675-651-Great Vocals
675. GIVING YOU THE BEST THAT I GOT (1988)
Vocalist: Anita Baker
Writer/Composer: Anita Baker / Skip Scarborough / Randy Holland (1988)
Someone once said, “When Anita sings, you don’t just hear it, you feel it.” You can take that statement to the Bank! In the history of U.S. born singer / songwriters, this sophisticated Jazz / Soul piece is pure Anita, and with her 2nd song on our list, she excels in Soul-drenched ballads of love and other “quiet storm” offerings. Her larger-than-life deep contralto, 3+octave voice comes from a mere 4’11” frame, and she can reach celestial heights with her silky, smooth, emotional vocals. This award-winning song was her biggest hit, from her exceptional album, Rapture. She’s widely accepted by Jazz / Soul / R&B / Gospel / enthusiasts. The 1980s / 90s was her best decades…Simply Stunning!
Link # 1 Original recording 1988. Link # 2 Live in concert 1989.
674. WALK RIGHT BACK (1961)
Vocalist: Everly Brothers
Writer/Composer: Sonny Curtis (1961)
By the time the Everlys with their unchallenged splendid harmonies reached the 5th year of their popularity, they sounded…just as good as ever! Their heavenly harmony is display here, and their popularity and hit singles was only surpassed by Elvis Presley, Pat Boone and Ricky Nelson. This was a Country hit, but also a Pop / Rock record as well, explaining the absolute heartache of being lonesome. “I want you to tell me why you walked out on me / I’m so lonesome every day / I want you to know that since you walked out on me / Nothing seems to be the same old way.” This time around they both sing with harmony, together…Perfect Precision for one of the Best Duos Ever!
Link # 1 Official recording 1961. Link # 2 Live in 1961 - the Tennessee Ernie Ford Show 1962.
673. ON MY OWN “Les Misérables” (1993)
Vocalist: Lea Salonga
Writer/Composer: Claud-Michel Schonberg / Alain Boublil / Jean Marc Natel (1980)
Lea Salonga, the Philippine star who is now legendary as a mezzo-soprano singer, graced the theatrical role of Eponine in Les Miz, she captivated our hearts with her power-packed, pitch perfect vocals. Her performance was remarkable, solidifying a career in theater that would span over 40 years—she was only 17 years old when she took on the role. She utilizes her 3+ octaves in a lovely, unrestrained way, using her total control over phrasing, her power and pace. In this number, she starts with an amazing staccato, then softly lowering to bottom registers, and slowly building higher to its finale. She is one of the most accomplished theater singers into the 2010s…Breathtaking Beauty!
Link # 1 Performance from Les Miz in 1993. Link # 2 From the film in 2015.
672. THE LEADER OF THE BAND (1982)
Vocalist: Dan Fogelberg
Writer/Componser: Dan Fogelberg (!981)
This Folk / Rock classic from Dan’s great album The Innocent Age, was a tribute to all fathers who worked hard to keep their sons in a family relationship, winning multitudes of music lovers with his sublime vocal harmony in the chorus. His 3rd entry on our list is a beauty, a song from one of America’s great troubadours that serves a moving, meaningful message. It’s sobering, touching lyrics reach right for the heart, and hit their target lovingly. “My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man / I’m just a living legacy to the leader of the band.”…Beautiful!
671. WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN (1966)
Vocalist: Percy Sledge
Writer/Composer: Calvin Lewis / Andrew Wright (1966)
Something happened in 1966, amidst the British invasion of musical dominance, or as some would say, British musical interference. Percy Sledge released this song…and it made it to #1 on the Pop charts, as well as the R&B charts. His tearful tenor vocal. with his troubled. painful, emotional delivery was embraced by Gospel / Soul / Country categories, as it soared in popularity to gold status. With soft vocals and the Memphis Horns backing him up, the mournful Soul songs became anthemic, covered by multiple artists and highly influential with the passage of time. It probably should rank higher on our list. His best years, 1966-1972…Absolutely Identifiable and Overwhelming!
Link # 1 Original recording 1966. Link # 2 Live performance c. !967.
670. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (1977)
Vocalist: Abba (leads Agnetha Faltskog / Anni-Frid Lyngstad)
Writer/Composer: Benny Andersson / Bjorn Ulvaes (1977)
From Sweden comes one of the most popular Pop quartets of all time, 2 woman and 2 men, and their 2nd entry is on our list. Since the 1970s Abba has shined with a Pop vocals—both rewarding and enduring. Why, you say? Because while the ladies sing the verses and the chorus, the guys repeat the phrase, “take a chance, take a-take chance-chance, take a chance, take a chance.” Together, they make a precious artifact, a song that’s not Novelty, but a Pop song that captures your attention and delivers a stunning Ragga sound, a mirthful, happy, harmonic melody that is satisfies to the ultimate degree. And Faltskog’s solo? Wow! No wonder it went worldwide!…Sparkling and Luminous!
Link # 1 Official music video 1977 Link # 2 Live performance 1979
669. SWINGING ON A STAR “Going My Way” (1944)
Vocalist: Bing Crosby / Williams Brothers Quartet back up (including a young Andy)
Writer/Composer: James Van Heusen / Johnny Burke (1944)
This award-winning piece by American recording artist, Bing Crosby, (with his 5th song listed) is a novelty song that perhaps best describes the lazy easy-going deliveries of all Pop singers during the war years of the 1940s. It didn’t matter what he sang, it was a hit, and from the late 1920s in radio, to the stellar year, 1957, he was the most popular singer / actor on planet Earth. His golden, sincere, smooth, crooning vocals dominated the charts with more hit records than anyone in history. This delightful, silly song had a positive impact on the youth culture at that time, living proof that plain old-fashioned goodness got multitudes of people through the war. This…Nostalgic, Cheery and Beloved!
Link with original recording of the # 1 song.
668. DAYDREAM (1966)
Vocalist: The Lovin’ Spoonful (lead John Sebastian)
Writer/Composer: John Sebastian (1965)
If this song doesn’t raise your spirits, none will! This Pop / Soft Rock classic had a Jug Band music feel to it, and it proved to be influential to the British supergroups at the time as America’s answer to the Beatles. From 1965 through 1968 they were a hit-making machine, with an uncanny ability to have a different sound to every hit, thanks to John Sebastian’s Folk Rock singing and songwriting skills. The novelty of the song appealed to the masses with its Honky-Tonk style piano and its staccato rhythm. Jon’s vocals are amazing, not for his unique sound, but for his use of 2 octaves, which appealed to everyone. In this number he’s all over the musical map…Wow! What an Enjoyable Ride!
Link # 1 Original 1966 recording. Link # 2 Live performance on Ed Sullivan Show 1967.
667. I’LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU (1965)
Vocalist: The Seekers (Lead Judith Durham)
Writer/Composer: Tom Springfield (1964)
This Australian Folk / Pop group became the first Aussie band to sell over a million copies of a single. Lead singer Judith Durham was the sound with her sparkling strong vocals and eternally happy face and sound. They became enormously popular from the mid-1960s and well into the 70s—they were known for their versatility, they were not easy to describe…Pop / Rock / Folk / Blues—they appealed to all, thus for a while they outsold the Beatles and Rolling Stones. They were loved in spite of their squeaky-clean looks…Cherry and Eclectic!
666. ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY) (1972)
Vocalist: Gilbert O’Sullivan
Writer/Composer: Gilbert O’Sullivan (1972)
Gilbert O’Sullivan is an Irish Pop / Soft Rock singer / songwriter / pianist who rose to fame in the early 1970s and had a string of hits that specialized in observational word play…and surprise endings. This song he took to #1, it went international, and its deeply sad and mournful lyrics made many people choke up, especially if they lost someone to death. His sensitivity and his very emotional tenor voice contributed to his well-crafted songs. Who can resist lines such as “Leaving me to doubt / Talk about, God in his mercy, / Oh, if he really does exist / Why did he desert me / In my hour of need / I truly am indeed / Alone again, naturally.” The song is a masterpiece…Sadly Melancholy!
