25-1-Great Vocals
25. HEARTBREAK HOTEL (1956)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley
Writer/Composer: Tommy Durden / Mae Boren Axton (1955)
Elvis Presley’s breakout song in the winter of 1955-1956 was a landmark in the cultural shift that led to the emergence of Rock and Roll in American music. It also gave the recording industry the complete transformation it needed to become the defining force in pop culture. This combination of Blues, Country and Rock sounded like nothing else ever in the music business, finally resulting in possibly selling over 1 billion records sold. His combining black and white singing styles, and his raw and primitive delivery produced hit after hit for over 22 years, and it also produced a magnetic influence on millions of young people, and it eventually swept the world. His voice was a mellow baritone and, combined with his good looks, long sideburns and public bashfulness, he commanded attention and received adoration and superstardom…Listen, let it take you back!…Absolutely Incredible!
Link - Live televised performance in 1956.
24. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU “The Bodyguard” (1992)
Vocalist: Whitney Houston
Writer/Composer: Dolly Parton (1974)
Truly, one of the greatest female vocalists in Pop and R & B history! the song solidified Whitney’s position as one of the dominant forces in American and world music, especially in the 1980’s and 90’s, until her untimely death at age 48. She mastered 4 plus octaves with her gospel-tinged vocal delivery and it showcased her spectacular pipes and charisma. Her training wheels came by singing with the Sweet Inspirations covering Gospel and R&B selections, but obviously, the girl could SING on her own! Her singing style of “bending the notes” paved the way for artists such as Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Christine Aguilera and other Pop / R&B icons. She solds records by the millions—she is widely recognized as one of history’s greatest singers…Accolades for her Stunning, Beautiful and Powerful Delivery!
23. I’M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY (1949)
Vocalist: Hank Williams
Writer/Composer: Hank Williams (1949)
Hank was one of the most influential Country and Western singer / songwriters in American history. No one, No one, we repeat, No one, ever affectively displayed such heartache, pain and loss in this Country classic. His songwriting gifts and his live performances made him unique as the first Country superstar, completely dominating the late 1940s to early 1950s. This song shines as the epitome of suffering from loneliness, and you can feel it in his every word. with a distinctive nasal twang that became a signature Country sound, to be often imitated, but never exactly duplicated, his tunes refer to him as a “hillbilly Shakespeare.’ His records were covered by multitudes of gifted musicians, in all genres. His short career ended at only 29 years old. This remains the clarion call for all heartbreak…Legendary!
22. IN YOUR EYES (1986)
Vocalist: Peter Gabriel / (with Youssou N’Dour)
Writer/Composer: Peter Gabriel
Truly a haunting melody and performance from former Genesis frontman, a British singer / songwriter / producer who in recent years has gained world-wide fame as a forerunner in Pop, Rock, and World music. His well=known and critically acclaimed album So, his Secret World Tour in 1993 cemented his respect and admiration from multitudes of musicians and fans. Somewhat of an enigma, he has become an obvious leader in crossing and breaking down cultural barriers. His gravelly, full-throated, distinctive, scratchy voice is unmistakable, remarkable and magnetic! In short, his music reaches people’s heart, appealing to all music genres. Peter says his words were inspired “an African ambiguity in song between romantic love and love for God.” He takes this song to a spiritual infinity…Epic, Awe-Inspiring!
21. GOD BLESS THE CHILD (1941)
Vocalist: Billie Holiday (Eleanora Fagan)
Writer/Composer: Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog Jr. (1941)
Her unmistakable voice—light, alluring, and extraordinary in its universal appeal, made her a musical fixture in the 1930s and 1940s. She could transform Jazz, Blues, even Pop standards as if they were her very own. Not just an American singer, but a songwriter too, she is considered by many as one of the greatest of Jazz and Blues performers, and she demonstrates it here with her touching, heartfelt delivery, the real voice of experience. You feel the emotional pain and suffering in this number as well as the victory. Her hard-living lifestyle contributed to her sad, abbreviated career, dying at only 44 years, but thankfully leaving a body of work, much in collaboration with saxophonist, Lester Young. She reaches a pinnacle here—her soft, yet hard, childlike voice needed no histrionics...Listen…She Soars!
