I haven’t done a music post for real, for real in a second. But what the hell, it’s Friday, I’m sexxy, and we don’t have anything else to do.
On Monday night, one of my girl’s friends was over at my house doing her hair and since we’re young and Black…
…Beyonce came up. I’ve come to accept that there are two schools of thought when it comes to Beyonce.
1) She cannot sing at all, she just dances hard, and has the personality of a head of lettuce.
2) She is a great singer and dances her booty off, and has the personality of a head of lettuce.
Of course, my girls’ friend was in the Beyonce can’t sing camp and it launched a discussion about who actually can sing. I won’t run down her entire list but she threw Mario in there (she said that Trey Songz cannot sing which I found odd since Trey Songz absolutely can sing and is also a better singer than Mario).
Anyway, I figured what better place to see people’s true colors than here at VSB where objectivity rules the day and biases don’t run rampant.
Ahem.
So today, I, Panama Dontavious Jackson, will illuminate your lives with a list of 10 folks whose voices need to be recognized. Since I am music (and Malcolm X) this is my charge in life. Follow me!!
1) Donny Hathaway
I swear, this is one of the few grown ass men who’s ever brought a tear to my eyes, with the other being my father after an asswhippin’. Donny had one of the most beautiful voices EVER. So clear, so beautiful. So fresh and so clean clean. In fact, Donny’s voice was so good, he didn’t feel like he deserved it anymore and jumped out of a window of a hotel in New York City in January of 1979.
2) Marvin Gaye
What can be said about Marvin Gaye except that a lot you negroes out there are here because of him. His voice was so sultry and silky that he could create an album that should have been entitled “F*ck You Anna” (real title: Here My Dear) and it still came out sounding like a gift from God. Marvin Gaye was dat nigga. That’s the only thing I can say about him.
3) Sam Cooke
“I was booooooooooooooooorn by the river…”
From “Cupid” to “Cha Cha Cha” Sam’s voice was just raw and uncut. He made the most kiddy songs sound like something you’d get you some “action” too. However, the song that still brings a slight tear to my eye is “A Change Gonna Come”. Good gracious that is a serious song. The man sang like he knew he was going to die.
Guess what?? He got shot in a hotel in Los Angeles messing with the wrong woman at the wrong time.
Guess he was somewhat of a psychic, huh???
4) David Ruffin (of The Temptations)
Neither drugs, nor hoes, nor crack cocaine, could keep David Ruffin from sharing with the world his gift of harmonious melody. However, those things did keep him from making tour dates and turned him into an a-hole. Or at least according to Otis, even though we KNOW wasn’t nobody coming to see Otis.
5) Teddy Pendergrass
From “Love TKO” to “Close The Door” to “Wake Up Everybody”, Teddy has one of the most distinct voices in music. The harsh grit mixed with the smooth lova man vibe brought many a woman to her knees. Sad too, because that’s how he ended up in a wheelchair. Word to the wise, if you must get head in your whip fellas…watch the road, mmkay???
6) Amel Larrieux
This woman’s voice gives me the chills. No really, if you listen to the song “Freedom” on the Panther soundtrack, she has like two lines and then scats towards the end; whoooooooooooooooowee I just get the heeby jeeby’s listening to her. Her voice is so beautiful and effortless I’m almost convinced she’s really an angel sent here to touch lives.
7) Lauryn Hill
Allow me to commit blasphemy for a second. I don’t think The Mis-education of Lauryn Hill is that great. Is it a good album…yes. But I’m not just goo goo for it. However, I cannot deny how beautiful her voice is. Lauryn pre-2002 was essentially the epitome of woman. Gorgeous, beautiful, lovely voice, smart, sarcastic, etc. And now she’s just nuts.
Luther Vandross
Ya know what…he doesn’t even need an explanation. Luther can best be summed up using a title of one of his songs…
“So Amazing”.
9) Beyonce
I don’t care what you say. The girl can just flat out sing. If you disagree, you are a hater and should light yourself on fire…in the desert.
10) Whitney Houston
Because before crack she was crack.
Now that list was in no particular order, but those are 10 folks who I think can/could pretty much outsing anybody. But this begs the question, as far as singers go (and ones that most folks would recognize), but let’s settle it…
…who has the best voice of all time?? And who would make your top 10 singers list?
VSB, Panama would like to know.
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3
Nina Simone – Not only does her unique voice send chills down my spine, but she has a song for anything you might be going through. Really. She sang THAT many songs.
maxwell – i’m not gonna start describing, because then I won’t stop. lol
And I must co-sign the Donny Hathaway, because “A Song For You” is one of my favorites
@Selah,
maxwell, aka Gem’s babehdaddeh, is DEF on my 10 list of awesome sangahs. mostly becuz the sound of his crooning voice makes me misty
down there.@Gem of the Ocean,
Gem’s WHO??? I like how everybody claims him, when it’s a known fact that he love him some Selah.
@Selah,
all i know is he’s mind freaked the heck outta me. and conception occurred almost instantaneously.
@Gem of the Ocean,
LMAO!
@Selah,
Damn, we’re starting off strong. Nina Simone would DEF make my top ten (or five) voices of all time, dead or alive.
@Me fail english?,
yep, she was def a beast on the mic. Plus, she said ish like, “If I’da had my way, I’da been a killa” lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEX19zLQezU (around 2:15)
How about Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder?
@Leila,
oooo I hearts me some Stevie!
Speaking of the blind… What about Ray Charles? That boy could SANG! “Georgia” can still make me shed a tear or two.
@Selah,
ohmigoodness. i loooooooooooooove “georgia.” so beautiful.
@Selah,
YES @ Ray. We iz >here< today.
How bout that "Baby it's cold outside"? Nina and Ray gettin coy and flirtatious. Loved that song since I was little.
@Me fail english?,
Yassum! they could do no wrong (singing wise. let’s not mention his drug addictions and stuff. lol)
@Leila,
Folks may throw stones at me, but Aretha just don’t do it for me… I know she “da queen” and sh*t, but her voice irritates me…
@Naturally Alise,
well we shall stand stoned together. becuz i agree with you.
@Gem of the Ocean,
me three. I also feel that way bout Diana Ross, too though. *shrugs*
@Selah,
indeed. there’s a lot of singers who have a few hits i LOVE. but their voices? not so much.
@Selah, well Diana definitely can’t sing. I don’t go goo goo ga ga for Retha but I wouldnt’ dare put her in the same box as Diana Ross, lol. Old school Retha shuts it down.
@Reecie,
LOL! i thought it was just me who wasn’t really sure why Diana was so popular… apparently it’s not.
@Selah, i thought it was just me who wasn’t really sure why Diana was so popular… apparently it’s not.
LOL thats what people will say about Beyonce in 20 years
LOL@ all of this. Diana is in a league of her own!
…a league that was never meant to sing
but gave great handjobs, ask Berry Gordy!Seriously tho, Keep me Hangin On, Stone Love, Muscles, Upside Down when could she sing? Waste of flowing weave. Although I do like her light and ethereal version of Good Morning Heartache. Billie’s version makes me wanna slit wrists. Mine and others.
@Reecie, wait… did somebody say Diana Ross can’t sing?
All the drama aside, Diana Ross, much like Beyonce Knowles can BLOW (now I’m not saying that Beyonce can blow like Diana – i won’t say that) But Diana Ross CAN SANG… and Beyonce can sing too. Diana sang Ain’t no Mountain high enough, Love Hangover, Upside Down, many many others.
@Naturally Alise, really? she irritates me now cause of all that loud singing and yelling but
her old stuff from back in the day?
I love it especially
Dr. Feel Good, I never loved a man, and aint no way…..
@shay_d_lady,
Word. Natural Woman, Hooked on your Love, Daydreaming, etc. she moves me. Now if ya say that bout Jennifer Holliday, I gotta feel ya on that one…
@Naturally Alise,
I like Aretha but did a major side-eye during that inauguration performance. I mean, some folks get hella passes for their status is all I’m sayin’.
@Cheekie, this is true, but as much as I looove Stevie, he doesn’t sound as good as he used to either. some icons just need to say no thanks. LOL
@Reecie,
Yup, that’s true, too. And I STAN for Stevie. But, I’m also able to admit he’s flawed
unlike Beyonce stans.@Naturally Alise,
I apologize for the size of the stone…(laughs)
Bond.
@Leila,
Stevie was the first person i thought of when i finished reading the list. I dare someone to try to sing ‘All if Fair in Love’, sounds easy, but his range is crazy.
@Captain Morgan,
Stevie is definitely one or my most favorite artists of all time, however, I can’t put him in that category of greatest voices. Nope…can’t do it. Powerful lyrics, intoxicating music, amazing musicianship, but his voice isn’t up there with some of the best sangas of all time. Good vocal stylings, but just not up THERE there.
@Monk,
i agree.
@Captain Morgan,
All Stevie did was influence Donny Hathaway…you gotta include the master if you’re going to include someone he “schooled.”
1. Stephanie Mills
2. Raphael Saadiq
3. Jill Scott
4. Maxwell
5. Sade
6. Smokey Robinson
7. Lauryn Hill
8. Michael Jackson
9. Grenique
10. Dinah Washington
my bonus lol
11. Etta James
also not in any given order
@buboniccalypso, now THIS is a list i can co-sign!!! your list was alright, Panama – but i’m not sure Beyonce belonged in the league of the greats – i’m not saying she can’t sing – but she’s nowhere near the rest of the folk on your list – be truthful, even you know this.
who else?
1. let me support my peeps for a moment – the late great Miriam Makeba, Sibongile Khumalo, , Lesego, the Jaziel Brothers, Ringo Madlingozi, RJ Benjamin, Thandiswa Mazwai and Letta Mbulu – beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
2. the very underrated dionne faris – there’s something i love about her voice.
3. al green
3. mariah carey… a bit bubblegum and scream-y for my taste lately, but no one can deny the vocal beauty of ‘vision of love’
4. roberta flack
5. seal
6. khadja nin – love that smokiness in her voice.
7. billie holiday – although i can’t stand to listen to more than one song every 9 months or so…. she has so much emotion in her voice, it makes me tearful and depressed to listen to her.
and that’s all for now. i just KNOW that right in the middle of the workday, i’ll think of someone crucial who i forgot to put on…but for now, i gotta get up, get ready for work!
@superwoman, the very underrated dionne faris – there’s something i love about her voice.
I love her too… her michelle ndegeocello (i know its spelled wrong, to tired to google) and tracey chapman all have a voice that tells a story full of emotion, though Dionne has the purest voice by far
@shay_d_lady,
I LOVE MeShell, she’s not really strong on the singing tip though, she’s more of a poet with some melodic tendencies.
