The Top Twenty Greatest Singers Of All Time

A good singer is one of the most crucial ingredients in making good music.  A good singer and a well written song have proven to be an unbeatable combination, but what really makes a good singer?  Well, I think everyone has a different answer to that question, but for me, there are a few ingredients that must be present.

In my opinion, the first quality is that a good singer must have more to offer than just the ability to carry a tune.  That is a good start, of course, but I also think that they must be able to convey emotion in their singing.  They must be able to interpret and deliver a lyric in a unique way that moves people.  It should be obvious that the song has a deep meaning to them when they sing it.  I have to confess that without these emotional elements being present, the mere ability to hit the correct pitch is unimpressive to me.  I would much prefer a singer who is passionate about what he or she sings.  Even if their vocal skill is a little rough around the edges, that is still better to me than someone who is technically perfect, but delivers the song in a flat and lifeless way that is devoid of any feeling.

Also, I think it helps if their voice or some element of their delivery has a unique quality that sets them apart from all other singers.  These unique qualities are often difficult to describe or define, but when they are present, they can create sheer magic.  I am happy to have the chance to tell you about some of the singers that I feel meet these standards.  So without further adieu, here is my list of the greatest singers of all time.  I hope you agree with the choices.

Steve Perry – As the vocalist for the group Journey from 1978-1996, Steve's soaring vocal lines were some of the most beautifully crafted and heartfelt melodies ever put to vinyl.  Steve is one of the few singers with the rare ability to truly use his voice as an instrument.  His vocals went beyond merely adding words on top of the music.  He truly added magic to their songs with his vocal melodies.

Doug Pinnick – Doug is the vocalist and bass player for the heavy metal group King's X.  Very few vocalists have ever pulled me in the way Doug has.  With the soulful quality of an old-school gospel singer, he pours every fiber of his being into each note.  Although his singing style may seem mismatched for heavy metal, it is indeed the perfect complement to this band's uniquely melodic style.

Paul Stanley – Because of their image, the quality of KISS' music has often been unfairly overlooked.  Paul's vocals are, in my opinion some of the best around.  Not only can he sing well, but he makes every note exciting and fresh, even in songs that he has been performing for over 30 years.  He also has proven his vocal prowess by performing in musical theater.  One listen to his performance in “Phantom Of The Opera” is enough to convince even the most staunch skeptic that this man is a great singer!

Jeff Keith – With a vocal style that is steeped in passion, and a distinctive rasp that is instantly recognizable, Jeff led Tesla to fame as one of the most respected and musically skilled bands of the so-called “hair metal” crowd.  His moving vocals, delivered with a warm, down-to-earth ease, gave his songs an emotional depth that few other bands of the genre could deliver.  This remained true even when he was singing up tempo rock!

Sam Cooke – There is really not much that I could say about Sam that hasn't already been said.  I mean, just listen to him!  His vocal acrobatics are astounding, and flawlessly delivered.  Just play “Bring It On Home To Me” once!  If you aren't hooked, you have no heart!

Josh Groban – Josh is simply amazing.  The warmth of his wonderful, rich baritone feels like a soft blanket on a cold December day.  Possessing a vocal maturity that is extremely rare for performers of any age, his ability to sing so perfectly in any language that he chooses is nothing short of mind-boggling!

Stevie Nicks - Whether performing with Fleetwood Mac or as a solo artist, Stevie is truly one of a kind.  I think Stevie's strongest asset as a singer is her ability to mold her voice any way she wants to.  It makes here an ideal harmony singer, because she can complement any singer that she sings with.  Her unique voice has a very haunting quality about it that is perfectly suited to the mystical, ethereal themes expressed in her lyrics

Chris Robinson – Chris is the perfect blend of old-school soul, gospel, and blues.  His style effortlessly propels The Black Crowes southern rock sound to greatness.  I love the simplicity of his singing.  His vocals are real and honest; they don't pretend to be anything they're not.  They demand to be loved just as they are...warts and all!

Marvin Gaye – The king of the begging love song, this legend's legacy will always remain untouchable by any mere mortal.  No one had it like Marvelous Marvin; he was the very definition of soul!

Elvis Presley – They didn't call him the king for nothing!  Perhaps the best known and most beloved rock & roll singer of all time, Elvis was a true original in every sense of the word.  His smooth voice and passionate performances were like no other.  He truly does stand in a class by himself.

Tina Turner – Raw, gritty, and unstoppable.  The only way I can describe her is to borrow one of her song titles...Simply The Best!

Aretha Franklin – A first class diva in every sense of the word, Aretha is truly worthy of the title “Queen Of Soul.”  All you have to do is listen to the conviction in her voice as she demands your R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and you will agree that there is no one else like her!

Patsy Cline – A smooth tuneful voice, impeccable phrasing, and the ability to express profound emotion in a way that no one else could, the sheer elegance of Patsy's voice was completely intoxicating!

Pat Benatar – You wouldn't think that someone with Pat's background would even consider singing rock, but rock she did.  Although she was classically trained as an opera singer and had a seven octave vocal range, Pat not only pumped out one rock hit after the next for over twenty years, she also managed to kick down many doors for women in rock along the way!

Melissa Etheridge – One listen to her music and you will be blown away!  Gutsy and immediate, Melissa expresses things in her songs that we can all relate to.  I think we have yet to see the best that she has to offer!

Aaron Neville – His voice is one that gives me goosebumps.  It is completely unique and haunting in a heavenly sort of way.  When he sings a song, it becomes his totally.

Luther Vandross – Another one known for his astounding vocal acrobatics, Luther could easily move his mostly female audiences into a frenzy!  His recent loss was a true tragedy to the music world!

Rob Thomas – Best known as the singer for the group Matchbox Twenty, Rob's one-of-a-kind vocal style, along with his considerable songwriting skills make him a musical force to be reckoned with.  It will be very interesting to follow his artistic path, I think.  In my opinion, we still have several years of great music yet to come from Mr. Thomas!

Etta James – Totally timeless.  After years in the music industry, she can still belt them out like nobody's business!

Rockapella – This is the one exception on my list, in that they are a group instead of a single vocalist.  I felt they were worth including here, however, since their music is entirely dependent on vocals.  They are an a Capella vocal group, and oh my God, do they smoke!  Their voices weave to create the most jaw-dropping and technically perfect harmonies I have ever heard in my life; deep emotion permeates every note!  I highly recommend them if you have never heard them.

Well, there you have them, my favorites.  I hope you all enjoyed reading about them as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you!  Happy listening!