20. YOU’RE NO GOOD (1974)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt
Writer/Composer: Clint Ballard Jr. (1960)
Ronstadt proved to be one of the most multi-talented singers of the 20th century. Starting in the late 1960s, she conquered almost every musical category, right into the early 2000s—Rock, Country, Folk, Pop, Latino, even the American Pop and Jazz songbooks—as she demonstrates here with in this Rock classic. With the early before-they-were-famous Eagles backing her up, she confidently delivers here with clarity and attitude, as if she’s already won this relationship war. She has us from the intro, “Feelin’ better, now that we’re through / Feelin’ better ‘cause I’m over you / I’ve learned my lesson, it left a scar / now I see how you really are.” She could have remained a Rock artist—she sure had the pipes for it, but she proved to be one of the most versatile, gifted singers, ever! Simply Sensational…She Rocks!
19. WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD (1967 / 1988)
Vocalist: Louis Armstrong
Writer/Composer: Bob Thiele / George David Weiss (1967)
The “King of Jazz” made a historic mark on music, performing and singing. His rough gravelly voice is instantly recognized—he carried his musical persona from the 1920s into the 1970s. He was loved and respected by every facet of the music industry and did duets with everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Barbra Streisand. Without a doubt, “Satchmo” is a permanent figure as one of the most influential performers of song and Jazz in the musical landscape, permanently having his place on music’s Mount Rushmore. And there’s a bridge, “The colors of the rainbow / So pretty in the sky / And also on the faces / Of people going by / I see friends shaking hands / Saying, ”How do you do?” / They’re really saying, “I Love you!”” This positive, uplifting song belongs simply to him!…Simply Wonderful!
18. CRAZY (1961)
Vocalist: Patsy Cline
Writer/Composer: Willie Nelson (1961)
Patsy’s distinctive voice and style is unmatched in this Willie Nelson classic. Losing her life at only 30 years in an airplane crash, there is no limit to what she may have accomplished had she lived longer. Her delivery, her beautifully, controlled, smokey-sounding voice, and her confident, contralto authenticity puts her high on everyone’s list. She even seemed to have a built-in echo in her delivery. We experience perfection when she hits the song’s bridge, “Worry / Why do I let myself worry? / Wondering / What in the world did I do-o-o-o?” Even to this day many consider this as one of the greatest Country songs ever recorded. This larger-than-life Country / Pop classic is embraced by all genres and her presentation here is indeed stunning, haunting as one of her best!…Amazing and Unforgettable!
17. HOW HIGH THE MOON “Two for the Show” (1951)
Vocalist: Mary Ford vocals / Les Paul guitar
Writer/Composer: Morgan Lewis / Nancy Hamilton (1940)
This special song has been covered and respected by multitudes of artists and its historical significance cannot be denied. Les Paul not only helped develop the electric guitar, but he was also a pioneer in developing layering and muti-tracking vocals and Mary Ford’s lovely voice played perfectly into this innovative song of the century. With her joyous, harmonious melody, and with his lightning speed guitar performance, it makes this a pleasurable MUST for music lovers and Pop music historians. Amazing indeed is its age—over 70 years have passed leading to its being covered by singers such as Ella Fitzgerald’s interpretive Jazz version. The song lives on and Mary Ford’s vocal shines on in the heavenly realm she sings about—still truly a marvel in vocal performance and delivery! …Spellbinding and Blissful!
https://youtu.be/NkGf1GHAxhE?si=lTz3K2nhksPyrcas
16. GOLDEN SLUMBERS / CARRY THAT WEIGHT / THE END (1969)
Vocalist: The Beatles (lead Paul McCartney)
Writer/Composer: John Lennon / Paul McCartney) (1969)
The Beatles, like it or not, changed music forever with their songwriting abilities, their sense of melody (even with their silly-fun songs) and their astonishing vocal harmonies. Their songbook output in only a little over 8 years together produced an astonishing 188 originals songs and 25 covers. This selection is an example of their complex melodies, seemingly three songs in one. McCartney’s singing taxes his vocal strength, George Martin’s production is spot on, giving music lovers a great example of how the “British invasion” basically influenced and saved Rock and Roll and jump-started Pop, opening doors to countless other Rock / Pop groups. It cannot be denied; they changed the musical landscape more than anyone since Elvis Presley…Wow!…Incredible, and Astounding!