@superwoman, i agree with most of your list except Mariah… ever since she started singing with her Vajayjay she been off. Actually nothing good has come out of her since Tommy Matolla pulled out
btw: I will be in Cape Town tomorrow
@Intellectual Hedonist, sweetie, you must come INLAND!!! Gangsta’s Paradise (Gauteng Province, tee hee!) is where it’s at!! leave those namby-pamby capetonians alone!!! they’re just slow and stoned and tanned…. life is more happening in jozi maboneng! how was the rest of the tour? where else did you stop? sounds o so glam!
@superwoman, thus far..Spain, Morocco, Ghana (LOVED IT), and now Cape Town. I have 2 days to fill and then Im on safari for the last 3 we are there. I hope to see the fancy futbol stadium you are building for 2010
@Intellectual Hedonist, but back to mariah… her music has been horrid for years, i agree… but i still heart the first album…. i get tearful listening to ‘vision of love’ i can’t help it!!! and her voice, despite how uselessly she uses it, is impressive..
@superwoman, I have to agree with you..she could sing (more like SANG) on that first album. then she just dropped like a hookas drawls
@superwoman, I love her first two albums also….but she swears that wasn’t really her artistic vision, that these pseudo Hip-Hop records are the real her. Maybe it is after so many albums going that direction and still being here. Perhaps if that real her came up front in 90-91, she would have been pigeonholed as new jack swing?
@superwoman,
Yeah Mariah has changed drastically. Using that cutesy breathy voice is getting on my dayum nerves. She got too good a voice to be resorting that crap. Leave that mess to Britney.
@superwoman, Gotta agree with AL, SEAL yesssss love him, and Billie… strong co-signage
@superwoman,
young!! dionne farris! love her…ain’t enough of her material out here. good mention!!
@buboniccalypso, I gotta give you props for Dinah and Etta….
Phyllis Hyman makes me tear up from any song she touches. “Living All Alone” is a song I can’t play if I am even remotely sad or depressed (like right now)
Anita Baker has on of the most pure voices, and live she will mesmerize you… just awesome!
@Naturally Alise,
awww cheer up Ms. Alise! Go put on some Michael Jackson and dance around or something. That always helps me. lol
@Naturally Alise,
You so Cackilacky smooth
@Naturally Alise,
One time for Anita Baker!
I love Amel! I saw her perform in a jazz club last year and she has a beautiful voice;)
My top 10:
Aretha Franklin – Been a huge fan since I was a little girl. Without a doubt, one of the most talented singers ever.
Michael Jackson – Can’t imagine what music would have been without MJ
Prince – A true artist and very talented
Stevie Wonder – Self-explanatory
Sam Cooke – Got into his music when I got older.So much talent.
Maxwell – Sultry voice, smooth style, and noone puts on a show like him. Love his music.
Whitney Houston – Self-explanatory
Jill Scott – not a fan of the last album but still one of my favorite singers
Beyonce – Very talented and consistent. Has a lot of songs that I like and is improving with each new album.
Chachi Tadesse- Talented Ethiopian singer who I’ve liked for a long time:)
@Leila, Prince my dude, such a rock starrrrrr!!!!!
@OrangeStar616,
Love me some Prince with a passion..
Jill Scott is my gal, amazingly talented..
Anita Baker and Sade. Enough said
@The Hallway,
Anita Baker and Sade. Enough said
Amen and AMEN!
I know I’ll be a bit different, but them Boyz II Men are absolute heaven. Every single one of them.. shiiiiiii. They can sing for me and I’d probably get moist.. ”no homo”
@Officer Ricky, that’s kinda stretching the limits of the “no homo” disclaimer. Because dudes shouldn’t be gettin’ moist.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
Yeah, more like no femo…unless you’re talking about busting on yourself in which case you should just neglect to mention that part.
@Me fail english?,
LOL!
i dunno about the best singers of ALL TIME. but i do have a list of top 10 singers who i personally enjoy and could listen to endlessly becuz their voices and lyrics touch my soul (and in one instance, other regions)
in no particular order…
sarah vaughn
luther vandross
anita baker
marvin gaye
amel larrieux
prince
chrisette michele
maxwell
whitney houston
marc anthony (en español)
@Gem of the Ocean,
So is it Maxwell or Marc Anthony who touch your nether regions? Or do you let them touch em at the same time? hahaaaa
@bittersweet’s baby,
just mah babehdadeh maxwell
@Gem of the Ocean, e prima I love your list
@Intellectual Hedonist,
and i love YOU eprima
@Gem of the Ocean,
marc anthony (en español)
Dont know much of his stuff. BFF, bf and their families put me on, but his version of “Que Lio” and “Si Tu No Te Fueras” are among the favs I do know. Yes, he is serious
and is far more talented than his wife as both an actor and singer, although I love her.@Me fail english?, My little latino subset:
Oscar de Leon
Celia Cruz
Ismael Rivera
Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez
Hector Lavoe
Ruben Blades
Frankie Ruiz
Andy Montañez
Alexandre Pires . .. brazilian but sings in spanish http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfsX9K4HPk&feature=related – gotta call no h*mo but the dude can sing.
@IVR,
I can definitely get down with some Hector Lavoe! Aguanile or Todo Tiene Su Final will put me in trans.
Selena’s Como la Flor got me moving too.
@Smiley Face,
“Selena’s Como la Flor got me moving too.”
What?!?!
You know growing up in here in her heyday it was impossible to NOT like Selena . Even though I only understood about a 1/4 of what she was saying at the time…I made my BFF translate. lol
*off to look up Bidi Bidi Bom Bom
@miss t-lee,
seeee…now i’m dancing in my seat!! LOL
@Smiley Face,
aguanile is my joint!! marc a. sings the heck outta the song as well!!
and selena was very talented as well. Como La Flor was that ish
@IVR,
great list. i do LOVE me some ruben blades.
@IVR,
Yessir! @ Celia “Qumibara mi Cuba, quimba, quimbara mi Cuba!” Gramps lived in Cuba for a while. That ish used to take him back. I’d rock out with him.
Stuntin like Granddaddeh…
Cosign@ El Cantante too. Esp. El Dia de Mi Suerte and Mi Gente. Altho I like Marc Anthony’s version of Que Lio better. Sue me, I’m new school!
@Me fail english?,
i didnt really fall for marc’s voice until i saw the movie El Cantante. he did the whole soundtrack and the man is fiyah!!
and i def co-sign on your entire strike through lol.
@Gem of the Ocean,
I didn’t know Marc Anthony’s music history was so expansive..he was into everything
***contemporary artists whose voices standout to me (in a good way).these aren’t neccesarily the “best”, just the ones I enjoy the most***
dido
bilal
anthony hamilton
john mayer
ursula rucker (I know she doesn’t sing, but I love her voice so much that i’d cop an album of her reading from a yiddish cookbook)
erykah badu
jill scott
fiona apple
amy winehouse
damien rice
@The Champ, YES! Ursula Rucker’s voice will put you in a trance. I really dig her!
@The Champ, I dont know ursula rucker but your list is pretty cool.
hmmm.. this is weird..complimenting champ on his taste. I must have the swine flu
LMAO
@shay_d_lady,
lol, yeah. we never agree about anything. I better be on the lookout for falling pig sh*t tomorrow morning
@The Champ,
if my list extended to 15, jill scott and erykah would have def been on it. if it was to 20, bilal and john mayer would make the cut.
@The Champ,
“dido”
Yep!!! Love that first album.
@The Champ,
Definitely co-sign you list. I was wondering if I was going to be the only one to mention Jill.
@The Champ,
YES! Anthony Hamilton. I forgot him on my list. “I’m A Mess” is my SHIT!
@The Champ, I loved Fionnas first cd “Criminal” was my sh*t truly, from start to finish……
I’d also like to add Kurt Cobain RIP…….dude could sing like a mofo!!!
@OrangeStar616,
Haha, I didnt wanna get ran out of town over Kurt but Lithium, Pennyroyal Tea, Rape Me etc. Yes, he could take over my brain with his voice.
@Me fail english?, LOL girl my fav Nirvana joint is “Come as you are” CRANKS!! followed by “In Bloom” “Heart Shaped box” etc OMG… and whats funny is we all phcuked with them we were like 17, when Smells like Teen Spirit first dropped and the vid, we was like look @ that crazy white boy LOL but nobody ever wanted to turn the channel cause there was no denying the music!!!! They changed the Rock game single handedly
@OrangeStar616, “Come As You Are” was my cut too. That whole Seattle grunge scene of the time churned out some classics for everyone.
Hell, take it back to the 80s, a whole lot of hood Black folks f*cked with new wave, even hair metal. No amount of revisionism can cover that up, and there shouldn’t be any shame in it either…
@OrangeStar616,
Oooooh “Heart Shaped Box” , “All Apologies”, and “In Bloom”.
@The Champ,
DIDO CANNOT SING!
She can carry a tune
Flat out sing?
I gotta go with
Sam Cooke
Aretha franklin
Whitney Houston
Vision of love-butterfly Mariah
Freddie Jackson
Jeffrey Osborne
Deborah Cox
Peabo Bryson
Luffa..
Christina Aguilerra
Celine Dion -titanic
Natalie Cole especially doing the Im catching Hell/Mr Melody phase
Nat King Cole
Brian Mcknight One last cry-Anytime
Jill Scott
the girls of en vogue -tightest harmonies ever
Josh Grobin
Ella Fitzgerald
Patti, Patti Labelle
and Husky voice pioneer
Gladys, gladys, gladys……Knight..
The lead singer of the go go dolls on that Iris joint
bebe and cece winans..oh my gawd Higher love?
oh was I only supposed to name 10
and shyt to many gospel singers to count but
yolanda adams cause I still love the battle is not yours….
@shay_d_lady,
I was with your list until Natalie Cole… yikes… her voice makes me want to kick teddy bears…
@Naturally Alise, girl I love me some still on crack natalie…. after the crack
she did become
wack
@shay_d_lady,
I <3 your list, because you included my overlooked sista Christina. Yes, she's a sista…she's 1/2 Puerto Rican (i.e. light skinnded black people that speak spanish).
@chaoticdiva, “she’s 1/2 Puerto Rican (i.e. light skinnded black people that speak spanish).”
I thought she was half ecuadorean . . . could be wrong tho . . .not too many black folks in that part of latin america. There are some dark skinned latinos too ya know . . .shout out to my Panameños!
@IVR, actually all of Central America is filled with Black skinded Latinos.. I know in Guatemala there is a whole area we like to keep them (that sounds so bad). It’s the region my aunt was from and her kids look like any black person I know
@Intellectual Hedonist, Central America, yes. Hondurans, Belizeans, Costa Ricans . . . (never met any black mexicans or salvies). Coastal places in south america have plenty of black folks . . . But places like Argentina, Chile, Ecuador . . . we exist there I am sure (I think the entire ecuadorean soccer time is black) but I cant imagine there are too many because I have never met any of them. Or maybe they just stay where they are at and don’t move to the states.
@IVR,
Yes, the Garifunas are alive and well in that part of the world. I forgot, you were Panamanian.
@IVR,
Dude, I’m Afro-Cuban.
