450-426-Great Vocals
450. DUST IN THE WIND (1978)
Vocalist: Kansas (lead Steve Walsh / Robbie Steinhardt (violin)
Writer/Composer: Kerry Livgren (1976)
This accidental song redefined this American Progressive Rock band by embracing a beautiful delicate melody and a stellar violin virtuoso. Result—an extraordinary Folk / Soft Rock classic that still resonates today. Their 2nd entry on our list has risen in popularity in the subsequent years, assuring this masterpiece as one of the unique classic sounds of the 1970s /1980s. This haunting song seems to remind everyone how short and meaningless life is without a purpose—so we better have purpose! With Walsh’s voice exhibiting perfect cadence within his octave range, he hits a smooth-as-silk falsetto as he concludes the song…Beautiful and Stunning!
Link # 1 Original official video in 1978. Link # 2 Live performance with orchestra.
449. THE OLD CASTLE “Pictures at an Exhibition” (2006)
Vocalist: Sissel (Kyrkjebo) / and Chorus
Writer/Composer: Modest Mussorgsky (1874) William Armes Fisher (1993)
This high-spirited rendition by Russian Composer, Modest Mussorgsky, is a jaw-dropping exercise in balance and vocal control—it’s also Sissel’s 4th entry on our list. What can be said? In modern times this piece has been largely ignored until she put her stamp on it, bringing it to the masses like no other singing artist has done, reworking Fisher’s modern adaptation, with such beauty and exuberance, that it becomes stunning in its presentation. She takes us through all 3 to 4 octaves and turns it into a celestial musical work of art. Her delivery is presented with high-energy and inspiration…A Remarkable Magnum Opus!
448. RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME (1973)
Vocalist: Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) and Friends
Writer/Composer: Mac Rebennack (1972)
Some songs are so unique and different, they take on a life of their own. This is one of those songs by New Orleans specialist, Dr John. His signature song from the 1970s is an amalgam of R&B / Soul / Rock and Funk. A multiple award winner, he sang with a distinct, gravelly, instantly recognizable vocal sound—some say it was with influential voodoo-tinged grit (Sesame Street’s Dr. Teeth). But Wow! Was it a hoot! As a former member of the Wrecking Crew session players, he recorded with almost everybody in his over 50-year career. Check out David Spinoza’s guitar solo. And what backup vocals!…Amazing + Pulsating Whimsy!
447. SUKIYAKI (1963)
Vocalist: Kyu Sakamoto
Writer/Composer: Rokusuki Ei / Hachidai Nakamura (1961)
An amazing thing happened in 1963. Less than 20 years had passed since the end of WWII and this Japanese Pop crooner invaded the U.S., Australia and the free world, and took over the number 1 spot in Pop music. This singer / actor had the sound, the looks and personality, becoming a worldwide sensation as the first artist to reach #1 in the Japanese language. His pleasant easy-listening voice had all the earmarks of a Pop singer who crooned his way to success. It was such an anomaly that English people tried to sing it in Japanese! He made his mark on pop culture, and it was a treat to hear him sing…Exceptionally Marvelous!
446. FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES (1990)
Vocalist: Garth Brooks & friends
Writer/Composer: DeWayne Blackwell / Earl Bud Lee (1989)
Garth Brooks launched into superstar status with this award-winning song, in fact, it became such an anthem of sorts that America and other countries adopted it as their favorite sing-along drinking song. It hit a landmark in Country music—his career became a juggernaut as he filled stadiums and arenas, internationally. He utilizes his 3 -octave range by blending / bending the notes, appealing to Pop and Blues fans. Who can forget this opening line, “Blame it all on my roots / I showed up in boots / And ruined your black tie affair / The last one to know / The last one to show / I was the last one you thought you’d see there.”…Wow! Infectious!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1989. Link # 2 Live performance - Austin City Limits - 1999.
