1050-1026-Great Vocals
1050. GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY (1948)
Vocalist: Vaughn Monroe
Writer/Composer: Stan Jones (1948)
His booming distinctive voice in the 40s sounded like no other at that time…and even now! It may still the best version of this song.
1049. MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC! (1950)
Vocalist: Teresa Brewer
Writer/Composer: Stephen Weiss / Bernie Baum (1949)
She could sing, she could yelp, and always in any timbre, and she was one of the most successful of the 50s pop singers.
1048. BECAUSE (1965)
Vocalist: Jan Peerce (Yeshoshuan Pinkhes Perelmuth)
Writer/Composer: Guy d’Hardelot “Parce Que” - (English) Edward
Techemacher (1902)
He was one of the most popular American Opera tenors for over half century from the early 1930s through the 1980s. He was a descendant of Jewish immigrants like his brother, singer Richard Tucker. The legendary conductor Toscanini chose him as a favorite, he was a leading man in many well-known Classical Operas. His voice was a marvel, his power was amazing and his ability to hold a note made him a favorite to even sing Pop songs. His concerts and stage cantorials were better than his recordings…Massively Spectacular!
1047. THE LIVING YEARS (1988)
Vocalist: Mike & the Mechanics (Paul Carrack lead vocals)
Writer/Composer: B.A. Robertson / Mike Rutherford (1988)
This heartfelt homage to his father and the sincere regrets left behind because of lost time apart, make this moving vocal a beauty.
1046. IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND (1970)
Vocalist: Gordon Lightfoot
Writer/Composer: Gordon Lightfoot (1969)
Singer/songwriters reigned in the 70s and his remarkable rich and folk baritone voice was as smooth as silk.
1045. WHEN WILL I BE LOVED (1975)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt
Writer/Composer: Phil Everly (1960)
She took this Everly Brothers hit and re-invented it as legendary rock performance.
1044. BEFORE HE CHEATS (2006)
Vocalist: Carrie Underwood
Writer/Composer: Chris Tompkins / Josh Kear (2006)
She can sing in a mellow falsetto or extend it to rough and ready. What attitude about getting even!
1043. WITH ONE LOOK “Sunset Boulevard” (1996)
Vocalist: Glenn Close / Marcus Lovett
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Don Black / Christopher Hampton / Amy Powers (1993)
She belts this Broadway offering as Norma Desmond would, with gusto, despair, and confidence.
1042. DARK MOON (1957)
Vocalist: Bonnie Guitar
Writer/Composer:
1041. “Ragtime”
Vocalist: Brian Stokes Mitchell
Writer/Composer:
1040. HIGH SIERRA (1999)
Vocalist: Trio (Linda Ronstadt / Emmylou Harris / Dolly Parton)
Writer/Composer: Harley Allen (1980)
The uniting of these 3 singers was a miracle—we never could have heard the intense pleasure that these Folk / Country artists served us—on a gold platter. The harmony was heavenly, their unique voices, angelic, and the melody, dazzling as the Northern Lights! The three collaborated on the Trio II album, and they each bring an ethereal quality to the number that’s a musical surprise and a revelation. The backup production is marvelous, and this selection is one of the astonishing numbers showcasing their talents…Simply Enthralling!
Link # 1 Original recording released in 1999. Link # 2 Live appearance on the Today Show in 1999.
1039. LOVE ON THE ROCKS “The Jazz Singer” (1980)
Vocalist: Neil Diamond
Writer/Composer: Neil Diamond (1980)
Whether he’s singing in a low baritone or growling the lyrics, he shines here.
1038. MICHAEL (Rowed the Boat Ashore) (1960)
Vocalist: The Highwaymen
Writer/Composer: Traditional 1860s spiritual / Tony Salatan 1954
There was a huge surge of Folk songs and Folk bands in the late 1950s through the mid-1960s. This number surfaced, going all the way to # 1 on the U.S. Pop charts. The re-working of this old Civil War song was genius, Michael being the name of the Biblical Archangel, and the delivery by this 5-man, collegiate Folk group was as smooth as silk. Beginning with an ethereal whistle, the group sported beautiful harmony, and were exceptional musicians as well. Very nostalgic and a diamond in the rough, the song is…Inspirational and Uplifting!
Link # 1 The original 1960 recording. Link # 2 Live performance on the Ed Sullivan show in 1961.
1037. IRON SKY (2014)
Vocalist: Paolo Nutini
Writer/Composer: Paolo Nutini / Dave Nelson / (Charles Chaplin (1940) (2014)
This Scottish singer delivers with emotion, vulnerability and sincerity. Powerful!
1036. D’AMOR SULL’ ALI ROSEE “ll Trovatore” (1974)
Vocalist: Montserrat Caballe
Writer/Composer: Giuseppi Verdi (1836)
Curious why so many people feel intimidated by Opera? Why not start with what many consider the greatest female voice of the 20th century. It’s easy to see why her career lasted so long, and it can only be agreed, we experienced one of the most stunning vocals of all time. “El Superba” stretches her wings here, and she uses her voice like a secret weapon, converting all challengers. With her 4th entry on our list, we hear what seems impossible, an angelic, celestial, mesmerizing, soprano voice…A Jaw-Dropping Performance.
This style is called pianissimo. She also actually imitates a violin.
1035. YOU’RE GONNA MISS THIS
Vocalist: Trace Adkins (featuring Wes Hightower backing vocals)
Writer/Composer: Ashley Gorley / Lee Thomas Miller
1034. SEE SEE RIDER BLUES (1925)
Vocalist: Ma Rainy
Writer/Composer: Ma Rainey / Lena Arant (1924)
Known as the “Mother of the Blues,” she could mesmerize with her deep-throated vocals, and she was one of the first hitmakers for black artists.
1033. OVER THE MOUNTAIN, ACROSS THE SEA (1957)
Vocalist: Johnny and Joe (Johnnie Louise / Joe Rivers
Writer/Composer: Rex Garvin (1957)
This male and female R&B duo made a huge impression with their unique sound.
1032. I SEE THE LIGHT
Vocalist: Mandy Moore
Writer/Composer:
1031. YOU HAVEN’T DONE NOTHIN’ (1974)
Vocalist: Stevie Wonder
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder (1974)
What can you say but Wow! to his ability to express R&B emotion and control?
1030. IF YOU LOVE SOMEBODY, SET THEM FREE (1985)
Vocalist: Sting
Writer/Composer: Sting (Gordon Sumner) (1985)
Living proof that even singers with high voices can deliver rock, pop material. Truly amazing!
1029. HERE’S WHERE THE STORY ENDS (1990)
Vocalist: The Sundays (Harriet Wheeler)
Writer/Composer: David Gauvurin / Harriet Wheeler (1990)
This alternative indie singer has it, a unique quality to express herself beautifully, lyrically, and with amazing confidence.
1028. WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS (1968)
Vocalist: The Beatles (George Harrison)
Writer/Composer: George Harrison (1968)
The Beatle who shines here is George, with a high folksy crystal ring to his tenor vocal range.
1027. SEARCHIN’ (1957)
Vocalist: The Coasters (lead Billy Guy)
Writer/Composer: Jerry Lieber / Mike Stoller (1957)
This early rock and R&B classic is one of the catchiest novelty tunes of the 1950s.
1026. HELLO (2015)
Vocalist: Adele
Writer/Composer: Adele / Greg Kurstin (2015)
Without a doubt, one of the premier singers of the 21st century.