And my Afro-Cuban family resides in 88% Black Brazil. And most people I meet from S. America (minus Columbia) are brown like moi.
But dude, Puerto Ricans are not Latinos…no disrespect. But they are American.
@chaoticdiva, “But dude, Puerto Ricans are not Latinos…no disrespect. But they are American.”
Ahh . . .I don’t think that’s fair. There are plenty of latinos born and raised in America. Granted they are extended a lot more perks due to their status but saying they aren’t latinos is akin to african americans telling me that I am not black. So I can’t ride wit u on that one.
@chaoticdiva,
lol her papa is ecuadorean. and clearly not all ricans are of african descent.
@shay_d_lady, Higher love! YES!!
@shay_d_lady, this was a really good list.
@shay_d_lady,
I was waiting for somebody to mention Christina, say what you want about the girl, but she can sing.
Oh, and Iris is playing on the radio at work, and you speak the truth there.
Let’s face it, I’ll probably cosign at least 89.7% of who’s really a sanga-sanga. I can especially rock with the verbiage of #7, which I’ve almost gotten stoned for saying before. So no disrespect but, I’d rather just highlight some who for sure cain’t…
KANDI She sounds like the scary, smelly man with a voicebox that wandered up and down our block when I was growing up.
DREAM (I can only SMDH at his seeming popularity. I mean they let him open for Mary & Jay. So at least $3.76 of the monies I paid to see them twice went into that non-singin’ cat’s pockets.) He’s workin’ with sumthin, tho cuz somehow he’s lured Christina Milian, but I question her selections anyway…
CIARA How the eff did she make the MJ tribute list??? Kinda looks like how a singin’ tranny might sound to me. Not that I don’t bop along to a few of them joints.
PASSION P/PLEASURE P Whichever one it is – it’s a hot mess. Cheap azz tryna sex somebody in lieu of a birthday gift. And he a lil suspect too!
MILEY CYRUS Yeah, I rock out to the Hannah Montana theme song. So what.
RIHANNA Maybe I’m just totally disenchanted with her at this point in time, or maybe it’s just that she really does have a grating voice. Can’t call it.
AKON!!!
Honorable Mention to Keyshia Cole who is always stage-fright challenged when performing live. But I love her fresh off any recorded medium.
@bittersweet’s baby,
i’m not gon front. miley’s “party in the usa” is my jam.
@Gem of the Ocean,
“and a jay-z song was on! and a jay-z song was on!”
co-sign
@bittersweet’s baby,
Ashanti. Cassie (sounds like a dying horse). Britney.
@bittersweet’s baby,
Passion P? Ohh lawwdd.. i’m just dead on that name!
@bittersweet’s baby,
you’re not lying, eh….. rihanna’s voice makes me wanna slit my writs, i swear!! she grates my tits something chronic – so nasal and horrid!!!
akon!! akon!!!!! A-bloody-kon!!!!!!!!! WHYYYYYYYYYYYY??? to think the african continent is responsible for this…*smh*
@bittersweet’s baby,
*Cracking up @ Akon*
His voice should be locked up.
@Cheekie,
“His voice should be locked up”
and this time REALLY don’t let him out!
***people i forgot to mention***
thom yorke (from radiohead)
blue raspberry
john legend
shivaree
pharrell williams
@The Champ,
Blue Raspberry, really, ugh… and Pharrell, maybe you need to go lay down for the evening,,,,
@Naturally Alise,
Lol, ok. blue raspberry is a bit of a wu-stan stretch, but I can’t deny that I always enjoy tracks pharrell sings on. again, not saying he has the best voice in the world, but I like hearing it and sh*t.
btw, lay deez down
@The Champ,
you like hearing pharrell’s singing voice is about 89.7% ghey (nttawwt)
@Gem of the Ocean,
not that there’s anything wrong with deez
@The Champ,
“lay deez down”
That sounds more like an invitation than an insult.
@The Champ,
“thom yorke (from radiohead)”
*singing “cause I’m a creep…”
@miss t-lee,
Tom is cool. Radiohead is the ish…
@CPT Callamity,
Yes! OK Computer stays in rotation on my ipod.
@Voiceovereason,
all about Kid A/Amnesiac for me…although I like most of their stuff.
@The Champ, I knew it it was to good to be true
@The Champ,
I completely agree with all of these except for John Legend. For some reason after his first album i was like ‘ok…i get it.’ and moved on. Thom York is the sh*t though.
@The Champ,
Something about John Legend’s voice makes me want to puke. Not saying he can’t sing, he just has a certain quality in his voice that induces vomit for me.
@Monk,
THANK YOU!!! I can’t get with that kat…at all.
@Monk,
His voice trembles quit a bit..like he’s singing through marbles sometimes, lol.
@The Champ,
pharrell?? really?? lmao
I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE Donny Hathaway stan. So big that I stole his greatest hits cd from my mother in high school. Amazing!!!
Great list. Not to mention, Bey can sing, but she doesn’t have as much of a range as her promoters like to think, so sometimes her straining comes off as screaming. I’ve seen her live back in the day, and she puts on a helluva show.
Whitney. I went to her concert about 12 years ago, and was blown away at her voice. And that was the time the crack was starting to get to her…
Man, you missed Mariah Carey. That girl has pipes.
And how can you forget Christina Aguilera? Nobody can sing “At Last” better than that girl. I’ve seen her sing it live. I was 3rd row, and had goosebumps at her show.
Man….Don’t get me started on music…I start getting emotional and sh*t.
@chaoticdiva, preech it
And how can you forget Christina Aguilera? Nobody can sing “At Last” better than that girl. I’ve seen her sing it live. I was 3rd row, and had goosebumps at her show.
I fell into girl crush mode when I heard her rendition of “At Last” and I have yet to hear a better rendition even from Miss Eta James herself.
Oh, just in case they’re forgotten, I luv luv these voices: Bilal, Raheem DeVaughn, Leela James, Joss Stone, Chico DeBarge, Kelly Clarkson, Lisa Fisher, Vivian Green, Carl Thomas, Robin Thicke
Most of the lost 90′s R&B chicks Syleena Johnson, Amel Larrieux…
Newer folks I really like Urban Mytic, Melanie Fiona
@bittersweet’s baby,
I forgot about Joss and Vivian. Man, I was living for Ms. Green’s albums when I was going through a super bad break up with my longest relationship.
@bittersweet’s baby, I love Syleena Johnson’…
@bittersweet’s baby,
great additions…..
btw, my neighbors are definitely having sex right now, and they’re definitely listening to steely dan. these neighbors also (both) closely resemble the construction workers from “fraggle rock”.
I know this is off topic, but I just felt like sharing. carry on.
@The Champ, thanks for the visual Champy
@The Champ,
I love Steely Dan…lol
@The Champ,
lol @ Champ’s mind being stuck in an early 80′s time warp. Steely Dan and Fraggle Rock?
@The Champ,
I have the oddest visual in my head now.
@The Champ,
LMAO…happy Friday, indeed.
@The Champ,
doozers need love too.
I also have to shout out a little known artist, Jene…the girl can sang. 2520 with pipes that used to be on motown.
Here’s a clip of a single she released: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKjWy1L-_rY
Not the best song showing off her pipes, but I have her impossible to find album (Hey, I’m good like that), and she’s got some tracks that will blow you away vocally.
…Teedra Moses is another slept on artist that can SANG.
you all have named the ones that I would say make my standard top 10, in no particular order
Lufa
Teddy P
Sam Cooke
Anita
Sade
Patti
Anthony Hamilton
Lauryn Hill
Christina Aguilera
Billy Joel (he can make you feel what he is singing before he even opens his mouth, just by tinkling the ivory)
@Intellectual Hedonist,
he can make you feel what he is singing before he even opens his mouth, just by tinkling the ivory
this is gay
@The Champ,
Christina Ag. mmmm….”loving me for me” made me want to hump shorty.
Going super old school with a few not listed above: Sarah Vaughn, Della Reese, Dionne Warwick, Otis Redding. Oh in honor of Breast cancer Awareness month- Minnie Ripperton, ya’ll! Memory Lane still gives me chills.
New(er) School: Angie Stone, Rahsaan Patterson, Lalah Hathaway, all them Take 6 dudes and whatever happened to the girl from Arrested Development um – Dionne Ferris? She had pipes! And where is Miki Howard?
@OneChele, Miki Howard? RIGHT?!?! She could SANG!
@OneChele,
I love you for mentioning Miki Howard….
Bond.
i’m sure i’m just repeating names at this point. but some of my faves:
-michael jackson -you get so caught up in his fast music that when you hear a slow song, especially one from waaaaaaaaay back, you’re just like, “oh yeah….that’s why.”
-sam cooke-listening to his songs used to make me wish i grew up in that time. um…i don’t know if i hadn’t yet learned about segregation and how there was no internet or if i was just ignoring that, but yeah.
-ray charles-”geooooooooooooooooooooooorgia.”
-anthony hamilton-he’s from another era
-and don’t think i’m weird, but alanis morissette. i wound up listening to some old 90′s music a while ago and, while i couldn’t tolerate listening to alanis or that type of music for extended periods of time, she def. has a great voice
-smokey robinson-such a pretty voice. and i love how he’s so unapologetically vain, but that’s neither here not there.
@charli skipp,
–and otis redding had some gorgeous teeth. i really do believe i would have thought a lot of the male r&b singers from the 60′s were fine had i been of a certain age
–and i need to add ray j and nivea to my list
Great list.There are a lot of Beyonce haters out there! But I would add Lalah Hathaway to the list. She may not be as well known as others on the list, but her dad’s pipes got passed down to her without question!
@Men’s Playbook, You are right. She has a beautiful voice.
I agree with Marvin and Stevie and Sam but here’s my top 10:
1. Fred Hammond- His voice is just one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard in my entire life.
2. Sarah Vaughn- There are no words.
3. Donny Hathaway- A lot of you have already explained why. Plus, I love his version of ‘This Christmas’
4. Tamia- Her voice is incredible. She is SO slept on, seriously. Listening to her sing acapella is out of this world good.
5. Luther Vandross- I’m pretty sure I (and alot of you) were born to one of his songs.
6. India.Arie- She is the business! Ready For Love was my ish.
7. Michael Jackson- Because he’s MICHAEL JACKSON!!
8. Gladys Knight- She made me want to get on the midnight train to Georgia.
9. Dalon Collins- Listen to any old Kirk Franklin and The Family and tell me I’m lying.
10. Jordin Sparks- I know alot of you may be like what? But her voice is awesome and she has the potential to be greater.
Just my opinion.
@Kijuana, 8. Gladys Knight- She made me want to get on the midnight train to Georgia
Hell Yeah! I loves me some Gladys Knight. I had no IDEA how dope Gladys Knight and the Pips where till recently. Good stuff!
@pgh muse,
Gladys is where it’s at! See yall done made me go on youtube. smh.
@Kijuana,
I love Gladys, Gladys, Gladys…..