445. GREAT BALLS OF FIRE (1957)
Vocalist: Jerry Lee Lewis
Writer/Composer: Jack Hammer / Otis Blackwell (1957)
His rise to Rock and Roll fame went through the roof in 1957 with the release of this song, his second record. His voice was loud, boisterous, and unmistakable, and he took center stage in the surge of Rock music, all from a place in history called Sun Records, Memphis. Sun spawned the careers of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee. Make no mistake, he was a performer as well as a singer, and his antics at his piano were electrifying. Heavily influenced by Gospel, Rockabilly and Country music, his piano skills were stellar, and he settled on Country later in his career. This song is…Without Doubt, Sensational!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1957. Link # 2 Live performan - Jamboree - 1958.
444. GOLD DUST WOMAN
Vocalist: Fleetwood Mac (lead Stevie Nicks)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks (1977)
Her 3rd offering on our list is a Rock / Folk classic from the album, Rumours. It was to be one of the biggest selling albums of all time, showing the dangers of depending on drugs to survive in a Rock and Roll band, and in a relationship. Any way you view it, it fits her style of singing with her husky, raspy, breathy voice and it is a testament that a woman with low voice can excel in delivering a song. Her musical prowess is on full display here, as a singer/songwriter. With backing vocals by Christie McVie and Lindsey Buckingham, she holds nothing back, using her stunning singing voice as her signature art…Ethereal and Magnificent!
Link # 1 Original recording 1n 1977. Link # 2 Live Performance 1977.
443. HI-DE-HO (That Old Sweet Roll) (1970)
Vocalist: Blood, Sweat & Tears (David Clayton Thomas) & chorus
Writer/Composer: Carole King / Gerry Goffin (1968)
Canadian born Singer / songwriter David Clayton Thomas hit the jackpot as lead front man of BS&T. His 2nd entry and short tenure with the Jazz infused 9-piece American Rock band was remarkable—he sang with gusto and amazing soul, and in this song, inspiration. His unique voice seemed to be ubiquitous from 1969 to 1972, as he captured Soul / Rock / Blues / and R&B. The incredible sound of brass and harmonica in this song only enhanced the authentic talent of this gifted artist. His delivery was just as great in concert as he was in studio with his fiery, gritty, baritone voice, and his magnetic stage presence was Inspired?…Simply Epic!
442. A TISKET, A TASKET “Ride ‘em Cowboy” (1938)
Vocalist: Ella Fitzgerald (Chick Webb Orch. & Chorus)
Writer/Composer: Ella Fitzgerald /Al Feldman (1938) (Adapted from a beloved 1879 nursery rhyme)
In the 1930s, the nearest way a song could go viral, was to be played on the radio. This little ditty broke through all the barriers, going straight to number 1 in sheet music sales, record sales and Your Hit Parade. A novelty of sorts without much meaning, Ella’s 4th entry on our list was a landmark song for black singers and for Jazz compositions in the Big Band / Swing Era, launching a career that would last more than 50 years. Her phrasing, delightful tone, the total control of her vocals, even her little growl, made everyone want to own this record. The First Lady of Song became one of 20th century’s brightest stars…Cheerful and Enchanting!
441. DONKEY SERENADE “The Firefly” (1938)
Vocalist: Alan Jones
Writer/Composer: Rudolph Friml / Herbert Stothart / lyrics Bob Wright / Chet Forrest (1923)
The 1930’s was perfect for showcasing his magnificent tenor voice. This recording from the movie is considered his signature song, among the many selections from his musicals and comedies in that time. He was also father of singer Jack Jones. His voice was a sensation and even though not an opera singer, he could match his own pipes against any of his contemporaries of that era. His voice flowed with an ease that seemed effortless, his vocal control allowed him to hold a note long after others would have given up, and his vocal power and restraint was a thing of beauty from a male voice. Wow! He really delivers! …Soaring and Beautiful!
