800-776-Great Vocals
800. SCARLET RIBBONS (For Her Hair) (1959)
Vocalist: The Browns (lead Jim Ed Brown) with Maxine & Bonnie Brown
Writer/Composer: Everlyn Danzig / Jack Segal (1958)
This Country / Folk trio made a big splash in 1958-60 with their beautiful melodious sound, a crossover hit contributing to the Nashville Sound that was so popular in the late 50s and early 1960s. With Jim Ed Brown’s deep, resonant, baritone voice crooning the lead, and with his two sisters singing in glorious, rich backup harmony, the Browns made their mark on music history, selling more singles than any Country group in the early Rock era. They specialized in inspirational, mystical, Gospel type melodies, and suffice to say, it worked, “I peeked in to say goodnight / When I heard my child in prayer / Send dear God, some scarlet ribbons / Scarlet ribbons for my hair.” What an introduction to a beautiful message!…A Moving, Emotional, Listening Experience!
Link # 1 Original recording 1959. Link # 2 Remastered recording video.
799. WE KISS IN THE SHADOW “The King and I” (1953)
Vocalist: Jane Powell
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1951)
With her coloratura soprano voice, her girl next door image, her short stature (5’1”), and her amazing, active song and dance routines in 1940s / 1950s musicals, she was a darling to the fans of the great MGM Musicals in that past era. An American star since childhood with Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor, her career was stellar as a singer, actress and dancer but it was her voice that soared, as she delighted audiences with a beautiful pitch perfect sound that resonated with fans for years, through the 1980s. This Broadway song demonstrates her enviable range—angelic, heavenly and frequently ethereal. For this Theater number, R & H would have approved…Absolutely Dazzling!
Link from Broadway’s The King and I - 1953.
798. YEARNING (1994)
Vocalist: Basia (Trezetrezelewska)
Writer/Composer: Basia Trezetrzelewska (1994)
Polish singer / songwriter Basia’s 4th entry on our list is another hit from her catalogue of excellent albums of the 1980s /1990s. She rode the wave of artists in that era who composed and performed, her music was excellent as she kept Jazz / Latin / Soul / Pop in her repertoire. Her 3 to 4 octaves were astonishing in their ethereal, high-voltage tracks, and her contralto to soprano vocals—a very requested marvel to listen to. Her choice of musicians was impeccable as well as her backup singers. This selection left her fans in disarray of sorts as they tried to figure out the meaning of the complex, lengthy song. Perhaps the theme is, “What’s the use of distant travel if only to / Discover you’re homeless in your heart / But I’m yearning no more / ‘Cause I found my home in you.” …A Euphoric Experience!
Link # 1 Official audio 1994. Link # 2 Live Performance in Warsaw, Poland 1994.
797. FEELING GOOD “The Roar of Greasepaint. the Smell of the Crowd” (2005)
Vocalist: Michael Buble
Writer/Composer: Anthony Newley / Leslie Bricusse (1964)
This Canadian singer / crooner is an enormously popular baritone artist with great stage presence and technical vocal abilities, allowing him to be one of the best interpreters in the 21st century of the American Songbook. He can easily move from baritone to tenor within his vocal range and his smooth resonant voice appeals to fans of all musical tastes and genres. Primarily a Pop icon and a great showman, his career has taken him from the 2000s to the present, resulting in millions of records sold. This particular Broadway tune shows off his musical prowess as an example of his ability to make this selection his own. He is also known for bringing back the classics, like this one…Simply Sensational!
Link # 1 Original music video 2005. Link # 2 Live performance in 2005.
796. TRUE COLORS (1986)
Vocalist: Cyndi Lauper (Cynthia Lauper)
Writer/Composer: Tom Colors / Billy Steinberg (1986)
What can we say about one of the most unique, distinctive, recognizable, Pop voices is the history of music? Her 2nd song on our list is perhaps remarkable because her so-called “little girl’s voice” is appealing, forgiving and encouraging her love to restore the self-esteem that’s necessary to feel self-fulfilled. Her range within her contralto voice is superlative among vocalists, as she works within her 4 octaves. She is an American singer / composer / actress / activist who’s been active over 40 years, sold more than 50 million records worldwide, and from her debut album, She’s So Unusual, was the first female vocalist to have 4 top 20 hits in her first album. “If this world makes you crazy / And you’ve taken all you can bear / You call me up / Because you know I’ll be there.” Sparkling and Luminous!