@Kijuana, I love Tamia.. “Im so into you” is like the theme song for my relationship with my hubby.
Her voice is so smooth and airy yet there is power there
@Kijuana,
Tamia is highly slept on.
R. Kelly…don’t front.
@Srgt. Vernon Waters,
I still rock the TP2.com-my favorite album from him.
@Srgt. Vernon Waters,
I can’t even front. R. Kelly does have the voice.
My top 10 (in no particular order)
Phyllis Hyman
Beres Hammond
Whitney Houston
Donny Hathaway
Teddy P.
David Ruffin
Gladys Knight
Marvin Gaye
Luther V.
Sam Cooke
@V.E.G. from Albuquerque,
Hey Girly! I’m surprised you aint add Sanchez (surprised I forgot him too). Good looks on Beres.
@V.E.G. from Albuquerque,
You betta say some Beres Hammond! “Remember the songs that used to make rock away, those were the days, when love used to reign, yeah-ay, we danced all night to the songs they plays weekend come again do it just the same-aa-aym!!”
That is my song!!! I stop and sway every time I hear it. Step Aside is one of those songs too, lol.
Jah Cure ‘Longing For’ puts me in some kind of mood too
@V.E.G. from Albuquerque,
Good list: from you I expect nothing less.
Bond.
Luther – Fat Luffa… skinty Luffa… in between Luffa: don’t matter. Throwing some Luffa on the player is a surefire sign that some serious luhmakin’ is about to go down.
Donnie Hathaway – A Song For You = pure, unadulterated greatness.
Sam Cooke – I listen to A Change Gon Come nearly every day. That song… damn.
David Ruffin – seriously, who would the Temps have been without him out there makin’ panties drop all over the world?
Whitney Houston – Seriously, do you even have to ask why?
Michael Muhfuggin’ Jackson – I’ve danced myself into a frenzy to his fast stuff, but his slow jams make you stop and say “damn”. “Butterflies” and “Heaven Can Wait” from the Invincible cd are two of the most slept upon love songs.
Sade – I have yet to hear a bad Sade album
Prince – One word: ADORE
Jilly from Philly – I swear when Jill smailes an angel gets their wings
Phyllis Hyman – I can only listen to her when I am in a very, very, VERY good mood or Living All Alone will have my ass in a corner curled up bawlin’ like a baby and trying to fill my old Xanax perscription
Skinny Aretha – Back before Glenn Turman funked her head all up
Maxwell – Tell me your heart don’t funk with you when you hear This Woman’s Work
Patti LaBelle – *sigh* She’s Patti
Gladys Knight – I broke up with my first love to Neither One of Us… still can’t listen to that song without tearing up.
Honorable mentions:
Christina Aguliera – I’m convinced this chile was a sistah in a past life.
Billy Joel – I just love him.
Bonnie Muhfukkin Raitt – Listen to a song called “Wounded Heart”… I’ll split a Xanax with you
Peabo Bryson
Vivian Green
Heather Headley
Miki Howard
Amel Larrieux – the voice of an angel. Make Me Whole was my wedding song
Teedra Moses
JC Chasez – the REAL singer from NSync. He has one song called Dear Goodbye that when played with Wounded Heart and Neither One of Us is enough to make my ass want to just go lay down somewhere and just cry.
I know I’m forgettin’ some peeps, but for real, these are they whose albums I can listen to from beginning to end without skipping.
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U,
Definitely feel you with Bonnie Raitt!!
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U,
I gotta check some of these songs out (eg. JC Chasez).
Billy Joel is an interesting choice too cuz I’ve been a life long fan but I cant think of any of his songs that really gets into my soul (my favs are “always a woman to me”, and “just the way you are”). What do you reccomend?
I’m surprised you didnt add James Taylor to this list. “Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall…” Or for that matter Michael MCDonald and Kenny Rogers. Given your tastes…
@Me fail english?, Piano Man, New York State of Mind, lullaby (Good night My Angel), She’s Got A Way…my personal all time favorite “And So it Goes”
@Intellectual Hedonist,
Damn, I never even heard some of these. On the list they go!
@Me fail english?, i don’t get people’s love of James Taylor. I really don’t. HE makes me want to take a nap….
@pgh muse,
I can see that but he really gets me up in his sleepy-voiced way! I’ll even concede that alot of his songs sound alot alike (Fire & Rain=low tempo Whenever I See Your Smiling Face, haha), but I’m a BIG fan.
That subdued soul like Carole King, Harry Chapin and a few others really does it for me.
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U, David Ruffin – seriously, who would the Temps have been without him out
according to the movie
they would have been either “some fake a$$ temps”
or “a group looking for a David Ruffin”
LMAO
@shay_d_lady,
AHAHA! I love you for that.
“David Ruffin and uh…what’s they name?” *cracking up*
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U,
“JC Chasez”
I didn’t even like NSTINK (I was a BSB girl), but yeah, JC was THEE voice of that group.
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U,
welcome and sh*t
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U,
I agree wholeheartedly about ‘Heaven Can Wait’. I listened to that song at least 17 times after originally hearing it. Mike is that business.
As far as JC, that boy can sing the phonebook and make me cry. I’m ashamed that I didn’t think of him myself. I love Nsync and he has everything to do with it.
@Mz_ Nicole 2 U,
thank you for mentioning viv. i forgot about her myself but her first cd? #4 maaaaaaaan, that right there is about as classic as “love will make ya do right/ love will make ya do wrong”. lawwwws yes lol
Hands down the greatest voice of all time is Whitney Houston. Just touching man, She is crack!
And Mariah is a close second. Eight-octave is no joke, even if it’s a little over the top these days, you can’t deny it from like ’90-2000.
Deborah Cox- Just listen to ‘Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here’ She’s dope
Toni Braxton- She had the voice, that first album? Whooo
R. Kelly- He’s like the genius of our time. And he can sing.
Babyface- As pure a musician as we’ll ever know. Good Good music.
Alicia Keys- Quality
John Legend- Quality
Usher- he can sing, there are better singers but he’s on my list.
Mary J. Blige- She’s our hometown hero and the Queen of Hip Hop Soul.
This is just the new batch..We don’t even discuss Michael, Donny, Luther, Aretha, Al, Stevie dem. Chuuuuch!
@Da Iceman,
“John Legend- Quality”
Definitely. Not only do I like his voice, I like his voice style. I actually like the little riff he does at the end of a word. Lord knows what it’s technically called, so I called it a riff. lol
Hopefully you know what I’m talkin’ about. That thing John Legend does.
@Cheekie, I like John on Hooks, Like Rawses Magnificant and Ghosts “Lets stop playin” and even Consequences new joint..I can only take John in small doses LOL
Oh PJ how I love you and your music posts
Yay!
Off the top of my head are two of my favorites, 1 male and 1 female:
Female: 1) Anita Baker – there’s not much more to say. Her voice is amazing.
Male: 1) Jeffrey Muf*ckin’ Osbourne -all u gotta do is put on the intro to Love Ballad and it’s a wrap.
And Co-sign on Donny Hathaway. He was a genius. I’ll be back later when I can think a lil’ bit
@pgh muse, Oh I forgot about Jeffrey. He is good. I haven’t heard any of his music in so long I just forgot about him.
Sorry Jeffrey.
@pgh muse, forgot at Jeffrey too. he’s one of my mom’s favorites, grew up listening to A LOT of him.
@Reecie, I’d add Jeffrey too
Panama, I dig-dug the OutKast ref in the intro, but son, I can’t believe you left out Dwele and Jill S-c-o-t-t!! Donny is correct at number one, I still rock “A Song for You”, neighbors be d*mned, I let the volume elevate!!!
Al Green- The smile, the voice…Just Al
Otis Redding- This man was the co-founder of ‘Please Baby, Baby Please Inc.’, lol
Jackie Wilson- Work Out..he will get you on your feet. She’s Alright with Me. Lonely Teardrops
Tata Vega- Nobody should sing that well!!
Toussaint McCall (Nothing Takes the Place of You)
Amos Lee- kills me with the acoustic
Ray Lamontagne- He’s got that smokey, kinda growling, ‘chile i been thru some thangs’ voice
Sarah Vaughan- such a classy voice Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars
Eleanora Fagan (Lady Day)- Good Morning Heartache takes you through some things. For Heaven’s Sake, I’m a Fool to Want You
Phoebe Snow- Love Makes a Woman, Poetry Man
The best all time singer is Luther Houston. Or it is Whitney Vandross. Between the two I cannot rate one over the other. They are the best. As far as my musical palate is concerned those two has set the bar so high that they beat out anyone before them and has made it darn near impossible for anyone that has followed.
There are some that has gotten pretty close, but IMHO no one has topped them.
Whitney Houston is just the top of the line feel good music. I don’t care what she sings about, you just feel good listening to her.
And Luther Vandross, the man is responsible, I bet you, for making more babies than Michelle Duggar, Dr. Michael Kamrava and Nadya Suleman all put together and he was only there in sound.
I’m not saying there are no other good singers because there are. I know, I buy their music. But when it comes to great, Luther and Whitney are my picks.
In fact imma put my Luther CD in right now.
As for 3-10: (In no particular order)
Anita Baker
Elvis Presley
Beyonce
Michael Jackson
Mariah Carey
Marvin Gaye
Celine Dion
Bill Withers (Inherited by marriage)
One honorable mention new comer: Robin Thicke
@Raqi,
Bill Withers is the bomb. Just keep on usin’ me….until you use me UP.
Ha, I always love “A Lovely Day” because of the long, “Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay”.
@Raqi,
You were doing alright until you said honorable mention “Robin Thicke” and then your list had no Al Green, Otis Redding, Jill Scott, etc.
Bond.
So I guess no one is going to talk about the great Minnie Riperton. She has one of the most classic voices.
I personally have nothing against THE BEYONCE that every one knows and love but I don’t really care for her music or her singing, not that she cant but it’s not my cup of tea
Why does it have to be hate to dislike someones singing and for that matter when did disliking a person become hating either?
@Princess0889, I love Minnie Ripperton but she is sorta on my One Hit Wonder list.
There were quite a few I could have named in my list if I was basing it off of one or two songs that caught my attention.
@Raqi, You are kind of mistaken she is a one hit wonder due to the popularity of the “Lovin’ You” then and now. Minnie had many hits “Reasons”, “Take a Little Trip”, “Inside My Love”, and “Memory Lane” and these songs a still covered by other artist as well as sampled. She was the originator of a five octaves singer.
But every one is entitled to their own opinions.
@Princess0889,
Yes, ma’am. And nobody has done “Inside My Love” quite as well as she since.
@Princess0889,
Why does it have to be hate to dislike someones singing and for that matter when did disliking a person become hating either?
because. and, sometime in the summer of 1998
welcome and sh*t, btw
‘Yawnce huh?! Saying she’s a great singer is like saying Flo-rida is fantastic rapper.
Glad you did a music post today, it’s been awhile. YAY!!!