440. GENTLE ON MY MIND (1967)
Vocalist: Glen Campbell
Writer/Composer: John Hartford (1967)
This wonderful song helped launch Glen’s storied career as a solo artist, a constant in music from the 1960s through the 2010s. His extraordinary gifts as a player and singer is unquestioned, and his influence was renown in Country, Pop and Folk. This award-winning Country selection comes across also as a Bluegrass / Folk song as the lyrics feature a man reminiscing about his lost love as he travels. Glen could always croon songwriter Jimmy Webb’s songs, and could cover classics such as this one—his Country hits often crossed over to Pop. As a former session player of the Wrecking Crew, he had the tools…and the voice!…Pure Vintage!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live performance years later with community of musicians.
439. (OH), PRETTY WOMAN (1964)
Vocalist: Roy Orbison
Writer/Composer: Roy Orbison / Bill Dees (1964)
This Power Pop, Rock song helped cement Roy’s name in stone as it went straight to number 1 on the charts and assured his status as an American singer/songwriter in the Pop / Rock / Blues landscape. His 2nd entry on our list is no fluke—this exceptional song so well delivered, and like Running Scared, its melancholy theme makes it not just about lost love chances, but about surprise endings. “I guess I’ll go on home, it’s late / There’ll be tomorrow night, but wait / What do I see? / Is she walking back to me / Yeah, she’s walking back to me / Oh, oh, pretty woman.” He stretches his Amazing 3-octaves here—one of the Greatest Rock / Pop songs EVER!
LInk # 1 Original recording in 1964. Link # 2 Live concert in 1966.
438. LONG LONG TIME (1970)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt / (Buddy Spicher violin / Weldon Myric steel guitar)
Writer/Composer: Gary White (1969)
“ ‘Cause I’ve done everything I know / To try and make you mine / And I think I’m gonna love you / For a long, long time.” Who can forget the sad words she repeats in the chorus? Without a doubt, Linda proved over and over, she was one of the most gifted singers of the 20th century! Her 4th entry on our list is her award-winning song from her early solo album, Silk Purse, and does she deliver! She uses her versatile voice to show she could sing Country / Country Rock and Folk…with the best of them. You can read her tears in this number about heartbreak and loss of someone who doesn’t love back…Mournful, Stirring and Overwhelming!
Link # Original recording 1970. Link # 2 Live performance 1973 on Midnight Special.
437. CONGA (1985)
Vocalist: Miami Sound Machine (Gloria Estefan)
Writer/Composer: Enrique Garcia (1985)
This extraordinary recording went worldwide in 1985, introducing a rapid fire Brazilian / Caribbean sound and a very high-energy delivery with the dazzling voice of Gloria Estefan. The 1980s / 1990s were full of their Pop hit recordings and this one was hard to match, with powerful, frenetic percussion, stellar keyboards, and the fast-paced singing in multi-layered tracks by our lead singer. It was infectious, rhythmically phenomenal, impossible to ignore—you just had to keep moving to keep with the beat. Her contralto voice was smooth, confident, dynamic. amazing and award-winning…Listen carefully…Simply Sensational!
436. NEW YORK, NEW YORK “New York, New York” (1977)
Vocalist: Liza Minnelli
Writer/Composer: John Kander / Fred Ebb
Singer / actress / performer Liza achieved great accolades and fame in the 1970s / 1980s as a film actress and Broadway star. She came from good stock, her father was film director Vincent Minnelli—her mother, singer actress Judy Garland. It’s astonishing how much she sounds like mother when singing, but she never quite caught on with charted record hits and album sales, but she was a trooper in the standards of the American musical. She possessed a great set of pipes, singing loud, clearly, and confidently, in tone and timbre in this Jazz number. She was a truly great performer in live concerts later in her career…Fabulously Awesome!
