325-301-Great Vocals
325. WATERFALLS (1995)
Vocalist: TLC (Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes / Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins / Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas (1995)
Writer/Composer: Marqueze Etheridge / Lisa Lopes / Organized Noize (4) / (1994)
This award-winning song became a worldwide sensation in 1994/1995 as it took pop culture by storm, becoming one of the biggest selling songs by an American R'&B girl group in history. It was an astounding example of how a complex mix of R&B / Soul / Hip-Hop / Funk and Pop could be so appealing. It was unique in that it really was a message song comprising the fantasy of letting drugs rule or ruin our lives by means of self-destruction. This popular group helped define hip-hop, and their impeccable harmonies accompany T-Boz’s low, confident, contralto vocals, making the combination of these three voices…Passionate and Flawless!
324. JOHN DOE # 24 (1994)
Vocalist: Mary Chapin-Carpenter / featuring Branford Marsalis, (saxophone)
Writer/Composer: Mary Chapin-Carpenter (1993)
For her second entry on our list, this amazing songstress crafted this masterpiece from a real-life example that she read in the paper. From her superb album Stones in the Road, she sings this extraordinary song from the point of view of a deaf, dumb and blind boy who’s “passed from one state board to another.” If a story song never touched your heart, this one certainly will. Her low-toned contralto vocal captures the most cynical listener. She sings this Folk / Country offering with a compassion rare in today’s music culture. Accompanied by Branford’s saxophone, she aims straight for the heart—and hits it!…Achingly Poignant!
Link # 1 - From the Recording.
Link # 2 - Live with the touching Back Story.
323. (DON’T YOU WANT) SOMEBODY TO LOVE (1967)
Vocalist: Jefferson Airplane (lead Grace Slick)
Writer/Composer: Grace Slick (1966)
This song from an American 5-piece Rock band was known as one of the shapers of Psychedelic / Acid Rock. Some say it’s about taking drugs, but it seems to go deeper than that; it obviously takes its wording from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Perhaps that’s the message, to make the song fit what you want. One thing is certain—Grace Slick deliver’s and even to this day, she had one of the strongest and most astonishing voices ever in Rock. Her lower contralto vocals contained a vibrato that is beyond belief, and she sang with passion and power. Her 3-octave voice displayed here is dynamite!…Absolutely Electrifying!
322. HIT THE ROAD, JACK (1961)
Vocalist: Ray Charles (with Margie Hendricks & the Raelettes)
Writer/Composer: Percy Mayfield (1060)
This second entry from Ray Charles is a masterpiece of performance and great timing. He combines great skill in his delivery with a “call and response” from Margie Hendricks, (close to a duet) and the result is a mix of R&B / Pop / Jazz / Soul and Rock! The song starts out with the Raelettes in chorus: “Hit the Road, Jack / and don’t ya come back no more, no more, no more / Hit the road, Jack / and don’t ya come back no more. (What you say?!)” From that start it only gets better, and Ray’s gruff, soulful voice goes back and forth in one of the greatest musical arguments ever! Ray was a constant for a half century…Obstinate, Marvelous!
321. THE TENNESSEE WALTZ (1950)
Vocalist: Patti Page
Writer/Composer: Red Stewart / Pee Wee King (1950)
This significant song made American music history for several reasons. It was the last song to sell over 1 million copies of sheet music, it sold more than 10 million records (more than any song by a female in history), it was the biggest hit by a woman in the 20th century, and it was number 1 for 13 straight weeks! Patti’s version was perfect for its time—it was a Country story-song that morphed into Pop / R&B / Folk song, it only had 2 verses (repeated twice) and she delivered with layered tracks which was new for its time. Her crystal-clear contralto voice was instantly recognized over her 6-decade career…Unparalleled, Sweet and Nostalgic!
320. COMFORTABLY NUMB (1979)
Vocalist: Pink Floyd (lead Roger Waters / David Gilmour / and chorus) / Michael Kamen’s orch.)
Writer/Composer: David Gilmour / Roger Waters (1979)
This iconic song from their extraordiny album,“The Wall” is now legendary! It’s not just the 2 world-renown guitar solos by Gilmour—it’s the whole feast for the eyes and ears. This selection with Kaman’s orchestration has steadily risen as one of the greatest Rock masterpieces of all time, the production, the backing harmony vocals, and the soft, troubled voice of Gilmour’s presentation. The 1994 Division Bell Tour concert, also considered one of the best live Rock performances ever, only cements their status as a leader in Progressive Rock and Pop. The combining of Waters and Gilmour was a stroke of musical genius…Absolutely Spellbinding!
319. WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW (1960)
Vocalist: The Shirelles (lead Shirley Owens)
Writer/Composer: Gerry Goffin / Carol King (1960)
Contrary to popular belief, this was not the first number 1 song by an American girl group—the Andrews Sisters, McGuire Sisters and Chordettes accomplish that feat in the 1940s/50s. But it was the first number 1 song by black female artists, opening the door, allowing others to follow. The King / Goffin writing duo hit a home run with this song, with Shirley Owens yearning, sweet, lead vocals and with the group’s flowing harmonies, the song was performed from the woman’s point of view. It’s influence on American Pop culture was more than anyone expected as the 1960s really embraced the R&B / Pop sound…Truly Heartfelt and Impressive!
318. I AM…I SAID (1971)
Vocalist: Neil Diamond
Writer/Composer: Neil Diamond (1970)
From one of the most successful singer / songwriters of the 20th century comes this magnificent Pop vocal performance. He sold over 100 million records, wrote songs for other artists, composed movie scores, and had hit after hit from the 1960’s into the 90s. His distinctive baritone / bass voice is instantly recognized, as he covers Pop / Rock / Folk / Blues / Jazz and Movie Music. He taxes his vocal strength on this piece, as he vocalizes his familiar growl on some of the chorus, “I am, I cried / I am, said I, / And I am lost and I can’t / Even say why / Leavin’ me lonely still.” We really empathize with his heartfelt loneliness…A Magnum Opus!
317. NEL BLU DIPINTO DI BLU (Volare) (1958)
Vocalist: Domenico Modugno
Writer/Composer: Dominico Modugno / Franco Migliacci (1958)
A strange thing happened in the music world in 1958. This award-winning Italian Pop song swept the world by storm, becoming the biggest foreign language hit of all time at that point in music history. His beautiful love ballad firmly captured worldwide appeal as this Italian singer/songwriter, “cantautore,” enjoyed enormous success, selling millions of copies of this song as well as having a successful movie career. Many compared his singing style to American crooners, and his flowing, ecstatic, vibrato delivery was a thing of beauty, making it one of the most exotic, romantic offerings in the early Rock era…Absolutely Exquisite!
316. SOMETHING (1969)
Vocalist: The Beatles (George Harrison)
Writer/Composer: George Harrison (1969)
With this Pop / Soft Rock selection from the Beatles (their 3rd on our list,) the lead guitarist showed he too was a master singer / songwriter of romantic ballads. Playing his superb guitar solo on this piece was also a great move since this song is now considered one of their greatest ever by the music community. George’s smooth, yearning, assured delivery showed he could also sing lead, on his own. From the very beginning we’re hooked, “Something in the way she smiles / Attracts me like no other lover / Something in the way she woos me / I don’t want to leave her now / You know I believe and how” We can’t deny it…Flawless Splendor!
315. LEATHER AND LACE (1981)
Vocalist: Stevie Nicks / Don Henley
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks (1981)
This Rock duo masterpiece penned by Stevie is just that, a masterpiece. Her 3rd entry (counting Fleetwood Mac) and Don’s second (counting the Eagles), seems a perfect fit for both, as they lovingly play off each other in a tantalizing, exquisite and poetic surrender to the power of love’s fulfillment. The simple, beautiful melody shines through and Stevie’s distinctive vocals swoon and soar. Don Henley’s accommodating, yearning voice is spot-on, and their harmonious singing together is flawless. Written originally as a Country song, this finished product is a song of beauty, one of the best duets ever in Rock…Tenderly Endearing!
314. TENNESSEE WHISKEY (2015)
Vocalist: Chris Stapleton (backing vocals Morgane Stapleton)
Writer/Composer: Dean Dillon / Linda H. Bartholomew (1981)
This second entry, his signature Country song now, even though it’s a cover, proves one thing for certain, it may be the most popular Country / Blues / Soul song of the 21st century! Again, from his stellar album Traveller, he rises to the occasion with that raspy, bluesy, aching and electrifying voice, singing the blues with great backing by his wife Morgane. “You’re as smooth as Tennessee Whiskey / You’re a sweet as strawberry wine / You’re as warm as a glass of brandy / And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time.” He is now permanently known worldwide as one of the major singers of the century—in any genre!…Exceptionally Powerful!
313. ODE TO BILLIE JOE (1967)
Vocalist: Bobbi Gentry
Writer/Composer: Bobbi Gentry (1967)
This great song became a huge hit in spite of itself. It was an award-winning story song that provided an unfinished mystery—What were they “Throwing off the Tallahatchie Bridge?” This singer/songwriter became an overnight sensation with this Country / Folk / Blues song that became Song of the Year on the Pop charts. Bobbi’s bare-bones guitar work and Jerry Haskel’s music arrangement (dig those cellos), gave her an honest, pure Southern, husky vocal delivery as her listeners did a double-take in paying attention—they hung on every word! She captivated the late 1960s-1970s audience with her smooth sincere performances…Mesmerizing!
312. WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off” (1962)
Vocalist: Sammy Davis Jr.
Writer/Composer: Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley (1961)
Sammy’s second entry on our list is a phenomenal rendition of this Broadway classic—he made it so! This validates the fact that he was a great interpreter of musical numbers; his recordings usually became big hits on the Pop charts. His live concert and TV performances, his acting, comedy, and impersonations prove he was one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. He was a also a fellow member of the famous Vegas “rat pack” and his vocal prowess covered Pop, Blues, R&B and Soul. “Why can’t I fall in love? / Like any other man / And maybe then I’ll know / What kind of fool I am!” What a Magnificent Finish!…Indomitable!
311. VISSI D’ARTE “Tosca” (1953)
Vocalist: Maria Callas (La Scala Orch. / Victor la Sabata cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1900)
This aria from one of the most renown bel canto, soprano Opera stars in music history comes with her unique “devine” interpretation as only Callas could do it. She, above all others, helped this Classical art form become a 20th century world phenomenon, and it was her impassioned, expressive 3-octave delivery that insured her status as a true icon/diva in this musical category. Her voice soared, aided by her ability to sing coloratura, a fast, fluid, not easily mastered style by dramatic vocalists. Her Greek heritage, acting ability and persona made her larger than life. Opera purists loved her voice…Lofty and Astonishing!
310. WIVES AND LOVERS (1967)
Vocalist: Jack Jones
Writer/Composer: Burt Bacharach / Hal David (1967)
Like his father Allan Jones in the 1930s / 1940s, Jack was an award-winning vocal purest, considered by many as one of the century’s greatest voices. His vocals sparkled, sending chills, and instilled a sense of love and romance with incredible skill during the 1960s / 1970s. Also known as one of the world’s greatest “lounge singers,” he cut countless albums, and is considered one the last great crooners, because of his innate ability to serve a song on a platter with delicate confidence and sensibility. As a Pop singer, the 1960s was his best decade of his 60 plus year career. He still captivates with his 3-octave baritone/tenor pipes…Astonishing!
309. PEG (1977)
Vocalist: Steely Dan (lead Donald Fagen / Jay Graydon guitar)
Writer/Composer: Walter Becker / Donald Fagen (1977)
Without a doubt, one of the most eclectic, tight-knit Rock groups (a group of two) of the 20th century, with amazing musical arrangements and anxious session players (Jay Graydon guitar), and guests (Michael McDonald - backing vocals.) This Rock / Jazz piece from their acclaimed album “Aja,” proves how gifted they were, crossing all musical boundaries, including Pop and Blues, as this song clearly demonstrates. Check out Graydon’s guitar work, and the beauty of the chorus’s harmony. “Peg, it will come back to you / Peg, it will come back to you / Then the shutter falls / You’ll see it all in 3D / It’s your favorite foreign movie.”…Absolutely Marvelous!
Link#1: From the 1977 recording from the album Aja.
308. I FEEL PRETTY “West Side Story” (1960)
Vocalist: Marni Nixon (for Natalie Wood) - (with Yvonne Othon / Suzie Kaye / Joanne Miya)
Writer/Composer: Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim (1957)
This delightful, difficult to sing number, from the classic original 1960 film musical, is an extraordinary play on words “I feel pretty / Oh, so pretty, that the city should give me its key / A committee / Should be organized to honor me. / I feel dizzy / I feel sunny / I feel fizzy, and funny, and fine, / And so pretty / Miss America can just resign.” American soprano Marni Nixon (her third entry) the chameleon “ghost singer,” sings in superlative perfect pitch, dubbing for star lead actresses in The King and I, My Fair Lady, and West Side Story. Impeccably delivered, her effervescent heavenly vocals graced us—behind the scenes!…Pure Enchantment!
Link#1 Straight from the 1960 movie West Side Story.
307. HOW HIGH THE MOON “Two for the Raod” (1947)
Vocalist: Ella Fitzgerald
Writer/Composer: Morgan Lewis / Nancy Hamilton (Ella Fitsgerald) (1940)
Ella’s 3rd entry on our list shows Jazz purists and the whole music world what true improvisation and interpretation is as she stretches into new boundaries with a standard from the Amrican songbook. There was only one Ella, and she set new standards for Jazz / BeBop / Big Band / Swing and Pop singing, perhaps more than any artist of the 20th century. Adapted from the 1940 Broadway review, in a 1960 performance in Berlin, Germany, she actually forgot the words and improvised, scat-singing in the bebop style, “bringing down the house.” It’s no wonder that she was labeled “The First Lady of Song!”…Wow!…Sensational!