Link # 1 Official audio 1986. Link # 2 Live performance on Letterman 1986.
795. FOREVER YOUNG (1988)
Vocalist: Rod Stewart
Writer/Composer: Jim Cregar / Kevin Saviger /Bob Dylan / Rod Stewart (‘74-1988)
Britian’s Rod Stewart’s 2nd song on our list is a labor of love, a Pop / Folk / Soft Rock ballad celebrating his heartfelt love for his children. By re-inventing Bob Dylan’s classic song, he sails into uncharted waters, adding beautifully crafted messages in a positive, proud, wonderful, vocal performance. “May the good Lord be with you / Down every road you roam / And may sunshine and happiness / Surround you when you’re far from home / And may you grow to be proud / Dignified and true / And do unto others / as you’d have done to you.” What an intro—the love song becomes anthemic, with poetic, truthful, even spiritual values, very brave for the times we live in, and a far cry from Tonight’s the Night. Rod displays his raspy, endearing, convincing and sincere style…Magnificent in a Touching Way!
Link # 1 Official music video 1988. Link # 2 Live Performance 1994.
794. THAT LUCKY OLD SUN (Just Rolls Around Heaven All day) (1949)
Vocalist: Frankie Laine (and chorus)
Writer/Composer: Beasley Smith / Haven Gillespie (!949)
America’s Frankie Laine had one of the longest careers in Pop music history, from the 1940s through the 1990s, and his strong, powerful, distinctive voice was an exercise in perseverance and longevity. His appealing, beloved, and fearless vocals displayed great showmanship, embracing the Folk / Pop / Blues / R & B / Jazz and Country genres, something very few artists accomplished. This song, a #1 hit and his 2nd on our list, is a great example, in the form of a Folk / Prayer, full of Blues, appealing to God to ease the pain. Many have covered this song, but it is clearly his, yearning, pleading, supplicating performance for the relief of toil, hard labor and old age…A Monumental Vocal!
Link # 1 His 1949 hit with chorus. Link # 2 He re-recorded it in 1957 with Paul Weston’s orchestra.
793. THE CLOSER YOU GET (1983)
Vocalist: Alabama (lead Randy Owen)
Writer/Composer: J.P, Pennington / Mark Gray (1981)
Perhaps the most successful group in American Country music history, this four-man group’s career from the about 1970 on was a mainstay on American Country / Rock radio, often crossing over into the Pop top 40. No group even comes close to their 33 number 1 songs, and their later career, even into the 1990s, didn’t slow down—if they lost a member through death, he was replaced, and they continued into the 2020s playing concert hall venues. Randy Owen and his cousins formed the group, and fans were drawn largely to the powerful, “muscular,” edgy, gritty voice of Owen, and the agility of the backup singers to harmonize with him of almost any of their compositions. “The closer I get, the further I fall / I’ll be over the edge now, in no time at all.” What a start, a Remarkable, Singalong Song!
Link # 1 Original music video 1983. Link # 2 Live performance video 1983.
792. DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY (1988)
Vocalist: Bobby McFerrin
Writer/Composer: Bobby McFerrin (1988)
This award-winning song may have started out as a Novelty tune, but its production and composition likely put in in a Jazz / R&B / Pop / Reggae category, and its over-the-top delivery was a labor of love, a work of art. Grammy Award-winning Record, Song and best Pop male performance of the year, the song still took a lot of heat from critics, “worst song of the year, or decade”—they clearly had too much time on their hands. He used no instruments! By laying down 8 different vocal tracks, imitating the instruments, splicing them together, working out the intricacies in full harmony, it was clearly great craftsmanship, skill and production. The world could use some positive messages, “Here’s a little song I wrote / You might want to sing it note for note / Don’t worry / Be happy.” An A Capella Crown Jewel!
791. NO ONE ELSE ON EARTH (1992)
Vocalist: Wynonna (Judd) & chorus (Christina Claire Ciminella)
Writer/Composer: Jill Colucci / Stewart Harris / John Lorber (1992)
The Judds, Naomi (mother) and Wynonna (daughter), were among the most successful female duos in Country music history. Little did they know that Wynonna’s solo career would take off in the 1990s and 2000s, producing multiple #1 songs and a worldwide following. On her own after her mother’s health decline, her vocals captured the heart of Country / Rock / Blues / Soul / Gospel fans everywhere, and this selection has a dynamic Country / Rock style that soars. Her smokey, sassy growl and authoritative, contralto vocals are full-throated, appealing and totally unique, an enigmatic style that seems limitless and without boundaries. She dominates vocally within her use of her 2 octaves, seeming to reach way beyond her range with her power and delivery…A Spectacular Performance!
