875-851-Great Vocals
875. OUTBOUND PLANE (1991)
Vocalist: Suzy Bogguss
Writer/Composer: Nanci Griffith / Tom Russell (1988)
We acknowledge the 1990s as being the breakout decade when Country / Western music went global, crossing way over into the Pop mainstream. From her album Aces in 1990, this song was a breakthrough hit for Suzy, and she had her share of American hits, joining Trisha Yearwood, and Mary Chapin-Carpenter among others. She presented us with her 2+octave, mezzo-soprano voice and took this Nanci Griffith tune as a Country / Folk / Pop sensation, showing she could deliver fast-paced, wordy, Country guitar licks as good as anyone around. The chorus says it all, “And I don’t wanna be standin’ here / And I don’t wanna be talkin’ here / And I don’t really care who’s to blame / ‘Cause if love won’t fly on its own free will, / It’s gonna catch that outbound plane.” Wow! Exceptionally Surreal!
Link # 1 Original recording 1991. Link # 2 Live performance c.1998.
874. I GOT LOVE “Purlie Victorious” (1970)
Vocalist: Melba Moore (Beatrice Melba Smith)
Writer/Composer: Peter Udall / Gary Geld (1970)
Melba’s sensational voice matches her sensational arrival in the Broadway musical play in which she played Lutiebelle, her award-winning vocal performance in Purlie. She brought in her 3 to 5 octave voice to give the 1970s a good start, and she still sings, does concerts and performs even now. over 50 years later. She has taken vocal exercises to try and maintain those high notes, most of which she can still hold longer than most recording artists. Her vocals transcend many genres, Soul / R&B / Jazz / Showtunes / Disco and Gospel. Her career highlights her longevity, stamina, endurance and vocal power, as she displays it with this number…Absolutely Dazzling!
Link # 1 Excerpt from Purlie in 1970. Link # 2 Live performance on Ed Sullivan 1971.
873. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL (1956)
Vocalist: Shirley and Lee (Leanard Lee / Shirley Goodman)
Writer/Composer: Leonard Lee / Shirley Goodman (1956)
This is considered by many to be the original Rock and Roll / R&B classic, the first ever to be a hit record by a duo in the spring of 1956. Considered by some to be too ‘racy’ or alluring, some Pop radio stations just wouldn’t play it, ask Jerry Lee Lewis. But the time was right and this duo really had a hit with its punchy piano / bass / drum intro and its familiar sax solo which so identified early Rock records. Remarkably, both sang in a high alto / tenor, sounding a whole lot alike, Shirley with a youthful, childish sound, Leonard with his Soulful, commanding voice, and punctuated by Earl Palmer’s timely drumming. “Come on baby, Let the good times roll / Come on baby let me thrill your soul / Come on baby, let the good times roll / Roll all night long.” You be the judge…Amazing, Nostalgic!
Link tied to original recording 1956.
872. SUNDAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME (1967)
Vocalist: Spanky and Our Gang (lead Elaine “Spanky” MacFarland) (lead Arranger Jimmy Wisner)
Writer/Composer: Terry Cashman / Gene Pistilli (1967)
This Amertican 5-person vocal group had a strong lead singer in Elaine MacFarland, who some thought was similar to Mama Cass of the Mamas & Papas. Made up generally of one female and four males, they fit in well with the Pop / Soft Rock crowd of the mid-1960s and were known for sweet harmonies and melodies, leading to multiple hits in that era. The opening words captivated many rigtht from the start, “I remember Sunday morning / I would meet him at the park / We’d walk together hand in hand / Til it was almost dark.” With Elaine’s rich alto voice, they attracted the teen and the adult fans immediately. The band failed to gain the momentum to sustain their popularity after their second album in 1968, and soon went into hiatus, but their songs live on…A Treat…Adorably Beguiling!
Link - Original recording 1967.
