Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers Of All Time
It feels comprehensive, but there are plenty of gaps (it's a list). Still, it's interesting, mostly because for some of the folks listed other vocalists wrote the accompanying blurbs, offering insights in both directions. Like Iggy Pop (#75) on James Brown (#10):
And there was that scream. It was like an inner voice. It sounded like an assertion of rights of primitive man: "I am alive, and I can do things." He used to describe his dancing as "African nerve control." He had a point ... He was a terrific editor. The one that flipped me out -- I still remember being in the car, hearing it -- is "I Can't Stand It." He was down to fuck the chorus, fuck the melody. This is barely a riff. But he pushes the group along like the coxswain on a Roman galley: Stroke, motherfucker, uh!
And a hearty, etc. Michael Jackson (#25) might be less than excited -- his text was written by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump. Chris Martin weighs in on Björk (#60). One thing to note: Besides Axl Rose (and, if you want to get classic, Robert Plant and Steven Tyler), RS isn't that into heavy metal singers. Rob Halford should be pissed. Ozzy and Dio are weeping. Dion is not. Also: No Joey Ramone? Fleet Foxes aren't #1, so don't get your hopes up.
100 Mary J. Blige
99 Steven Tyler
98 Stevie Nicks
97 Joe Cocker
96 B.B. King
95 Patti LaBelle
94 Karen Carpenter
93 Annie Lennox
92 Morrissey
91 Levon Helm
90 The Everly Brothers
89 Solomon Burke
88 Willie Nelson
87 Don Henley
86 Art Garfunkel
85 Sam Moore
84 Darlene Love
83 Patti Smith
82 Tom Waits
81 John Lee Hooker
80 Frankie Valli
79 Mariah Carey
78 Sly Stone
77 Merle Haggard
76 Steve Perry
75 Iggy Pop
74 James Taylor
73 Dolly Parton
72 John Fogerty
71 Toots Hibbert
70 Gregg Allman
69 Ronnie Spector
68 Wilson Pickett
67 Jerry Lee Lewis
66 Thom Yorke
65 David Ruffin
64 Axl Rose
63 Dion
62 Lou Reed
61 Roger Daltrey
60 Björk
59 Rod Stewart
58 Christina Aguilera
57 Eric Bourdon
56 Mavis Staples
55 Paul Rodgers
54 Luther Vandross
53 Muddy Waters
52 Brian Wilson
51 Gladys Knight
50 Bonnie Raitt
49 Donny Hathaway
48 Buddy Holly
47 Jim Morrison
46 Patsy Cline
45 Kurt Cobain
44 Bobby "Blue" Bland
43 George Jones
42 Joni Mitchell
41 Chuck Berry
40 Curtis Mayfield
39 Jeff Buckley
38 Elton John
37 Neil Young
36 Bruce Springsteen
35 Dusty Sprinfield
34 Whitney Houston
33 Steve Winwood
32 Bono
31 Howlin' Wolf
30 Prince
29 Nina Simone
28 Janis Joplin
27 Hank Williams
26 Jackie Wilson
25 Michael Jackson
24 Van Morrison
23 David Bowie
22 Etta James
21 Johnny Cash
20 Smokey Robinson
19 Bob Marley
18 Freddie Mercury
17 Tina Turner
16 Mick Jagger
15 Robert Plant
14 Al Green
13 Roy Orbison
12 Little Richard
11 Paul McCartney
10 James Brown
09 Stevie Wonder
08 Otis Redding
07 Bob Dylan
06 Marvin Gaye
05 John Lennon
04 Sam Cooke
03 Elvis Presley
02 Ray Charles
01 Aretha Franklin
You can read the texts and listen to sound samples at Rolling Stone. The voters were journalists and a bunch of people who can sing. You'll see them listed over there, too.
Posted at 11:26 AM by brandon
Time to get relevant, Rolling Stone.
Score = 10
This is a pretty shitty list, paul simon should be there, and on a serious note, allah- i agree, where is the ODB>??
Score = 1
Wow...that was EXACTLY my first thought too? Where is Paul Simon??
Score = 1
wow worst list ever steve perry 76? are you kidding me he is one of the best singers ever and cobain put so high? he is terrible also were is phil collins?
Score = -1
I totally agree with dan, Steve Perry should at least be in the top 10, no doubt at all! Steve Tyler at 99, are u fucking kidding me? He should be in the top 10! Freddie Mercury should be in the top 10 also! And how the fuck is Frank Sinatra not on that list or Tom Petty? Worst list I have ever seen in my life! My personal favorite top 5 singers is a better list then this load of bullshit!
1.Steve Perry
2.Steve Tyler
3.John Lennon
4.Frank Sinatra
5.Freddie Mercury
Score = 7
don't talk about him like that. he could sing and play guitar and drums very well. i think he shouold be put higher.
Score = -1
Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Fiona Apple, Mike Patton, Robert Plant, Jónsi Birgisson. Bjork, Trent Reznor, Thom York, Cee Lo, Cedric Bixler Zavala, Chris Cornell... C'MON Get with it! This is why this list doesn't matter. At all. No one in this list's music is going to make any less or more of a difference because of what number they fell into. Rolling Stone has an old school mentality, and Magazines like Alternative Press should be taken more seriously for new and interesting stuff. Every vocalist has something different to bring to the table, not just the highest note, or the best vibrato. This list simply cannot be taken seriously, it cannot exist unless you let it.
Score = -2
To put Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Robert Plant in the same category as Bjork clearly shows your ignorance.
Score = 1
Fully! I agree mr. murphy-best lists are outdated, maybe back in the 50s when there many fewere musical acts would it be possible to arrange such a gouping; however, with the number of talented acts that now exist in the world (both english speaking and that other 70%) it is literally impossible, borderline unethical to perform such an act: each musician, vocalist, band, what have you, is so unique in their own right that you can't simply classify best, even with a list of criteria that would be longer than the original list itself. Best is just too vague a term; it MAY be possible to compile a list of most influential or talented artists ever, but surely not a best catalog, it's just too subjective.
Anyway, that's my piece, I'm going to quit before I end up writing a sequel to the Odyssey.
Score = 0
the fact that Frank Sinatra is not even on the list is an absolute travesty, should be in the top ten easy. rolling stone, you should be ashamed of yourselves, you have lost all credibility.
Score = 5
Really? I have always considered Paul McCartney's vocals to be alot stronger than John Lennon's.
Score = 0
Kurt Cobain a better singer than Christina Aguilera. Neil Young a better singer than Patti LaBelle.
The only justification for clicking on this article is Axl Rose looks like he's doing a "Woo! Woo!" choo-choo train hand-motion whilst sucking a big black dingaling in that photo.
Score = 8
you mean he's not?
Score = 4
hahahahahahhahahahaahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhah. That's the funniest thing I've heard in a while. Seeing how Kurt Cobain and Neil Young can't sing AT ALL, your comment is gut wrenchingly funny.
Score = -2
No Molly Siegel=fuck this shit! Morrissey is also way too low.
Score = -1
Bono? Why? Why? Why?
Score = -7
Thank you Fred!! I thought it was taboo to desecrate Bono's name!
http://www.onenotepony.com/?p=117#content
Score = 2
I think this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jxIc9qu3hQ&feature=related is a good reason why Bono. I know that a lot of people love to hate him, I get it, but for a bad punk band from the early 80s his vocals have come a long way. Keep in mind he is singing Pavarotti's tenor part from that song. He's got a lot of range from very quiet to belting it out.