435. THE STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA “Philadelphia” (1993)
Vocalist: Bruce Springsteen
Writer/Composer: Bruce Springsteen (1993)
This American Rock, Americana, Folk artist has become legendary, not only with his voice, but with his ability to span 6 decades as a singer / songwriter. His numerous albums from 1972 on and his high energy concerts have cemented his name into America’s musical consciousness. The “Boss” always delivers, whether slow, as this song clearly demonstrates, or fast, “Born to Run.” From his early career onward, he stretched his vocal cords, and as he did in multitudes of 3 to 4 hour concerts, and his gritty rasp developed, until he used it as an advantage, instead of a liability. This song, his soft side…Very Moving, and Spellbinding!
Link # 1 Original official music video. Link # 2 Live performance from 1995 Oscars
434. JAMAICA FAREWELL (1957)
Vocalist: Harry Belafonte
Writer/Composer: Irving Louis Burgie (1956)
U.S. born Caribbean singer / actor / activist Belafonte was perhaps the most well-known Calypso star of the the 1950s / 1960s. His album Calypso stayed on the best-selling album charts for 3 years plus, making him the first singer to sell over 100 million albums. He appealed to Pop / Jazz and Novelty audiences as well. His rich, mellow, baritone voice was ideal for Folk and Traditional songs such as this tune. All in that era know the chorus, “But I’m sad to say / I’m on my way / Won’t be back for many a day / My heart is down / My head is turning around / I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.” He was a legendary performer…Beautiful!
Link # 1 Original 1956 recording. Link # 2 Live performance from the Ed Sullivan Show 1957.
433. NEVER ENOUGH! “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
Vocalist: Loren Allred
Writer/Composer: Benj Pasek / Justin Paul (2017)
Actress Rebecca Ferguson’s musical performance was good in this movie, but the REAL voice behind this number is Loren Allred. She has a great musical career ahead of her, after surviving the Voice, and Britain’s Got Talent. She possesses a 2 to 3 octave range and uses them all to perfection. This American singer hit the big time when the soundtrack of the movie went platinum, and her amazing voice was perfect for this song. Her sound has been described as “great, nuanced, expressive and incandescent.” Her blend of several musical genres is very appealing as she radiates an exciting stage presence and persona…Iconic and Thrilling!
Link # 1 Original recording from The Greatest Showman 2017. Link # 2 Live performance on David Foster PBS special.
432. FALLIN’ (1959)
Vocalist: Connie Francis
Writer/Composer: Neil Sedaka / Howard Greenfield (1959)
Connie’s 2nd entry on our list is absolutely Rock and Roll. She was the first female Rock superstar, after her original breakout hit, Who’s Sorry Now. She was basically the best-selling female vocalist from 1958-1962, and she sold over 200 million records, singing in multiple languages, becoming one of the most popular female singers EVER. She conquered Rock / Pop and Country, yet…yet has been woefully left out of the Rock music Hall of Fame! Her delivery, instantly recognizable, strong, yet with in-charge confidence. She vocalizes with complete dexterity, like a force, and she doesn’t disappoint…Riveting, with Power!
431. WITH OR WITHOUT YOU (1987)
Vocalist: U2 / lead singer Bono / lead guitar, the Edge
Writer/Composer: Bono (Paul Hewson) / The Edge (David Howell) / Adam Clayton / Larry Mullin Jr.
In retrospect, this Rock classic etched in stone U2’s definite place on Rock’s Mount Rushmore—they just keep putting out relevant music, from the late 1970s and counting, into the 2020s. The Joshua Tree album is considered by many as one of the greatest in Rock history, and Bono is considered among Rock’s greatest singers. This Irish Band has stayed together, and their music has transcended all obvious boundaries. Bono’s strong lead vocals span 3 octaves and are easy to understand, and each member excels with their musical skills. Notice how this song slowly builds to its electrifying climax…Perfectly Crafted and Vocalized…Monumental!
