950-926-Great Vocals
950. FOOLISH GAMES (1997)
Vocalist: Jewel (Jewel Kilcher)
Writer/Composer: Jewel Kilcher (1994)
Discovered by a tune countdown in a radio station while living homeless out of her car, American singer / songwriter / actress, Jewel, became a household name in 1996-97 when this song and the “A” side, You Were Meant for Me, stayed on the charts for 65 consecutive weeks. Her world would never be the same as she gave us poetic, personal, enlightening compositions from experiences she seemed to personally have. She made her mark, being nominated for 4 Grammy Awards and has sold over 30 million albums, and still counting. “Foolish games are…tearing me apart / And your…thoughtless words are breaking my heart / You’re breaking my heart.” How she yearns in that chorus with a versatile, sweet and inquisitive, 3-octave, soprano voice, appealing to Pop, Folk and Country…Purely Elegant!
Link # 1 Original official music video 1997 Link # 2 Live performance - Woodstock 99 (1999)
949. THE WEIGHT (1968)
Vocalist: The Band (lead Levon Helm)
Writer/Composer: Robbie Robertson (1968)
An enigmatic Folk, Rock / Roots Rock number surfaced in the late 1960s that eventually influenced musical pop culture for generations to come. The Band was a 5-piece American / Canadian group that, in this case, had Levon Helm as the lead singer. The use of his sincere, gritty vocal delivery and the group’s primitive Folk sound gave this song the kick it needed to catch the public’s attention. Martin Scorsese’s 1978 film, The Last Waltz, added to the mystique, further impressing this clever number into music’s social consciousness. “I pulled in to Nazareth / Was feeling ’bout half past dead / I just need some place / Where I can lay my head / Hey, mister, can you tell me / Where a man might find a bead? / He just grinned and shook my hand, / ‘No’ was all he said.”…Celebrated and Captivating!
Link # 1 Original recording 1968. Link # 2 Live performance from Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz.
948. HOLD ON “Bridesmaids” (1990)
Vocalist: Wilson Phillips (Carnie & Wendy Wilson / lead Chynna Phillips)
Writer/Composer: Glen Ballard / Chynna Phillips / Carnie Wilson (1989)
As the daughters of American Rock stars, the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, and John Phillips of Mamas & Papa’s fame—these 3 girls could really sing, and with exquisite harmony! They were major 1990s Pop stars with clear feminine voices, always easy to identify, with easy-to-understand lyrics, careful not to overbend the notes with too much excess. Their 2nd song on our list was a massive hit, going worldwide, and it endured a long time with the help of the movie, winning several major music awards. Chynna wrote the song’s positive message as a motivation to break free from alcoholism and drugs, and the message resonated—their 3-part harmony was always vocalized into a single microphone…Simply Sensational!
Link # 1 The official music video 1990.
947. HE’S SO SHY (1980)
Vocalist: The Pointer Sisters (June Pointer lead)
Writer/Composer: Tom Snow / Cynthia Weil (1980)
One of the most successful female R&B acts of the 1970s /1980s were these 3 to 4 sisters. With Jane taking lead, they had multiple hits and took their group to the stars as they sang with gusto, harmony and effervescence. This selection was one of their biggest hits as they dominated R&B / Pop / Soul / Dance music during the second ‘British’ Invasion in the 1980s. They brought back traditional R&B sounds during a time of big-haired Rock groups and Synth-Pop selling millions of records. Who can forget that intro, “When I first saw him standin’ there / I longed to speak but did not dare / Something inside whispered to me / You’d better move in carefully.” They remained the best-selling girl group of the 1970s, and 80s and their voices were gleeful and infectious…Impressively Electrifying!
Link # 1 Original recording 1980. Link # 2 Live performance At the Attic 1995.
946. BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN (1967)
Vocalist: Albert King (Nelson) / with the Memphis Horns)
Writer/Composer: William Bell (1967)
“Born Under a Bad Sign / Been down since I began to crawl / If it wasn’t for bad luck / You know, I wouldn’t have no luck at all,” and with these words Albert introduces us to one of the bluest of the Blues. Like B.B. King and Freddy King (not related), except Albert sports a signature, Flying V-shaped guitar. He features Electric Blues, appealing to Rock / R&B & Soul audiences everywhere, including Europe. His album of the same name is considered one of the best Blues albums ever recorded, and his influence is phenomenal! His Early days were with Booker T. & the MGs, and standing at 6’4,” his presence is striking and imposing over his loyal following. His gritty, powerful vocals carry the Blues faithfully as he chooses to play his guitar in an unorthodox way…Smoking and Electrifying!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live performance 1967.
945. RESCUE ME (1966)
Vocalist: Fontella Bass & Chorus (Back vocals Minnie Ripperton / Maurice White drums / Bass Louis Saterfield (both of Earth Wind & Fire) Saxophone Gene Barge)
Writer/Composer: Raynard Minor / Carl W. Smith / Fontella Bass (1965)
Like a voice crying out in the wilderness, Fontella Bass hit it big in the mid-1960s with this R&B / Soul / Pop / Gospel / Dance hit. It was said it was the greatest R&B song that Aretha Franklin never made. If you’re old enough you remember, “Rescue me / Take me in your arms / Rescue me / I want your tender charm / ‘Cause I’m lonely / and I’m blue / I need you / And your love too / Come on and rescue me.” With a Gospel-like call and response featured in the song, and backup vocals by Minnie Riperton, this piece inevitably became a hit, with early elements of Funk and Disco. Her vocals, even when she forgot the words, she covered well with “Mmm Mmm Mnn,” soaring just like Aretha. She used her 2 to 3 octaves to exhibit an energetic, resonant, powerful, soprano sound. A Classic Dynamite Number!
Link # 1 Original recording 1965. Link # 2 Live performance from TV’s Shindig 1965.
944. FOOL # 1 (1962)
Vocalist: Brenda Lee & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Katheryn Fulton (1961)
With the exception of the girl singing groups of the early 1960s, it seemed that Connie Francis and Brenda Lee were the only consistant hit makers. Brenda brought her larger-than-life Country vocals into mainstream Pop, largely delivered by that Nashville Sound. Her 5th song on our list reached # 3—America just couldn’t get enough of her deep, contralto, husky sound, and songwriters were lining up to get her to record new material. It begins with the chorus, “Am I fool number one or am I fool number two? / How many other girls have been fooled by you? / I suppose that the number is far from being small / And I’ll bet that I’m the biggest fool of all.” She never failed to bring her strong vibrato to combine with power, intensity and sincerity…Amazingly Pure and Stirring!
Link # 1 Original recording 1962. Link # 2 From the Ed Sullivan Show 1962.
943. TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS (1976)
Vocalist: Doobie Brothers (lead Michael MacDonald) / feat. the Memphis Horns
Writer/Composer: Michael MacDonald (1976)
This Rock song deserves all the credit we can give, soaring to celestial heights with each verse, and like fine wine, only getting better with age. This American 5-piece band brought in Michael MacDonald to replace an ill Tom Johnston in 1976, and with his keyboard work, only got better with this complex, catchy melody and everyone excels! Their 3rd listed song was a keeper—magnetically embracing Rock / Blues / Soul and Pop. The overall appeal was superb, and its piano hook and the standout instrumentation was a wonder in its time. The song’s plea for brotherhood to end poverty, “You don’t know me but I’m your brothere / I was raised here in this living hell / You don’t know my kind in your world / Fairly soon, the time will tell.” is a song message, more necessary than ever…Sensational, Heartfelt!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live at Hollywood Sound Stage 1977.