Score = 1
unless "like a rolling stone is some" joke I don't get, I think #97 should be joe cocker.
I agree with adrienne's comment though, this list is pretty ancient.
Score = 0
you have the gall to call your list the greatest singers of all time, and then choose to narrow it to 100 people...that's the problem here...
there are random old singers peppered throughout, but then it's like wheres frank sinatra or billy holiday or ella fitzgerald etc who are all better than mary j blige for example
its just such a broad and endless concept with constricting it with eras or genres that its never going to please anyone because in essence its flawed , very flawed
gah
Score = 18
Anyway, they should have included David Byrne.
I'm never gonna buy the magazine again.
Score = 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KQjy02eqOk&feature=related
Uno Mas, Talking Heads, Rome, 1980
w/ Adrian Belew guitar
Score = 0
uhh. I mean joe cocker.
Score = 1
Or Jarvis? No, you're right ... fixed.
Score = 0
Where is David Byrne?
Score = 8
Wow this list has pissed off soo many people. I think that might have been the goal of the whole exercise.
Score = 1
drool drool drool! list list list! smash smash smash!
Score = 3
63 Dion
Celine Dion?
WTF?
Score = 0
#63 would be 1989 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dion DiMucci, you fucking idiot.
Score = 4
jeff buckley at #39? that's it?
Score = 0
wtf rolling stone....
thom yorke is not number 66, nor is he below fucking axl rose
Score = 1
I hate to be the person who hates on lists, but Dylan? Anywhere near this list? Much less top ten? Fuck Rolling Stone
Score = -5
for someone who hates to be a person who hates lists you've already hated it twice...
Score = 5
Every list pisses a million people off.
I'm a little sad there's no Cedric Bixler Zavala. Especially since RS loves TMV so much. Maybe it's just Omar.
Also, I don't see Brian Wilson, but there's no way he couldn't be on there so I probably just missed him.
Score = 1
# 52
Score = 1
You're kidding, right? Brian was probably the FOURTH best singer in the Beach Boys. Even though he's a dick, Mike Love was definitely the best vocalist in that group. And yes, Brian is on the list.
Score = -2
Dude, Carl was the one with the voice.
Score = 1
52. Brian Wilson
Score = 0
bono > neil young. witney houston > jeff buckley. christina aguilera > thom yorke. oh god
Score = 2
Oh God no, they put three great vocalists higher than three mediocre ones, whatever will we do?!
Score = 1
Wow it kinda sucks the only result when searching for "ved" points to "All Rights Reserved" at the bottom. ...eddie vedder?
Score = 2
I'd add Liam Gallagher 1993-2002
Score = -9
agreed. liam should be there.....the list sucked when i read that axl rose was there.
Score = -2
Jeff Buckley is an amazing singer, his voice is out of this world!!
Jeff Buckley NY Tribute will be Monday, November 17th, 7pm at Arlene's Grocery . It would of been his 42nd birthday.
Score = 0
move freddy mercury up, please
Score = 25
what about the guy from clap your hands say yeah!!!??!?!?!?!
just kidding but seriously, good shit that wouldnt make a list like this: jeff mangum, antony haggarty, beth gibbons to name a few...
Score = 4
Where is Robin Peckinhold, Jim James, or Ben Bridwell?
Score = -3
We all know that Bob Dylan is one of the greatest poets of all time, but he shouldn't have even been considered to be put on this list, let alone at number 7.
Score = 6
I totally agree with this list. I've been telling people for years that David Bowie is the 23rd greatest singer of all time.
Score = 35
hahahaha
Score = 1
RollingStone should die and be buried with their countless, irrelevant lists.
Score = 2
cedric bixler zavala...honestly he's one of the top frontmen of all time. at least top 100.
Score = -1
stevie nicks? 98? ..... maybe they mixed up her and stevie wonder .... great performer, not a great singer
Score = -1
Why don't you remove the wax buildup from your ears, because it's obviously obstructing your hearing if you don't realize Stevie Wonder is a great singer.
Score = 0
Ian Gillan.. David Coverdale.. Dio .... Haldford, Dickinson... hello????
Score = 0
dude, I so agree with you, how the fuck do Mary J Blige and fucking Bono make it on this list of so called greatest singer, but operatic metal legends don't?
Score = -1
Because operatic metal legends should be imprisoned for the crap they spew into a microphone.
Score = 0
It's good to see "Smoke" Robinson on this list. I've always liked "Smoke" Robinson.
Score = 2
right up there with Dusty "Sprinfield"
Score = 0
Where is Micahel Stipe! He should be in the top 10! Also Where is Robert Smith. I can't believe they think Mary J Blidge is better than Robert Smith! WTF!
Score = 1
is it about how your voice sounds? or your tone and how you bring it across. you don't have to be pavarotti or whatever to be an amazing singer, so i think that's the justification of having dylan in the top ten. it's how he sings, not how well.
Score = 6
yea i don't think most are noticing that TOM WAITS is on this list. i think its safe to say this isn't american idol.
Score = 0
the list is appropriately weighted towards 60s r&b, but no diana ross? wuh?
Score = 1
The folks complaining about Dylan don't really seem to understand how rock music works. It's not about the range, but the delivery. See also: Tom Waits, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash.
Score = 3
It cracks me up that Art Garfunkel is on the list, but Paul Simon is nowhere to be seen.
Token complaint: I'll agree that Freddie should be higher. Also, I'm not understanding the presence of Steve Perry...unless it's ironic.
Score = -1
Axl 'FUCKING' Rose should be first
Score = -21
The way I see it, you've got to have EITHER Elvis Costello OR Daryl Hall on this list. If you want to include emotional singers able to convey raw feelings with brilliant songs (as RS seems to do on this shitlist), then EC deserves a high spot -- I mean, Dylan and Lennon in the top ten aren't known for their great singing. Now, if you want pitch-perfect singing mutants, DHall is a freak who happens to sing mostly shit.
To omit both seems odd.
Score = -1
i think they were talking about dion..not celine dion, but i could be wrong
Score = 1
There were a lot of tone deaf journalist that compiled this list.
Score = 4
Just a couple of thoughts:
Bob Dylan is my favorite Rock and Roll singer of all time. Nobody extracts more emotion out of a set of lyrics than Dylan. If you don't think Dylan can sign, I challenge you to listen to "Moonshiner" of the first bootleg album, or "Forever Young," or "Girl From the North Country," or "Simple Twist of Faith," or countless other examples. Seeing Lou Reed on the list does surprise me, I love the guy to death, but what song of his is best known for his vocal performance? What is the definitive Lou Reed vocal performance?
I would switch John and Paul's position.
Ther should be more Beach Boys on the list. But no way is Mike Love a better singer than Brian Wilson, I'm sorry it is just impossible. Listen to Brian's 1967 demo of "Surf's Up." I personally think Brain, Carl, and Bruce Johnston had better voices than Mike, with Dennis closely trailing.
Biggest omission on the list: Levon Helm
Score = -1
My argument for John and Paul staying where they are: "Mother." I don't care how much more pleasant and versatile Paul's voice is. He never had the guts to express himself the way John did.
Score = 1
I thought the same about Paul and John- Paul's range is vastly superior. Even John hated his own voice
Score = -3
How about 'Simple Twist of Fate.'
Score = 2
No Mark E. Smith, no credibility.
