When you ask people who the best singers of all time are, many of the same names pop up: Frank, Ella, Whitney… But you might also hear some new names that you don’t recognize.
The following list includes the best singers from a variety of genres and eras, but it is far from comprehensive. These particular singers made the list because they had something that really made them stand out, whether it was their sound or presentation – or both!
The 50 Best Singers of All Time
Before we go into the details of why each singer made the list, this infographic shows a small selection from our top 50. Click around, have a listen, and enjoy!
Best Female Singers of All Time
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand has an extremely unique voice that has been enchanting audiences for over fifty years. Her gorgeous tone, belting prowess, and way with a ballad are only a few reasons why so many people adore her.
Aretha Franklin
The power, the musicality, the feeling! These are the reasons why Aretha will forever be the “Queen of Soul.” Though many have tried to be her, there is just no topping the sassy original. No wonder she’s considered one of the best singers of all time.
Patsy Cline
This country legend had a rich voice that many consider to be one of the finest ever. Though Willie Nelson penned the hit song “Crazy,” he admitted that no one could sing it like Patsy. Her version is magical!
Ella Fitzgerald
Not only did she have a youthful and beautiful tone, but Ella had musicianship like no other singer. She said she “learned to sing from the birds,” and after listening to this song you’ll believe her!
Karen Carpenter
Although she may have started her musical journey as a drummer, Karen’s brother Richard encouraged her to share her gorgeous contralto with the world. The rest is history!
Best Male Singers of All Time
Elvis Presley
The King of Rock and Roll was such a presence. He took the world by storm with his unmatched charisma and beautiful baritone that he used in everything from rockabilly to ballads and even soulful gospel songs.
Frank Sinatra
If you want to hear masterful phrasing, listen to Frank Sinatra. His cool, clear baritone is timeless. Like Ella, he was known for making each song his own, even nursery rhymes!
Sam Cooke
His soulful tenor could sell a song like nothing else. The polish in his delivery is another reason why singers will admire Sam Cooke for years to come.
Freddie Mercury
Is there a rock vocalist alive that doesn’t wish they could sing like Freddie? The range, the sheer power, the showmanship! He’s a legend and one of the best singers ever for many reasons.
Luther Vandross
Many have compared Luther’s voice to velvet. The beautiful quality of his voice paired with the feeling in his singing are just a few reasons why he will always have millions of fans.
Best Pop Singers of All Time
Celine Dion
Discovered at an early age, Celine is known for her amazing range and effortless sound. She takes great care of her instrument and you can definitely tell.
George Michael
A soulful and distinctive sound, George could really tug at the heartstrings when he performed a ballad, or get us to dance with more lighthearted tunes. This is the mark of a singer with true versatility!
Josh Groban
This versatile baritone is one of the best singers because of his special way with standards and ballads. He can also sing in Italian and has starred on Broadway. What can’t Josh do?!
K. D. Lang
An underrated yet greatly respected vocalist, K. D. Lang is equally gifted in old school country, jazz, and pop standards. Her version of “Hallelujah” has been called one of the best ever.
Whitney Houston
This legend had a clear and soulful mezzo voice that could soar and tackle absolutely everything from dance songs to love songs. Skilled with vocal runs, she knew just how to use them tastefully.
Best Rock Singers of All Time
Grace Slick
Her intimidating stage presence and steely tone: these are just two reasons why Grace will always be a queen of rock.
Ann Wilson
Ann sounds better than ever now that she is in her 60s! She studied healthy vocal technique, and it shows. Her sheer power have many calling her the “female Robert Plant.”
Sammy Hagar
Still rocking in his seventies, because he can! The Red Rocker had an extremely powerful voice that made Van Halen a success, as well as his numerous other bands and solo projects.
Robert Plant
No one could wail quite like Robert. His soaring tenor is legendary, as a front man and as a soloist. He is another artist that many imitate, but simply can’t compare!
Chris Cornell
Chris may be remembered for the sheer power and cut of his vocals, but he also had range! He was able to sing more subtle ballads and they were equally impressive.
Best Country Singers of All Time
Tammy Wynette
You believed every word Tammy sang! She poured everything she had into her classics and made no apologies for it. She is one of the best singers of all time due to the feeling she put into each and every song.
George Jones
One of the undisputed kings of country music, this tenor really seemed to live his sad songs – much like his ex-wife, Tammy!
Kitty Wells
The twang, the tears, the authenticity! Kitty inspired so many great country artists that came after her.