942. BREATHE (2000)
Vocalist: Faith Hill (Audrey Faith) & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Holly Lamar / Stephanie Bentley (1999)
When the 20th Century turned over to the 21st, Faith Hill was there, with the #1 record in two genres, with this award-winning song that topped Country and Pop. She rode the crest from 1993, right through the 2000s, until around 2010 with her rapturous, mezzo-soprano, clear as crystal, throaty vocals, selling over 50 million albums in the process. With husband Tim McGraw, they became Country / Pop concert royalty, with her only slowing down to raise their three daughters. As an American singer / songwriter / actress she became one of the most celebrated Country singers of all time. One would be hard-pressed to discover that she’s not a Pop singer full-time with her catchy tunes and her sensual, glamourous music videos. Her performance here, very tempting and…Alluring & Avant-Garde!
Link # 1 Original music video 2000. Link # 2 Live performance in Top of the Pops 2000.
941. LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT (1970)
Vocalist: Credence Clearwater Revival (John Fogarty)
Writer/Composer: John Fogarty (1969)
One of the most popular American Rock bands in the late 1960s / early 1970s was CCR, featuring the larger-than-life voice of John Fogarty. If you lived in those times, there was an instant connection from his vocals to the record-buying public—nearly every song on their debut album featured a million-selling hit record. Why? Fogarty possessed a unique sound, labeled Swamp or Southern Rock, an amalgam of Rock / Soul / Blues. He was always magnetic, never disappointed, loaded with previously unheard-of melodies, and his vocals were highly infectious (Everyone sang along.) Hard to believe, they never had a #1 song, many lodged at #2. This number is soaked in Gospel / Blues, not a mega hit, but has endures the test of time by his gritty, well-worn, sobering delivery…Amazingly Soul-Searching!
Link # 1 Original recording 1970. Link # 2 Live performance some years later with orchestra.
940. DON’T SPEAK (1996)
Vocalist: No Doubt (Gwen Stefani)
Writer/Composer: Gwen Stefani / Eric Stefani (1995)
One of the most successful and audacious vocalists in the 1990s / 2000s is Gwen Stefani, and she has the record sales and concert gigs to prove it. Blessed with a unique alto voice and able to sing with power even in a very high voice. she took this to the top, it being the biggest hit of 1996. She and her brother Eric rewrote this number about the regret and loss of an enduring relationship, after she actually survived a breakup, and the song endures this very day. As an American Rock band with ‘bite,’ her vocals seem to attract Rock / Alt Rock / Pop / R&B / Reggae sounds and embracing all these musical genres. Her melody and harmony are spot on and as demonstrated in this song, it rises to infinity as it seems to grow into an all-encompassing plethora of magical sounds. Wow…Simply Transcendent!
Link # 1 Official music video & recording 1996. Link # 2 Live perormance in 1997,
939. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS “Kid Galahad” (1962)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley / the Jordanaires
Writer/Composer: Sherman Edwards / Hal David (1962)
Of the 31 feature films that Elvis Presley made, Kid Galahad was exceptional—it featured only 6 songs and as this one clearly shows, his 7th song on our list will surprise you, but it had little effect on pop culture. This short number really shows the quality of his developing voice as a Pop singer as well as a Rock singer. It oozes with romantic sweetness and solidifies the fact that hidden gems sometimes come from diamonds that seem to slip through the cracks, not becoming hit records. The song is full of melody, his vocal amazing. The intro is touching, really as sweet as anything he ever recorded. “Home is where the heart is / And my heart is anywhere you are / Anywhere you are…is home.” His acting in his film shows Elvis could pull off romantic numbers with confidence & sincerity…A Hidden Gem!
Link - Movie clip from Kid Galahad (Elvis and Joan Blackman) in 1962.
