75-51-Great Vocals
75. BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? (1932) - “Americana”
Vocalist: Bing Crosby / (Lennie Hayton’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Jay Gorney / E. Yip Harburg (1932)
He was perhaps the most popular singer/entertainer of the 20th century. Proof? He recorded over 1,700 songs, made 40 movies, and sold over 300 million records. In his half century singing career, he was not just a crooner, but early on he could also sing with power as he does in this selection. His golden baritone voice, an instrument in itself, his influence on Pop and Jazz, and his versatility in vocal delivery were stunning. This is the defining song for the Great Depression. Listen intently here to early Bing…Simply Astonishing!
74. THE SKY IS CRYING (1991)
Vocalist: Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble
Writer/Composer: Elmore James (1959)
Whether it was the Blues, Blues Rock, or even Texas Blues, his amazing vocal interpretation and his electrifying guitar playing made him one of the most influential artists in both genres. He sang with Soul, and his recordings produced jaw-dropping results, and this spilled over into in his live performances as well. Very few guitar players could match his and skill. He makes this Elmore James classic his own and his three-piece band sets the tone perfectly for this stellar delivery of pure unadulterated blues…Behold…A Marvelous Wonder!
73. J’AI DEUX AMOURS (My Two Loves) (!953)
Vocalist: Josephine Baker / Adrien Lamy Orch.
Writer/Composer: Vincent Scotti / Geoge Coger / Henri Vafna (1930)
Even though American born, she became a French chanteuse in the early part of the 20th century, singing, dancing, and entertaining to European audiences who fell in love with her. She was the first black woman to star in a movie, became one of the most celebrated artists in Europe, and her beautiful looks and voice caused sensation wherever she performed. Her perfect pitch and quivering delivery made men swoon and women jealous. Listen and drift away…Beautiful!
72. WHERE’VE YOU BEEN (1989)
Vocalist: Kathy Mattea
Writer/Composer: Don Vezner / Don Henry (1989)
Sometimes a beautifully crafted song reaches for the heart…and doesn’t let go. This American Country and Bluegrass artist delivers this story song with such compassion, honesty and poignancy, that even grown men identify with it, and sometimes tears flow. The violins and cellos are captivating. Above all it’s a love song, and even near the end of their days after a long life together, the surprise ending sends a beautiful message when she reveals, “Where’ve you been? I’m just not myself today.” …Heartbreaking and Beautiful!
71. IRONIC (1996)
Vocalist: Alanis Morissette
Writer/Composer: Alanis Morissette / Glen Ballard (1996)
This Canadian rocker shook the music world with her songwriting and singing skills on her 1990s album JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Her unique voice is instantly recognizable—she can easily express herself in whatever octave she chooses. With great changes in texture and delivery, she can actually sing in spasms, captivating both Alternative Rock and Pop. Her uncanny ability displays attitude, irony, anger, independence, retaliation—she became a phenomenal female force from the 90s on. Check out her many moods here…Sensational!
70. STORMY WEATHER (1933)
Vocalist: Ethel Waters
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler (1933)
She took America by storm as one of the first and most influential black figur es in American pop culture, and she was multi-talented as a singer and actress, excelling in Blues and Jazz standards. From 1920s radio and even into the 1940s, her interpretation of song established her as a splendid innovator of class and sophistication. Her marvelous performance here shows distinctive style and restraint as she offers a softer more refined delivery than her contemporaries. She shows great confidence…Simply Amazing!
69. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DREAM (1958)
Vocalist: Everly Brothers
Writer/Composer: Boudleaux Bryant (1958)
When these two brothers broke into music they possessed a unique sound like no others in recording history. Their impeccable harmony was unmistakable, and they became the most successful duo in Pop, Country, and Rock, with hit after hit in the late 1950s and into the 1960s. With Don singing melody, Phil supplied harmony, and the result was sensational, stunning and remarkable. Many consider this selection their most beautiful vocal, haunting in its delivery, as they drift in and out of harmony. “Dream, dream, dream” …Breathtakingly Beautiful!
68. I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME (1991)
Vocalist: Bonnie Raitt / (Piano - Bruce Hornsby)
Writer/Composer: Mike Reid / Allen Shamblin (1991)
One of America’s great Blues singers from the early 1970s on, she is a vocal genius in interpreting R&B, Folk, Country and Pop. This selection is a masterpiece, a devastating rendition of heartbreak vs. an unfulfilled love. Her one-of-a-kind delivery is magnificent, we feel her pain with every single word, and Bruce Horsby’s piano only adds to its deep feeling of despair. This selection encompasses all the sadness and pathos of lost love, and she owns this number, better than anyone. It’s okay if tears flow—it’s a Shattering Experience!
67. WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR “Pinocchio” (1940)
Vocalist: Cliff Edwards / Disney Studio Chorus
Writer/Composer: Leigh Harline / Ned Washington (1940)
This beautiful Pop song comes from an animated classic. and it soon became the Walt Disney theme song. Cliff’s tenor voice was remarkable, noted for its absolute clarity—he was also the voice of Jiminy Cricket. A hitmaker in the 1930s and 1940s, his popularity soared in radio’s early days. His crystal-clear delivery here is supported by a beautiful angelic chorus. Check out how effortlessly he concludes with one of the most stunning falsettos in musical history…Absolutely Heavenly!
66. WHAT’S GOING ON (1971)
Vocalist: Marvin Gaye
Writer/Composer: Marvin Gaye (1971)
This singer/songwriter was a Soul singer in the 1960s and 1970s. He also produced this song, departed from his Motown sound and re-invented himself with this brilliant protest song. He takes this outstanding arrangement to new heights, making it one of the most thought-provoking social statements ever put to music. He worked within the framework of 4 octaves, and his ability to vocally shift gears was legendary. His smooth delivery is spot on, and in spite of musical changes, it has gained increasing popularity…Legendary Delivery!
65. KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG (1973)
Vocalist: Roberta Flack
Writer/Composer: Norman Gimble / Charles Fox (adapted Lori Lieberman (1973)
“Stumming my pain with his fingers / Singing my life with his words.” These opening poetic words introduce this award-winning, immaculate vocal to the world on a silver platter. With extraordinary delivery, she nails this fabulous production with impeccable sensitivity, serving it with such appeal that it transcends R&B, Soul, Jazz and Pop. Her classically-trained voice is a thing of beauty—she shines with an unforgettable silky-smooth presentation. Exquisite harmony…Absolutely Sublime!
64. THE GAMBLER (1979)
Vocalist: Kenny Rogers
Writer/Composer: Don Schlitz (1976)
From Rock to Country and even crossing over into Pop, his low and hoarse growl makes his voice immediately recognizable, and his delivery of this classic make this one of the truly great Country story songs of all time. This well-crafted song lends itself to an easy sing-along during the chorus. Some voices seem to age like fine liquor, and this is a great example. This entry brought great attention back to Country music, and extended Kenny’s vocal career for two more decades…Great!
63. BETTER BE GOOD TO ME “Mad Max - Beyond Thunderdome” (1984)
Vocalist: Tina Turner
Writer/Composer: Holly Knight / Mike Chapman / Nicky Chinn (1984)
This R&B, Soul, and Rock singer is one of the great female musical performers in music history. Considered by many as the Queen of Rock, her naturally low, edgy, and dynamic delivery really shines, displaying her feminine growl, her charismatic sultry, seductive stage presence—and her ENERGY! Her unmistakable voice soared through five decades and this selection displays attitude and confidence and serves as a warning that her man better be faithful…Astonishing!
62. ODE TO JOY “Copying Beethoven” (2006)
Vocalist: Royal Philharmonic Orch. / & Chorus / Bernard Haitink cond. (Symphony #9 in D Minor - Opus 125)
Writer/Composer: Ludwig Von Beethoven (1923-1825)
This thrilling Classical piece from Beethoven has been described as a sudden “Burst of Sunlight.” That’s accurate, its familiarity is musical legend and his addition of vocals and a power choir is a stroke of genius. It rouses in us all the good, positive spirits and feelings of exhilaration that we can possibly imagine—it is a JOY to hear and experience! This selection from a movie gives us the inner satisfaction of how the world must have felt the first time it was heard…A Splendid orchestral and vocal arrangement!
61. LUCILLE (1957)
Vocalist: Little Richard
Writer/Composer: Little Richard (Richard Penniman) (1957)
For a certainty, there is no debate over his dynamic vocals and his absolute influence as one of Rock’s leading pioneers. His celebrated raspy voice, frenetic piano playing, stage charisma and his up-tempo performances, were wild and shocking. As one of the most imitated performers in history, he influenced everyone from James Brown to Michael Jackson. This aggressive offering proved he could even sing at a slower pace and still knock ‘em dead!…Rhythm and Blues were Never the Same!
60. UN BEL DI VEDREMO (One Fine Day) “Madame Butterfly” (1955)
Vocalist: Maria Callas (Herbert Von Karajan cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1904)
She was an American Greek-born star, and without question, one of the true divas of the 20th century Opera theater. She had a huge worldwide fanbase, perhaps the most famous of all soprano opera singers, and her dramatic interpretations of her selections, her bel canto techniques, and her influence in the Opera realm, made her performances legendary. This selection is renowned as one of her very best. Her voice from this classic, is like a musical instrument…Simply Enchanting!\
59. TILL WE MEET AGAIN (1949)
Vocalist: Mills Brothers
Writer/Composer: Richard Whiting / Raymond Egan (1918)
Harmonies within families have always captivated music lovers. Among the very best are the Mills Brothers who ruled the Pop charts from the 1930s into the 1960s. As traditional Pop and Jazz artists, they could even imitate Barbershop Quartet groups of the 1900s through the 1920s, as they do with this selection. They were instantly recognizable with their distinctive harmonies—no one else ever sounded like them! This selection was an album cut, not one of their multitudes of hits. Listen uninterrupted—you won’t be disappointed…Fabulous!