Score = 2
jim james wrote a sweet little thing for levon helm.
stop being so fucking perfect, jim james.
also, it is CRIMINAL to leave eddie vedder off this list.
Score = 3
my bad, 91
Score = 0
Yeah, I have to echo the Vedder sentiment. Aside from just his whole ridiculous awesomeness, he spawned a whole generation of shitty alt-rock imitators. Not many singers today are trying to be Axl Rose, but everyone wants to be Eddie Vedder.
Score = 4
Brian Wilson had the best falsetto while Carl had the best all around "voice". Mike Love just talk-sang most of the early leads. You're probably unfamiliar with their later albums.
Score = 1
try saying something about Jann and his friends...bono,Dave, etc---you can't...thats funny...that being said, BJORK?! come on???? and don't give me some hipster trendy bullshit about how transcending her voice is...DALTREY behind XTINA?! WTF?! Obviously RS and their legendary staff can't get their junk out of each others mouth...JACK BRUCE? BRUCE DICKINSON? OZZY? DARYL FUCKIN HALL? JOHN OATES?.....MICHAEL MCDONALD? TOTO?
Score = 0
Wheres Vince Neil?
Score = -3
AHHHHH AND NO EDDIE VEDDER???!!! C'MON....DID PJ SAY SOMETHING BAD ABOUT ROLLING STONE? DID THEY MAKE JANN MAD? AWWWWW.....LET ME GUESS...LEONARD COHEN IS A BETTER SINGER, RIGHT? GOD I HATE ROLLING STONE AND ITS JACKS$%T HALL OF FAME....
WHERE'S STEVEN STILLS?
DAVID CROSBY?
GRAHM NASH?
NO ELVIS COSTELLO??
SHIT, NO JOHN LEGEND?
C'MON...NO WAY IS LENNON BETTER THAN MCCARTNEY.....i should really get back to work.....NO ZEVON?!? BULLSHIT!!!
Score = -2
NOTHING CAME OUT OF THE KINKS EITHER I GUESS.....chris cornell???? GEORGE HARRISON? .........JOE COCKER---MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN YOUNG READERS--REASON ENOUGH TO PUT HIM MUUUUUCH HIGHER....
Score = 0
on second thought it's SUPER weird that eddie vedder isn't included because he is one of Jann's pals.
Score = 4
All right, in all seriousness...Where the Fuck is the Old Dirty Bastard?
Score = 5
I get it that a lot of people in the 1950's pionnered music as we listen to it today, but why does every list have to put every single one of them on the top of every single list. Mick Jagger, Bowie, & Mercury should be easily in the top 10, Vedder needs to be on the list like him or not (and you should like him!). You can also easily make the argument to move up Prince, Morrisey Jim Morrison. and I understand how "uncool" it has become to be a fan of U2, but Bono deserves to be in the top 50. U2 has been on the scene for like 25 relevant years, and produced some pretty damn good stuff in that period, even if you just look at their early work.
But the biggest crime of all???
Bjork... is over Robert Daltry.... The Who, maybe the greatest rock band ever behind the Beatles and Stones, have their front man behind Bjork and her strange Yodeling? No, no no. no, no, no, no.... Bjork needs to be off the list, and Daltry into the top 50.
Score = 0
oh wow, i just realized that Christina Aguilera is ACTUALLY on this list, and in the 50's no less....... this list has become completely laughable, having someone like her in the 50's, and no Ozzy, Byrne, or Ramone
Score = 3
um there are not 65 singers that are better than Thom Yorke.
Score = 0
Um, yes there are.
Score = 0
oh boy. a RS list. I really shouldn't waste time on a comment, but I have to.......
there are a lot of ridiculous mis-rankings and omissions here (and as much as I don't care for Pearl Jam, Vedder should be on here without a doubt) but let's get one thing clear: Roy Orbison is the greatest rock singer ever. ranking Bob Dylan ahead of him, or ANYone else on this list, is pure lunacy.
Score = 3
Tom Waits? Well, I can mumble, too. I guess I should be on this list.
Score = -3
Where is Rick Astley?!?!?
Score = 6
Any vocal list that doesn't have Freddie Mercury in the top ten (I'd go as far as 5, actually) loses some credibility instantly.
Rolling Stone should hip enough to acknowledge TV on the Radio. I think Kyp and Tunde both have really powerful voices.
Also, Black Francis. I mean...c'mon. Best shout in rock and roll.
Score = 5
and also, if we are realistic, jim morrison's voice was fucking rancid, not that the music was bad, but the voice? nada
Score = 2
mark robbins, You called Jim Morrison voice what? Do you know how good Jim Morrison sings. I not that big of a fan of The Doors, but my brother loves them. Jim Morrison was one of the best singers I have ever heard. His Baritone voice is mesmerizing. His screams are perfect. His voice is NEVER boring. From that comment I see that you haven't heard him sing for real. Theres a lot of times where Jim doesn't WANT to sing perfect or he is too drunk. Like the song on Five to One. His vocals are never boring. He is in my top five of best singers. Go on youtube and listen to Touch Me and tell me he can't sing. Its either you haven't heard Jim Morrison sing or you have no clue what good singing is.
Score = 0
rolling stone is sooo crappy. exhibit a: paris hilton and jessica simpson records got 3/5 stars. exhibit b: jonas brothers cover.
Score = 2
Steve Marriott (Small Faces)?
Ian McCulloch (Echo & the Buynnymen)?
Tracey Thorn (EBTG)?
Leonard Cohen?
Jon Anderson (Yes)?
Grant Lee Phillips?
Liz Frasier (Cocteau Twins)?
Joe Strummer?
Van, Winwood, Jeff Buckley should be 2, 3, & 4.
Finally, sacrilege to say but... a dozen better reggae singers than Marley.
Score = 4
Agreed on Liz.
Also Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance.
Score = 1
And where is Beth Gibbons, and cat power what the heck this list is wrong!!! Rolling whats your problem well respect to all the singer but i dont agree with this
Score = -1
Cat Stevens?
why the f**k is Cobain on here? why not Lydon (or anyone!) from the punk era?\
Score = 2
where the fuck is Leonard Cohen on the list? man he should have been in the Top Ten... Bjork is on the list and Leonard Cohen is not on the damn list... theres no justice in the world.
Score = 0
What about that guy from Danzig? Wait, was that his name? Is it Danzig? Where's Danzig?! Muthaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!
Score = 0
Bob Dylan?! seriously?
Score = -1
Where the FUCK is Ryan Adams?!
Score = -5
get a fucking rubric, y'all...
Score = 0
i'd like to echo two things:
a. this is not american idol. so, stop with the "bob dylan? seriously?!" crap.
b. this is a list "OF ALL TIME". a ridiculous concept meant to cause whining amongst hipsters.
Score = 4
and sell magazines.
Score = 1
What did you expect? Any list by Rollingstone:
60s guy
60s guy
60s guy
Kurt Cobain
60s guy
60s guy
Score = 9
Every RS Top Ten list is as follows:
1. Anything Rolling Stones related
2. Bob Dylan
3. Anything Beatles related
4. Aretha Franklin
5. Anything Beach Boys related
6. Anything Nirvana related
7. More Rolling Stones
8. More Bob Dylan
9. More Beatles
10. Chuck Berry
Rolling Stone actually tried cheating on their top 500 greatest songs of all time by making Bob Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone #1. see what they did there? Bob Dylan AND something Rolling Stone related all worked into the top slot. clever.
i'm not knocking any of these artists by any means. i basically grew up on more than a healthy dosage of Beatles, Dylan, and Rolling Stones, but COME ON! they should start doing "top _____ of the last decade" lists if they want to make a list that at least has a bit of relevancy or interest.
