World's three greatest male vocalists?

[MNDude]

There are thousands of great male singers, but there are probably only a few that you know that really stand out. In your opinion who are the three greatest male vocalists of all time?

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

I’m playing pedal steel on Every Thought Of You, and rocking lapsteel on Fargoi. Neil is amazing! Hugely popular in Europe and Asia. He does long tours in China every year. But here in the US, we listen to Rap. Sad state of affairs, eh?

[JustaCowgirl]

Jim Reeves
Marty Robbins
Roy Orbison

[11Bush]

One of my votes would be for Reese Brown.

I am sure that no one here has ever heard of him unless you were a member of the Hollywood United Methodist Church in the early 1970's. He could bring tears to the eye of a statue with his singing of 'The Old Rugged Cross' or 'How Great Thou Art'.

The point being, there are millions of singers that we have never heard of who are just as talented as the famous ones that are listed in the posts above. They just never had the publicity or stage to make their mark.

[CrimsonTidegirl]

Hilarious skit.

Tom Petty could have been included too.

I remember an SNL skit from years ago in which Tom Petty and Bob Dylan appeared on “Weekend Update”. Of course, I mean SNL actors portraying Petty & Dylan.

No one could understand either one of them. They were just speaking unintelligibly, just as in the skit you posted.

[topspinr]

Sinatra, Carmen McRae, Nat King Cole/Tom Jones

[WhoisAlanGreenspan?]

I agree. Based on what? Jon Anderson ('Yes' primary vocalist) was an amazing unique vocal, an almost soprano alto male sound that was not falsetto, but did you ever see that guy? Very small person compared to the rest on stage but no doubt a huge talent and a creative genius in his own way.

Looking at Bob Dillon and Bruce Morrison, a couple of guys who actually couldn't sing at all but whose poetry, creativity, and the era they were in carried the day and their fame forward.

Elvis could sing pretty good. He used the pelvis outlandish bit to get famous. Do we separate raw talent from marketing or consider it all the same?

[YouGoTexasGirl]

Willie Nelson
George Strait
Barry White

Lock the doors, light the candles and just keep the lemon drop martinis in the fridge!!....Could listen to all three on a patio at the coast all night just listening to the wind and the waves....ahhhh!, I gotta get Mr. YGTG to do this after we finish building our home!!

[onedoug]

Jack Haley, The Tin Man from The Wizard Of Oz

Bing Crosby

Louis Armstrong

[Kommodor]

I’d toss in Michael Sadler of saga, head dell of Boston, and Roy khan of kamelot. Great voices all

[tenthirteen]

this cannot be a serious thread. it took 123 responses
for someone to mention Johnny Mathis. leads me to believe that some folks cannot hear very well. that being said however I will note that we are all entitled to our opinion.

for after all, without variety we wouldn’t have a horse race.

[WhoisAlanGreenspan?]

I'm in Detroit mostly when I hear the floor shacking nonsense that rattles my teeth and everything else. The lyrics always include f-this and bitch-that and I truly feel sorry for those who consider that entertainment, but I'm just some old guy who is supposed to complain about young people. It's what I do.

However, I admit I enjoy it!

[Golden Eagle]

LOTS of great vocalists listed on this thread.

But the question is, can they do it live?

Elvis - The King (of rock and roll).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwqbuus8QPU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBY17ni7Unk

Mike Matijevic - Steel Heart and voice behind the movie Rock Star

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZICSurN65WY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa7QYqaHsCg (recorded a few weeks ago)

Scott Stapp - Creed. Buckle up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kpF19GTC0U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UuEs1vU7OI

[I_be_tc]

4 later enjoyment. Thanks

[YouGoTexasGirl]

Yes, three was very hard for me! Fortunately, I had been to all these concerts and loved their music.

Personally, I love a huge variety of music...just depending on my need for it. I love Praise music and drift into sleep many nights from a local band whose lead vocal sends me into peaceful dreams...even before the CD is finished!

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound...My Chains are gone!!

[gymbeau]

Who else?

[Wyatt's Torch]

Andea Bocelli
Frank Sinatra
Freddie Mercury

This is the correct answer. I’ve seen the first two live.

[Albion Wilde]

Luciano Pavarotti.
No one else comes close.

[Golden Eagle]

Freddie Mercury

Not in my top 50, or maybe even 100. Sounds terrible live. IMO! Not that you would like my list, either, just saying I really consider him more of an act, than a vocalist.

[HandyDandy]

All of mine have been taken (Jim Morrison, Roy Orbison, Elvis, etc) so I’d just like to add Smokey Robinson.

[HandyDandy]

“You gotta beep a gunk a chucha Honk konk konk You gotta each you puna Each ya bop a luba Each yall bump a kechonk Ease sum konk Ya, ride"

I have stated, on more than one occasion, that that is the greatest line in rock 'n roll.