871. LITHIUM (2006)
Vocalist: Evanescence (Amy Lee)
Writer/Composer: Amy Lee (2006)
If a 21st century song by a female Rock / Alt Rock / Metal Rock artist ever covered the feelings of depression / uncertainty, and euphoria that seems to only be relieved by lithium, chemically or symbolically, and if there’s an ultimate escape, this is it! Her incredible vocal talent comes through again in this soaring, swooning, roller coaster ride of a song, here with her 3rd offering on our list. She seems to sing in a perplexed state, “I can’t hold on to me / wonder what’s wrong with me?” Perhaps her confusion comes from this power ballad’ s constantly angst state, but we ignore that, as she takes us through 3 to 4 octaves in a start / stop / sudden shift with thunderous guitars and drums, and their ability to stop on a dime—a true test to one of the greatest soprano singers of the 21st century…Simply Mesmerizing!
Link # 1 Origninal music video 2006. Link # 2 Live acoustic performance 2007.
870. WIND BENEATH MY WINGS “Beaches” (1988)
Vocalist: Bette Midler
Writer/Composer: Larry Henley / Jeff Silbar
This award-winning song reaches hearts, thus it’s considered her signature song. The movie was an iconic tear-jerker, but in reality, it was more than that—today many consider it one of the best songs written about loyalty in friendship. The chorus says it all, “Did you ever know that you’re my hero / And everything I’d like to be / I can fly higher than an eagle / For you are the wind beneath my wings.” Bette became known as the “Divine Miss M,” showcasing her talent as an actress / singer / performer / comedienne / TV star. She took on all musical genres such as an alto Pop / R&B / Big Band and Jazz, even the American Songbook. Her career from 1970 on saw her set trends and take on any kind of musical challenge. This selection…Deeply Moving!
Link - The official music video.
869. REUNITED (1979)
Vocalist: Peaches & Herb (Linda Green Tavani) & (Herb Fame/ (Feemster))
Writer/Composer: Dino Fekaris / Freddie Perrin 1978)
One of the gloriously beautiful love ballads of 1978 / 79 was this wonderful number by the R&B vocal duo, Peaches & Herb. The vocal act had been on the fringes of success since it formed in 1966, but after several exchanges of the lead female vocalist, the die was cast, and the song was one of the biggest hits of the year. The blending of Herb’s high tenor to falsetto voice, and Peaches’ lovely, mezzo soprano vocals, was a thing of beauty. The chorus, “Reunited and it feels so good / Reunited ‘cause we understood / There’s one perfect fit / And, sugar, this one is it / We both are so excited ‘cause we’re reunited, hey, hey” seemed a perfect fit, appealing to all R&B / Soul / Pop / Soft Rock, even Disco audiences as well. Some consider it among the cream of the crop for 20th duets…Extremely Endearing!
Link - Original Audio / Video performance 1978.
868. ON BROADWAY (1978)
Vocalist: George Benson
Writer/Composer: Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil / Jerry Lieber / Mike Stoller (1963)
George Benson’s version, is a different composition from The Drifters earlier take in 1963, for his 2nd entry on our list, a great example of his Grammy-winning entry in 1979, of R&B at its best. He demonstrates it all here, vocally appealing to Soul / Pop / Jazz / Blues, showcasing his Jazz guitar skills. What a wonder! That beat takes us in immediately, “Da do. do / da do. da do, / They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway / They say there’s always magic in the air / But when you’re walking down that street / And you ain’t had enough to eat / The glitter rubs right off and you’re nowhere.” His delivery is amazingly crystal clear and his phrasing and occasional improvising by scatting is like no one else in the Pop music’s landscape, he’s a true musical innovative genius…Irresistibly Superb!
Link # 1 Original recording 1978. Link # 2 Live performance in the 1980s.