Link # 1 Original official music video 1987. Link # 2 Live performance for the BBC (British Broadcasting System)
430. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (1977)
Vocalist: Billy Joel
Writer/Composer: Billy Joel (1977)
This great American singer/songwriter delivers again with this magnificent Pop song about genuine love! “I would not leave you in times of trouble / We never could have come this far, mmm / I took the good time / I’ll take the bad times / I’ll take you just the way you are.” Those beautiful sentiments stay with us, as loving unforgettable moments that burn firmly in our minds, embracing his 3rd entry on our list. His beautiful words and his wondrous keyboard work captivate us every time. He earns his right in America’s songbook as one of the very best songwriters of ANY century, with a beautiful vocal to match—clearly Convincing and Stirring!
Link is from 1978 live performance.
429. CHEEK TO CHEEK “Top Hat” (1935)
Vocalist: Fred Astaire / Leo Reisman’s orch.
Writer/Composer: Irving Berlin (1934)
The great Fred Astaire could do no wrong as a dancer / singer / actor. This particular number is a standout as a Jazz hit and number 1 Pop song of the year. His vocals were not strong musically, but his tenor voice, grace and charm more than made up the difference as he glided effortlessly across the floor with dancing partner, Ginger Rogers. “Heaven, I’m in heaven / And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak / And I seem to find the happiness I seek / When we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek.” This is perhaps one of the most repeated numbers to ever appear in movies, and its iconic place continues to grow each year…Spellbinding!
Link from the 1937 nusical film Top Hat with Ginger Roigers.
428. SINCE I MET YOU BABY (1957)
Vocalist: Ivory Joe Hunter / Jesse Powell Sax & chorus
Writer/Composer: Ivory Joe Hunter (1954)
This prolific singer / songwriter was an excellent pianist, and his sweet, mellow voice was perfect for Blues, R&B, and even Country. This was his biggest hit and oddly enough, it’s written and performed in a Classic Blues style, but instead of sadly singing about losing his love…well, it’s a happy blues song! “Since I met you baby / my whole life has changed / repeat again / And everybody tells me / that I am not the same.” The song caps off a career from the late 1930s through the 1960s, and check out the sax player’s beautiful layer of harmony with Hunter’s pristine vocal delivery. This feel-good classic ages like fine wine…Surprisingly Superb!
Link from the 1957 Ed Sullivan Show.
427. REHAB (2006)
Vocalist: Amy Winehouse
Writer/Composer: Amy Winehouse (2006)
In the very first verse, she sings, “They tried to make me go to Rehab / But I won’t go, go, go.” And she took the Soul / R&B / Pop / Jazz / Blues world by storm in the mid-2000s, not taking her own advice in this catchy instant R&B / Soul classic, leaving this world at 27 years of age. This unique British singer / songwriter captured the hearts of fans the world over with her edgy, sultry, one-of-a-kind voice, ideal for Soul singers. As one writer put it, “She was known for her deep, expressive, contralto voice and her eclectic mix of musical genres.” As time passed, she became one of the truly unique voices of the 21st century. …Precisely Yearning and Impeccable!
Link from Official music video.
426. SOMEWHERE “West Side Story” (1961)
Vocalist: Natalie Wood (voice Marni Nixon / Richard Beymer (voice Jim Bryant)
Writer/Composer: Leonard Bernstein music / Stephen Sondheim lyrics (1957)
“There’s a place for us / Somewhere a place for us / Peace and quiet and open air / Wait for us somewhere.” With these words we are captivated at the moment Tony and Maria sing their undying love and devotion to each other. Like so many, we may prefer the vocals of Marni Nixon and Jim Bryant from the 1960 film. They’re beautiful, touching and gifted, even with that uncertain fate that awaits them. Marni’s “ghost voice” earns her 4th entry on our ranking, and Jim his 2nd in one of the most extraordinary love pairings in film / stage history. We can’t help but love this romantic song, and its defining moment…Enthralling and Poignan
