Two that have not been mentioned yet:
Margo Timmons (Cowboy Junkies)
Kelly Flint (Dave's True Story)
Margo Timmons (Cowboy Junkies)
Kelly Flint (Dave's True Story)
exceptional voices of female singers (non-classical)
What I'm talking about here is what critics of classical singing refer to as "the instrument": the exceptional beauty or uniqueness of the timbre of the voice qua voice. For the moment, put aside preferences w.r.t. repertoire, interpretation, performance, style, delivery, etc., and just consider the *sound* of the voice. We're *not* talking about favorite female artists here, because that kind of preference is based on a whole amalgam of factors.
I suspect some of the top figures in the category I've tried to define often aren't very popular among audiophiles, because of those many other factors.
My first three nominations: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy.
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If you are talking about pure vocal magnificence, perfect timbre, and extraordinary range that is absolutely mesmerizing, then any compilation about this topic is a complete joke if these two are not included: Eydie Gorme and Linda Eder. Without a doubt, two of the finest, most spellbinding and enrapturing voices ever. I've seen Linda Eder 3 times, and am in awe of her. Eydie Gorme, of Steve & Eydie fame, died about 3 or 4 years ago. She sang in English and Spanish, and the power and clarity of her voice was incredible. I saw her in the early '80's with Steve Lawrence and she was astonishing. She was a once in a lifetime talent. Go to Youtube and you'll see, all you young whippersnappers! The same can be said of Linda Eder (twice in lifetime?) Linda Eder is a national treasure who should be a huge star, but she doesn't seek the lime light. She makes most all go these popular singers of the day sound like complete hacks. Ironically, she started out on Star Search in the 80's and blew everybody away, won easily and later had success on Broadway. These two reign supreme if you are talking about "the instrument" in my opinion. Eva Cassidy is right up there also. Honorable mention I would say Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Astrud Gilberto (the Girl from Ipanema), Streisand in her prime, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Julie Budd, Julie London, Karen Carpenter and I'll throw in Shelby Lynne because her "Just a little lovin'" album is a knockout. Bottom line; excluding Eydie Gorme and Linda Eder from any list of greatest singers invalidates the whole discussion, imho. |
Should add that Celine Rudolph is German jazz singer based in France who has training in African and Brazilian music in addition to jazz. Check out her legant vocals on her album with remarkably talented jazz guitarist Lionel Louke titled Obsessions. The music is beautiful, intimate, and playful. Maria Bethania is a singer, a mega-star, from Brazil; her music spans styles from samba to bossa nova to jazz. Check out Santa Barbara, the first track from her 2009 album Encanteria. Gorgeous vocals. Beautifully recorded. G |
These are the only ones I've heard who belong in the top tier of "as close to vocally pure as possible". Ann Wilson I saw her in concert in her prime and when she sang Dream of the Archer it just sent chills through me. She lost it by the late 80's. Oceans of Slumber's Cammi Gilbert Check out their song Sunlight (Live) on Youtube, or their new song The Banished Heart (caution: Metal, but I think most can handle it. It's mild.) Bonnie Raitt I don't know why her voice sounds so much better on ballads, but her rendition of I Can't Make You Love Me is stunning. Adele attempted this song and butchered it. Only Bonnie can pull it off. Whitney Houston Celine Dion Not my style, but I appreciate their stunning talent. |
Thanks @bdp24 for recognition of Darlene Love. She never gets the recognition I think she deserves. So many great nominees, and a few new to me.I'll have to do some research. A few I didn't see: Bonnie Dobson, who wrote and first recorded Morning Dew. BONNIE RAITT, or did I miss her? If you've never heard the all-girl group, ISIS; Carol MacDonald has a delicious contralto. Speaking of contraltos, Chrissy Amphlett of the Divynals, Amy Winehouse, Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blond..Luv 'em Did we miss Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies? There are too many amazing background singers to mention; but the Blu-Ray of 20 FEET FROM STARDOM covers many of them. Of special merit are Clair Torey (Great Gig in the Sky) and Merry Clayton (Gimme Shelter). Rosemary Butler is another fav. I don't know if we can count her, because she is an opera singer; but Olivia Safe contributed such amazing vocals to Jeff Beck's SERENE, that I thought it was a synthesizer. Never heard anyone hit the highs she does. Three I am rooting for: Nicole Atkins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lefhIHdWs3I Frazy Ford for her unique sound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXRrySTujn8 Bonnie Bishop, an evolving talent. |
This is an absolutely great forum. I remember most of the names listed and they bring back memories and make me smile. great singers and voices. I disagree about Whitney Houston and Diana krill having no soul. Diana Krall knows the limit of her range and stays there. Which I respect. Whitney Houston no soul???? Come on now. But the names listed wow. The key to me also is/was seeing them live. People are leaving us much too soon. Go see them while you can. Also, Shirley Horn. Every time she came to LA before she passed I went to see her. Sitting at the bar after a set with a drink talking to people. Great. linda Ronstat, great voice. Roberta Flack in her prime had one of the best voices I’ve heard. Etta James wow!! enjoy |