58. MEMORY “Cats” (1983)
Vocalist: Betty Buckley
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber (1983)
This multi-talented singer/actress and her presentation of this astonishing offering is a must for those who love the Theater. This Webber classic is considered one of the greatest of all Broadway songs. It remains a transcendental vocal journey, a true test in how well a singer can hit that last verse—and here she stops us dead in our tracks! She delivers this poetic piece with great power, emotion and charisma. The result is magnificent. Regardless of how we interpret the lyrics, it seems to be about discovering our personal self-worth…Truly Inspirational…Unforgettable!
57. LA VIE EN ROSE (1950)
Vocalist: Edith Piaf
Writer/Composer: Edith Piaf (1946)
She was unquestionably the French definition of an international chanteuse. Her instantly recognizable voice was known the world over during the 1940s and well into the 1960s. She specialized in torchy love ballads, accentuating loss, regret and sorrow. This song became her signature, brilliant, impossible to duplicate, even though many tried. Standing only 4-foot-8, she possessed this larger-than-life trembling, quivering alto delivery that was unmistakable, and it flowed like fine wine. Her delivery here is…Stunningly Remarkable!
56. SUPERSTITION (1972)
Vocalist: Stevie Wonder
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder (1972)
Stevie is truly a musical wonder! He has never let his blindness handicap his abilities or his talents, in fact, he plays at least three of the musical instruments in this selection. He practically owned the 1970s with his songwriting, vocal and production skills. This vocal performance is a sterling example of his unique one-of-a-kind presentation that encompasses R &B, Rock, Soul, and Funk, all in the same song! Since the early 1960s this respected vocal force in American music has even crossed over into Jazz and Pop influences. His vocal performance is amazing, and this is one of his best—he really delivers the goods!…Unbelievable!!
55. AFTER THE GOLD RUSH (1995)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt / Dolly Parton / Emmylou Harris
Writer/Composer: Neil Young (1970)
When these three teamed up in the 1990s, collaborative harmony would never be the same. This Neil Young song is one of the great examples of what can happen when three beautifully-gifted Folk/Country/Bluegrass/Rock/Pop singer / songwriters get together and totally re-invent the way a song can be presented. And the result—some of the most amazing and beautiful feminine sounds ever recorded! With Ronstadt in the lead, Dolly and Emmylou join in to form an impeccable and ethereal rendition of a song that takes on an angelic and spiritual nature…Jaw-dropping in its Beauty!
54. THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD (1976)
Vocalist: Gordon Lightfoot
Writer/Composer: Gordon Lightfoot (1976)
Without a doubt, one of the greatest story songs ever crafted…and delivered! This Folk singer takes this event based on a true story, and instead of taking us there acoustically, he takes us there with a mournful electric guitar. The result is nothing short of astounding! His rich baritone shines here in his well-written ballad of the perils of stormy weather for those who choose to sail with heavy loads of iron ore. Accomplished in a soft-rock motif, Lightfoot delivers this story with foreboding doom. His delivery of this tragic story is…Awesome Perfection!
53. ALL I ASK OF YOU “Phantom of the Opera” (1986)
Vocalist: Michael Crawford / Sarah Brightman
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber (1986)
This duet is a vocal performance is a masterpiece for the Musical Theater. As the couple sings their devotional love for each other, transcending a forbidden and star-crossed love, we experience wonderment at the lush melody and swooning, extraordinary lyrics that Crawford and Brightman serve to us. Its lyrical beauty is beyond heavenly, and their presentation is an absolute wonder to behold. Webber’s genius seems to be channeled through these two artists in this 1980s landmark musical…Isn’t that all we ask from him!?…Enchanting, Enthralling!
52. O SOLE MIO (1990)
Vocalist: The 3 Tenors - Luciano Pavoratti / Jose Carreras / Placido Domingo - (Zubin Mehta cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giovanni Capurro / Eduardo di Capua / Alfredo Mazzucchi (1898)
The 1990s became a time for the resurrection of Opera arias and it was largely spearheaded by the uniting of these 3 magnificent tenors onto one concert stage. With this one great performance they single-handedly brought attention and respect back to opera—observed by hundreds of millions of people. They did not disappoint! Even in this relaxed setting with some modern tongue-in cheek vocal gymnastics, their glorious voices showcased their separate abilities as well as their individual vocal strengths…A fulfilling and Joyful opera experience!..Stupendous!
51. GOOD VIBRATIONS (1966)
Vocalist: The Beach Boys
Writer/Composer: Brian Wilson / Mike Love (1966)
The Beach Boys cemented their iconic place in American music by being one of the only Rock groups who withstood the British invasion in the mid-1960s. Their blissful harmonies, Brian Wilson’s leading vocals and their extraordinary music and production skills made this record an instant classic. Like the Beatles, they were as good in concert as in the studio, writing almost all their own material. Their harmony is delicate, euphoric, and even in falsetto, practically unmatched in the Rock / Pop genres. This performance…Truly Amazing!