Link # 1 Original recording 1972
665. THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (The Quest) “Man of La Mancha” (1966)
Vocalist: Ed Ames (born Edmund Dantes Urick)
Writer/Composer: Joe Darion / Mitch Leigh
Ed makes his 2nd solo on our list, this time without his Ames Brothers, and this time, he strikes gold! His magnificent baritone really shines here, displaying, power, command, perfect clarity and a robust sincerity in his booming masculine voice. From Broadway’s great musical number comes this power-packed song of commitment, courage and accomplishment, as it makes its 2nd entry as a musical number. His career embraces 40 years and he uses this piece to magnify his presence among the 20th century’s great Pop / Broadway voices. This song brings its meaning to “unreachable highs” and its endurance is perfect for aiming at perfection and attaining it…Inspirationally Magnificent!
664. OUR LOVE IS HERE TO STAY “The Goldwyn Follies” (1953)
Vocalist: NAT KING COLE / Nelson Riddle’s Orchestra
Writer/Composer: George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin (1937)
With Nat King Cole’s 4th entry on our list, we have a Jazz / Pop classic from the American songbook, a beautifully delivered cover as a love ballad from a 1938 movie. as one of the most eloquent voices of the 20th century, he simply couldn’t be beat as a great vocalist for his clarity, phrasing and perfect pitch as a baritone. The 1950s was his spectacular decade, as he, along with his trio, put out record after record, loved by white and black audiences alike. “But, oh, my dear, our love is here to stay / Together we’re going a long, long way / In time the Rockies may crumble / Gibraltar may tumble / They’re only made of clay / But our love is here to stay.” Nat simply croons for everyone…Elegant Splendor!
663. SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A MOTHERLESS CHILD (1936)
Vocalist: Marian Anderson / Franz Rupp piano
Writer/Composer: Fisk Jubilee Singer (c.1870) / This version Franz Rupp / Marian Anderson (1936)
Link - Original recording.
She was an African-American, contralto, 3+ octave singer, instrumental for breaking the color barrier in the U.S. As a celebrated singer in Europe in Opera and Traditional Gospel, she filled the concert halls over there, but it was a long time coming for the U.S. until 1939, when after being rejected by The Daughters of the American Revolution, it was First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who arranged for her to sing at an open-air concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial—the rest is History! All 75,000+ in attendance were astounded by her deep, warm, passionate delivery—it was a momentous, ground-breaking performance that changed everything…Deeply Moving and Inspirational!
662. BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAY (1958)
Vocalist: Rick Nelson (guitar James Burton / keyboards Gene Garf)
Writer/Composer: Dorsey Burnette / Johnny Burnette (1958)
Ricky’s rocket rise to fame was not an anomaly, it was meteoric, from his first recordings in 1957 until the mid-1960s the “British invasion” of American music. His 2nd entry on our list is a remarkable Rock & Roll recording when he was only about 18 years old, so he added a few session players (James Buton exceptional guitar work, Gene Garf’s great piano) and he soared in popularity. Not blessed with a strong, powerful voice, he endured, and got better with every recording, with a smart, animated, and sincere delivery that made the girls swoon. He was on 3 music charts at once with this song, Top 100 Pop, Top R&B and Top Country… a great early Rock ballad…Wow!…Stupendous!
Link - Live performance Ozzie & Harriet Show 1958.
661. JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL (2005)
Vocalist: Carrie Underwood
Writer/Composer: Brent James / Hillary Lindsey / Gordie Sampson (2005)
Things began to really work out for American female Country singers as we passed into the 2000s of the 21st century. Carrie began a long list of Country solos that went to # 1 from her widely acclaimed debut album, Some Hearts, spawning 5 number one hit singles. Her claim to fame has been the versatile control of her 2+octaves, and a light, airy use of a falsetto that works well with her lower register, her character and great showmanship. Enormously popular from 2005 until now, with her catchy songs staying on the charts for months, not weeks, this tune was a crossover Pop hit, about a near death experience with a rushed unspoken prayer—Jesus, take the wheel…Lofty and Celebrated!