Yes Karen carpenter great great voice and one of my favorites. Bonnie Rait live her voice and style, and yes, to Katie Malta. Bebel girberto , Elaine Elias and phylis Hyman. Listen to Norman conner’s version of betcha by golly wow featuring phylis and you’ll see what I mean. She left us wayyyy too soon |
Jacqui McShee (from Pentangle and John Renbourn group) has a heart melting voice .. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yRAi4miyvQ |
And as relates to female voice recommendations, a poster to analogplanet.com turned me on to this album; Billy Childs-Map To The Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro- This one is on CD or download only (as far as I know) and is very moving; https://www.amazon.com/Map-Treasure-Reimagining-Laura-Nyro/dp/B00LQ90UZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517591186&sr=8-1&keywords=%27Map+To+The+Treasure%3A+Reimagining+Laura+Nyro%27%3F
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We all have our favorites based on so many reasons: technique, timbre, phrasing, type of music, tone, interpretation, etc. I believe there are cords that reach the human soul and vibrate sympathetically to our personal experiences, our physiological hearing, a message that is delivered . . . but it is a very personal experience; therefore, one may appreciate the strength and power of one voice, the sheer beauty of another . . . but they each fulfill some aspect of satisfaction in one's own soul that no one else can reach or satisfy. I will say one thing with regard to singers in general . . . what passes for talent today certainly in many, but not all case, fall short of the mark of dedication, working one's craft, and paying one's dues to achieve a status of respect, lasting reputation, and one that is totally unique in their own right without sounding like carbon copies of another. The aspect of instant success or being a “hit” or celebrity is given away much to easily and cheaply to many in my opinion . . . and their voices as well as their popular flare that burns hot for a short while soon cools to an ember and burns out to forgetfulness . . . therefore, time is still the test of quality and lasting endurance. I will also say this: for the few that make it into so-called stardom, there are thousands, even millions, who are never recognized for their talent or get the break they truly deserve . . . while many who get there, one has to scratch one's head as ask “WHY?” |
I did too, slaw. I also neglected a favorite from the 80's, Maria KcKee of Lone Justice. Another unique, mildly "quirky" voice belongs to a little-known singer named Julianna Raye. Her Jeff Lynne-produced Something Peculiar album is fantastic! I met her in 2001, and was she surprised I knew of her! A very sweet, humble talent. I fell in love with her instantly. |
@russmaleartist Good words. I agree with you. I don't think this thread addresses absolute vocal talent, because it is very hard for any of us (myself included) to see beyond our own taste in music. A singer with a great voice, but who in my perception is without soul or too polished (to the point of losing courage or a raw genuine character) will never reach me, because I just can't stand listening to the music. I think we all have these musical styles that we like, and within them we are nominating vocalists in that style or genre. Another who has not been mentioned who I enjoy is Linda Thompson. |
Lou Lou Ghelichkhani, Natalia Clavier, Shana Halligan, Elin Melagarejo. All of these singers perform on many of the Thievery Corporation releases. Thievery somehow finds the most beautiful and angelic female voices from around the world. Check out the Thievery Corporation release "Saudade". This album features all these female artist and more in a mordern Bosa Nova style...excellent! |
GOOD GRIEF! I can't believe its taken this long for someone mention ELLA FITZGERALD! Must be a generation thing? Absolutely NO list of American female vocalists should ever exclude our FIRST LADY OF SONG! The American Songbook would never be what it is without ELLA. Google "first lady of song" and guess who? Yeah, her glory days were pre 70's, but real magic doesn't fade away...... THE HORROR! |
"Actually "Ella" was mentioned by the very first poster....@jerroot " slaw, Hah! MY blood pressure has now gone down... It would help if I read MORE carefully before posting an emotional response! "For uniqueness, Rickie Lee Jones and Ella." Maybe I didn’t notice because Ella WASN’T listed as first in that lineup. Kinda think she shouldn’t even be in that same sentence. I do enjoy RLJ, but really, it just seems like an honorable mention by the poster. |
It would help if I read MORE carefully before posting an emotional response!Tablejockey, FWIW there were others who have also posted in the thread expressing surprise that a particular artist had not been mentioned earlier in the thread, when in fact the artist had been mentioned earlier in the thread. BTW, there’s no need to necessarily read more thoroughly. Just use the "Find" function of your browser to search for a given name, on each page of the thread. I often find that function to be very useful. In Firefox and Edge the Find function is in one of the sub-menus which can be accessed under the three bars or three dots at the upper right corner of the screen. It will also be under the Edit menu, at least in Firefox, if the menu bar has been enabled at the top. On another note, also FWIW but relevant to the OP’s question, a quote from Sir Elton John: Judith Durham, like Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy, possesses the purest voice in popular music.Regards, -- Al |