I think I’m gonna do 5 ladies and 4 gentleman.
Ladies:
1. Sade
2. Anita Baker–I see you pgh muse!!!
3. Dusty Springfield
4. Tina Turner
5. Phyllis Hyman
Gents
1. Marvin Gaye
2. Seal
3. Otis Redding
4. Teddy Pendergrass (esp. with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes)
5. Billy Stewart
@miss t-lee,
‘Yawnce huh?! Saying she’s a great singer is like saying Flo-rida is fantastic rapper.
Exactly. I can’t believe that someone who supposedly knows music would put her on a top list. I think you need more people, P.Jack…..
@miss t-lee,
Aw snap, how did I forget Anita Baker! That is my GIRL. From beginning to end, THREE hundred sixty-five days in a year.
Tina and Sade, too. WTF is wrong with me? Oh, right, it’s Friday.
Oh, and I love Seal’s voice too. I like a scratchy voice.
@Cheekie,
Yep…I was listening to some stuff from Anita on youtube last night.
Seal is my junk though!!! I think folks sleep on him, or they just don’t get his genre. IDK–I’ve loved him since ’92.
@miss t-lee,
Yeah, I love me some Seal. Kiss from a Rose, in particular, is my JAM.
@Cheekie,
That whole album is hot. Check “Dreaming In Metaphors” and “If I Could”.
*sigh*
@miss t-lee,
Will do!
“I think I’m gonna do 5 ladies and 4 gentleman.”
I just realized that I can’t count…lol
@miss t-lee, I’m with you on Beyonce, that girl sings no better than half the sistas I know. I’m not knocking her singing, I just don’t think she belongs anywhere near a top ten list based on voices.
I forgot bout
Esperanza Spaulding… if you haven’t heard of her look her up she is BAD!!!! think Ella
@Intellectual Hedonist,
I’m a fan for sure!
How did I forget the newest voice I have heard? Susan Boyle.
If you have keen ear for great talent and a beautiful awesome voice, Susan Boyle captivate you.
If you haven’t heard her sing put her name in youtube and listen to her. It may not be your choice of music genre but you will not be able to deny that woman has an angelic singing voice.
@Raqi,
Co-sign Susan Boyle. Her voice seriously parts clouds as the heavenly light shines through. Angelic is the perfect word for her voice and I know it gets thrown around haphazardly, but her voice truly fits the description.
Rachelle Ferrell is my #1 favorite…of all time…forever.
Whitney Houston
Luther Vandross
Teddy P.
Anita baker (my parents met at her concert, so I really am here bcuz of her)
van hunt
Maxwell (pre-black summer’s night)
Sade
Carl Thomas
Bobby mcferrin
Mariah carey
@Lacey Corduroy,
welcome and sh*t
@Lacey Corduroy, Rachelle Ferrell is my #1 favorite…of all time…forever.
U have good taste. Rachelle Ferrell is the truth.
Nobody said Yolanda Adams.
@Lacey Corduroy,
omg. rachelle. omg. i forgot her and she’d give mariah a run or two dammit. daaaaaaang. good lookin!!!
Amel and Tamia really deserve a place on my list too
Am I the only that thinks the profile of that guy in the picture looks like a young Wesley Snipes?
@Raqi,
HAHA…I didn’t even look at the pic for some reason, but now that I look at him, you’re definitely not the only one. lol
Im new to posting on this site. I am a longtime lurker though. LOL. I would have to say my all time greats are as follows:
Phyllis Hyman
Jean Carn
Miki Howard
Peabo Bryson
Freddy Jackson – Remember “Rock Me Tonight”
Micheal Jackson – He can actually sing.
Luther
Barry White
El Debarge – Yes, El Debarge can sing. Listen to “Secret Garden”.
Maxwell
Lionel Ritchie – Too many classics to name
Thats it for now.
@QueenT,
welcome and sh*t
@The Champ, why thank you kind sir (curtsy). I am sure you will be hearing alot from me. I am very opinionated and I see that is clearly lacking on this blog…lol.
1-Chante Moore
2-Anita Baker
3-Sade
4-Anthony Hamilton
5-Christina Aguilera
6-Marvin Gaye
7-Luther Vandross
8-Frankie Beverly
9-Whitney Houston
10-Lalah Hathaway
@PrincessCutc,
Great choice with Anita Baker!
And I guess I’m the only one who can’t really get with Sade. I like her music alot but her voice never inspired/moved me. I think it’s perfect for the mood she’s trying to create but from Is it a Crime, the one with the video of her in the Mexican desert (yall know the one dont get brand new!) to By Your Side its all just easy listening for me.
@Me fail english?,
“the one with the video of her in the Mexican desert (yall know the one dont get brand new!) ”
I think that’s “Cherish The Day”. If I’m wrong, someone correct me.
@miss t-lee,
Nah I think it was earlier than that. I dont think I saw the “Cherish” video. Was Sweetest Taboo in the desert?
@Me fail english?,
Not sure…and youtube is now blocked here, so I can’t even look it up…lol
@PrincessCutc,
welcome and sh*t (i think)
@The Champ,
I’ve been here all along.. but thanks for the welcome anyway.. (i think)
@PrincessCutc,
This is a pretty good list; however, I do not relegate the Songstress behind anyone. Any list that includes her (Whitney, Luther, Otis, Al, Mike Jackson, Mariah) must be unranked. That is all.
Bond.
@BlkBond,
You sir are correct, my list was in no particular order. I have had Anita’s “It’s Been You” on repeat all afternoon.
Her tone is thin.
Either the tone of her voice has little depth, or they overproduce her and her voice loses richness of tone. It’s not that she “can’t sing” per se, but there’s more to it that staying on pitch and having vibrato and volume.
That’s why I’d put Mary over The Yonce. Particularly young, drugged-out, wayward, Yonkers Mary. Her voice always had a rich tone, even though she’s always strugled to stay on pitch. I’d rather hear a rich tone than anything else.
In no particular order (and extremely biased based on my tastes)
– Minnie Ripperton; before Mariah, she was queen of the octaves.
- Angela Winbush – Range that was unbelievable and she played some of her own instruments
- Phyllis Hyman – depressing but man…that voice
- Patti Labelle – She did diva better than most
- Luther Vandross – nuff said
- Isaac and Barry – Nobody topped these dudes’ baritone and orchestras.
- Anita Baker – signature sound
- Sade – Sexycoolmellow
- Mariah Carey – eh…she’s got range like a mug, can’t deny it.
- Pre-crack Whitney
There are some extraordinary vocalists besides these which is why I hate top whatever lists. There is too much good music out there to narrow it down. Trust a brotha who has a sick vinyl collection!
@CPT Callamity,
Can’t believe I didn’t mention Angela Winbush!! Yes lawd!
And we have to talk about this vinyl collection!!
@Smiley Face,
I forgot about Angela too. Heh, heh I used to throw “concerts” (yeah I was one of those annoying kids who made you watch my “show”) for my parents’ friends and I loved (to attempt) singing Angel.
@Me fail english?,
Shooot..I used to hide in the bathroom with a tape recorder! LOL. Have my own concerts in the mirror makin faces and all, lol!!
@Smiley Face,
LMAO! Are we long lost sisters? Did you also used to take the turtlenecks only halfway off and let them hang off your head like hair and give legendary performances??? I used to rock the shet outta some hunter green, cotton twill 23″ “lacefronts”
@Me fail english?, LMAO!! YES!! That and my towels with a scarf or a headband…d@mn near givin myself a freaking whiplash whipping my ‘hair’ around!! Girl!
@Smiley Face,
*dying* @ how ya’ll did the towel as hair with headband as well. It was a cloth lacefront.
We shoulda grew up together…lmao.
@Smiley Face,
Hit me up
cptcallamity@gmail.com
Ask away!
@CPT Callamity,
I like some of Minnie’s stuff with Rotary Connection.
You forgot Usher.
If you’re going to put Beyonce on the list, you gotta include Usher. And, in truth, Usher is an infinitely better singer than Beyonce.
What’s intriguing about this list is that she’s the only person on the list who is more of a vocal presence, than a vocalist. The difference is really about texture, tone, and nuance. Beyonce isn’t about nuance, and there’s nothing wrong with that. She’s taken to shouting down every song, even if its supposed to be tender (“If I Were A Boy” or “Resentment” for instance…the latter of which is a brilliant piece of work).
Missing:
Phyllis Hyman (in my mind, she’s the female counterpart to Donny)
Pre-Thriller Michael Jackson
Erykah Badu (Green Eyes…nuf said)
Jill Scott (though her music is pretentious beyond belief)
Aaron Hall
El DeBarge
Minnie Ripperton
Levert (Gerald, Eddie, or Sean…take your pick)
@Tyler,
El DeBarge – Great choice. All This Love is STILL one of my fav love songs
As far as pre-thriller Mike goes, where it concerns classic vocal abilities (like range, pitch, etc.) I gotta give that to you. Mike was at his best as a child. But listening to “Earth Song”, “Break of Dawn” and “Butterflies” you can’t front that Mike had smthg in his voice that was special and could not be duplicated. Raw and unmatched. That voice could send me places that few, if any, other vocalist could send me.
@Me fail english?,
Oh yea, he’s had moments post-Thriller, but I wanted to be sure that I highlighted just how beautiful his voice truly is before he devolved into the vocal tics. MJ period is a great vocalist.
@Tyler,
El Debarge YES!! Regarding him though you can’t forget his precursor and brothers from Switch (Tommy and Bobby)
@Tyler,
yooooooo…did you pull out the El? El Debarge was Maxwell before Maxwell was Maxwell man…pssssssh…
Here’s some in no partic. order that I didnt see listed:
-Tamia
)
-Isaac Hayes (tell me “Walk on By” dont make you wanna shoot an ex-lover. Go on and tell me that lie!)
-Ron Isley
-Roberta Flack (sorry Pan-Pan, I know she acted stank at your club but the crescendo in “the Impossible Dream”? Unfcukwittable.)
-Chaka Khan
-Dude from Brutha (don’t laugh but I tivo’d an episode cuz the one with braids sang Lord Help Me and I um…caught some sort of rare eye allergy or smthg
@Me fail english?, you are talking about Papa. on the real those dudes Brotha can sing. Anthony is dope too.
@Reecie,
Yes ma’am. Did you see their Youtube series where each brother chose a song to lead a capella? I couldnt believe it but they ALL can sing. I guess their Daddy was onto something
Patti, Patti – as far as the living in Black R&B/Soul, Patti Labelle is at the top.
Good List, P. Dontavious Jackson. My additions in no particular order….
Mariah Carey
Mahalia Jackson
Whitney Houston
Yolanda Adams
Christina Aguilera
Maxwell
Bilal
JIll Scot
Lalah Hathaway
Ledisi
Barry White
I could go on, but I’ll stop here….and co-sign to everyone who listed Anita Baker and Sade.