Link # 1 Official music video 1992. Link # 2 Live Rocking performance, several years later,
790. CAN I CHANGE MY MIND (1968)
Vocalist: Tyrone Davis
Writer/Composer: Barry Despenza / Carl Wolfolk (1968)
From its very beginning, with its lead-in Bluesy musical intro, we’re hooked. “Ah, she didn’t bat an eye / As I packed my bags to leave / I thought she would start to cry / Or sit around my room and grieve.” This classic R&B / Soul / Pop classic was a marvel, with great instrumental interludes and a unique Blues vocal by Tyrone Davis. Surrounding himself with great Blues musicians, this debut song was a monster hit, paving the way for a career that would take him into the 1990s. His voice, some say similar in tone to Jerry Butler, was a perfect baritone for blues, with a quivering vibrato, and a bit grit, and just enough growl to be classed as “sensual.” His distinctive delivery made his hits of the 70s cross over into the Pop market—he really knew how to sing songs of loss and regret…Simply Exhilarating!
Link # 1 Original recording 1968. Live performance 1969.
789. YOU’D BETTER COME HOME (1965)
Vocalist: Petula Clark & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Tony Hatch (1965)
She sailed through her hit-making 1960s with her 2nd entry on our list, not as a Rock singer, but as the U.K.’s premier female Pop artist. She became the best-selling (over 70 million records and counting) British singer / actress / composers and perhaps, Britain’s most recognized and celebrated female singers in the world. She also had one of the longest careers of any entertainer, ever, 85 years from a child actress until 2020. As part of “British invasion” that would transform the music business for years to come, her fame lent itself to movie musicals, and many TV appearances. Her “cloud-breaking” alto vocals worked within 2+ octaves, and she possessed a pure, perfect, unique clarity unlike anyone else in the 20th century. In this number, she begs her love to come back…Aching, and Unrelenting!
788. WILD HORSES (2009)
Vocalist: Susan Boyle
Writer/Composer: Mick Jagger / Keith Richards (1970)
One of the best examples of re-inventing a an obscure song is the reworking of this Rolling Stone’s offering from their 1970 album, Sticky Fingers. Susan’s meteoric rise to fame is one of music’s greatest modern fairy tales, a Cinderella story from the total obscurity of an unknown Scottish village to her first appearance on TVs Britain’s Got Talent. Her first album, I Dreamed a Dream, sold better than 10 million copies worldwide, more than any album in the UK’s history. Her albums achieved a cult following as well, becoming the first female artist to achieve 3 successive #1 debut albums. Within her amazing 2 to 3 octave, mezzo-soprano voice, she displays passion and distinctive richness, not vocal acrobatics, enabling her to soar like an eagle in the celestial firmament…A Legendary Achievement!
787. LEAN ON ME (1972)
Vocalist: Bill Withers
Writer/Composer: Bill Withers (1972)
This song continues to live on through the decades by its popular, inspirational and encouraging message—He hit the jackpot with this monster R&B / Soul / Blues / Pop hit, worldwide! American singer / songwriter Bill Withers had a musical career spanning 30 years, and his purposeful, soothing baritone voice was a mainstay as a familiar voice during the 1970s - 1980s. R&B / Soul voices came in all sizes, shapes, and sounds in the creative and artistic decade of the 1970s, and Bill was a regular presence in music in that time. His vocals have been described as “sumptuous,” with a flair for sincerity, confidence and thoughtful believability, not with power or vibrato, but with a meaningful, trustworthy sound, folksy, yet convincing…Simply Noble, Positive, Spiritual!
Link # 1 Original recording 1972. Link # 2 Live performance 1974.
786. THE JOKE (2018)
Vocalist: Brandi Carlile
Writer/Composer: Brandi Carlile / Phil Hanseroth / Tim Hanseroth / Dave Cobb (2018)
This award-winning song, Brandi’s 2nd on our list, has really picked up momentum in recent years—a Folk / Rock / Country / Americana anthem for those marginalized by society. From her album By the Way, I Forgive You, she has reached superstar status, even being compared to Joni Mitchell. She is also a multi-instrumentalist and producer, but it’s her pitch perfect voice that has such worldwide appeal—a stunning contralto to mezzo soprano. She effortlessly can ride the wave through 3 to 4 octaves, with a rich, true, rugged voice…She remains to be…Awesome and Steadfast!