Q: why do the Everly Brothers get to take over one slot but Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel can't share?
(most shocking part about this list is that they only sucked Mick Jagger's dick hard enough to get him up to 16! i was shocked and appalled (not actually. just shocked.) that he wasn't top 5)
Score = 6
Just ignore the rankings and read the write-ups. The guest artists/writers had some insightful things to say, and many of the quotations about the singers were new to me.
Score = 1
Michael Stipe should absolutely be on this list. Period. The end. Totally.
Score = 4
Love him or hate him... Where is meatloaf?
Score = 3
WHERE's BILLY CORGAN???
Score = -2
He's off disdainfully peeing into the open mouths of his audience.
Score = 5
WTF??? CELINE DION SHOULD BE FUCKING NUMBER ONE , SHE CAN OUT SING THE WHOLE WOLRD IF HE WANTED TOO AND SHE CAN HIT THE HIGHEST NOTE IN THE WHOLE WOLRD. WHO THE FUCK IS WORKING AT ROLLING STONE ? THEY SHOULD GET FIRED !!!!
Score = -1
You people who dig Celine Dion and Kelly Clarkson???? Get a clue!!!!! Please shoot me if I ever have to hear or see either of them ever again! Oh yeah, that goes for Mary Bilge, Patti LaBelle, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Christina Aguilera, too....among others....
Score = -5
take it easy....either this is truly sarcasm or Quebec is missing an irate Celine Dion fan
Score = 2
Many GLARING omissions, and I've never heard of several of these people, but no David Clayton Thomas?? Only the most unique voice ever. Oh, and Frankie Valli at # 80 ??? That's just sick....
Score = 0
I don't know why I even dignify this list with a comment.
Concerning the Beach Boys, Carl Wilson was the best singer, hands down. Just listen to "God Only Knows" or "Long Promised Road". In fact, he'd be in the Top 10 on my list, along with Karen Carpenter.
Even though Mike Love was considered the lead singer of the Beach Boys, and I enjoy listening to his stuff, he has the worst voice-- very nasal. The guy who is really overlooked as a singer, in the group, is Al Jardine.
Score = 2
This list is fucking bullshit. Robert plant and mick jagger not in the top 10? I thought they would be in the top 5. I thought this list was ROCK singers, not bullshit people like aretha franklin being number 1 and elton john being 37. and wheres ann wilson and debra harris? they should be in at least the top 20.
Score = -2
my thoughts exactly on ann wilson and deborah harry- even throw Chrissie hynde in there for good measure
Score = 1
Iggy Pop and no Joe Strummer? Kurt Cobain yet no Layne Staley, Chris Cornell or Eddie Vedder. No Bruce Dickinson or even Ozzy. These are distinctive and influential voices of their genres- but RS, being the best substitute for TP that it has proven time again to be, just figured it would add another nail. This is just as bad as their guitarist list
Score = 0
no morrissey?
Score = 0
and mike patton?!!!!!!!!
Score = 0
what about don johnson- the dude from miami vice? he had a hot 80s hit called 'heartbeat' that really showed his range.
Score = 2
As much as I love Tom Waits (and the videos on his Evri profile page show why), putting him 15 spots above Steven Tyler is crazy. Even if Steven Tyler should be held accountable for all Aerosmith records made in the last 10 years, considering Tom Waits a "greater" singer is insane.
http://www.evri.com/person/tom-waits-0x201ba.html
Score = 0
Horrific Error: NO CHRIS CORNELL.
Score = 0
How could FRANK SINTRA not be on that list??????? There WILL NEVER be another voice like that.....
Score = 3
Where's Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Tom Jones, etc.? Bob Dylan and Neil Young are legendary song writers and performers, but their singing is shit compared to voices like this. Brainless twattle. Will some on please put Jann Wenner out of my misery?
Score = 2
Kurt Cobain sucks.
Score = -4
I've decided to read this just as a list and ignore the ranking system. A lot (not all mind you) of these people are on the same level and ranking them just seems silly.
When it comes down to all the pop singers on the list one might not appreciate their music but their vocal range is pretty amazing.
As far as Dylan goes he deserves to be on there. He might not deserve to be as high but his voice is interesting and a lot of people like it. Also go listen to Lay Lady Lay again.
Score = 1
It's clear that Rollingstone just plain forgot about BILLIE HOLIDAY...an infraction for which David Fricke should have his stupid hippie mop shaved.
Score = 0
lou reed admits he's not the best singer, yet still he's higher on the list than fucking MORRISSEY?!?!?! Oh the blasphemy...
Score = 1
Mike Patton is definitely the most glaring omission from this list (in my humble opinion)
Score = -1
Where is Zach Condon?????
He is just fantastic
Score = 1
Freddie Mercury belongs in the top five
Score = 5
Are you fucking kidding me
Bono is an amazing singer and He should be higher than #32
His music for the last 30 years have transformed lives
his great lyrics and powerful voice
he sicks the Italian part of Miss Sarajevo all by him self since Pavirotti died
Watch that live from Milan wowowowo
Score = -1
Björk should be in top 30.
Score = -1
where ia AMY LEE. SHE SHOULD HAVE ATLEAST BEEN ON THERE.
Score = -5
all my favorite singers couldn't sing.
Score = 4
Wheres Vedder? fools
Score = 2
Come on, it's totally ludicrous to complain about every single person left off the list. They did their best to narrow it down to 100, so stop mentioning every decent singer from the last 50 years.
On that note, where the fuck is Lil' Wayne?!
Score = 0
Where is Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion?
Score = 0
Wow, they put chris martin as one of thom yorke's influnlences. What the fuck is this shit?
Score = -2
ok nevermind, read it wrong. I feel like an asshole. But he still isn't 66
Score = 1
agrees with the chris cornell. I just can't get over Bob Dylan on this list. Whatever, subscribed to rollingstone today for 4$. I guess its worth it for the bathroom visits. I can skip all the "republicans=death" comments from hack journalist. Freddy Mercury could be number 1 imo but i'm not gonna disagree with the most powerful voice ever.
Score = 1
what about frank sinatra and nat king cole. Sam Cooke is great but NAT KING COLE is simply amazing.
Score = -1
The problem with these awful lists is that they try to please everyone, which of course always fails miserably. You can't have your cake and eat it too. And including people whose "talent" lies in technical ability alone (i.e. Mariah Carey and such) and then putting Bob Dylan at #7 is a heinous example of having your cake and eating it too.
I'd love to know what criteria they actually use to make these things. If we're talking pure vocal ability, Dylan should obviously be nowhere near the list. If it's about influence and contribution to a certain sound, then I can agree with Dylan in the top 10. But then why is someone like Whitney Houston ahead of people like Neil Young, Roger Daltrey and Thom Yorke -- singers who may not have the absolute best voices technically speaking (though in the case of the latter two even that's debatable, IMO), but have been hugely influential and perfect for the music they create?
And honestly, how many people who listen to something other than top 40 radio really think that Whitney Houston is a better singer than, say, Jeff Buckley?
Most of my complaints regarding omissions have been covered by other comments, but saying that leaving Eddie Vedder off is ridiculous bears repeating. And putting Kurt Cobain on the list at all while forgetting Black Francis and Michael Stipe, two of his biggest influences, is also ridiculous. I'll just stop because I could go on forever.