@N.I.A. naturally, I love Barry, he has some beautiful songs, love him! RIP
Lalah’ mmmhhhhmmm…her cover of Lutha’s Forever for always for Love-OUTSTANDING. not anybody can do a Luther song and do it supreme justice!!!!
Another great voice is Bobby Womack.
How the hell did I forget Anna Mae Bullock?!?!?!
Tina could knock down walls with that voice.
Also, I agree. You may not like Bey’s wailing widow style of singing, but her vocal ability surpasses the avg church girl. See a live show and holla back. You wont be disappointed.
Amel Larrieux – Thank you for listing her!!!!! Her voice is beautiful and she’s even better live (which is the true “Can you sing?” test). On to my list in no particular order. Pardon any duplicates.
1. Stevie Wonder
2. Christina Aguilera
3. Faith Hill
4. Brian McKnight
5. Mariah Carey in the ’90s
6. Regina Belle
7. Howard Hewett
8. Jennifer Hudson
9. Phoebe Snow (side eye at two-fisted love)
10. Dionne Warwick
11. Joss Stone
12. Michael McDonald
13. Daniel Merriweather
14. Rahsaan Patterson
15. Freddie Jackson
I can’t think of anyone else right now.
Them boots are not only knockin but they kickin ssa. lol
I agree with many that P posted….
Marvin of course he’ll always be @ the top of my list of male vocalists
Luther- truly blessed vocally voice just like cashmere
Sam- so masculine yet tender
David R, tha man
I always thought Beyonce could sing as well….. Can’t stand folk that oversing and kill a song tho not in a good way either …….
I would like to add:
Sade- she is my favorite female artist
Esthero-2nd favorite
Teena Marie
Phyllis Hyman
Regina Bell
Janelle Monae
Bebel and Astrud Gilberto( genre bossa nova)
Sting
Bono
George Michael- the best show I went to last year, beautiful voice!
the O’jays
and this guy from the Dells etc
and many more
@OrangeStar616,
“and this guy from the Dells etc”
I can’t believe I forgot him. But I guess since we were only doing singular artists I didn’t include him. I love that man’s voice though.
@OrangeStar616, Marvin Junior or Johnny Funches? Marvin had the smokey raspy voice..him and David Ruffin had the same power in their voices.
@Smiley Face, I never knew their names but I knew they could sing chile I think it was the smokey rapsy voiced dude, yeah!!!!
@OrangeStar616,
Yes Ma’am! He killed “I Can Sing a Rainbow”!! He came in like “bam here I iya!!’
@Smiley Face,
That’s my favorite song by them.
I think Eddie Levert copied dudes singing style…nahmean?!
Just bust up on a song like “there!!! I killed it!”
@Smiley Face,
*dead* @ “Here I iya”
@miss t-lee,
LOL..I agree..Eddie be scaring me sometimes though talmbout “LET ME MAKE LOOOOOVE TO YOU BABAY!!” and “AAAAWW-aaaawww” ..i have to turn the dial down when Eddie comes on, lol
Oh I gotta add Angela Winbush’
your smile, and angel
but most especially
You dont have to cry… I LOOOOVE that song
I know this is random, but has anyone ever heard Gwyneth Paltrow sing Just My Imagination with Babyface? I’m NOT saying she can sing. It just caught me off guard to hear her on the radio.
You guys have me thinking outside of Classical R&B.
Can I get some love for Jim Morrison? Not a technically great vocalist but “The End”, “Crystal Ship”,”Spanish Caravan” “Break on Through”? Tell me you can’t feel that.
Luciano Pavarotti (who my church ladies put me on to). Hearing his Ave Maria at Christmastime almost consistenly brings me to…eye allergies
Patsy Cline, ftw!
@Me fail english?,
“Luciano Pavarotti (who my church ladies put me on to). Hearing his Ave Maria at Christmastime almost consistenly brings me to…eye allergies ”
100,000 times better than Yawnce’s version.
*snickering*
@miss t-lee,
Ok, I can’t front. Much as love Queen Yawnce, she of golden lacefronts left much to be desired at the BET awards. I demand a do-over!
@miss t-lee,
You and “Yawnce” are cracking me up! Between you and my sister calling her Bounce imma die laughing!
@Smiley Face,
I can’t help it.
I call her Yawnce because she makes me sleepy…lol
@miss t-lee,
“100,000 times better than Yawnce’s version.
*snickering*”
I’ll never understand in a million years why folks got her singing that song. It’s like understanding the meaning of the universe.
@miss t-lee,
lol@yawnce
@Me fail english?,
I’d like to add the following to my alternative list with examples in parentheses:
-James Hetfield (Metallica – Enter Sandman)
-”Alice” of Alice in Chains (Man in the Box) (I dont know his real name and I dont like you all anough to look it up so…hmph!)
-Eric Clapton (Layla)
-Michael McDonald (On My Own) can’t believe no one listed him. He was talkin divorce…and he never even maaaarrieeeeed (ok that was like one of the dumbest lines of pop song history but dont front like you aint felt it.)
I guess what does it for me is not the technical side. Im not technically trained in music (I played violin for like 3.5 years in a past life, but I pretty much forgot all that) so you can sing out of key and I probably wouldnt notice.
@Me fail english?,
Don’t forget Soundgarden/Chris Cornell…and yesssss Alice in Chains LOL!!!!
@OrangeStar616,
Good One!
@OrangeStar616, Soundgarden/Chris Cornell…
Damn. Black Hole Sun represent. Imma hafta pull this out.
@pgh muse, Black hole Sun is OFFICIAL and video was CRAZY creative and Crazy visually!!!!!LOL
The Bond theme he did was NICE as well,”You know My Name”
@Me fail english?,
“-”Alice” of Alice in Chains (Man in the Box) (I dont know his real name and I dont like you all anough to look it up so…hmph!)”
LMAO!!!
Layne Staley (RIP)…yep…I loved some AIC too, especially “Would?”
@miss t-lee,
“Alice” is dead?! WTF?! That hurt my feelings. He seems like he was an actually GOOD, humble person offstage too.
@Me fail english?,
Yeah it was a bit back…drug overdose.
@Me fail english?, oh my goodness my favarite country singer is “Pasty Kline Fairy Preacher” to quote Esthero…… YEssssss, I was a young girl buying old school PC Cd’s LMAO..Crazy, Walking after Midnight, Why Can;t he be you, Strange, Sweet Dreams etc etc etc..yes she could sing and convey emotion so true, plus she was a bit of a pistol LOL !!!!!!!!!
@OrangeStar616,
YES, girl. It’s a toss-up between her and Willie Nelson for my fav country singer. He should be on this list too.
My list in no particular order….
1. Jill Scott…she is the truth!
2. John Legend
3. Brownstone….whatever happened to them?
4. Anthony Hamilton…his voice for some reason does it for me…
5. Patti LaBelle
6. John Mayer
7. Joss Stone
8. Michael McDonald….yummy!!!!
9. Trey Songs….his first album…FIRE!
10. Philip Bailey
No, you DIDN’T have your middle name be Dontavius. lmao
“9) Beyonce
I don’t care what you say. The girl can just flat out sing. If you disagree, you are a hater and should light yourself on fire…in the desert.”
Uh-huh, yeah. o_O
Here’s my answer to that: http://sistersoundoff.blogspot.com/2009/08/beyonce-bug.html
My list:
Maxwell – Dayum, the way he croons in This Woman’s Work alone is effing heaven. AND I GO SEE HIM ON OCTOBER 8TH!! *does the miss t-lee shuffle*
Amy Winehouse – Amongst the British Soul Singer Invasion, I like her voice the most.
Pink – Not a “soul” singer per se, but this woman can BLOW. And she rarely lip-synchs and still sounds fabulous. I like the scratchiness in her voice.
Stevie Wonder – LOVE HIM.
Chaka Khan (Chaka. Chaka-Khan)
Smokey Robinson – This ninja sounds like a woman, his voice is so beautiful. I remember actually mistaken him for a woman one time listening to his voice on a radio. I turned to my mama like, “Oh, she has a nice voice. Who is she?”. And I knew about Smokey at the time. LMAO. Motown FAIL for me. But yeah, I love me some Smokey. I listened to him with my fave auntie (who stans for him) when I was about 2 years old.
@Cheekie, Yessssss Amy is the truth vocally and Chaka one of a kind , love them both!!!!!!!!
@Cheekie,
Glad to see someone recognizes Pink gotta a voice on her. I just had free tickets to her concert two weeks ago, and the girl is quite the performer.
@SaneN85,
Yeah, never saw her live, but she really blew me away with the Cirque de Soleil stuff at the VMAs. Talk about breath control.
@SaneN85,
Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised some years ago when I heard her live on some show. No wonder LaFace signed her first. Not a big fan of her music tho so I dont pay much attn.
@Cheekie,
compleeeetely forgot about pink. she is awesome and folks truly sleep on her. truly. she is something.
It is too difficult to choose just 10. I love Donny, but Stevie Wonder would be number one based on his voice and his sheer influence in several musical genres. You can’t have Aretha Franklin without Mahalia Jackson or Luther Vandross without Barry White. Billie Holiday and Nina Simone speak to different parts of our humanity. Then there’s Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters who can touch our souls. Finally, there’s Alicia Keys, who I would take over Beyonce. Alicia doesn’t have to shake her booty for me…she can just sing and play that piano and I’d be happy.
@BluesmanJazz,
Somebody suggest me a good Alicia Keys song. Maybe Im listening to the wrong things but I’ve heard go from average chick(90% of her catalog) on the street to slightly better than average chick (“Wake Up”, “Crazy Love”). Is it some hard-to-describe quality of her voice more than technical skill or soul. Cuz I really dont see her giving up the latter two very consistently.
@Me fail english?, I can’t think of any, oh “rock wit you” off her debut its the instrumentation on that LOL
@Me fail english?, I don’t think Alicia Keys is a great songwriter. Most of her songs of derivatives of classic artists. However, she does know how to use her influences to find her own voice on a vocal level.
@BluesmanJazz,
welcome and sh*t
I would like to say that I can not believe that nobody has mentioned
MARSHA AMBROSIA ( the lite skinnt chikk from FLOETRY)… She has the voice of an angel. I have seen her live 3 times, and every time she moves me. She is a person that can sing ALL THE TIME, unlike some of the previously mentioned.. Anybody can sing in a studio…. “DONT BE TARDY FOR DA PARTY… OHHHHH-O-O-O-O-O”
BETTY WRIGHT… Helloooooooo she was one of the original R&B lyricist. Not only could she sing her azz off, but she always told a story that would put you in theplace that she was in…”THERE WAS AN OLD LADY SITTIN’ UNDER A TREE… SHE CALL ME OVER AND SHE SAID TO ME.. MY DAYS LEFT HERE MAY NOT BE LONG, BUT I WOULDN’T WAST MY TIME TELLIN’ YOU NOTHING WRONG”
GERALD/EDDIE LEVERT..Now I named them together, because they almost sound identical… All I’m sayin is, I have never seen them put on a bad show, or give a bad performance.
