vocalist: Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble (Chris Layton drums / Tommy Shannon bass / later Reese Wynans keyboards)
Writer/Composer: Elmore James (1959)
Whether it was the Blues, Blues Rock, or even what they call Texas Blues, his amazing vocal interpretation and his electrifying guitar playing made him one of the greatest most influential artists in both genres. He sang with Soul, and his recordings produced jaw-dropping results, and this spilled over into in his live, energetic performances as well. Very few guitar players could match his persona, talent and skill. He makes this Elmore James classic his own and his three-piece band sets the tone perfectly for this stellar delivery of pure unadulterated Blues. His vocals were scalding, with a raspy edge, his tenor voice was immediately rercognizable and his stage presense was second to none. Often imitated but never surpassed, he died in a an air accident at 35 years of age…Behold! A High-Voltage Tempest!
Link #1 Original recording released posthumously 1991. Link #2 Live performance in 1987.
73. J’AI DEUX AMOURS (My Two Loves) (1931)
Vocalist: Josephine Baker (Freda Josephine McDonald) / Adrien Lamy Orch.
Writer/Composer: Vincent Scotti / Geoge Coger / Henri Vafna (1930)
Even though American born, she became a French chanteuse in the early part of the 20th century, singing, dancing, and entertaining to European audiences who fell in love with her. She was the first black woman to star in a movie, in time, became one of the most celebrated artists in Europe, and her beautiful looks and voice caused sensation wherever she performed. Blessed with a vibrato that transcended her limited vocal range, she performed as a cabaret singer by dancing and singing during the 1920s through the early 1950s. Her perfect pitch and quivering delivery made men swoon and women jealous. When you go back in time, this is a great example to take your drift-away journey…Stunningly Beautiful!
Link - From original recording 1931.
72. WHERE’VE YOU BEEN (1989)
Vocalist: Kathy Mattea
Writer/Composer: Don Vezner / Don Henry (1989)
Sometimes a beautifully crafted song reaches for the heart…and doesn’t let go. This American Country / Bluegrass artist delivers this story song with such pathos, compassion and poignancy, that even grown men czn identify with it, and sometimes tears even flow. She sports a mezzo-contralto 3-octave voice appealing to Folk and Celtic audiences as well. The violins and cellos are captivating and add to its feelings of encroaching despair, brought on by advancing years. Above all it’s a love song, and even near the end of their days after a long life together, the surprise ending sends a beautiful message when she reveals in the chorus, “Where’ve you been? I’ve looked for you forever and a day / Where’ve you been / I’m just not myself today.” …Intimate, Touching, and Heartbreaking!
Link #1 Original recording 1989. Live performance - Austin City Limits 1989.
71. IRONIC (1995)
Vocalist: Alanis Morissette
Writer/Composer: Alanis Morissette / Glen Ballard (1995)
This Canadian rocker and her band shook the music world with her exceptional songwriting and singing skills on her 1995’s JAGGED LITTLE PILL, one of the best-selling albums of all time. Her unique voice is instantly recognizable—she can easily express herself in her3-octaave, mezzo=soprano voice. With great changes in texture and delivery, she can actually sing in spasms, captivating both Alternative Rock, Grunge and Pop. Her uncanny singing ability displays versatility, irony, attitude, anger, independence and retaliation. She became a phenomenal female force from the 90s on, earning the name “Queen of angst Rock.” Check out her many moods here in the pre-chorus, “Isn’t it ironic / Don’t you think? / It’s like rain on your wedding day / It’s a free ride when you/ve already paid.” …Sensational!
Link #1 Official music video 1996.
70. STORMY WEATHER (1933)
Vocalist: Ethel Waters
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler (1933)
She took America by storm as one of the first and most influential black figures in American pop culture, and she was multi-talented as a singer and actress, excelling in Blues / Jazz / Pop standards. From 1920s radio all the way into the 1940s, her interpretation of song established her as a splendid example as an innovator of class and sophistication. Her marvelous performance here shows distinctive style and restraint as she offers a softer more refined delivery than her contemporaries. She shows great confidence, “Don’t know why / There’s no sun up in the sky / Stormy weather / Since my man and I ain’t together / Keeps raining all the time.” This is a staple from the American Songbook, and she does it fine with melancholy and grace…Simply Amazing!