Loretta Lynn
This legend packed such power with her sassy lyrics. The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is still singing today, collaborating with artists like Jack White.
Johnny Cash
Being a great singer is more than just having a great voice. Sometimes, it’s all about the emotion and life you put into a song. And the Man in Black is proof of that.
Best Opera Singers of All Time
Maria Callas
By far the most revered opera singer of all time for good reason. Maria is the soprano who had it all: a great voice, thrilling stage presence, and ultimate musicianship.
Luciano Pavarotti
This Italian superstar tenor had an instantly recognizable voice. His high notes seemed so easy that his nickname was “King of the High Cs”!
Robert Merrill
This American baritone had a big voice and a big personality, making him a beloved star for opera audiences everywhere.
Jussi Bjoerling
Perhaps the greatest tenor you haven’t heard off! Even Pavarotti himself was in awe of this Swedish singer.
Renata Tebaldi
Arturo Toscanini said this Italian soprano had the “voice of an angel.” Renata was often praised for her gorgeous tone.
Best R&B Singers of All Time
Marvin Gaye
This legend had a massive range that he used very expressively. Although he started as a doo-wop singer, he found his voice performing songs with powerful messages.
Toni Braxton
It’s no wonder it seems so easy for Toni: her mother was a trained opera singer who stressed the importance of vocal technique! This artist is a true contralto with low notes to spare.
Stevie Wonder
It may surprise you because he has such a big range, but Stevie is a baritone! His sweet, soulful sound and timeless melodies are what make him a legend.
Diana Ross
Who’s the boss? Ms. Diana Ross! A singer can learn a lot from her class and stage presence, and the way she used her sweet sounding voice.
Gladys Knight
Still sounding fantastic, this Motown legend has a warm and very powerful mezzo voice that younger singers of today would envy.
Best Broadway Singers
Patti Lupone
With a belt as strong as her stage presence, Patti Lupone is without a doubt the most revered grand dame of the Great White Way.
John Raitt
This booming and bright baritone voice still has plenty of fans to this day, and rightly so. He is also the father of another fabulous musician – Bonnie Raitt!
Bernadette Peters
The emotion she puts into each and every song is no doubt why Bernadette is a favorite of composer Stephen Sondheim.
Julie Andrews
Her impossibly clear and pure soprano voice was featured in blockbuster movies, but she got her start on the stage, enchanting in classics such as “My Fair Lady.”
Ethel Merman
There is no one who can out-belt “the Merm!” The sheer brassiness in her voice and personality made her an icon on stage and on screen.
Greatest Singers of Yesteryear
Judy Garland
Judy is one of the finest singing actresses of all time. When she performed, you believed she truly lived each song.
Nat King Cole
Nat was wonderful not only because he had such a warm tone, but because he knew that singing simply was more than enough to sell a song.
Mel Torme
They called him the “Velvet Fog” because of his beautiful tenor voice. Mel was also a great improviser and quite skilled at scat singing.
Rosemary Clooney
Her rich, clear voice lended itself beautifully to both up tempo novelty numbers as well as heartfelt ballads.
Cass Elliot
This amazing voice is one of the best of the 1960s. She used to compete with Barbra Streisand for the same roles in NYC when they were first starting out.
Greatest Singers of Today
Lady Gaga
Don’t let the crazy costumes fool you: this lady has an absolutely wonderful voice that is as amazing in pop music as well as jazz standards.
Sam Smith
His tenor voice is not only beautiful and unique, but he sounds just as good live as he does on recordings.
Sara Bareilles
Sara’s slightly smoky tone paired with her heartfelt lyrics make this amazingly talented singer one of the best out there right now.
Brandi Carlile
The powerful and emotional delivery of her songs are on par with some of the greats from the past, including Patsy Cline.
Beyonce
Not only does Queen Bey put on a great show, but she also has a killer voice! This internationally adored diva mixes it up between catchy dance tunes and massive ballads, and kills both!
There are so many fantastic singers out there that it wasn’t possible to include everyone on this list. So we want to hear from you. Who would YOU add to this list of the best singers of all time? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you want to be a singer, one of the most important things you can do is listen to and study the greats. Hopefully some of these vocalists inspired you to take your singing skills to the next level.
If you’d like to get started today, check out the online singing classes at TakeLessons Live, or sign up for lessons with a local teacher!
Post Author: Molly M.Molly M. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Schaumburg, IL. Her specialties include teaching Opera and Classical Voice to beginners, shy singers, children, and older beginners. Molly started teaching in 2002. Learn more about Molly here!
Original article is here:Take Lessons
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