AARON HALL!.. hellooooooo
LYFE JENNINGS…. If you don’t think this guy can sing….. you’re stupid!
Previously mentioned
URBAN MYSTIC.. The unique thing about this guy, is that he like 24 years old. WOW! That is very young for him to have such a mature sound, and be as soulful in his delivery… I feel the same way about RAHEEM DEVAUGHN
I appreciate the quality of a voice. I do think BEYONCE can sing. I would love to hear her do a soul/r&b project vs. all of the pop music that she does. I think BEYONCE is highly trained as a vocalist, and I think she benifits more from that than she does natural talent.
FANTASIA BARRINO… Now granted, I can only take so much of Fantasia at a time, but the chikk can blow. To me her voice is the 2009 version if PATTI LABELLE. She is a singer that has 100% pure raw, uncut talent. You can’t tell me you we not moved by her Americal Idol performance of “Summertime”
MONICA… she is slept on, but this is another artist that i think could live a lot longer in the business with soul music vs. pop music. I think monica could be the new and improved BETTY WRIGHT minus the raspy voice. She is very talented….
There are really too many to name
@Lanieanna,
I cant believe I COMPLETELY forgot Marsha Ambrosius. Which is a shame becuz I think every disc she’s dropped has been solid. You’re right. She is an angel.
Most of those ppl I’m not fans of so I wouldnt know if they can sing or not.
Monica, however….I dunno if she’s picking the wrong songs or what. But she actually got STRONGER vocally from the time she was a teenager. I cant believe she handed over the reins to he likes of Keyshia (side-eye) and Ciara (gag). Motherhood?
Fantasia is one of those that sings her ass of but I dont like her style so I wouldnt mind not hearing from her.
@Me fail english?,
Yeah, Marsha is the truth. Ya know whats funny, is that even thought she is supposed to be the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” nobody mentioned Mary J. Blige’s strained soundin azz!
@Lanieanna,
I think she’s mentioned upthread but for the exact reason you mentioned, I had no comment. lol
@Lanieanna, I was just about to type that I forgot Monica, glad I kept reading. if you gonna include Beyonce and think she sings better than Monica you are clearly deaf. that is all.
Cassandra Wilson
Nat King Cole
Thom Yorke
Van Morrison
Stevie
Prince
Rufus Wainwright
Nikka Costa
Donny Hathaway
Michael
@Captain Morgan,
And Nina Simone!
@Captain Morgan,
nikki costa is nice.
Beyonce can sing, but she cannot SANG. she just can’t. it requires soul and she doesn’t have any. I love Trey Songz but I do think Mario sings better than him. other than that, I’m cool with the list. I like who I like for various reasons, but going on pure VOICE alone I def agree with the addition of Pavarotti and someone I haven’t seen yet that’s totally underrated: Ledisi. Rest of them folks out– mainstream populars, I mean, can sing, but they don’t sang their face off like talking bout it. not to me anyway….
@Reecie,
I love Ledisi…she just wasn’t in my top 10. The new album is fiyah!!
@Reecie,
“Beyonce can sing, but she cannot SANG.”
LOL, ok, you and I are >>here<< because that's exactly how I put it on our (my sis and I) blog.
@Cheekie, I read your post about her awhile ago, I agreed with it too! I haven’t blogged about Bey personally, but you should check my site out anyway.
@Reecie,
Sure will!
I have been stalking this site since February and have enjoyed all of it!
I just want to add Oleta Adams…Everything Changes…just beautiful!
@Angelaontoday, aww thanks for commenting!
I am shocked and appalled that neither Deniece Williams nor Goapele have been mentioned thus far. What kind of madness is this?!
All of my other favs are mentioned upthread, but this list isn’t complete without those two.
@Kindred Smile,
I was gonna add Deneice and then forgot her. But for Silly, Gonna Take a Miracle and Too Much, Too Little alone she deserves a nod.
Oh, and the lead singer from The Fray. I’m too lazy to look up his name, but I will instinctively listen to any song by them for his voice alone, no matter how douchey it is.
@Kindred Smile, why was I just thinking that as “How to Save a Life” was playing in the background.
@Kindred Smile,
omg, i’m a HUGE fan of the fray!! all my frenz think i’m crazy whenever they seem me (a mix-up looking gurl, blk and indian) rocking out to one of their tunes. sometimes i think i was white in another life cuz i love that type of alternative kinda pop rock thing
You know whose music I effing hate but Im surprised she made NOBODY’s list.
Marilyn McCoo of 5th Dimension. Not “Face it Girl”. Not “One Less Egg to Fry” (or whatever its called). Yuck! All BS. But she is gifted.
Judy Garland (haha) and Barry Gibb also get honorable mentions. Who doesnt eff with the BeeGees?
@Me fail english?,
My fault. Nancy WIlson sang “Face it Girl”. I still hate it. And I still hate 89% of Ms. McCoo’s muzak! My apologies.
Shirley Bassey…hit alot of James Bond Themes Moonraker, Diamonds are forever etc
Nobody’s mentioned Ralph Tresvant? Johnny Gill? Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike? C’mon… New Edition was the shizz. Cool it now…oooh, watch out.
Seriously, though, I agree with so much on this list, and more. MJ has a voice that has left me in a trance then and now . He wrung emotion all over the place, making me… feel stuff. Human Nature anyone? Youtube the full version of Lady In My Life and PYT (the demo version, not the Thriller cut)- personal favorites. PS: Marsha Ambrosius wrote Butterflies, which makes her a sanger in my book.
Notice how everyone we’re naming can be introduced on a first name basis?
A lot of folks have mentioned Christina Aguilera, and I do agree her voice is lovely, but she oversings ALWAYS and it gets irritating after a while… I’m like dang, use your inside voice… hmph…
@Naturally Alise, refer to my original post, she kills a song Johnny Gill style LLS..no bueno!!!!
@Naturally Alise,
lol@use your inside voice lol!!!!
WHERE THE HELL IS STEPHANIE MILLS ON THIS LIST?!?!?!
Ok. I’ll go a lil more new school.
No Lil Mo fans? Her first cd was passable but her voice was really smthg special.
Jasmine Sullivan? Feeling nearly the whole cd. Plus, I dig violent femmes.
@Me fail english?,
Dayum, what happened to Lil’ Mo?
I really really love Jasmine Sullivan’s voice. I like the Cotton commercial she’s in, too.
@Cheekie,
I think she got married to her “manager” (read: Bum asz hood dude who said “Let me be yo’ manajuh” with a gold-toof smile). He stifled her, cheated a few times. She got sidetracked and started releasing BS. She wasnt on drugs or anything so hopefully she’ll make a comeback.
@Me fail english?, yeah Lil Mo and Jazzy definitely have distinctive voices that carry. Mo gets down, especially.
She wasn’t around very long but Linda Jones- Hypnotized..she had power singing that song.
@Smiley Face,
oh and we mentioned Marvin but forgot Tammi
Isaac Slade and he is AWESOME. I am so pised that they broke up
My List
Amel
Mariah
Celia Cruz
Marc Anthony
Beyonce
Sade
La India
Nina Simone
Billie Holiday
Joy Denelane
Honestly….I don’t really have a list.
I do wanna weigh in with this, however…I don’t know if it’s a Black people thing or an R&B/soul fan thing, but I find within the arena, folks really don’t wanna make room for vocalists. We’re quick to excuse “ignant” rappers that aren’t MCs, by saying they’re entertainers, or they’ll excuse themselves by saying they’re hustlers who happened to make a record that happened to be a hit, and we roll over and take that. But aparently, just like rap has the “keep it real”/crime burden, R&B is out to bust balls about who’s “sangin’” vs. who’s merely singing.
As if “sangers” can work any song in the world. See, in rock, for example, the lead isn’t though of as a singer, but a vocalist. What’s he there for? Basically to give the ideas in the lyrics a voice, the vibe they need that makes the record work. The growl of Metallica’s James Hetfield makes you feel the vibe that gets you pumped up when “Enter Sandman” comes on. Steve Perry’s particular harmony meshes right with the playing in “Don’t Stop Believing” to make it inspirational and tug at the heart strings.
So I think one should be able to take it the same way when it comes to some single by the Yonce or Cassie or somebody like that. Yeah, there’s that pretty face factor too to get the 13 year old boys on board, but again, it’s right voice on the right record that makes the whole package work. These people aren’t given “Fly Me To The Moon” or that song from Dreamgirls for a reason, the same reason Jill Scott ain’t singing the parts offered to Rihanna on rap songs. Everyone is staying in their lane doing stuff they sound right doing, which keeps the cosmic balance.
Hey, I’m the dude impressed by people I hear on America’s Got Talent. But even that arena proves that using the right song for the voice and vice versa counts for a lot.
But ultimately with me, if I don’t like the song, nobody wins.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
“So I think one should be able to take it the same way when it comes to some single by the Yonce or Cassie or somebody like that. Yeah, there’s that pretty face factor too to get the 13 year old boys on board, but again, it’s right voice on the right record that makes the whole package work. ”
Yup, this is actually how I feel about Bee-Yawn-Say and expressed so in my own blog post about her. My problem is with folks who feel she’s the go-to person for ballads for SANGERS. And a sanger, she is not. Her voice is pleasant, but very limited. Hell, she even cracked on her own damn song (Sweet Dreams)…unless it was supposed to sound like that. *KanyeShrug*
But yeah, I couldn’t imagine another voice on Single Ladies. That was a really good fit for her voice, actually.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
I get what you’re saying and for the most part I agree. But…
…GTFOHWTBS bout Cassie. She is not the right voice for ANY song I’ve heard her on to date. For all that I guess anyone with a voice can be a vocalists. Pretty much unless you have laryngitis or some shet you should make the list? Hell nah! Some ppl have the talent to operate their voices like an instrument (pre-rocks Whitney, Susan Boyle, Sarah Vaughn). Some can convey emotion and embody a mood (James Hetfield, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles). Others can do neither…like Assie.
She sounds like she’s telling me the song. It dont even sound like she attempts to sing! This bish is turrble! Straight aszcheeks on the mic. She needs to release a full porno and just call it a day cuz “Ugh!” and *gag* I just can’t go on no mo’…
@Me fail english?, well now we’re reaching into whether an act even has validity as an artist. Whether there’s substance of any kind there. If one was to say there’s no “there” there with Cassie, you probably won’t get an argument from me, mainly because I don’t go inside baseball about people like her. She probably is only there as a pretty face as far as I know. Unlike say, Keith Sweat, who we all know ain’t blowin’, but surely offered something else besides his face and voice to a record that kept him around for however many albums he made.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like,
My name is Smiley Face and I approve of this message!
_Charice Pempengco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Xd435coD4
_Beyonce
_Christina Aguilera [More so on reccord]
_Celine Dion
_Old school Whitney Houston
_Old school Maria Carey
–Prince
–Al Green
–Michael Jackson
–Anthony Hamilton
–Mark Anthony
@SnijanaFleur,
welcome and sh*t
@The Champ, thanks.