Score = 3
list is pretty damn good. these comments, on the other hand, are absolutely hilarious.
"60s guy
60s guy
60s guy
Kurt Cobain
60s guy
60s guy"
shut the fuck up and listen to half these artists before whining about how you'd bend over for thom yorke.
Score = -5
Chill out maaaaaan. You're totally killing my buzz.
And yes, I've listened to all those artists. Anyone who's ever cared remotely about popular music has been inundated with those artists through every possible medium from discovering those albums as a child to FM radio to car commercials. My post was more about Rollingstone's unbudging canonical reverence -- and how every list they make is identically built on that reverence. I guess that's fine if all you're looking for are panagyrics to the pop-rock-music canon. Hey, the Beatles were a pretty good band. Bob Dylan was a good singer-songwriter. You know who else was good too? The Rollingstones. Be sure to tell your friends.
Score = 0
Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis...also Barbra Streisand.
Score = -1
Axl Rose?! Jesus Christ... He should top the bottom list
Score = 1
GAH! #79 Mariah Carey while Christina's on #58 WTF is wrong with this list.
Score = -1
Scott Walker is glaringly obvious exclusion imo.
Score = 1
where is fiona apple?? come on!! that girl can sing her ass off!!! pj harvey???, jeff buckley has an amazing voice he should be at least nº 10. Leonard cohen?? tori amos?? jefferson airplane's grace slick??!??! and no matter what you say christina aguilera can sing any kind of music, come on if you don't like her music, fine, but she can sing better than any of her contemporaries
Score = -1
Rolling Stone may have started out as some hip, alternative publication focusing on music but 40 years down the line it is the epitome of mediocrity and this list is proof...are these 100 of the most popular singers or musicians that sing good? of all time? well, let's start with the most glaring omission: the most recorded human of all time, Frank Sinatra...and add his buddy Dean Martin...there's be no Elvis without these 2 guys...John & Paul make it but no George? where is Mick Hucknall of Simply Red? Brian Wilson's brother, Carl, was, arguably, the better singer...how 'bout Micky Dolenz...don't laugh; go back and listen to 'Pleasant Valley Sunday'...how 'bout Tom Petty? where's Burton Cummings from The Guess Who? where's Daryl Hall? Raul Malo, Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Bob Campanell...geez, I could go on & on but let's mention some on the list that don't belong there...Lou Reed sucks...worst musician to ever luck into a career in music...Iggy Pop sucks...sorry Ig, I just don't get it...Donny Hathaway? I must've missed his best work...Patti Smith sucks...stick to writing poetry no one reads...but I digress...to quote Louis Armstrong, another glaring omission from this lame-ass list "there are 2 kinds of music: good & bad"...I guess it's up to you to decide what's what. peace from the city of brotherly love; home of the world champion Phillies
Score = 0
No Chris Cornell?
No Robin Zander?
WTF?
And Bob Dylan on a list of "good singers"? Dylan may be the greatest American Songwriter of all time but fuck me if Ailce Cooper doesn't "sing" better than Bob Dylan.
Score = 0
I totally agree. Dylan probably has the WORST singing voice ever. Seriously. Joe Cocker is another bloke who doesn't deserve to be on this list.
Score = 1
No Leonard Cohen OR Nick Cave? What the fuck? I know it's just a matter of personal taste or whatever, but I would think that at least ONE of them would be a shoe-in for this list.
Score = 0
maybe rs should just post a version of whatever list they have coming up next here, and then fix it accordingly.
then everyone would be happy.
also, rs 60s jokes aren't funny.
Score = 0
Okay why is christina aguilera higher than mariah carey and celine dion ummmm christina can sing in all but she is not better than them... She does not even have a signature song... Rolling stone is smoking crack
Score = 0
Let's all agree that the list isn't exactly how we like it and then go back to not caring about what others think of stuff we like or don't like.
Score = 0
Elvis Costello absolutely belongs on this list! And what about Donovan . . .?
Score = 0
Where's Beyonce?
Score = -6
this sucks!
Score = -3
I can't believe that Layne Staley isn't on the list. He should at least be in the top 20!
Score = 0
Where is Dan Deacon? but on a serious note, I think Dylan is a genius writer, but not one of the top singers. Where are some of the modern artists.
On a completely unserious note, if we are considering the greatest "anything" of all time, shouldn't we list artists who don't exist yet? Shouldn't "all" time include parallel time zones?
Score = 2
i consider frank sinatra to be the greatest singer of all time, if anyone took the time to
read the list is the 100 greatest singers of the rock era, i`d bet 99% of these musicians were influenced by mr. sinatra & his fellow singers . aretha ,bono .dylan .mr. cash i know for a fact knew mr.s so i am glad to see a list that is just for the rock & rollers. how about a list of the 50 greatest groups off all time. i`ll start off w/ 3/ the 4seasons - the duprees & the beach boys. thank you & take care
Score = -1
I think I need to read RS's criteria for a great "singer". I see on the list a lot of mediocre singers who are tremendous song-writers/recording artists/frontmen/performers. On a positive note, nice to see some love for Toots Hibbert and Solomon Burke.
And despite all the problems with this list, Sam Cooke is right where he should be, in the top 5, and I can not argue at all about the top 2
Score = 1
Bob Dylan can't sing! (period)
Yes, he can write lyrics, but the music itself is just as awful as his voice. I couldn't care less if Dylan was the "voice of a generation". I don't need a bunch of liberal hippies to tell me what good music is or what I should be listening to, and that's why ROLLING STONE SUCKS!!
I don't care about what kind of socio-political message is in the music. First and foremost I want my music to be good music. The fact that the editors of Rolling Stone are putting Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury behind Bob Dylan shows you that they've been smoking way too much dope.
Score = -2
where's frank sinatra? kurt cobain? celine dion?
Score = -3
The voters were journalists and a bunch of people who can sing....
there's your reason for everything, and who said the bunch of people could sing? - the journalists.
Congratulations Eric Burdon who should be way up near the top, eh tigger??
Score = 0
Honestly, Siouxsie Sioux should be on here. Nina Simone and Patti Smith should be much higher on the list too.
Score = 1
BOB DYLAN?!?!?! #7?!?!?! HAHAHA that's a joke right. He's known as a weak vocalist even by self admission. This is retarded.
Score = 1
I'm surprised more people aren't upset about Rolling Stone pile driving Rod Stewart; the best rock and roll singer of all time.
Score = 0
Prince, Kurt Cobain, Bono ahead of PAUL RODGERS are you F$&*#$@ kidding me ? Ten people ahead of RODGERS is a crime. Where is Ronnie James Dio, Brad Delp, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie) James Dewar (Robin Trower, Stone The Crows). Rolling Stone better get some people there who know music, Rolling Stone has lost everything they usrd to stand for. Bjork ahead of Stevie Nicks,Christina F@%$#&* Aguleria ahead of Axl Rose and James Taylor. Get some people at Rolling Stone older than 26.
Score = 0
WOW...JUST WOW. ok i knew bob dylan would be in the top 30 because its ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE, people. but no buddy holly? 100 greatest singers of all time and they're not mentioning Buddy Holly? That's just ridiculous. I guess Bob Dylan replaces the 'voice that came from you and me' with an even shittier one lol. I actually like Bob Dylan's voice, unlike a huge majority of people, but I can't believe they had the nerve to leave out someone with ridiculous vocal relevance in pop music history.