938. OKLAHOMA “Oklahoma” (1943)
Vocalist: Alfred Drake (Albert Capurro) & chorus
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1943)
Changes started taking place in the 1940s that would affect the Broadway Musical in a complete way—good scripts for storylines and great songs to move the story along developed, and instead of Plays running for weeks, they ran for months, or even YEARS! This broke all records at the time and ran for 5 years. This is the ‘granddaddy’ of those type of musicals as R&H’s Oklahoma started that trend. Alfred Drake was best known as the full-throttled baritone voice that would be influential in that change for playing the lead in this musical, and as an actor / singer he was second to none among those vocalists. “Oklahoma! / Every night my honey lamb and I / Sit alone and talk / And watch a hawk / makin’ lazy circles in the sky,” sent chills and brought thrills to the masses…Absolutely Monumental!
937. THOSE WERE THE DAYS (1968)
Vocalist: Mary Hopkin (Arranged by Richard Hewson) / Produced by Paul McCartney
Writer/Composer: Boris Fomin / Gene Raskin (1968)
This beguiling Folk song from Welsh singer / songwriter, Mary Hopkin, placed her in the British invasion, and on the musical map during the late 1960s / early 70s—and she deserved it! With a splendid musical arrangement showcasing her wonderful 2-octave soprano voice, she broke though the jumble of British bands even rivaling at the time the popularity of Petula Clark, took this song to # 1 in multitudes of countries. Her amazing voice casts a crystalline, angelic presence, perfect for concerts, taverns, or singalongs. “Once upon a time there was a tavern / Where we used to raise a glass or two / Remember how we laughed away the hours / Think of all the things that we would do.” If this song can’t take you back, none can. Her sound is unique, refreshing, with a birdlike celestial quality…Simply Superb!
936. DARK MOON (1957)
Vocalist: Bonnie Guitar (Buckingham) / Ned Miller guitar)
Writer/Composer: Ned Miller (1957)
Bonnie Guitar, stage name for Bonnie Buckingham, was not too well known in 1957, until she took this number into the top 10 on the Pop charts and, in spite of Gale Storm’s version within that same time period, became one of the very first female Country artists to crossover into Pop. Bonnie’s simple delivery and melody appealed to Country / Pop / Rock / Blues audiences, during one of the most competitive years in music history. She was a businesswoman / singer / songwriter / musician and the catchy lyrics had everyone singing, “Dark moon / Away up high / Up in the sky / Oh, tell me why, oh, tell me why / You’ve lost your splendor / Dark moon / What is the cause / Your light withdraws / Is it because / Is it because / I’ve lost my love.” Her definitive contralto voice is magnetic…Simmering, Melancholy!
Link - Original recording 1957.
935. LADY (1980)
Vocalist: Kenny Rogers
Writer/Composer: Lionel Ritchie (1980)
By the end of the 20th Century, Kenny Rogers was a legendary singer / songwriter / actor, conquering at least 4 fields of music / Pop / Country / Rock / and R&B. He was not known for power, but for adaptability, enabling him to fit into all styles with his easygoing persona and his subdued baritone growl, along with his slight vibrato. The result—one of the most respected and recognized voices in music. Everyone wanted to sing a duet with Kenny—many did. As a master storyteller and ballad singer, this song, his 3rd listed, has remained one of his best, for feelings and its message. The intro, “Lady, I’m your knight in shining armor and I love you / You have made me what I am, and I am yours,” is one of the most recognizable in music history. An American institution…Gentle and Beautiful!
Link # 1 Original recording 1980. Link # 2 Live performance 1980.
934. YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE “Carousel” (2012)
Vocalist: Susan Boyle
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1955)
No one ever expected this, a classic R & H Pop standard, made famous from the 1955 Broadway Play, and probably recognized as one of the greatest songs about the affirmative, motivational and inspirational moments of human experience ever delivered. Now considered part of the American songbook, dozens of singers from Classicl to Rock, have recorded it, sang it live in concert, taking it to stratospheric heights—but we love this version by BGT runner-up, Susan Boyle, for its flawless, mezzo-soprano, slowly-ascending delivery. to her purely spiritual finale. Perhaps this delivery, her 3rd on our list, will go down in history as one of the finest ever by a female vocalist. The final verse, “Walk on, walk on / With hope in your heart / And you’ll never walk alone / You’ll NEVER walk alone.” Anthemic, Monumental!