867. SWEET DREAMS (of You) (1963)
Vocalist: Patsy Cline / piano Floyd Cramer
Writer/Composer: Don Gibson (1955)
Her legendary status as perhaps the most significant female Country / Pop voice of the 20th century has never waned, in spite of all the great female voices of the 21st Century. No surprise here, the amazing song also crossed over into Pop, as all of her big hits did. The Don Gibson song was released after her untimely death and was a huge hit. Her emotional, haunting, stunning contralto / soprano vocal seemed more than her swansong, it was a farewell which adds to its power and her perfect phrasing. From the very moment the strings introduce the song, Cramer’s subdued piano prepares us, we know her 5th song on our list is ranked way too low—it’s a masterpiece recording. Her first words, “Sweet dreams of you / Every night I go through.” captivate the listener’s soul…Unparalleled and Incomparable!
Link # 1 Original audio recording 1963. Link # 2 “Sweet Dreams” scene from the 1985 movie.
866. SHOULD’VE BEEN A COWBOY (1993)
Vocalist: Toby Keith (Toby Keith Covel) / Mica Roberts backup
Writer/Composer: Toby Keith (1993)
Another breakout Country hit from the 1990s, was this Toby Keith song, becoming an anthem for parties, covers, concerts, stadiums and sporting events. This catchy, happy-go-lucky tune caught everybody’s ear, not just for its clever lyrics, but for branding itself in the public’s consciousness. It guaranteed Toby’s fame as he recorded multitudes of hits for the next 30 years, many of which crossed over into Pop. He was among the most popular Country singers of his era, signatured by his deep, baritone, crooning voice, always with amazing Rock-a-Billy style. As An American Singer / songwriter / actor, very few artists had more hits than he had. He pays homage to those deserving, “Just like Gene and Roy / Singing those campfire song / Woah, I should’ve been a cowboy.” High-Spirited and Whimsical!
Link # 1 Original recording 1993. Link # 2 Super Bowl XXV 2004.
865. BERNADETTE (1967)
Vocalist: Four Tops (Levi Stubbs lead) / The Andantes (additional backing voices)
Writer/Composer: Brian Holland / Lamont Dozier / Ed Holland Jr. (1967)
The song was an ode to unrequited love, from its burning desire to its pledges of undying love, as an alternative to jealousy, “But darling, you belong to me (Bernadette) / I’ll tell the world you belong to me (Ah) / I’ll tell the world, you’re the soul of me (Bernadette) / I’ll tell the world, you’re part of me (Ah) Bernadette!” Just when you think the song’s over, the great Levi Stubbs hold the note, then the fade away occurs. Then song was a huge challenge, difficult to sing, with all the key changes, but amidst “The British Invasion” with all the rock groups, it stood on its own. Their 2nd song on our list featured the dynamic, voluminous baritone of Stubbs at lead, with a very passionate delivery, which was embraced R&B / Soul / Pop / Rock enthusiasts everywhere in the world…Absolutely Monumental!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live stage performance pantomine 1967.
864. SONGBIRD (1977)
Vocalist: Fleetwood Mac (Christine McVie)
Writer/Composer: Christine McVie (1975)
This is the 2nd appearance of this song, and the 5th appearance of Fleetwood Mac. Her heartfelt delivery is stunning, often used to close out their concert tours in the 1970s and 1980s. Many consider this a Folk song rather than Soft Rock, its appeal draws musicians and fans alike—it touches the innate desire we have to love and be loved. She sings her song with such sincerity, with such delicate vulnerability, hitting the emotional nature within, as if she was singing a personal prayer. Her piano accompanies her dream, and it really grows on you… Resplendent!