Link - Original recording 1933.
69. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DREAM (1958)
Vocalist: Everly Brothers (Don and Phil) / Chet Atkins guitar
Writer/Composer: Felice and Boudleaux Bryant (1958)
When these two American brothers broke into music they possessed a unique sound like no others in recording history. Their impeccable harmony was so unique, they became the most successful duo in Pop, Country, R&B and Rock, with hit after hit in the late 1950s and into the 1960s. This song has the distinction of being the only recording to be #1 on 3 different charts simultaneously, Pop, Country and R&B. With Don singing the baritone melody, Phil supplied the tenor harmony, and the result was sensational, stunning and remarkable. Many consider this selection their crowning achievement and their most beautiful love ballad, haunting in its delivery, as they drift in and out of harmony, “Dream, dream, dream.” This became a massive # 1 song internationally…Breathtakingly Beautiful!
Link #1 Original recording 1958. Link #2 Live performmance 1958.
68. I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME (1991)
Vocalist: Bonnie Raitt / (Piano - Bruce Hornsby)
Writer/Composer: Mike Reid / Allen Shamblin (1991)
As one of America’s great Blues singers from the early 1970s on, she is a vocal genius in interpreting R&B, Folk, Country and Pop. This selection is a masterpiece, a devastating rendition of heartbreak vs. an unfulfilled love. Her one-of-a-kind delivery is magnificent, we feel her pain with every single word, and Bruce Hornsby’s piano only adds to its deep feeling of despair. She is blessed with having one of the most authentic natural sounding voices in music, and this is a perfect example of her earthy, soulful, textured, contralto range. The song’s conclusion,“Cause I can’t make you love me, if you don’t / Try baby / Ain’t no use in you tryin’, baby”, just kills us. It encompasses all the sadness and pathos of lost love, and she owns this number, better than anyone. It’s okay if tears flow—it’s a Shattering Experience!
Link #1 Original recording 1991. Link #2 Live performance at the Grammys 1992.
67. WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR “Pinocchio” (1940)
Vocalist: Cliff Edwards / Disney Studio Chorus
Writer/Composer: Leigh Harline / Ned Washington (1940)
This beautiful Pop song comes from the animated classic, Pinocchio, and it soon became the Walt Disney theme song. Cliff’s tenor voice was remarkable, noted for its absolute clarity—he was also the voice of Jiminy Cricket. His crystal-clear delivery here is supported by an angelic chorus. His unique sound was a 3-octave, tenor, “kazoo” sound, enabling him to switch into a smooth falsetto that was considered optimistic and inspirational in both Pop and Jazz. A hitmaker in the 1930s and 40s, his popularity soared in radio’s early days. Check out how effortlessly he concludes with one of the most stunning falsettos in musical history… “When you wish upon a star / Your dreams come true.”…Absolutely Heavenly!
Link #1 From Walt Disney’s film, Pinocchio 1940. Link #2 Ending scene film clip Pinocchio 1940.
66. WHAT’S GOING ON (1971)
Vocalist: Marvin Gaye / (featuring in-house session group - the Funk Brothers)
Writer/Composer: Marvin Gaye / Al Cleveland / Renaldo “Obie” Benson (1971)
This singer / songwriter was a great Soul singer in the 1960s and 1970s. He departed from his Motown sound and re-invented himself with this brilliant protest song from his album of the same name. It was an instant success, a concept album taking on social issues such as the environment, racial divisiveness, and war— its appeal touched R&B / Soul / Funk / Pop and Rock fans everywhere. He takes this outstanding arrangement to new heights, making it one of the most thought-provoking social statements ever put to music. He produced it as well and worked within the framework of his 4 octave voice and showcased his ability to vocally shift gears. He was spot on, and in spite of musical changes, it continues to gain respect and popularity with passing of time…A Transcendent, Legendary Delivery!
Link #1 Original recording 1971. Link #2 Live performance 1972.
65. KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG (1973)
Vocalist: Roberta Flack
Writer/Composer: Norman Gimble / Charles Fox (adapted Lori Lieberman (1973)
“Stumming my pain with his fingers / Singing my life with his words.” These opening poetic words introduce this award-winning, immaculate vocal to the world on a silver platter. With extraordinary delivery, this American singer / songwriter / pianist nails this fabulous production with impeccable sensitivity, serving it with such appeal that it spans R&B / Soul / Jazz / Folk and Pop. Her classically-trained voice is a thing of beauty—she shines with an unforgettable, silky-smooth, emotive presentation. Her exquisite harmony comes with a 2+5 octave, contralto voice, one that is so lovely, rich with lush, perfect pitch that it absolutely captivates. She proves to be one of the most important vocal artists of the amazing 1970s…Absolutely Sublime!
Link #1 Original audio recording 1973. Link #2 Live performance 1973.
64. THE GAMBLER (1979)
Vocalist: Kenny Rogers
Writer/Composer: Don Schlitz (1976)
From Rock to Country and even crossing over into Pop, his low, raspy, hoarse growl makes his voice immediately recognizable, and his delivery of this classic make this one of the truly great Country story songs of all time. As an American Country / Rock / Folk / Pop singer, he’s recognized the world over as an iconic hit maker with a long list of great songs from the late 1960s through the 1990s. This well-crafted song lends itself to an easy sing-along during the chorus. Some voices seem to age like fine liquor—this is a great example. “You gotta know when to hold ‘em / know when to fold ‘em / Know when to walk away / Know when to run / You never count your money / When it’s sitting on the table / There’ll be time enough for countin’ / When the day is done.”…Familiar and Unforgettable!
Link #1 Original music video 1979. Link #2 Live performance 1983?
63. BETTER BE GOOD TO ME “Mad Max - Beyond Thunderdome” (1984)
Vocalist: Tina Turner
Writer/Composer: Holly Knight / Mike Chapman / Nicky Chinn (1981)
This American R&B, Soul, and Rock singer is one of the great female musical performers in music history. Considered by many as the Queen of Rock, her abrasive, naturally low, edgy, and dynamic delivery really erupts, displaying her feminine growl, her charismatic sultry, seductive stage presence—and her ENERGY! Her unmistakable voice soared through five decades and this selection displays attitude, confidence and conviction, serving as a warning that her man just better be good and faithful—or else! Her stage presence oozes from the pores of her skin, taking this number from an intense whisper to a gritty wail. From the 1960s to the 2010s, she was a dominant force is R&B and Rock—She won a Grammy for Rock Performance for this awesome delivery…Electrifying and Astonishing!
Link #1 Original music video 1984.
62. ODE TO JOY (Symphony #9 in D Minor - Opus 125) “Copying Beethoven” (2006)
Vocalist: Royal Philharmonic Orch. / & Chorus / Bernard Haitink conductor
Writer/Composer: Ludwig Von Beethoven (1923-1825)
This thrilling Classical piece from Beethoven has been described as a sudden “Burst of Sunlight.” That’s accurate, its familiarity is musical legend and his addition of vocals including a power choir is a stroke of genius. It rouses in us all the good, positive spirits and feelings of exhilaration that we can possibly imagine—it is a JOY to hear and experience! This selection from a movie about its composer gives us the inner satisfaction of how the world must have felt the first time it was heard…A Splendid orchestral and vocal arrangement!
61. LUCILLE (1957)
Vocalist: Little Richard (Richard Penniman)
Writer/Composer: (Richard Penniman) / Albert Collins (1956)
For a certainty, there is no debate over this American singer / pianist’s dynamic vocals, his band’s stellar support, and his absolute influence as one of Rock’s leading pioneers. This was a smash R&B / Rock & Roll hit, going worldwide with his celebrated raspy voice, frenetic piano playing, onstage charisma and his up-tempo performances—it was wild and shocking at the time. Young people loved and embraced it. As one of the most imitated performers in history, he influenced everyone from James Brown to Michael Jackson. This is a good example of his emotional, Gospel-infused screams and his versatile use of his intense falsetto wails. This aggressive offering proved he could even sing at a slower pace and still “knock ‘em dead” …Rhythm and Blues was Never the Same!
Link #1 Original recording 1957. Link #2 Live version 1957.