15. A CHANGE IS GONNA COME (1963)
Vocalist: Sam Cooke
Writer/Composer: Sam Cooke (1963)
Sam’s silky-smooth R&B voice was packed with Soul—this personal composition of his became an anthem for civil rights and for lifting up the downtrodden. He sings it with such compassion that most honest-hearted people even feel a measure of guilt because its truthful message, and it has always gone straight for the heart. Ultimately this has become possibly the greatest Soul song ever delivered in modern times, and from a singer who also really died way too soon. His emotional, crystal-clear, heartfelt delivery has become legendary, as his voice is instantly recognizable. This selection still passes the test of time, gaining spiritual, social and moving momentum through the subsequent decades. If it touches you and you weep, that’s okay!…Extraordinary and Inspirational!
14. SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME “Oh Kay” (1951)
Vocalist: Sarah Vaughan / (Hal Mooney’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin (1926)
Of all of Gershwin’s masterpieces, this one may be the most touching, and this Pop and Jazz standard remains stunning with Sarah’s delivery of Hal Mooney’s arrangement. Many considered her one of the two best female interpreters of Jazz and the American songbook, along with Ella Fitzgerald, from the 1940s through the 60s. Her beautiful voice reminds us of what purity and perfect pitch she possessed, and what impeccable vocal range she had. Sit back, close your eyes, listen as she touches you with her smokey enticing voice, and let her sing. “There’s a somebody I’m longing to see / I hope that he turns out to be / Someone who’ll watch over me.” She is truly one of the great voices of the 20th century, singing with such conviction just like…well, like a “lost lamb.” Astonishingly Beautiful!
13. HURT (2002)
Vocalist: Johnny Cash
Writer/Composer: Trent Rezner (1994)
American Country singer, Johnny Cash, affectionately known as the “The Man in Black,” crossed over into new frontiers with this song. Rick Rubin’s stellar production of Trent Reznor’s industrial Rock song by Alt Rock band, Nine Inch Nails, makes this a revelation! Many believe this recording, made shortly before his death, was the haunting story of the out-of-control portion of his life, full of disappointment, drug use, and HURT. However, in the long run, it only added to his legendary persona. A recording star for over 50 years, he redefined himself with this masterpiece, and with his craggy, broken voice, assures us that this song now, can take its place as one of the greatest Country / Folk songs ever recorded…The video says it all…Unbelievably Mesmerizing!
12. (You Make Me Feel Like) A NATURAL WOMAN (1968)
Vocalist: Aretha Franklin / and chorus (including her 2 sisters)
Writer/Composer: Carole King / Gerry Goffin / Jerry Wexler (1967)
This recording only amplified American Soul / R&B singer Aretha Franklin’s stature as the Queen of Soul. It may not be considered her signature song but her delivery here is nothing short of extraordinary, alluring, astounding, confident and meaningful. She makes it her own, and in the 1960’s she opened the door for more gospel-influenced Soul songs to become part of the worldwide American music scene. She remained popular well into the 2000s. Aretha really stretches her wings here and emotionally nails it with her pitch-perfect yearning for someone to rescue her, “when my soul was in the lost and found / You came along to claim it / I didn’t know just what was wrong with me / Till your kiss helped name it.,,OH!”…No question about it…Beguiling and Stunning!
https://youtu.be/HTqGIKiLBhc?si=mvWGZkLKToO6DMbO
———————————————————
11. OL’ MAN RIVER “Showboat” (1936)
Vocalist: Paul Robeson
Writer/Composer: Jerome Kern / Oscar Hammerstein II (1927)
This is truly an American classic. From the musical “Showboat,” Paul Robeson delivers here with his rich, outstanding, early 20th century baritone that adds authenticity to this truly remarkable offering. It personifies the hard times and the oppressive life on the Mississippi River, and it never fails to deliver the hard truth that racism was alive and well for a very long time—after the U.S. Covil War. But it also tells us that the river itself always wins, that “Ol’ Man River just keeps rolling along.” This selection stands on its own merit as a truly genuine and astonishing vocal performance. Paul’s deep baritone to base delivery here is like capturing a moment in time when to be oppressed and not have free choices was not the exception, it was the rule…Truly Beloved and Awesome!
10. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (1976)
Vocalist: Queen (lead Freddie Mercury (Farrokh Bulsara))
Writer/Composer: Freddie Mercury (1975)
Freddie Mercury, stellar front man for British Rock band, Queen, truly shines here with his lead in this Rock classic. The overdubbing, the layering, and the production techniques make this indeed one of the greatest Rock songs of all time. They accomplish this with their multiple voices, offering us an unforgettable song for the ages, one that has gained the respect of every kind of musician, genius in every respect, and most everyone agrees its unique three-songs-in-one format is flawless in its delivery. Mercury proves to be one of the greatest voices in Rock history and this song transcends every genre and generation in its impeccable presentation. Call it progressive Rock, Hard Rock, or Progressive Pop, it stands on its own as a vocal masterpiece…A Legendary Production—Monumental!
9. ONE FOR MY BABY (One More for the Road) “The Sky’s the Limit” (1958)
Vocalist: Frank Sinatra (Nelson Riddle orch.)
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer (1943)
Frank Sinatra really pulls it off here. As one of the greatest interpreters of jazz and the American songbook, his vocal excellence is truly a marvel, and he really excels. This classic song is about self-pity and loneliness, and it seems the only remedy is to waste away in the bar, to the wee hours of the morning. “Set ‘em up, Joe.” With Bill Miller’s casual and lonely piano, and Nelson Riddle with the strings, Frank narrates and sings with incredible sorrow while he drinks, giving in to the alcohol as a cure for the guilt he may share in his desperate situation. This look at losing at love is sung with emotional despair, and who could do that better than Sinatra, “ole blue eyes?” When we listen and learn, we come to the inevitable conclusion…No One! Absolutely Impeccable!
8. PLASIR D’MOUR (The Joy of Love) (1961)
Vocalist: Joan Baez
Writer/Composer: Johannes Paul Martini (1785)
If angels existed in person on the earth today, perhaps they would sound like American singer / songwriter Joan Baez in this French traditional love classic. Her voice floats effortlessly into the universe, almost as delicate as a piccolo or a lone violin, and blends with nature as few voices have in the last 100 years. As she stums her lone acoustic guitar, it remains a heavenly performance, and at this early stage in her career, her crystal-clear voice is beyond description or comparison to any other female Folk singer. Blessed with this beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, she has entertained audiences well over 60 years, since those days of social activism in the early1960’s. Even her songs of message and peace transcend generation gaps…Truly Sublime and Beautiful!
7. YOU’VE LOST THAT LOVING FEELING (1964)
Vocalist: The Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley / Bobby Hatfield)
Writer/Composer: Barry Man / Cynthia Weil (Phil Spector Producer)
Young people of this modern generation react with surprising shock and total amazement when listening for the first time to Bill and Bobby play off each other in this great and spectacular, blue-eyed R & B Soul song. As one of the most played and listened to songs of the 20th century, it never seems to go out of date or out of style. Phil Specter’s “Wall of Sound” adds to the unique delivery as Bill supplies the heartfelt low tones and Bobby sends the high notes into outer space, bending the notes in his delivery as no white voice ever could. “You never close your eyes anymore when i kiss your lips, and there’s no tenderness liked before in your fingertips.” What an opening—time has only added to its greatness as an amazing Pop, Rock and Blues classic…Astonishing!
6. O MIO BABBINO CARO “Gianni Schicchi” (1985)
Vocalist: Montserrat Caballe
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1918)
This beloved soprano aria has been covered by multitudes of great female Opera singers, but this stunning version is most assuredly, one of the most beautifully performed interpretations of all time! No words can describe this angelic offering by “La Superba,” our Spanish star with an unmistakable bel canto vocal technique. Known around the world, she has achieved diva status from the early 1960s into the 2010s, respected by her peers and public alike. Her marvelous, sensitive, smooth deliveries are full of emotion and nuance and blessed with an uncanny ability to move through her 4-octave range with style, sophistication and extraordinary beauty. Listen carefully, Can there be any doubt that she lets her voice become a celestial musical instrument…Ecstatically Beautiful!
5. BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER (1970)
Vocalist: Simon & Garfunkel (lead Art Garfunkel / Larry Knechtel piano)
Writer/Composer: Paul Simon (1970)
Art Garfunkel’s soaring magnificent performance of this three-verse masterpiece is by all counts, one of the most beautiful melodies ever written. With Art’s soaring vocal of each verse, a little more volume is added, and it takes on an overwhelming spiritual, hymnal sound, ending in a remarkable vocal crescendo, as if intended to be a musical prayer. Perhaps Paul Simon was inspired, or maybe not, but it’s certainly one of the best songs of the 20th century. Known primarily as Folk Rock singers, it became anthemic as Folk / Pop, and its presentation and its celestial musical arrangement is both undeniably rapturous and unforgettable. This became a song for the ages, with Larry Knechtel’s Gospel-sounding piano playing one of the most recognizable in music history… Sublime, Magnificent and Inspirational!
4. SUMMERTIME “Porgy and Bess” (1957)
Vocalist: Ella Fitzgerald / Louis Armstrong & trumpet (Russell Garcia’s Orch. & arrangement)
Writer/Composer: George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin (1935)
This Gershwin classic has been covered by so many great vocal artists, but there’s something really special about Ella’s magnificent presentation. As a master of the American Songbook, her beautiful low tones and her amazing pitch, power and pace just quiver with passion as she sends Russell Garcia’s musical arrangement into the stratosphere. Ella cannot be denied—she was born to sing this song. She crosses all boundaries here, Jazz / Pop / Soul and R&B. It’s very timely from the opening verse, “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy / Fish are jumpin,’ and the cotton is high.” This haunting melody truly burns itself into the heart and mind, and the First Lady of Song delivers with love, tenderness, and her signature handkerchief. Without a doubt, not only Stunning, but Haunting!
3. STARDUST (1957)
Vocalist: Nat King Cole (Gordon Jenkins Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish (1929)
Nat’s beautiful voice possesses a pure baritone with absolutely perfect pitch and phrasing. His silky-smooth delivery is stunning and without equal. He proves it here as he has time and again with this beautifully arranged version accompanied by the Gordon Jenkins Orchestra. Described by some as a liquid voice, he was a perfect standard for sentimental and romantic songs, and this version of Stardust has soared to the top as the one presented with the most heartfelt delivery and astonishing clarity. Oddly enough, the song never went to the top as a single, it just rose to the top gradually, transcending toward the heavens. He has appealed and captured Pop, Soul, R&B, and above all Jazz. This song has been used in movies and still keeps its place among the all-time unforgettable favorite love songs…Pure Poetry!
2. OVER THE RAINBOW “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
Vocalist: Judy Garland
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / E. Yip Yarburg (1939)
This is simply one of the greatest songs about family, loneliness and hope, ever written! Judy’s sensational offering in the film occurred when she was only 16 years old. Picked by many music critics and musicians as the greatest song of the 20th century and picked as the number one song ever introduced in a film by the American Film Institute, this timeless classic piece only gathers more appreciation with the passing of time. She sings with such innocence and remarkable sincerity, how can we not like this song? “Somewhere over the rainbow…skies are blue…And the dreams that you dare to dream…Really do come true.” Many other vocalists have covered this song, but few get close to this beautiful presentation. Does it really get any better than this?…Absolutely Poignant and Legendary!
1. NESSUN DORMA “Turandot” (1972)
Vocalist: Luciano Pavarotti (London Philharmonic Orch. / Zubin Mehta cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini / Franco Alfano (1926)
No matter what kind of music you love, this is the song of songs! This short aria by the great Italian tenor gets the biggest applause of any vocal presentation here in this 21st century. You-tube vocal reactions, especially young people, and even people who know or care about Opera, drop their jaws in disbelief and applaud this performance as the most spectacular vocal example in any musical genre they have ever heard! The experience is astonishing, even overwhelming! Pavarotti’s passion and power is without equal, and this piece is not diminishing with time, it is INCREASING! It doesn’t matter that it’s not in English—just hold onto your heart…and really listen! From its subdued, beautiful, instrumental intro to Pavarotti’s awe-inspiring finale, this piece is…Absolutely Magnificent and Transformational!