Score = 0
How dare people to said that Bjork should be off the list? She should be into the top 20. People who say that don't know anithing about good music. Some opera singers should also be into the list, especially Maria Callas.
Score = 0
Even if you do not like Bjork's music you have to accept that she has an incredible voice. Her music is quiet strange (I can stand it, but I would not buy an album), but what can we do if her singing is outstanding? She diserve that place in the list.
Score = 0
First of all, where the hell is JOE STRUMMER? He possesses one of the most unique, recognizable voice of all time. And, Layne Staley missing from this list? Of course, Cobain's going to be listed, sigh. I agree with the aforementioned comment about Freddie Mercury NOT being listed in the top ten - I am at a loss for words. Quite absurd, really.
Score = 2
And to agree w/ Becker and some others, how did John end up higher on this list than Paul?
...
Score = 0
How can this list exist without some of the greates vocalists on it. frank Sinatra is the most glaring omission, and Streisand, but we also have the great vocalists such as Connie Francis who not only had 56 chart hits but also was able to sing beautifully the standards and who really internationalized American music by introducing it to various countris in English and in their native languages. Then we have Perry Como, and Dean Martin.
Score = 0
emmm wheres bon scott!! hes an icon
he should at least be included in the last ten
and if bon scott was there brian johnson would be just behind
his highs are awesome
christina aguilera is a bi.....
freddy mercury!!where!! wtf
ozzy where the fuck!!
the mary j blige bitch makes it but the father of metal doesnt!!
what a piece of bullshit
next year they will be putting a fucking jonas brother just for the magazine to be attractive for girls
Score = 0
Luther Vandross 54? This list has lost all credibility, he is top 10 at least, what a joke
Score = 0
These lists are BS, anyway. I was so pissed off by the Top 100 guitarists (EVH at #73? FFS!!!) I felt compelled to complain to RS directly, just to get it off my chest.
But you do have to wonder about the anti-hardrock bias. You don't have to be a metalhead to agree that some of the grestest voices of the last 40 years came from hard rock and metal. When Tenacious D feature Dio in their movie, it might come off as tongue in cheek but it's also from the heart! RONNIE F***IN JAMES DIO should be on this list! And so should be Rob Halford, Ian GIllan, Eddie Vedder and CHRIS CORNELL!!! CHRIS CORNELL!!!! COME ON, CHRIS CORNELL CANNOT not be on this list! I know he's gone troppo in the last few years but he'd deserve mention even if "Outshined" was the only song he'd ever sung on...
Score = 1
wheres Mike Patton, Layne Staley, Chris Cornell? Maynard James Keenan? I mean seriously these 4 guys have amazing voices & are great lyricists
this list sucks, rolling stone is such a joke
Score = 1
Dylan at seven??, that blows my mind.... While i enjoy dylan immensely, i wouldnt necessarily consider him amongst a list of people with the best voices.... maybe that wasnt what they were getting ai
Score = 1
No Bruce Dickenson? Rob Halford? Layne Staley? Dio? Ozzy? Paul Simon? David Byrne? Eddie Vedder? Michael Stipe? Jackson Browne? Tom Petty? Warrren Zevon? Geoff Tate? Joey Ramone? Prob make just as an impressive 100 best list not using any of the singers they have...
Score = 1
Levon Helm wasn't even the best singer in the Band. Where's Richard Manuel?
Score = 0
What happened to Jerry Garcia's almost pitch perfect singing. Especially when he was on the s#@t.!
Score = 0
This list doesn't make much sense no matter how you measure it. I love Dylan, but he wasn't a particularly gifted vocalist. Conversely, I sincerely dislike Bono, but he clearly has a very strong one with a very impressive range [annoying as the timbre is].
Anyway, the human voice is such a wild instrument, without specific criterium laid out, any list is pretty functionless. Like if this were most innovative vocalists Meredith Monk, Beefheart, and David Thomas of Pere Ubu should be up top. If it were best on technical merit, Tim Buckley [who boasted slightly more range than his also talented son], Joni Mitchell and yes, sadly, Mariah Carey [who squandered a five-octave-plus range on terrible pop] would be at the very top.
Score = 2
Now I know why I dont read Rolling Stone! Aretha Franklin? a rock singer? Ray Charles? Granted both great performers , but soul/blues singers... now if you are going to incldue all tehse various genres, where is Wilie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash, etc. This list is an insult. No Paul Simon, Steve marriott, Don Henley,Jerry Garcia, John Fogerty, Bon Scott, Chuck Berry, Linda Rondstadt, Billy Joel, Elton John, Ian Anderson, Ozzy, Joey ramone
there are many more,,, rolling stone is a disgrace
Score = -1
This list is shit, where is Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, or Ozzy Osbourne, (Three of the best frontmen of all time) come on seriously listen to some real music
Score = -2
i am just glad they didn't put Chris Martin on this list.
Score = 5
I only became of aware of Freddie Mercury this year. That is the tragedy!! He was pure genious. Fans the world over on votenumber1.com chose Mercury as the greatest rock singer of all time.
Score = 0
Dear readers,
No Steve Marriott, Johnny Rotten,Linda Perry,Alison Krauss, or Dave Vanian? BUT, we Do get Karen (eat something) Carpenter? Kurt (kaboom) Cobain? Paul (watered-down,blues belter) Rogers? Don ( the big lebowski: NOT THE FUCKIN' EAGLES,MAN!)Henley. We just LOVE Rolling Stone's relevance!
Score = 0
Freddy should ATLEAST be in the top ten if not 3
Move morrisey up, he may be a twat now, but he has a great voice
agreed with moving up robert smith
Score = 1
No Layne Staley, yet there's Kurt Cobain?
What is this world coming to?
Layne was severly underestimated.
Score = 1
you got to be joking luther at 54 if hes not in the top ten then the list doesnt even mean a thing kurt cobain amd Bruce Springsteen you got to be joking
Score = -1
PAVAROTTI #1
OBVIOUSLY
Score = 2
I liked this list and agreed with it for the most part. it's a really good issue and the little write-ups they have on each artist are great.
anybody? just me? ok.
Score = -1
Harry Nilsson...
Score = 1
I can name others but Fiona Apple and Chris Cornell should be at least in the top 50.
Score = 0
no dr john... seriously???
Score = 0
no dr. john... seriously???
Score = 0
where is joe strummer????????i can't believe he's not on this list..the man was a legend..and stil is
Score = 0
No list like this would be complete without JIMMY GNECCO of the criminally overlooked band OURS. Best part is he's on tour, so you can see for yourself.
Score = 0
Both the Rolling Stone list and every post thus far here has neglected to mention Ray Davies. God Save The Kinks! Waterloo Sunset, people.
Score = 1
Bob Dyan should be off this list, Bono should be up higher, Patti Smith, wtf? Eddie Veder has a better voice then Kurt Cobain. Where is Frank Sinatra? Aretha used to have a great voice. Stevie Wonder should be higher. Remove Mariah Carey and Patti Labelle They only scream when they sing. Lennon was a better songwriter but Paul McCartney had the better voice.
Score = 0
Freddie Mercury at 18? Bob Dylan and Ray Charles sang better than he? Sorry, I say no!
Score = 1
Connie Francis!
Score = 0
Why in the hell is Christina Aguleria above Mary J Blige and Mariah how and why in the hell!