60. UN BEL DI VEDREMO (One Fine Day) “Madame Butterfly” (1955)
Vocalist: Maria Callas (Herbert Von Karajan cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1904)
She was an American Greek-born star, and without question, one of the true divas of the 20th century Opera theater. She had a huge worldwide fanbase, perhaps the most famous of all soprano opera singers, and her dramatic interpretations of her selections, her bel canto techniques, and her influence in the Opera realm, made her performances legendary. This selection is renowned as one of her very best. This selection would certainly be considered one od the greatest of female Opera / Classical performances. Her voice from this classic is stunning, so unique, often compared to a musical instrument…Simply Enchanting!
Link - From her 1955 performance and recording.
59. TILL WE MEET AGAIN (1949)
Vocalist: Mills Brothers (Donald Mills lead, Herbert second tenor, Harry baritone, John Mills Sr. bass vocals)
Writer/Composer: Richard Whiting / Raymond Egan (1918)
Harmonies within families have always captivated music lovers. Among the very best are the Mills Brothers along with the Ames Brothers, Andrews Sisters and the McGuire Sisters. However, the Mills Bros road the Pop charts from the 1930s into the 1960s. As traditional Pop and Jazz artists, they could even imitate Barbershop Quartet groups of the 1900s through the 1920s, as they do with this selection. They were instantly recognizable with their distinctive harmonies—no one else ever sounded like them! Their ability to imitate musical instruments vocally made them unique and in constant demand. This selection was an album cut, and was not one of their multitudes of hits. Listen uninterrupted—you won’t be disappointed…Simply Fabulous!
Link - Original album cut recording from album 1949.
58. MEMORY “Cats” (1983)
Vocalist: Betty Buckley
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber (1983)
This multi-talented singer/actress and her presentation of this astonishing offering is a must for all those who love the Theater. This Webber classic is considered one of the greatest of all Broadway songs. It remains a transcendental vocal journey, a true test in how well a singer can hit that last verse—and here she stops us dead in our tracks! She delivers this poetic piece with great power, emotion and charisma. Regardless of how we interpret the lyrics, it seems to be about discovering our personal value within ourselves. The result is magnificent, sure to bring chills or raise hair on the back of your neck. There are many great renditions of the Broadway classic, but when Betty suddenly emotes on the last verse, you’re a goner…Truly Inspirational…Unforgettable!
Link - From the Musical Cats in 1983.
57. LA VIE EN ROSE (1950)
Vocalist: Edith Piaf (Edith Giovanna Gassion)
Writer/Composer: Edith Piaf (1946)
She was unquestionably the French definition of an international chanteuse. Her instantly recognizable voice was known the world over during the 1940s, 50s and well into the 1960s. She specialized in torchy love ballads, accentuating loss, regret and sorrow. This song became her signature, brilliant, impossible to duplicate, even though many tried. Standing only 4-foot-8, she possessed this larger-than-life trembling, quivering alto delivery that was unmistakable, and it flowed lovingly, like sparkling, fine wine. Her delivery here, and its haunting melody, stayed with her fans and peers especially during the WWII years, as a moment in time that remind one of expiring, or swooning is…Listen and put yourself that epoch of time…Stunning and Remarkably Captivating!
Link #1 Original recording 1950. Link #2 Official video live performance
56. SUPERSTITION (1972)
Vocalist: Stevie Wonder
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder (1972)
Stevie is truly a musical wonder! He has never let his blindness handicap his abilities or his talents, in fact, he plays at least three of the musical instruments in this selection. He practically owned the 1970s with his songwriting, vocal and production skills, releasing 3 albums considered among the most significant in music history, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness’ First Finale, He hit #1 with Fingertips Part 2, (at 12 years old.) This vocal is a sterling example of his unique one-of-a-kind presentation that encompasses R &B, Rock, Soul, and Funk, all in the same song! Since the early 1960s this respected vocal force in American music has even crossed over into Jazz and Pop influences. His vocal performance is amazing, and this is one of his best—really delivering the goods!…Unbelievable!!
