Unforgettable Voices: The 30 Singers We’ll Always Love
Music has always been a big part of our lives. It provides comfort, it’s therapeutic, it gets our feet tapping, and it elicits emotions. As the years pass, we come across many singers who make their mark on our hearts and minds. The ones who make that kind of impression that we can’t forget even if we tried. This article pays tribute to 30 such singers who we’ll always love, whose music has enhanced our lives, whose voices have left an indelible mark on our minds and hearts.
The usual suspects: The legends
We’ll start with the ones who need no introduction, the legends who everyone knows:
1. Frank Sinatra
The one, the only, Chairman of the Board. He revolutionized popular music in the 20th century and left an indelible mark on the industry. Whether you’re a fan of crooning, jazz, or swing, Frank Sinatra’s velvet voice can’t be ignored.
2. Elvis Presley
The King of Rock and Roll’s voice was unmistakable and insanely influential. He took country, rhythm and blues, and gospel, and turned it into a sound that still resonates today.
3. Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul’s voice had power, emotion, and clarity. It was pure magic. She was a true musician, owning her instrument and delivering unforgettable performances.
4. Johnny Cash
The Man in Black’s distinctive voice could transport you to another time and place. It was rough, raw, and honest. It captured the essence of country music and the spirit of rebellion.
Their voices transcend time: The classics
The next group consists of singers from a different era, but their voices are timeless, and their music endures:
5. Bing Crosby
The legendary crooner’s soothing voice and gentle phrasing was perfect for ballads and easy-listening tunes. He created a style and sound that has influenced singers for generations.
6. Nat King Cole
The velvet voice of Nat King Cole was a thing of beauty. His rich, warm, and velvety sound was versatile and captured the essence of jazz and pop music.
7. Ella Fitzgerald
The Queen of Jazz’s voice was like honey. Her scatting and improvisation skills were impeccable, and she possessed a vocal range that was awe-inspiring.
8. Louis Armstrong
The pioneering jazz trumpeter was also an incredible singer, and his voice was a mix of gravel, brass, and emotion. His unique phrasing and iconic style set him apart as one of the best in the business.
The game-changers: The trailblazers
This group comprises singers who were not only gifted, but they also changed the course of music history. They set a new standard for vocal performance and impacted the industry.
9. Whitney Houston
The late Whitney Houston’s powerful voice and range took the music world by storm. She was the first female artist to have an album debut at number one on the charts, and her influence is still felt today.
10. Freddie Mercury
The lead singer of Queen had an extraordinary range, and his voice was utterly unique. He brought an operatic quality to rock music, and his flamboyant style and undeniable talent made him a legend.
11. Stevie Wonder
The Motown icon’s voice was a blend of soulful emotion and technical skill. He was a prolific songwriter, musician, and performer, and his contributions to modern music are immeasurable.
12. Janis Joplin
The bohemian singer’s voice had a raw power and honesty that was barely contained. Her signature rasp proved that a voice didn’t have to be perfect to be unforgettable, and her influence on rock music is still felt today.
The genre-definers: The specialists
These are singers who dominated a particular genre, creating an identifiable style and sound that will always be associated with them.
13. Patsy Cline
The country singer’s voice was smooth as silk and had a hint of sadness and vulnerability that made her an icon. Her style was timeless, and her influence on the country music genre is immeasurable.
14. Bob Marley
The reggae legend’s voice was a soothing balm for the soul. It was a mix of soulful passion, rhythm, and raw emotion, making his songs feel like anthems that spoke to something deeper.
15. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop’s voice was distinct and dynamic, and he created a sound that was instantly recognizable. His world-famous dance moves and iconic voice made him an instant legend.
16. Amy Winehouse
The British soul singer’s voice was a mix of jazz, blues, and soul. Her music was raw and poignant, and it still resonates today. Her unique vocal style made her a trailblazer in a crowded field.
The all-rounders: The multi-talented
These are singers who could do it all- write, sing, produce, and play instruments. They had it all and then some.
17. Prince
The Purple One’s voice was a blend of rock, funk, and soul, and his music was instantly recognizable. His unique style made him a legend, and his contributions to the music industry are immeasurable.
18. Joni Mitchell
The folk singer’s voice was angelic, and her unique style set her apart. Her talents extended beyond singing, and she was an accomplished songwriter, poet, and painter.
19. Marvin Gaye
The Motown legend’s voice was a mix of classic soul, R&B, and pop. He wrote many of his own songs and was an accomplished musician. His music was timeless and had a depth of emotion that still resonates today.
20. Adele
The British powerhouse’s voice is a mix of soul, R&B, and pop. Her powerful vocals and emotional depth set her apart as a singer, and her contributions to modern music are undeniable.
The new-school: The rising stars
This final group comprises young singers who are making their mark on the music industry and are destined for greatness.
21. Hozier
The Irish singer’s voice is a blend of folk, rock, and soul, and his unique style has won many fans. His debut album was a massive hit, and his future in the music industry looks bright.
22. Billie Eilish
The teenage pop star’s voice is whispery and haunting, and her music has won her many fans. She has won numerous awards and is already a force to be reckoned with at a young age.
23. Khalid
The R&B singer’s voice is smooth and unforgettable, and his music has gained a massive following. He’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry and is poised to make a big impact.
24. Lizzo
The rapper and singer’s voice is a mix of soulful emotion and raw power. She’s made big waves in the music industry, promoting self-love and positivity, and is quickly becoming a household name.
The criteria for selection: How did we choose the 30 singers?
The selection process involved considering several factors:
- The singer’s contribution to the music industry.
- The uniqueness of their voice.
- The longevity of their music.
- Their impact on the industry and culture.
- Their influence on other singers.
The Future
These 30 singers have left an indelible mark on music history, but what about the future? Who will be the next crop of unforgettable voices? Only time will tell, but if the current crop of rising stars is anything to go by, the future looks bright.
FAQs
1. Who is the best singer in the world?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it is subjective. However, based on the criteria mentioned above, the 30 singers listed in this article have made a significant impact on the music industry and could all be considered for the title of “best singer.”
2. What makes a good singer?
A good singer has good vocal control, tone, pitch, and phrasing. They also possess emotional depth, musicality, and unique style.
3. Who are the rising stars in the music industry?
As mentioned in this article, Hozier, Billie Eilish, Khalid, and Lizzo are among the rising stars in the music industry.