Link # 1 Original recording, her eponymous debut album.
933. 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER (1975)
Vocalist: Paul Simon / Drum riff Steve Gadd / Chorus (Patti Austin / Valerie Simpson / Phoebe Snow)
Writer/Composer: Paul Simon (Paul Simon (1975)
No matter how you cut it Paul Simon continues his remarkable staying power on the musical landscape as a singer / songwriter. His 7th number on our list is also a classic example of his enduring career, which goes back to the early 1960s, extending into the 2020s, over 60 years. From the album Still Crazy After All These Years, comes a jazzy worldwide hit, pushed along by Gadd’s drum riff, almost in military-style fashion, and backed by stellar voices, and Paul’s genius in writing, “The problem is all inside your head / She said to me / The answer is easy if you / Take it logically / I’d like to help you in your struggle / To be free / There must be 50 ways to leave your lover.” His smooth, clever vocals present this as confused ‘elastic’ back & forth love song, appealing to Pop / Jazz / Folk fans…Exquisite, with Elite Style!
Link # 1 Orignal Music video 1975. Link # 2 Live Concert in Hyde Park London England.
932. HERE AND NOW (1989)
Vocalist: Luther Vandross
Writer/Composer: David Elliot / Terry Steele / Charles White (1989)
Very few vocalists achieved the acceptance, the recognition (crowd response), and the fame as this American Soul / R#B / Pop singer, with his 2nd entry on our list. One music critic refered to Luther as the “romantic soul maestro.” This Grammy Award-winning song in 1991 was the quintessential romantic song of the year, overflowing with feelings of love, sincerity, warmth and longing. The song concludes, “Here and now, oh / I promise to love faithfully (Faithfully) / You’re all I need / Here and now, yeah / I vow to be the one with thee / You and me, yeah / Your love is all I need.” Women’s hearts in his worldwide audiences would swoon and melt, with his rich, peaceful, smooth and unmistakable voice, a unique tenor sound described as the ‘Velvet Voice’ of his generation…Beyond Compare!
Link # 1 Original recording 1989. Link # 1 Live performance at Royal Albert Hall in London 1994.
931. SOLITUDE (1952)
Vocalist: Billie Holiday / Oscar Petersen piano / Ray Brown bass / Barney Kessel guitar
Writer/Composer: Duke Ellington / Eddie DeLange / Irving Mills (1934)
What is it that seems to attract ‘Lady Day’s vocals to such accolades and recognition with the passing of time? She transcended all events in her sadly tragic lifestyle, changing Jazz / Blues forever! It could be her ability to take a Jazz / Pop song and rework it, re-invent it, and thereby present it a new song. Her little over 25-year recording career as a singer / songwriter and interpreter is legendary, she didn’t play a musical instrument—she BECAME one! Her childlike soprano vocals, certainly not known for histrionics or multiple octaves, continue to soar into this 21st Century, maybe more than any other singer. Her influence, eloquent phrasing, her improvisation skills, her tempo, and unique delivery of the American Songbook, made her an anomaly of sorts, as this song clearly shows…Sobering, yet Eternal!
Link # 1 Original recording 1952.
930. ME QUEDO CONTIGO (I Stay with You) (2018)
Vocalist: Rosalia (Rosalia Vila Tobella) & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Crescencio Ramos Prada / Enrique Salazar (1957)
This beautiful Spanish song about the power of love is delivered on a golden platter by Rosalia, one of the most popular, recognized and respected singers in this 21st century today. She’s a Spanish vocalist, musician and songwriter—she’s become a world sensation! As a Pop star, she has perhaps excelled to diva status because of her ability to embrace Pop, Folk, Flamenco, Reggae and Avant-guard genres, and with such inescapable ease. She uses her 2 to 3 octave alto / soprano range to maximize emotion, sultriness, power and her persona…Absolutely Astonishing and Overwhelming!