Link #1 Original live recording 1972
55. AFTER THE GOLD RUSH (1995)
Vocalist: Dolly Parton (lead) / Linda Ronstadt / Emmylou Harris
Writer/Composer: Neil Young (1970)
When these three teamed up in the 1990s, collaborative harmony would never be the same. This Neil Young song is one of the great examples of what can happen when three beautifully gifted Folk / Country / Bluegrass / Rock / Pop singer / songwriters get together and totally re-invent the way a song can be presented. And the result—some of the most amazing and beautiful feminine sounds ever recorded! With Dolly as lead in this offering, Linda (her 2nd listed song) and Emmylou join in to form an impeccable and ethereal rendition of a song that takes on an angelic and spiritual nature, with a glass harp featured in the live version. As a follow up 10 years after their Grammy Award-winning album Trio, they send us aloft with this piece from Trio II… Absolutely Jaw-dropping in its Beauty!
Link #1 Original music video 1995. Link #2 Live performance from David Letterman 1995.
54. THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD (1976)
Vocalist: Gordon Lightfoot
Writer/Composer: Gordon Lightfoot (1976)
Without a doubt, one of the greatest story songs ever crafted…and delivered! This Canadian Folk singer takes this event based on a true story to another level, and instead of taking us there acoustically, he takes us there with a mournful electric guitar. The result is nothing short of astounding! His rich baritone shines here in his well-written ballad of the perils of sudden stormy weather for those put their lives in peril, choosing to sail with heavy loads of iron ore on Lake Superior in November. This song was recorded in a soft-rock motif, and Lightfoot delivers this story with foreboding doom. His troubadour vocals ring with a soft quivering vibrato, allowing the story to unfold as if the experience belongs to all of us. And his delivery of this tragic story is done in…Awesome Perfection!
Link #1 Official music video 1976. Link #2 Live performance 1979.
53. ALL I ASK OF YOU “Phantom of the Opera” (1988)
Vocalist: Michael Ball / Sarah Brightman
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Charles Hart / Richard Stilgoe (1986)
This duet is a vocal performance masterpiece for the Musical Theater. In perhaps one of the most stunning duets in Broadway history, these two performers take us on a journey through space and time that is unequaled romantically. As the couple sings their devotional love for each other, transcending a forbidden and star-crossed love, we experience wonderment at the lush melody and swooning, extraordinary lyrics that Crawford and Brightman so graciously serve us. Its lyrical beauty is beyond heavenly, and their presentation is an absolute wonder to behold. Webber’s genius seems to be channeled through these two artists in this 1980s landmark musical…And really, isn’t that all we ask from Michael and Sarah?…Enchanting, Enthralling, and Flawless!!
Link #1 From the London musical Play 1988.
52. O SOLE MIO (1990)
Vocalist: The 3 Tenors - Luciano Pavarotti / Jose Carreras / Placido Domingo - (Zubin Mehta cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giovanni Capurro / Eduardo di Capua / Alfredo Mazzucchi (1898)
The 1990s became a time resurrection for Opera arias and it was largely spearheaded by the uniting of these 3 magnificent tenors onto one concert stage. With this one great performance they single-handedly brought attention and respect back to Opera—observed by hundreds of millions of people. Yes, these gentlemen did not disappoint! This aria was not from a traditional Opera, but was composed individually, in fact, its melody gave birth to Elvis Presley’s It’s Now or Never. It was a huge seller on sheet music in the early 20th Century. Even in this relaxed setting with some modern tongue-in cheek vocal gymnastics, their glorious voices showcased their separate abilities as well as their individual vocal strengths, presenting a fulfilling and joyful Opera experience!..Simply Stupendous!
Link - Original recording from live performance - 2 Tenors in Concert 1990.
51. GOOD VIBRATIONS (1966)
Vocalist: The Beach Boys
Writer/Composer: Brian Wilson / Mike Love (1966)
The Beach Boys cemented their iconic place in American music by being one of the only Rock groups who successfully withstood the ‘British invasion’ in the mid-1960s. Their blissful harmonies, Brian Wilson’s leading vocals and their extraordinary music and production skills made this record an instant classic. Like the Beatles, they were as good in concert as in the studio, writing almost all their own material. Their harmony is delicate, euphoric, and even in falsetto, practically unmatched in the Rock / Pop / Folk genres. The album Pet Sounds has survived the changes in music and become one of the most heralded and beloved albums in the 20th Century. They have sold millions of records with their awesome collection of hits. This complex piece and performance…Truly Amazing!
Link #1 Original recording 1966. Link #2 Live music performance 1967.