306. SINCE I FELL FOR YOU (1963)
Vocalist: Lenny Welsh
Writer/Composer: Buddy Johnson (1945)
Lenny was one of the best American Pop voices of the 1960s—this was his best song and oddly enough, his only hit. Blessed with a rich tenor voice and perfect phrasing, he took this older Blues song and made it his own as a Jazz / Pop piece. It became his standard and even though it was challenged by the times, just as the Beatles and British invasion was turning music on its ear. Hre he displays tremendous power, feeling and a burning sense of pain. You’re hooked from the intro. “When you just give love / and never get love / you’d better let love depart / I know it’s so, and yet I know / I can’t get you out of my heart.”…Truly Shattering!
Link#1: From the 1963 record.
305. THE WAY WE WERE “The Way We Were” (1974)
Vocalist: Barbra Streisand
Writer/Composer: Marvin Hamlisch / Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman (1973)
She’s back again for her 4th entry and is it ever a good one! From her beginning hum, how can we forget the refrain, “Can it be that it was all so simple then? / Or has time re-written every line? / If we had a chance to do it all again / Tell me, would we? / Could we?” Perhaps all romantic relationships have asked themselves those regretful questions. And Barbra again uses her near perfect, emotional voice to convey those regrets. It’s another extraordinary example of one of America’s greatest singers ever, and her recognizable vocal style that is splendid, melancholy and sorrowful, the exact intention of the song…Emphatically Unparalleled!
Link # 1 From the 1974 recording.
Link # 2 From the recording with movie clips.
304. WHEN WE DANCE (1994)
Vocalist: Sting (Gordon Sumner)
Writer/Composer: Sting (1994)
This former front man of the Police was already an international star as a singer / songwriter since the mid-1970s. However, this beautiful, award-winning, slow dance song helped to redefine the world of Pop / Jazz and Rock. Early in his career Sting’s high tenor voice seemed abrasive, like so many other Rock / Metal vocalists, but he soon reinvented himself with a high baritone style that appeals to all genres, as he does here in this sad ballad of heartbreak in losing his true love. It’s truly amazing how he has achieved such respect by other artists, and especially his legions of fans. This piece is a thing of beauty…A Stunning, Poignant Song!
Link # 1 From the music video with lyrics.
303. SHINING STAR (1975)
Vocalist: Earth, Wind & Fire (lead vocals Maurice White / Philip Bailey)
Writer/Composer: Maurice White / Philip Bailey / Larry Dunn (1974)
It’s very rare indeed when a R&B group can put together an award-winning song that combines Soul / Funk / Pop / Disco / Jazz / and Doo Wop—all in one song! This Amercian 5-piece band did that very thing! We’re hooked from the very beginning, “When you wish upon a star / Your dreams will take you very far / But when you wish upon a dream / Life ain’t always what it seems, yeah.” This beloved number features the splendid vocals of the two lead singers, and they deliver an amazing spot-on finish of split-second harmony at the song’s conclusion. This group soared, one of the very best of the 1970s /1980s…Impeccable, Dazzling!
Link#! From the 1975 recording.
Link#2 Feom 1975’s TV concert on The Midnight Special.
302. ALL THE WAY “The Joker Is Wild” (1957)
Vocalist: Frank Sinatra (Nelson Riddle’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Sammy Cahn / Jimmy Van Heusen (1957)
For his 4th entry on our list, “Ol Blue Eyes” reaches way down within himself and offers us this largely unknown number for the ears. This award-winning song firmly made its mark on Jazz / Pop / Easy-Listening charts in 1957, a stellar year for love ballads by great vocalists. With Rock music dominating the record charts, artists like Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, and Elvis were giving us some of their best work. It didn’t matter. Frank’s great delivery and Nelson Riddle’s superb orchestration made this a Jazz / Pop classic. “If You let me love you / it’s for sure I’m gonna love you / All The WAAYY” Wow!...Outa the Park!
Link#1 From his 1957 record.
Link#2 From the 1957 movie The Joker Is Wild.
301. CAT’S IN THE CRADLE (1971)
Vocalist: Harry Chapin
Writer/Composer: Harry Chapin (1971)
This award-winning story song remains one of the best ever, a Folk / Pop / Rock song for the ages! Harry was a singer / songwriter / philanthropist—his accidental tragic death in 1987 cut short a 20-year music career that just seemed to be getting started. He was multi-talented in musical instruments and melodies. Example? “My child arrived just the other day / He came to the world in the usual way / But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay / He learned to walk while i was away.” And fathers—it’s okay to feel some guilt at the surprising ending! His stirring, heartfelt delivery is incredibly moving…Intensely Overwhelming and Personal!
Link#1; From his 1971 recording.
Link#2; From his live 1971 performance.