Link - Official music video 2005. Live on David Letterman 2006.
660. HALO (2009)
Vocalist: Beyonce (Knowles)
Writer/Composer: Ryan Tedder / Evan Bogart (2008)
Unless you’ve been deserted on a tropic isle, or lived deep in some mineshaft, you’ve heard of Beyonce. She has now been famous as one of the most popular American singer / songwriter / entertainer / businesswomen of the 21st century. She is dubbed “Queen Bey” and has added international status to her fame as a gifted vocalist with a distinctive vocal range and her amazing concert performances. The agility of her mezzo-soprano, 3 to 3.5 octave vocal range is now legendary, and she proved unequivocally, that she has conquered R&B / Soul / Hip-Hop, even Country. She can change octaves at the drop of a pin and is a master of bending the notes. This…One of her best songs…Monumental!
659. BABY MINE “Dumbo” (1941)
Vocalist: Betty Noyes / and Chorus
Writer/Composer: Frank Churchill (1941)
Walt Disney truly touched lives during the 1940s war years. This precious jewel of a Pop song is a lullaby, beautifully delivered by this American singer / actress, in a scene in which Dumbo as a baby is carefully cradled in the arms of her mother, floppy ears and all. It has a heart-breaking effect because as she caresses her baby, she is imprisoned a rolling wagon car, so she uses her trunk. The beautiful, animated scene has very few matches in cinema history, showing a mother’s love for her child, thus explaining the empathetic lump in our throat. The selection stands alone because of her vocal, and the loving, expressive scene captivates each generation…A Timeless, Celebrated Classic!
Link is from Walt Disney’s Dumbo in 1941. Brace Yourself.
658. BORN TO BE WITH YOU (1956)
Vocalist: The Chordettes / Don Roberson (whistles countermelody)
Writer / Composer: Don Robertson (1956)
Many would agree that this American, female quartet was one of the premier melody, harmony groups of the 1950s. Their harmony was especially surreal, with a unique sound that made their recordings not only appealing, but spellbinding. With this selection, their 2nd on our list, they show why—they even hum in harmony! All four sing with extraordinary precision and without a lead this time, with only a guitar’s beautiful, gentle support, and Don Robertson’s stellar whistling on the countermelody. It takes smooth harmony to a level seldom heard in Pop music at that time, making them one of the most successful groups while Rock was emerging to rule the charts…Splendidly Enchanting!
Link - Original recording (1956)
657. MIA, O NORMA “Norma” (1929)
Vocalist: Rosa Ponselle (with Marian Telva) / Metropolitan Opera Orch.
Writer/Composer: Vincenzo Bellini (1831)
Remembering a American superstar diva from four generations ago is a daunting task, so try. Place yourself when radio became the means of mass communication in America, and Opera / Classical was a much stronger force in international music. This aria from Bellini is not lost to antiquity thanks to the enormous popularity of Rosa in the early half of the 20th century. Listen to the explicit harmonies in this piece, and we can feel the extraordinary beauty in the Italian language of her versatile, nimble soprano voice. Telva is also spot on with the intricate intermittent harmony which is so necessary to this selection…Splendidly Superb!
656. ROSANNA (1982)
Vocalist: Toto (lead David Paich)
Writer/Composer: David Paich (1982)
One of the most innovative American Rock / Pop bands of the 1980s was Toto—this award-winning song blew everyone away. This 6-piece group was astonishing in their versatility, talent, and skillsets, and for never sounding the same with each of their multiple hits. This song made them one of the most respected bands of that era, even when they exchanged session players. Their well-crafted songs combined Rock / Pop / Soul / Funk / R&B / Jazz and Blues, running the musical spectrum from 1977 through 2020, with album sales exceeding 40 million. David Paich and Jeff Porcaro took constant lead—David does it here with a soulful, scorching, complex vocal performance. Wow! Legendary!
Link # 1 Original recording (1982) Link # 2 Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands 1991?