Score = 0
call me crazy, but I think Zach Condon should be on there.
In twenty years, even Rolling Stone will have to put him on one of their goddamn lists.
Score = 0
Elvis no. 3? Me and everybody I know. HATES HIS VOICE! Aretha is sooooooooooooooo OVERRATED.
Score = -2
such a joke... wehre is richard ashcroft on this list?!
Score = -1
Who voted for this list anyways... I foind it hard to believe that dolly parton came befor mariah carey... And Patti Labbelle is #95, Seriously??? And where's Celine Dion??? And I think Steve Perry should've been at least in the Top 40's
Score = 0
NO ART GARFUNKEL ? NO PAUL SIMON ? JUST A MAD STUFF FROM ROLLIGSTONE !!!!
Score = 0
Elvis Presley had the most versatile voice ever in popular music. That's why Q magazine voted him number 1. He's always at the top of Polls or very near. Discerning listeners know why.
Back in his early RCA days his exciting and very beautiful voice often stopped people in their tracks! By any measure he is number 1.
Score = -1
I love arguing about lists. Bono ahead of Buckley? And as much as I dislike Mariah, if we're talking voices, she should be higher up. But are we even talking voices? Dylan and Lennon seem strange ones to be so high.
Anyway, I love to hate lists. They breed good discussion. I wrote more about it here:
http://www.zoom-in.com/blog/2008/11/100-greatest-singers-all-time
xx
Score = 0
Where the hell is SINATRA!?!? Sriously, he should be in the top 10.
I think this list is not about the top 100 people with the best vocal technique, it is about who gives you goose-bumps when they open their mouth. though dylan an lennon did not have the most pleasant voices, that is part of the genius behind them, they could convey pure emotion in their singing, wich most singers simply cannot do, no matter how good their technique gets.
that being said......J-Buck should be in the top 20 :)
Score = 0
Where the hell is SINATRA!?!? Sriously, he should be in the top 10.
I think this list is not about the top 100 people with the best vocal technique, it is about who gives you goose-bumps when they open their mouth. though dylan an lennon did not have the most pleasant voices, that is part of the genius behind them, they could convey pure emotion in their singing, wich most singers simply cannot do, no matter how good their technique gets.
that being said......J-Buck should be in the top 20 :)
Score = 0
Seriously, if you're bashing Bob Dylan then you have no idea what you're talking about. you're ignorance amazes me. Do you not realize that Dylan was one of the greats? His music led the anti war movement. His music is riddled with passion and truth. His voice is unlike anyother and he deserves his spot on this list.
And if you're complaining about the oldschool heroes on this list then let me educate you with a little quote by my hero John Lennon,"the world is living off the scraps of the sixties" and this is true because the sixties and seventies were the best. There are very few artists today that are artists. Todays music sucks. Its a disgrace to the greats of the sixties and seventies, it truly is. Music was life then, it was truth, it cultivated the world. I feel truly sorry for future generations that will not be able to experience that. Im only fifteen but im able to understand the vast difference of these eras and their music. You're ignorant and shouldnt be talking if you dont, because you dont know music.
But we're missing some of the greats here like Eric Clapton Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and Michael Pinder of the Moody Blues and of course Elvis Costello, the early days.
Thats just what i have to say. But this list is great for the most part. Great Job!
Score = 0
I don't believe anybody's bashing Bob Dylan. But if you think he deserves to be in the top ten of EVERY single list like this, then you're insane. Nobody can discern what Bob Dylan has done for the world... musically, politically, socially... But he is NOT one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Beautiful lyrics, beautiful music, but frankly... a mediocre voice. That goes to show how talented he is though. He earned the reputation he has with a less than perfect voice.
The list is missing Frank Sinatra (obviously, this can't be said enough times), Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Louis Miguel, Bing Crosby, Eddie Vedder, Layne Staley, etc. Back to Maggie, I think it's even MORE disrespectful to NOT acknowledge the amazing singers that were pre-60s and beyond.
Oh, and another take... Axl Rose is a big hell no. And Chinese Democracy backs that up better than any other album featuring his voice. Replace him with Bon Scott if you really want a voice of that genre included on the list. I'm getting way too underground on the matter saying this... But for the sake of including legit metal vocalists: Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth (acoustic and death grunt) and Lord Worm of Cryptopsy should be included. The list should simply be scrapped and remade. Pfft. You wanna talk about disrespecting the 60s.... Needs more Grace Slick. Ope, and I'm on the same boat as most others: Where's Ella Fitzgerald?
My top 10:
10. Grace Slick
9. Thom Yorke
8. Mikael Akerfeldt
7. Bing Crosby
6. Freddie Mercury
5. Janis Joplin
4. Aretha Franklin
3. Nat King Cole
2. Ella Fitzgerald
1. Frank Sinatra
Extremely rough, but c'mon, better than this nonsense.
Score = 4
To maggie...
Alright. Let's just look at the list within the 60's and 70's. Please tell me how John Lennon is a better singer than Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury. Freddie Mercury has an incredible range and voice yet hes at 18. Furthermore you seem to believe that this list is oriented very much towards the 60's and 70's and that we're just whining over the fact that there's less recent singers. Then please tell me why Christina Aguilera, Bjork and Kurt Cobain are higher than Roger Daltrey. There simply is no logic in this list, they're just really just finding random names and sticking them in random places.
Score = 1
Who the fuck made this list???.....where's Jon Bon Jovi???....were u on crack????
Score = -4
I was very surprised that Stevie Nicks was so low on this list. Her voice is incredibly powerful and rich ... she can wrap those vocals around a set of lyrics like no other.
Her velvety vibrato is one of the most distinctive and alluring voices in rock and roll. There is a reason that her career has last longer than 3/4 of the people on this list.
Shame on you.
Score = 0
I love Lou Reed but...
He's been ruining his own songs for the past 20 years..He made the Velvets reunion unlistenable and has done the same for Berlin.
Wiilie Nelson on the other hand can sing anything.He makes reggae, Fleetwood Mac covers, and even Ryan Adams songs sound good.
They guy that's missing though is David Lee Roth. His vocal take alone on Running With The Devil should give him a spot on the list.
Also.. Daryl Hall's songs are mostly shit but he turns them into good shit when he sings.
Score = 0
I want Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen, Beth Gibbons, PJ Harvey, Billy Corgan, Fiona Apple, Robert Smith, Donavan...Debra Harry, Cyndi Lauper...jeesh. I am glad Dylan is on here, a little pissed though...Tom Waits should be in at least the top 30, same with Nina Simone. A lot of people are on here that I don't think should be and a lot of people AREN'T on here that deserve to be. Meh, just a stupid Rolling Stones list anyway.
Score = 0
Where the hell are Joey Ramone, Glenn Danzig, and Billie Joe Armstrong. If Kurt Cobain is on there Joey amone should definately be on there. Peope may not like Danzigs music but he's stillgot a voice. Way better than Bob fucking Dylan. And every person who's ever listened to a radio can tell whenBillie Joe is singing. And When they started up Sweet Children Billie Joes voice was so-so. He's come a long way.
My mom would be issed off is she saw Merle Haggerd was up there and not Loretta Lynn or Reba McIntyre.
I don't think you can possibly have a real list of the 100 best singers. you'll argue for years to come.
Score = 0
And Britney?
Score = -1
Sinatra, Connie Francis, Barbra Streisand, ella Fitzgerald...where are these great singers? each one should be at the very top of the list. There is no one more versatile than Ms. Francis who has recorded successfully in every genre of music.