I see some singers I didn’t know about in these lists. Time to update my own.
Stephanie Mills
Michelle? nah minnie ripperton
Pattie Labelle
Nina Simone
Luther Vandros
Donnie Hathoway
Phylis Hyman
Maxwell or Marvin Gaye
Barry White
Anthony Hamilton or Bill Withers
@WuDaMan, you lunchin…. Maxwell is not on Marvins level slim……. not yet anyway and may never be……sorry
i know i have some repeats, but here’s some of my who’s who of real sangers (in no particular order):
rachelle–patti–phyllis–’retha–stevie–dinah–phoebe–marvin–frankie beverly–sam–celia–stephanie–jennifer holliday–whitney–johnny gill–donny–anita–meli’sa–youssou–daryl coley–lauryn–brian mcknight–teddy–jean carne
honorable mention for sangin’ groups:
new birth–ewf–staple singers–martha and izora (ttof/wg)
My list in no particular order, although Sam Cooke at #1 was no mistake!
1. Sam Cooke- Makes me wish I could go back in time or hold a séance…since I was a lil itty bitty I’ve loved me some Sam Cooke!
2. Etta James VERY passionate voice!
3. Otis Redding- “Sitting on the dock of the bay” was one of my favorite childhood songs. I remember calling a radio station to request it and being told that I “sound a bit young” to be requesting it…lol.
4. Roberta Flack- I just adore Roberta Flack.
5. Amel Larrieux-
6. Deniece Williams
7. Jill Scott- I just love this woman!
8. Marvin Gaye
9. Anita Baker
10. Whitney…loving her come back!
Sarah V…..YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I HEART “JIm”.
Co-sign on Phyllis Hyman. WHOOOOO she could sang and she was GORGEOUS when she was young.
Kem is HEAVILY slept on. He can scat his ass off and has an overall smooth voice.
Adele – LOVE HER!
@MissJ82,
“Kem is HEAVILY slept on. He can scat his ass off and has an overall smooth voice.”
It took me a while to get on Kem (I initially thought his voice was annoying), but I agree he’s great at scatting. Now that I’ve heard more of his songs, I can dig him.
@Cheekie,
“(I initially thought his voice was annoying)”
I still do.
*giggling*
@miss t-lee,
HAHAHA!
It depends on the song with me. Like, I hated Kem when he had that song “Love Calls” because I hated how he said “over and over”. Like why you gotta put a ‘d’ in front of over? I know the word is after “and”, but you’re putting too much emphasis on it. Annoying.
I can dig the “can’t stop loving you” song, though. But that was after repeated plays by my mama. I’ve learned to tolerate him. lol
@Cheekie,
“Like why you gotta put a ‘d’ in front of over?”
Funny…I think that got on my nerves as well.
@Reecie,
*what’s up head nod*
@miss t-lee, me three. don’t really get with Kem.
There are like a billion comments so if there are any repeats in my list then my bad but I would like to add in no particular order:
1. Celine Dion
2. Mariah Carey
3. Chrisette Michelle
4. Lisa Fischer (How Can I Ease the Pain)
5. Deborah Cox
6. Gerald Levert
7. Kelly Price
8. Christina Aguilera
I don’t know if she’s been mentioned but I really enjoy Chrisette Michele! That’s my gal! Her voice is soo unique in the R&B/Soul industry today-the tone and the raspy-ness its so bluesy and mellow
**cant wait til Oct 13th her and maxwell on the same stage..and Common as delish eye candy!**
@3Dee’z, The mistake the lables make with Chrisette is they put her in an R&B box when really the girl is a JAZZ vocalist. thats where she is money all day……..very talented tho!!!!!
@OrangeStar616,
I agree her voice is jazzier. I’m also looking forward to seeing her with Maxwell and Common, 3Dee’z!!
Habitual lurker but, couldn’t resist this post. Since a lot of the popular voices have been listed already, I’ll list a few who haven’t, in no particular order:
Donnie
Larry Graham
James Morrison
Allison Krauss
Dave Hollister
Calvin Richardson
Susan Tedeschi
Angela Bofill
Billy Paul
Rahsaan Patterson
Deborah Bond
Michael Buble
Stokley
Rick James
For females I’d say Adele, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Esperanza Spalding (tho shes better known for her bass work), and Jaguar Wright. Of that group I’d say that what Adele does/sings is probably hardest for anyone to replicate.
I’m surprised Justin Timberlake hasn’t been mentioned.
as a vocalist, i think Maynard James Keenan deserves mention. He isn’t the best singer, but he puts his voice through extremes that most people could never do consistently.
So you put Beyonce on the list and completely forgot about Mariah Carey?!? Hmm … I don’t agree with that. If anything Mariah Carey should be on the list, not Beyonce.
And I think all of the Temptations (and yes, we know there were many) could sing.
And Ms Hill is a better rapper than she is a singer. She shouldn’t even be on this list.
in no particular order:
josh groban (luv, luv, luv his voice…so angelic)
john legend (another huge fav of mine, he makes me consider having kids)
beres hammond
maxi priest
celine dion
beyonce
maxwell
gladys knight
anita baker
whitney houston
@nikki87,
oh, and frank sinatra! how could i forget him??!!
Mmmkay so I don’t particularly like Beyonce and I am sick of her at the moment but I think anyone who says she can’t sing is just hating. She undeniably has been blessed with some amazing vocals but she needs to take a break. Can we miss her for once??
Other amazing singers:
-Maxwell (He gives me chills && brings me to tears)
-Erykah Badu (because no one can sing like her and she sounds amazing live)
-Jill Scott
-Lauryn Hill
-Mariah Carey
-Mary J. Blige
-Joe
-Tyrese
&& I could add a bazillion soul artists from the 80′s and earlier but I won’t start because then I’ll never be able to stop.
@Anonymiss,
&& Christina Aguilera && Whitney Houston.
I’m extremely late but did anybody mention the Great Patti Labelle? I LOVE her.
Also:
lil mo
tweet
no particular order (and allow me to apologize if i duplicate anyone else’s selections…there are a lot of comments and i didn’t read them all):
1. chante moore. she doesn’t get enough credit for her range or her ability. if amel is an angel sent down to touch us, then chante is riding shotgun, for real.
2. maxwell. is marvin 2.0. i’m not saying marvin will ever be replaced–it’s not possible in this life or the next, but–maxwell is the newer version. and he’s nice with it.
3. dave hollister. i believe he can sing anything. i know for a fact he can. he has that gutteral tone that let’s you know everything you’re hearing is coming from the deepest part of his soul. it’s the vunerability therein that allows you to hear that.
4. phyllis hyman. i didn’t discover her gift until after she left us. i could kick myself. you wanna talk someone who could sing anything? “gonna make changes/gonna make minds aware…” or “be careful how you use my love/don’t you know good love is hard to find…” or “don’t tell me tell her/it’s over/ it’s over…” all with beauty, poise, and a diva swagga that was far ahead of her time.
5. patti labelle. i know for sure this is a repeat but i gotta throw her in. miss patti is a beast, a giant, a blankety blank problem. the first time i saw her, she was on tv and she was kicking her shoes off while she was tearing a song up. i asked my mommie why she was doing that and my mom smiled at me and said ” ‘cuz it’s patti, hon.”
6. mariah carey. yeah yeah. i know. repeat. blah blah. but pre 1998 mariah. beast. beast beast beast. she made you cry, made you smile, made you want to know what love was. not to mention, every dog in your neighborhood would try to sing with her because of those dog whistle notes she hits. then she fell out of love and… *sigh*
7. melanie fiona. psssssh. versatile. vicious. sweet voice, no doubt. and i’m not hearing enough of her.
8. d’angelo. i miss him. i miss him i miss him i miss him. he has tenderness, sweetness, with some major sexy, carnal bidnis happening. i hear “one mo’ gin” and i’m TRYING to get into some trouble. TRYING, ya feel me?
9. justin timberlake. yes, please and may i have another? i liked “justified” but “futuresexlovesounds”? maaaaaaaaaaan everything on that joint was hittin. everything. and there was a nice little mix of music. he was concious, he was sexy, he was sweet, he was romantic, he was tryna git the panties. and he’dda got ‘em, lemme tell you.
10. alicia keys. alicia has a voice. she can do it all (as she proved on “as i am”). she’s a gifted writer, musician, activist…she’s awesome.
beyonce would have been on here, but she messed up when she did “ave maria”. she shoulda let that be. sade would have been mentioned except sade really is jazz/mood music for me (i love her, don’t misunderstand). mary j blige would have been mentioned except mjb really is the queen of hip hop soul all day (i’mma give her the queen of soul because aretha’s busy shoveling ribs into her throat at the moment. and it is completely evident when she sings).
everyone has great answers but I would also like to extend an honorable mention to the lead singer of Citizen Cope> “hurricane waters” (about Katrina) “sideways” and “holdin’ on” DEF recommend
Deborah Cox – Best singer ever!
Stacy Lattisaw
Sarah Vaughan
Ella Fitzgerald
Teena Marie
Kelly Price
Lalah Hathaway
Carmen McCrae
Issac Hayes
Marc Anthony
Maurice White
Lil G (lead singer from Silk)
Honorable mentions:
Celine Dion
Christina Aguilera
Chante Moore
I saw a really nice names but I’m surprised no one has mentioned Brandy or Musiq. Granted, these are my two favorite singers so I’m biased.
Brandy > > > Beyonce. It’s science and sh*t.
James Morrison is a beast.
I saw people mention Raheem Devaughn but how could you not mention the dude he rips off. . .er um, has influenced him? D’Angelo.
Oh and Mary J. Is wack to me.
*hides behind couch*
What about people like Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson?
Also, they accomplished a lot outside of their music.
Robeson’s voice is like velvet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j5CieXP7L8&feature=player_embedded
In no special order:
1. Chaka Khan
2. Sarah Vaughan
3. Dinah Washington
4. Syreeta
5. Billie Holiday
6. Aretha Franklin
7. Tweet
8. Stevie Wonder
9. Prince
10. Curtis Mayfield.
You might raise your eyebrows when you see this list. But when I listen to a voice, I don’t listen to the timber only,,,,but to the WHOLE package, mostly the emotional factor, I don’t care if a singer has a pretty voice as long as they get the message across and make me BELIEVE what they have to say.
When Billie Holiday sang “Strange Fruit”, you saw, felt and smelled the WHOLE scenery, thats what I want.
When Chaka wails, you get FAZED,,,,positively or negatively. Sometimes both, even. Thats what I want.
You know? You could be the brick faced motherfucker who possesse the curse to turn people into pillars of salt to las a lifetime,,,,,but If I can FEEL what comes out of your mouth through my fingers and deep into my chest, then you got me in your corner.
I absolutely adore Goapele. Her voice is soul moving and distinctive.