655. BEAT ME DADDY, EIGHT TO THE BAR (1940)
Vocalist: Andrews Sisters / lead Patty Andrews (Vic Schoen & His Orchestra)
Writer/Composer: Don Raye / Hughie Prince / Ray McKinley (1940)
The early 1940s were during the World War II years, and one of the very brightest spots during those bleak years were the recordings of the Andrews Sisters, the most popular female group of that era. This Boogie Woogie / Swing / Jazz / Pop classic was a monster musical hit for this 3-sister group, their splendid tight harmonies were a joy to behold—they were the cat’s meow for the 1930s until the early 1950s. They specialized in those hard to sing ditties and novelties. (Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy?) Little known fact—they recorded over 600 songs, sold an estimated 75 to 100 million records, and they were, without doubt, queens of the jukebox in those days…Whimsical and Sensational!
654. RIDE ‘EM COWBOY (1974)
Vocalist: Paul Davis
Writer/Composer: Paul Davis (1973)
Paul’s career as an American singer / songwriter started in the early 1960s, but he made his mark in the 70s and 80s. His mellow baritone to tenor vocals were soothing, intimate and restrained. He was known for blue-eyed Soul, Pop, Soft Rock and, oddly enough, Country. It’s in that vein we put this heartwarming, significant, incredibly sad song, about a former rodeo star who outlived his value. He shines here laying down tracks in the song’s chorus, “Ride ‘em cowboy, don’t let ‘em throw you down / You can’t make no money if you hit the ground / They say, ride ‘em cowboy / don’t let ‘em thrown you down / You’re the toughest cowboy in town”…Contemplative, Superlative Harmony in the Chorus!
Link - From album Ride ‘Em Cowboy (1974)
653. ONE IN A MILLION YOU (1980)
Vocalist: Larry Graham
Writer/Composer: Sam Dees (1980)
After leaving Sly & the Family Stone in the early 1970s, this American singer / songwriter / musician went solo, and he spent over 40 years entertaining and recording with his band, Graham Central Station. He was a renown bass player in his earlier days, was largely credited with his psychedelic “Slap or pluck bass technique,” contributing to the invention of Funk driven songs, “radically expanding the tonal palette of the bass guitar.” This, his signature song, is a beautiful example of his deep baritone voice. His vocals embraced R&B / Soul / Rock / Funk and Pop—he was also a well-known record producer. But it’s the voice that captivates, lush, full-throated, distinctive…Surreal and Romantic!
Link # 1 Original recording 1980 Link # 2 Live performance The Midnight Special 1980.
652. YOU DON’T KNOW ME (1962)
Vocalist: Ray Charles / the Raelettes (Clydie King / Gwen Berry / Merry Clayton)
Writer/Composer: Eddy Arnold / Cindy Walker (1955)
From one of the most influential albums of all time, Ray’s masterpiece, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. comes this Country classic, perfectly delivered with his unique spin—now as a Jazz standard. The song was so well-crafted it transcended his R&B / Soul / Blues / Pop fan base, and was accepted with open arms into all musical genres. His 3rd song on our list was originally a Country song from its writers, morphing into a timeless classic. The intro background vocals by the Raelettes, then his delicate piano, you knew you were going to experience something special. Ray’s early Gospel training paid off, and his splendid, throaty, baritone delivery…A Legendary, Musical Experience!
Link # 1 Original Recording 1962. Link # 2 Live performance some years later.
651. LA FILLE DU REGIMENT (The Daughter of the Regiment) “Ah! mes amis, quel jour du fete” (French) (1972)
Vocalist: Luciano Pavarotti / Orchestra & Chorus
Writer / Composer: Gaetano Donizetti / Jule-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges / Jean- Francois Bayard (1839)
Pavarotti shows up in this 2-act comedic operetta with what many agree is one of his most challenging pieces. Already acknowledged as one of the greatest Classical Opera tenors who ever lived, he graces us with his 5th entry on our list. This selection is known for hitting nine High Cs, and when you listen carefully, you may think, even with an untrained Opera ear, that it really is possible for someone to sing in such registers and do so with such precision, power, and musical joy. For 3 and a half decades, he brought Opera to the masses…A Tour de Force!