Link # 1 Official music video 2018, Link # 2 Live performance Studio A 2019.
785. RECONDITA ARMONIA “Tosca” (1958)
Vocalist: Placido Domingo (National Philharmonic Orch / Eugene Kohn cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1900)
The great Spaniard, Placido Domingo has been gracing the Opera and Classical music scene since from the mid-1950s through the 1990s, and we present this selection as his 5th entry on our list. What can one say? Salute! Bravo! More! More! He astonishes us with his deep, rich, resonant and powerful voice. With over 150 leading roles in his repertoire, almost all major Operas, he has been one of the most recognized, applauded and celebrated tenors in music history. His influence is remarkable, and he can act!…Moving and Stupendous!
784. DON’T FORBID ME (1956)
Vocalist: Pat Boone & chorus
Writer/Composer: Charles Singleton (1956)
Pat Boone came on the musical landscape in 1955, and before 1964, had over 60 Pop recordings and 6 # 1 hits. Only Elvis Presley sold more records in that span of time as he became one of the top Pop / Country / Showtune / Novelty / singers in the free world. His popularity almost ran parallel with Elvis—his squeaky-clean, good looks and his pure, unique, deep baritone voice even made him a prime candidate for the movies and television. His first entry on our list is remarkable—it was just as popular among the R&B / Soul crowd, however, he took some heat from music purists for taking black artists hits and turning them into huge block- buster hits of his own—for example, Fats Domino’s Ain’t That a Shame in 1956. Still his vocals took on a life of their own…An Amazing, Thrilling Performance!
783. LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD (1983)
Vocalist: Pat Benatar (Patricia Mae Andrzejewski)
Writer/Composer: Holly Knight / Mike Chapman (1983)
Sometimes American female Rocker / songwriters can really sing—and her mezzo-soprano, 4+octave voice is living proof! This Award-winning Rock song demonstrates her vocal range, her split-second phrasing, and her ability to reach her audience with full confidence and charisma. It’s been said that she could have mastered any musical genre since she had Classical training—she chose Rock, winning four Grammys in a row for best female Rock performance. Her vocals are astonishing, with equal resonant use of chest and head voice, and she along with Ann Wilson and Linda Ronstadt, dominated female Rock in the 70s and 80s. As of 2010, she could still belt out those seismic, crystal-clear lyrics. Her strongest era was 1979-1989. Her loyal fan base kept her in the spotlight…Wow! Phenomenal!
Link # 1 Original audio recording 1983. Link # 2 Live performance 1983.
782. LA CHARREADA - La Charros - (The Cowboys) (1987)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt
Writer/Composer: Felipe Bermejo (1986)
From her first Mexican / Spanish language album, Canciones de Mi Padre, (My Father’s Songs), in a traditional Mariachi style, we begin to realize what a gifted artist Linda really is, with her 8th entry on our list, and with a complete Latino audience in mind. It’s amazing and glorious, as she goes back to her Tucson, Arizona childhood, her very beginning. She doesn’t hold back, she sings full measured, holding those notes with power, joy, quivering vibrato and reckless abandon. She’s fearless, not afraid to recapture her roots…Undeniable, Unrelenting Bravado!
781. HOW CAN I BE SURE (1967)
Vocalist: The Young Rascals (lead Eddie Brigati)
Writer/Composer: Felix Cavaliere / Eddie Brigati (1967)
With a strong run from the latter half of the 1960s, making their mark during music’s British Invasion, the Young Rascals (later the Rascals,) an American 4-piece Rock / Pop / R&B / Blue-eyed Soul band, rode the waves with distinction. These fine musicians held their own with two great lead vocalists, and most of their amazing hits came with Felix Cavaliere taking the lead—this was all Brigati. The song, now considered a Soft-Rock / Blue-eyed Soul hit, became a huge hit in the Pop market, with its piano intro and Eddie’s fine tenor, 2+octave singing. His falsetto transition was as smooth as silk, and the tune was carried by a concertina accordion, making it very unique for a romantic number for its time. They were constant hit-makers into the psychedelic era…A Stunning Eclectic Classic!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live appearance Ed Sullivan 1968.
780. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY “For Your Eyes Only” (1981)
Vocalist: Sheena Easton
Writer/Composer: Bill Conti / Mick Leeson (1981)
Very few vocal artists had such a sensational breakout performance that captured the world so quickly as this Scottish singer. Her 3+ octave voice got everyone’s attention, and she excelled as a singer for more than 30 years. She became synonymous with beautiful looks with a beautiful voice to match, singing in concerts, in duets, and recording great hits that showcased her astounding vocal performances. This Movie Song displays her clear, unique, phenomenal vocal range, making it apparent why she rapidly conquered Pop, Synthpop, Rock, R&B and Blues. Her voice soars into heavenly heights along with great charisma and personality…Just listen…Lofty and Electrifying!
Link # 1 Original recording for the movie credits 1981. Link # 2 Live performance in Hollywood 1982.
779. THE LOGICAL SONG (1979)
Vocalist: Supertramp (Roger Hodgson) (saxophone Aaron MacDonald)
Writer/Composer: Roger Hodgson (1978)
This 5-piece, British Rock band was exceptional in crafting out melodies and musical set pieces, with great vocal harmony and musical skill that appealed to audience and the public alike. They fused Rock, Progressive Rock, Pop and Jazz and their album, Breakfast in America, proved to be one of the most unique albums of the 1970s / 1980s, as fans respnoded by filling stadiums and concerts venues. MacDonald’s sax solos, lead singer Hodgson’s vocals and keyboard work drew fans, with his high, tenor voice and falsetto. The chorus runs deep, “There are times when all the world’s asleep / The questions run too deep / For such a simple man / Won’t you please, please tell what we’ve learned? / I know it sounds absurd / Please tell me who I am.”…A Spellbinding Wonder!
Link # 1 Official music video 1979. Link # 2 Live from Paris France 1980.
778. DON’T YOU KNOW (1959)
Vocalist: Della Reese
Writer/Composer: Bobby Worth (1959)
Originally adapted from the La Boheme aria “Musetta’s Waltz,” this Jazz / R&B / Pop recreation was also a minor hit for Sammy Kaye in 1952, entitled, “You.” As an American Jazz / Soul / R&B singer and actress, she takes it into uncharted waters from her first RCA album of the same name. This song, and her full-measured, larger-than-life vocal became her biggest hit, an astonishing record that sports a “Classical” sound and a charismatic vocal delivery. It was massive hit, only because Bobby Darin’s #1 hit wouldn’t budge, and it gained her international acclaim, allowing her astonishing phrasing and power-packed performance to catch everyone’s undivided attention. The last verse says it all, “Don’t you know / Every beat of my heart keeps crying out / I want you so / Don’t you— know?!”…Simply Shattering!
777. THEN HE KISSED ME (1963)
Vocalist: The Crystals (lead Delores “LaLa” Brooks)
Composer/Writer: Ellie Greenwich / Jeff Barry / Phil Spector (1962)
American female vocal groups really soared in popularity from the late 1950s well into the late 60s, and the Crystals had a run of great Rock / R&B / Pop recordings in that era. This 4-girl act was one of the defining acts at the time, with 3 different lead singers and strong vocal harmony about the excitement and despair of young girls falling in love—(nearly all girl group songs were about falling in love.) This Rock / Pop / R&B classic stands on its own for its vocals and production by Phil Spector, “his wall of sound.” LaLa Brooks’ vocalizing was spot on for this tune with her 2-octave, contralto, “sugary” voice, and as the lead in some of the Crystal’s biggest hits, she expressed a great maturity in her youthful vocals—she was only 16 when recording this song…Absolutely Amazing!
Link # 1 Original recording 1963. Link 2 L #ive featuring LaLa Brroks.
776. ZIP-A DEE-DOO-DAH “Song of the South” (1946)
Vocalist: James Baskett
Writer/Composer: Allie Wruble / Ray Gilbert (1946)
It’s sad looking back at the controversy in today’s sensitive world at how history has treated this wonderful, heartwarming song. From the 1946 partially animated movie Song of the South, James Baskett as Uncle Remus sings this song to perfection, encouraging children to look at the bright side of life, not cling to the negative things of our past. The lyrics, harmless, encouraging, and expressive, display his amazing baritone vocal performance as a crown jewel. Example, “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah zip-a-dee-a / My oh my, what a wonderful day / Plenty of sunshine headed my way / Zip-a-dee-doo-dah zip-a-dee-a.” The 1940s were different, everyone was glad that World War II was over! This award-winning song stands on its own as a tribute to this Pop Movie classic…Simply Enchanting!
Link - A clip from Walt Disney’s Song of the South 1946.
