There are times in a lifetime that you encounter voices that take you on musical journeys like you've never felt before. The voices express a movement, a feeling, a place in time -- and every time you hear the voices, it takes you back to that moment. If the particular voice is powerful enough, you glean new experiences each time you hear a song by them. I think that humankind has been blessed with several voices that are special for different reasons. When I say "BEST" -- let me be clear... these are my opinions FIRST and FOREMOST. Secondly, many vocalists are also songwriters and instrumentalists that may or may not make the lists. My reasons are based solely on the vocal ability, tone, and versatility. There are vocalists that are great at their craft, but for many reasons - they don't make my particular list. So hear are MY top 10... (not in any particular order)
1. Donny Hathaway
He is THE vocal stylist. He was able to do - sitting down on a piano and singing - what most artists cannot do standing up entertaining. Donny is the quintessential vocalist. Every time someone attempts one of his songs, I cringe. Donny's signature songs are cuts that most people would NEVER record and feel good about it because Donny has done it THE best. Songs like "A Song For You" and "Giving Up" are timeless. And you cannot even hear the songs without hearing his voice. There are many imitators, but this man was light years beyond his time. And to ADD to it - he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He had some mental issues that none of us will ever understand, YET he created the blueprint for riffs, runs and cascades. He is the definition of SOUL. And then he passed his gift to his daughter (who is the most underrated artist PERIOD), Lalah Hathaway.
2. Stevie Wonder
Stevie has aged, and yet he still hasn't lost it. He performs, he plays, he writes and he sings and he does it ALL blind. His songs, like Donny have OFTEN been redone. There are some that are acceptable to cover, but Stevie got some songs that people DARE not go after. Stevie is the epitome of artistry. There is no one that I can think of that has a more extensive catalogue than he does. His range, his tone and his placement are incredible. There are not enough words to describe the gift that is Stevie.
3. Marvin Gaye
Marvin was just so smooth. He provided an iconic soundtrack to a tumultuous era. What makes Marvin catapult on to this list is that he was incredibly intentional as a vocal stylist. His music demonstrated an ironic contrast to his subject matter. He painted a picture, conveyed the emotion of a time in songs like "What's Goin On?" without being forceful. He lulled his listeners into the warmth of his voice. Simply, Marvin KEPT the mood always smooth and his music never gets old. People will continue to cover and sample his material because it just feels right.
4. Daryl Coley
This man changed the sound of gospel music in the 1980s. Daryl Coley mastered the art of captivation and technique in his singing style. With control, proper breathing, and incredible range, Coley was one of the most visible male artists whether he was releasing a project or he was being featured on someone else's project. Unlike many male gospel vocalists of his time and even now, Daryl coupled training with gifting which has separated him from most vocalists in his genre.
5. Frank McComb
There are people that try to do runs and riffs to wow audiences, and there are people who naturally have inflections and are not trying to "wow" you - that's just who they are. And Frank McComb's voice is like WATER! I mean it is so smooth - and the texture is just so tranquil. There are moments in his songs where he hums better than most people can sing. It's nothing short of amazing. Furthermore, Frank McComb sings EVERYTHING. He is not limited to genre, and it sounds fresh regardless. He is like a modern-day Donnie mixed with the funk of Stevie Wonder. I mean, he is the TRUTH!
6. Nat King Cole
I think Nat King Cole is phenomenal. Yes, he was a jazz pianist and guitarist - but he is a master vocalist. He made baritone just sound cool. I like Nat because he just made it sound so smooth. His tone and the clarity of WHAT he is singing is paramount. Nat didn't have autotune or digital devices to make sure he was on key - but this guy was incredibly accurate and I love that he is so intentional. As a singer, he takes you on a vocal voyage where you can picture his words, no matter the song.
7. Frank Sinatra
Frank just could sing anything. His voice was devoid of genre constraints as many artists. Although most people prefer his ballads and how he kept everything simple and pure, Frank had chops and often showed his skill as a vocalist live. Furthermore, Frank had the ability to sing different tempos with the same intentionality - which is incredibly difficult for people who are labeled as balladeers. I personally love Frank's depth. Listening to a Frank record allows you to hear it anew every listen.
8. Jason Nelson
I'm a fan of this guy. He makes singing look so effortless. And the way he articulates a complex run is nothing short of amazing. Jason Nelson, twin brother of gospel phenom artist Jonathan Nelson (who is an incredible writer, and can give you priceless moments of vocal greatness), is such an influence. The texture of his voice is just awe-striking. His great tone and great runs are accompanied with clarity... just amazing.
9. Tank
This man really needs no introduction and no explanation on why he makes the list. I think that Tank's vocal abilities are so underrated because of popular culture's fascination with dance crazes current ambivalence to the ballad. Tank is multifaceted in that he is able to adjust his vocal style to what the song requires. It is amazing to me that he has the ability to run, growl, sing in his head/falsetto, chest voice, and be both aggressive and have finesse. He's just all-around a gifted singers. Most guys that are singers want to have his ability even if they don't necessarily want to sound like him.
10. Tonex/B.Slade
Say what you want... but Tonex/B.Slade is giant of a vocalist. Having the most range on this list, this guy is an innovator. His approach to singing is so unique because he always thinking of new ways to interpret music. True - he does have an edge because he's a trained vocalist, but who would have thought of bringing yodeling to gospel. Vocal quality is stellar, and his power is hair-raising.
CLOSE CONTENDERS
- Eric Benet
Phenomenally consistent! Effortless singer.
- Brian McKnight
For all the Brian fans that think he should have made the list... I'm sorry. He was a close contender. I'm just not convinced he's as great of a singer as he is a great songwriter. He has great moments, but I've heard Brian songs sang better by other people.
- Fred Hammond
Fred is a bad boy. However, like Brian, I think his songwriting skills trump his vocal ability. Being in Dallas, hearing Fred live a few times - I know he is a voice to be reckoned with. I think his ability is somewhat limited and shadowed by grooving yet simple melodies. I haven't heard Fred sing anything difficult or something that no one else could sing.
- Luther Vandross
I love Luther. His songs were amazing and will never be sang like that ever again. 75% of Luther songs could have been hits had he chosen them. A truly great soul singer that changed male ballads in the 80's and 90's.
- R. Kelly
Say what you will about Robert Kelly, but the man can SING! And he has proven it live time and time again. Personally, he didn't make the top ten list because I think the other people sing better. But R. Kelly is still worthy of a mention.
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