The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time

Aretha Franklin described her mission as a singer like this: “Me with my hand outstretched, hoping someone will take it.” That kind of deep, empathetic bond between artist and listener is the most elemental connection in music. And you can think of our list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time as a celebration of that bond. These are the vocalists that have shaped history and defined our lives — from smooth operators to raw shouters, from gospel to punk, from Sinatra to Selena to SZA

“I sorta think of Eva Cassidy”

Sting says that the best version of his Fields of Gold is the one by Eva Cassidy. He is, of course, correct:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UVjjcOUJLE

Eva Cassidy was like one of those shooting stars you only see for a moment or two in the middle of the evening, from your front porch on a hot and humid night, with crickets and tree frogs singing, some firelies flickering off and on, and a giant glass of ice cold sweet tea in your hand.

You will remember that shooting star for the rest of your life..

Yep. She probably would have loved that description, nature was a big part of her life.

If you haven’t seen this documentary featuring her old band mates you’re in for a real treat. Actually if you have already seen it you’re still in for a real treat, it never gets old:

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

“Eva Cassidy - One Night That Changed Everything”

Exactly. I was going to point out Rod Stewart and Tom Petty as inspired by Dylan’s “distinctive” voice. A lot of singers are said to have been ‘the next Bob Dylan’. Some, like John Prine, were true lasting talents, even if they claimed to not really like Dylan. Others remained little known:

https://www.mic.com/articles/109690/11-artists-poised-to-become-the-new-bob-dylan

"It would be entertaining to put together a list of singers with “distinctive” rather than good voices."

I like your idea, and I was already making my own short list along those same lines. (I didn't have enough free time to read through another one of these long Rolling Stone lists, but I think at least some of these singers should be on a list of singers with "distinctive" voices. A few entries on my list here are just here as "tongue-in-cheek" suggestions, but I think at least some of these folks are pretty good in their own "distinctive" way. (At least they can all carry a tune...sort of.)

     "Smokestack Lightning" - Howlin' Wolf

     "Blood On The Saddle" - Tex Ritter

     "He Was A Friend Of Mine" - Dave Van Ronk

     "Cigareets & Whuskey & Wild, Wild Wimmen" - Red Ingle

     "Pledging My Time" - Bob Dylan

     "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" - Tiny Tim

     "Happy Birthday" - Marilyn Monroe

     "Act Naturally" - Ringo Starr

     "You Win Again" - Mick Jagger

     "It Hurts Me Too" - Mick Jagger

     "Shine On Harvest Moon" - Leon Redbone

     "Mama Roux" -Dr. John

     "You Got To Move" - Willie Neal Johnson

     "When I'm Gone" - Randy Newman

     "Blueberry Hill" - Vladimir Putin (the dirty commie)

     Night Music: Jools Holland & Doctor John as the "Boogie Woogie Twins" - (No singing here, but you might like it anyway.)

(Now I think I'll just go somewhere and "duck & cover" for a while.)      :-)

Now also seems like a good time for me to take a little extended hiatus from posting here on FR, so, goodnight, and may God bless all here.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.