863. I’VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE “My Fair Lady” (1958)
Vocalist: Johnny Mathis / Percy Faith’s Orchestra
Writer/Composer: Frederick Loewe / Alan Jay Lerner (1956)
Johnny gives new meaning to this now standard classic as he stretches his career from 1957 to 2024—Over 65 years! His smooth, tenor to baritone resonance, his vocal purity and clarity, is stunning as well as legendary. As Sinatra once stated, “He epitomizes class and romance.” Example, he begins—"I’ve grown accustomed to her face / She almost makes the day begin / I‘ve grown accustomed to the tune / She whistles night and noon / Her smiles, her frowns, her ups and downs / Are second nature to me now.” His imagination runs wild with this effervescent 5th hit on our list, as he assesses his come-from-behind relationship. Rex Harrison from the play and movie would surely agree, Johnny doesn’t narrate it—he SINGS it...Wow! Stunning Delivery!
Link - From his album Warm - Stellar vocal quality 1958.
862. A MONTH OF SUNDAYS (1984)
Vocalist: Don Henley
Writer/Composer: Don Henley / Maren Jensen (1984)
The message of this heartrending Folk / Soft Rock song, his 4th on our list, as delivered by this former Eagles frontman, Don Henley, who goes solo this time—it’s a social statement, a nostalgic sad look at days gone by, a true picture of how the advance of progress and urban growth has affected our culture. It also paints a poignant picture the price we had to pay, the real loss of love of neighbor. It touches the heart, pricking our conscience, from the ‘B’ side of his monster hit, The Boys of Summer, making us aware of the constant struggle of the American farmer. He sings this tune with a richness in his rasp, and gives us one of the most Soulful of his long career…Sad to say, you will not hear it here, but seek it out, it should belong on our list! An Absolute Stunner!
Link - No Link, from the “B” side of the Boys of Summer, probably should of have been on Building the Perfect Beast album - Sad situation here, Mr. Henley chooses to remain anonymous on a masterpiece that begs music history to forget its existence and timelessness. Trust me…It’s Blocked! Perhaps you can check Spotify.
861. MON COEUR S’OUVRE a te VOIX (Softly Awakes My Heart) “Samson and Delila” (2010)
Vocalist: Elina Garanca (Berlin Philharmonic Orch. / Gustavo Dudamel cond.)
Writer/Composer: Camille Saint-Saens (1909)
Perhaps the most popular singer ever from the former Russian republic of Latvia, this mezzo-soprano’s vocal performance from this stunning Opera classic, is one of the most enduring and beloved arias of the last century. Playing the part of Delilah in the Biblical account, she sings in a remarkably seductive voice about how romantic their interlude might be as “Night” begins to fall. Her voice is staggering when we consider the vocal control, phrasing and beauty contained within her 3-octave scale. She is without doubt, one of the 21st century’s great artists…A Tour-de-Force!
860. MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS (1974)
Vocalist: Maria Muldaur (Maria D’Amato) / guitar solo Amos Garrett
Writer/Composer: David Nichturm (1973)
The 1970s were a grand time for the introduction of a great many new female vocalists after the long dry spell of feminine sounds in the 1960s. American singer Maria was one the survivors in that period, with her 50 + year career with many albums featuring Jazz / Pop / Folk and / Blues / Soft Rock songs. The song’s beginning is tantalizing, “Midnight at the oasis / Send your camel to bed / Shadows painting our faces / Traces romance in our heads / Heaven’s holding a half moon / Shining just for us / Let’s slip off to a sand dune / Real soon / And kick up a little dust.” She conveys the slightly sensual message with effervescence, sultriness, gorgeous flair, with a early quality of Country Blues. Its Jazzy delivery is infectious, and her delivery just simply grows on you…A Diamond in the Desert!
Link # 1 Original 1974 recording. Link # 2 Live performance, probably a year later.
859. DONNA NON VIDI MAI “Manon Lescaut” (1987)
Vocalist: Jose Carreras (Recardo Chailly cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1893)
This 3rd entry (one with the three tenors) on our great vocals list is well deserved. His story is a heart-warming one—he was diagnosed the year he made this recording with a life-ending form of leukemia and, after a 1 in 10 chance of recovery, he pulled through. Afterward it was his idea to meet, record and perform the “Three Tenors,” and the rest is musical history. With Pavarotti and Domingo, they helped transform how the world viewed Opera. His voice, a beautiful lyric tenor, gave Spain another legendary performer…Very Resplendent!