929. WEDDING BELL BLUES (1969)
Vocalist: The Fifth Dimension (Marilyn McCoo lead)
Writer/Composer: Laura Nyro (1966)
The fabulous 5th Dimension was not a flash in the pan, they were gifted vocalists that really brought joy and happiness to their unique sound. What did stand out was the remarkably versatile and beautiful vocals of lead singer, Marilyn McCoo. She shines with an energetic, happy-go-lucky smile, and an astonishing 3 to 4-octave range, capable of Pop / Soul / R&B and the American Songbook. They took this song to the top of the Pop charts, and the group’s output in the late 1960s through the 70s was ever present. McCoo was a singer / TV personality and actress—she emceed Solid Gold musical variety show for a whole year. Listen to the lyrics—she’s literally begging ‘Bill’ to please marry her, quite a difference from today’s culture…Light, Breezy, and Whimsical!
Link # 1 Official music video 1969. Link # 2 Live performance 1970.
https://youtu.be/Wnl7myr-fIM?si=D_9lYW8LXnhQ-RX5
https://youtu.be/JFxS_MYJSOA?si=lnxFo7xXwFspVU34
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928. FOR THE GOOD TIMES (1970)
Vocalist: Ray Price & chorus
Writer/Composer: Kris Kristofferson (1968)
Most Country artists would be glad to have this selection as their signature song, for its beautiful melody and harmony. His 2nd listed song and its sad message make it one of the most enduring songs of all time, crossing over into the Pop charts and making an indelible mark in his return to the top. A Nashville orchestra backs him up with a lush string selection, making this song the one launching the career of Kris Kristoffersson as a major songwriter. His layered harmony further distanced him from his Honky Tonk persona of the 1950s. His intro verse, “Don’t look so sad / I know it’s over / But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning / Let’s be glad we had some time to spend together / There’s no need to watch the bridges that we’re burning,” is a stunner…Flawless, Intimate and Touching!
Link #1 - Original recording 1970. Link #2 - Live performance 1971.
927. MONA LISA “Captain Carey U.S.A.” (1950)
Vocalist: Nat King Cole / Les Baxter Orch. (Arranged by Nelson Riddle)
Writer/Composer: Jay Livingston / Ray Evans / C. M. de Aguilar (1949)
Some music purists considered this his greatest song—it was a juggernaut Pop hit for Nat King Cole, an instant classic. His vocal prowess, his smooth baritone, and his absolute perfect phrasing cannot be denied with his 6th song on our list. The song was a smash, 1950’s biggest Pop hit record, and a worldwide sensation. Now considered Pop / Jazz, the beautiful orchestral arrangement fits its romantic theme perfectly—it also won the 1950 Oscar for Original Song. Nat’s wondrous velvety voice is on full display again. The finale, “Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep / They just lie there, and they die there / Are your warm, are you real, Mona Lisa / Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art? / Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa.” Romance at its zenith, but full of questions…Unquestionably Magnificent!
Link # 1 Original recording, remastered 1950. Link # 2 Live Performance in color early 1960s.
926. SERENADE “Serenade” (1956)
Vocalist: Mario Lanza (Alfredo A. Cocozza) / and chorus
Writer/Composer: Sigmund Romberg / Dorothy Donnelly / Rudolf Shanzer / Ernst Welisch (1924)
He was the most famous, sought after, applauded, influential, and demanding Opera vocalist in the world in the late 1940s, and that musical mindset continued through the 1950s. However, he chose a movie career instead of the World Opera stage, much to the chagrin of Opera purists. Result—his good looks, acting between songs, and persona led to massive success, even crossing into Pop music with several of songs making it on the Pop charts. His 2nd entry on our list proves his versatility and his booming, powerful, crystal-clear voice, made believers out of even the most jaded listeners. This song should be ranked higher…Bellissimo!
Link #1 From the movie “Serenade” Link #2 From the movie “The Student Prince”