858. CARRIE ANNE (1967)
Vocalist: The Hollies (lead Alan Clarke)
Writer/Composer: Tony Hicks / Alan Clarke / Graham Nash (1967)
This timepiece that helped identified the British mid-1960s Rock / Folk Rock music scene, took everybody’s breath away, with its impeccable, melodious harmony and the stellar voices of its 3 main songwriters. We have a winner here with each of the three taking a turn with lead, and all joining in on the chorus, “Hey Carrie Anne, what’s your game now? Can anybody play? / Hey Carrie Anne, what’s your game now / Can anybody play?” With all the guesswork in the lyrical verses, all we can do is just go along for the ride, as if we are on a merry-go-round. The high harmony reminds us of Crosby, Stills and (Graham Nash), but the standout vocal is clearly Alan Clarke, with his high, sweet tenor reaching epic proportions. Their 2nd song listed is a great early example of Folk Rock…Simply Sensational!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967.
857. ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK A HEART (1962)
Vocalist: Gene Pitney / & chorus (Chuck Sagle / Orchestra arranger)
Writer/Composer: Hal David / Burt Bacharach (1962)
American singer / songwriter Gene Pitney, one of the best Pop vocalists of the 1960s, was gifted with a voice that transcended most popular male vocalists. He was a sensation from in his era, the 1960s, appealing not only to teens but to mature adults as well. However, as a songwriter he had written the Crystals’ He’s a Rebel which was # 1 at the time, which oddly enough kept this record to lodge at # 2. His amazing gifts, a stunning, unforgettable voice and his remarkable songwriting ability, he was a force in music—his classics, still well respected, endure, yet history has all but forgotten him. He also displays a sad whistle at this song’s beginning and ending. His emotional and somewhat edgy tenor, and his 3-octave voice, he resonated a sound like no other singer of his era…A Magnificent, Epic Pop Song!
Link - Original recording remastered 1962.
856. WOULD? (1992)
Vocalist: Alice in Chains (Jerry Cantrell / Layne Staley chorus)
Writer/Composer: Jerry Cantrell (1988)
When the American Grunge Rock movement began around 1988, it extended the life of Rock music as a genre through the 1990s. The Seattle Grunge sound was a force in record sales, concerts and early streaming through the 2000s. Older generations objected to its hard-driven negative messages, (That’s what happened to the Blues.) This song expresses the loneliness and pain of a best friend and comrade’s suicide, with a finality in the lyrics, “Am I wrong? / Have I run too far to get home? Yeah / Have I gone? / And left you here alone?” This 4-man band was a leader in Grunge and Layne Staley specialized in the pain, anxiety and depression that goes with drug addiction, and sadly checked out on life at 34 years. However, his iconic, mythical, almost 4-octave voice lives on…Astounding and Shattering!
Link # 1 Original audio 1992. Link # 2 From MTV Unplugged Live 1998.
855. THIS WOMAN’S WORK “She’s Having a Baby” (1989)
Vocalist: Kate Bush
Writer/Composer: Kate Bush (1988)
Very few female musical artists have garnered such a loyal following the world over as the now legendary Kate Bush. Very few British female singer / songwriters have influenced music appreciation more than the 4+octave coloratura soprano voice of Kate Bush—She turns whatever recordings she sings into—Pop-Art or Rock-Art = ART! Though her vocals have aged to a little lower tone in the last 50 years, recent recordings still show the skills that captivated audiences from the 1970s until now. We are introduced to this song about having a child and the changing family dynamic, “Pray God you can cope / I stand outside this woman’s work / This woman’s world / Ooh, it’s hard on the man / Now his part is over / Now starts the craft of the father.” This stunning artpiece lives on…Breathtakingly Celestial!
Link # 1 Original e=recording 1988. Link # 2 On BBC - Live performance 1989.
854. CADILLAC OF THE SKIES “Empire of the Sun” (1987)
Vocalist: The Ambrosian Junior Choir / music John Williams
Writer/Composer: John Williams (1987)
The legendary John William exhibits a stroke of genius here with the vocal arrangement from this magnificent film about how a young boy’s imagination helps him endure and survive the terrible conditions of a Japanese prison camp inside China. Young Christian Bale is in practically every scene of the 2 1/2-hour film, but it’s the music of John Williams that creates the drama and suspense that accompany this gorgeous Soundtrack. The Ambrosian Choir lend their angelic, ethereal voices to the action on screen and it’s heavenly, completely standing on its own. Listen and observe—we promise you will not be disappointed… Exhilarating and Inspirational!
Link # 1 John Williams wonderful music score of young Jim saluting the Japanese soldiers. Link # 2 Movie clip from Empire of the Sun as U.S. bombs the Japanese airfield 1987.
853. LONGER (1980)
Vocalist: Dan Fogleberg / fluglehorn something Hey
Writer/Composer: Dan Fogelberg (1979)
From his great album Phoenix, came one of the biggest hits of his career, ‘Longer.’ This simple melody, and its simple, nature-pledged, poetic lyrics were an anomaly of sorts, a huge Pop hit that sort of left the Folk / Rock / Country music behind. The bridge sums it up. “Through the years as the fire starts to mellow / Burning lines in the book of our lives / Through the binding cracks as the pages start to yellow / I’ll be in love with you / I’ll be in love with you.” Critics criticized its sacharrine words, but it was embraced by millions, from college ranks to retired rockers. Final analysis—what’s wrong with eternal sweetness? Its enduring legacy marked a new direction for Dan’s beautiful tenor voice, keeping him relevent through the 1980s with millions of fans. His 4th song listed is…Exquisitely Poignant!
Link # 1 Music video 1979. Link # 2 Live performance 1980.
852. BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED “Pal Joey” (1956)
Vocalist: Ella Fitzgerald (Buddy Bregman arranger / Paul Smith piano)
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart (1940)
Her 5th appearance of our list is a Jazz / Pop standard from the American Songbook. The song was a rarity—almost no two vocalists sang this song alike, in fact, multitudes of artists covered the number, some leaving out entire verses. It’s a treat as a sophisticated, somewhat “turbulent” feeling in a brand-new love, and its slightly naughty message for 1940, we feel this version by Ella is far and away the best example of the joy of singing as a way of human expression. As musical generations generally agree, she lets the words flow with her marvelous enchanting voice, showing total ownership of the song, and this is the long version at seven minutes—and before we know it, it’s over. She had a special gift, as an interpreter of the great songs of the 20th century…A Marvel and a Pleasure!
Link # 1 Original audio performance 1956.
851. RUBY “Ruby Gentry” (1961)
Vocalist: Ray Charles (Marty Paich orch & chorus)
Writer/Composer: Heinz Roemheld / Mitchell Parish (1952)
Dedicated to Ruby, this wonderful and somewhat risky album, “Dedicated to You,” (Ray didn’t know if singing a traditional Jazz / Pop recording with ‘Strings’ would even sell or chart) this song became a big hit. Message? Jazz + Pop + R&B + Soul = Ray Charles. As his 4th song on our list, he owns the most recordings to chart (86) on Billboard’s Hot-100, only Elvis Presley (108) and James Brown (91) have more. This song demonstrates his command of his slightly hoarse delivery, with just enough rasp and vibrato to make us sit up and listen. with beautiful, lush string / choral arrangements. “They say, Ruby you’re like a dream / And though my heart may break / When I awake / Let it be so / I only know, Ruby, it’s you.” Settin up an unstoppable career…Such Resplendent, Luminous Beauty!
Link from orignal album Dedicated To You 1960.