Score = 0
I find it funny that the likes of Axl Rose, Steve Perry, and Steven Tyler are on the list but not Sammy Hagar... But considering that Rolling Stone is such a heavily biased publication I'm sure this is due not to his level of talent but to his being an outspoken Republican. If he weren't, he'd probably be somewhere in there between Axl and Steven Tyler. (Hey... It's Rolling Stone. I'm sure that if Aretha Franklin were an outspoken Republican as well, she wouldn't even be on the list... or if she were, she'd be somewhere way at the back).
Score = 0
What about Grace Slick...White Rabbit, Somebody to Love, ...
Score = 1
No man-o-war? lol
Score = 0
Where's the Kelly Clarkson? If America's done anything well in the last five years, hasn't it been picking one appropriate and talented idol?
That's all I'm saying. I can quibble over any of the numbers here, and that's my personal taste, but no Kelly Clarkson on the list at all ... well that's just flagrant indecency on the part of RS.
It's just unAmerican.
Score = -2
Why Morrissey is 92?? I can't believe that John Lennon and other people have a better number than Bowie and Freedie Mercury....
Score = 1
Janis Joplin at #28? Freddy Mercury not cracking the top 10? No Crosby, Stills, OR Nash? Is this a joke? Look, I love Bob Dylan! When it comes to lyrics, he's the master! But for "singing" I don't place him in the top 10! I think Rolling Stones, once again, picked "their" favorite artists and not think about the overall picture.
I also have to agree about Steve Tyler! His voice was the templet for 70's and 80's hard rock. Get a clue RS!
Score = 1
How in the hell did johnny cash beat david bowie and michael jackson he shouldn't even be on the list considering that billy Joel, Paul Simon, and Brad Delps aren't even on the list
Score = 0
They missed Britney Spears , where is she ???????????????????
Score = -3
wow! absolutely terrible!! steve perry 76?! Freddie Mercury 18!? these are two of the greatest vocalists of our time. Mick Jagger is a better singer than mercury and perry!!? i highly doubt it!! and any love for meatloaf?? i mean he can't be worse than joe cocker can he? the makers of this list need to seriously reconsider their order.
Score = 2
Where's Frankie Lyman.Levi Stubbs(lead 4 tops),Fred Parris(lead 5 satins)Brenda Reid(lead the Exciters), Shirley Alston(lead the shirelles), Ritchie Valens, Norman Fox(lead the rob roys), Dionne Warwick, FRANKIE LYMAN is the most glaring missing singer..
Score = 0
Bryan Fucking Ferry
Score = 0
Great names in the list, but a lot of people missed. Steve Perry, George Michael (yes, not loved by many but few voices like his) The wonderful thing of music is that there have been so many great singers that 100 is a small number to count them... but having said that, I would like to make a case for Freddie Mercury... how in the world can anyone say that Ray Charles, John Lennon, Marvin Gaye, (and for God sake Bob Dylan !!), James Brown, Little Richard, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner can be better singers than FREDDIE MERCURY!!?? they are all incredible, great musicians, and most of them have influenced so many other singers... they have even changed the world of music without no doubt... but they are no better SINGERS than Freddie Mercury... this list is about singers!!!! Maybe if we would be discussing most influential artists...
Some people ask for Sinatra on the list... I absolutely agree if the list goes beyond Rock, Blues, and their branches, then we also need to add Streisand (granted, she's unbearable as a perosn but one of the greatest voices ever).
Score = 1
Okay so I actually sat and read through all the comments. I have to say for the most part, I think they picked great singers, but I don't know about the order, and they did leave some out. To me, a a great singer is someone who has the ability to make people stop and listen and they have the ability to move people. I think thats why Bob Dylan was on the list. Having said that, I think they should have put Barry Manilow on the list, and Raine Maida (from Our Lady Peace) and even.... I know I'll be getting critiqued for this.... Elliot Smith!
I'm also re-starting a blog that was deleted, and I've got two blogs so far, and in the process of writing my third entry... please check it out and comment, leave your thoughts, or anything!!! its http://dalitspleaseandthankyou.blogspot.com/
Score = 0
This list blows. If you were seeking controversy you got it.
Score = 1
What's with all the bitching about Axl Rose? Are you fucking kidding me? I'd like to see any one of you try and sing his songs. You may not like his voice, but too say he doesn't deserve to be on this list completely ignores his technical ability.
Score = -2
Freddie Mercury had the best voice and put so much emotion into every song. Love of my life, Somebody to love, he always sang his songs with perfection. Listen to his songs on Youtube. Live Aid Concert 1985. He is awesome! Don't go your whole life not knowing how great he was. Take a look at his videos and you'll see.
Score = 1
i agree with u on this more than anyone. rent the DVD Queen Live Rock in Montreal 1981. it will blow ur mind. Freddy Mercury is truly the greatest singer to have ever lived on this earth and Queen is also the best band. there are so many masterpieces that they wrote that barely anyone's seemed to have heard of.
Score = 1
Picked this list up from a report in the (London) Times - lists like this would stop me ever buying Rolling Stone. I have been listening to pop and rock for 45 years and I am amazed at the choices here. The people on the list seem to be songwriters or icons or, I'm sorry to say, dead rather than good singers. Had any of the RS or singers who put the list together ever heard Janis Joplin sing? My god, if you shot a dog it would make a nicer sound than Janis J.
I know it's a personal choice for everyone but there are some really big names missing here, including
Peter Gabriel
Michael Stipe
Joey Ramone
Ian Gillan
Sandy Denny (of Fairport Convention)
I could go on.
The comments on the list are, however, informed and funny - they almost make the RS list worthwhile.. just don't get me started on guitarists though
Score = 0
Where's Cat Stevens?!
Besides, as far as range, complexity, and technique, Freddie Mercury should be number one.
Score = 2
omfg this is bul; shit where the fuck is michael jackson u got singers on ere who aint worth listening to u have whitney houston 34 ?????? celine dion 63 ??????? no cher wtf this is just complete bollocks
Score = 0
no brian ferry? steve marriot?? layne staley??? robin zander???? chrissy hynde????
Score = 0
Another big miss is Jon Anderson... if we could hear the angels they most probably would have a voice like his... and no falsettoes!
Also missed: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Ann Wilson (Heart), Geddy Lee, Meat Loaf
Score = 0
cass elliot (mama cass) must be in the list!! she is one of the gratest female voices!!
Score = 0
que onda si freddy mercury es el mejor !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Score = 1
umm. what about Ville Valo from a band called HIM. that guy has a great!!!! voice he sounds awsome live and on stuidos. i think this list is kinda stupid.
Score = 1
I COMPLETELY agree! Ville Valo Should Be WAYY up top, he is outstandingly good!!
This list is fucking retarded.
Score = 0
jumpin in way late here. list needs - Joni Mitchell, PJ Harvey (!!), Black Francis, Robert Smith, Ann Wilson, Prince & Little Richard to switch places (I mean come on, its not even close!), someone tell me why Steve Winwood is so high, Snoop Dogg should be on there for innovative vocal stylings, & needs to lose people before some kind of dateline. say, if you were mostly known & reached your peak before 1963 - no makey listy. no offense, its just that, you fit into a different category by now.
Score = -1
BILLIE HOLIDAY.
how does this list even exist without lady day? or Sarah Vaughan?
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wheres ozzy ???
Score = -2
I've got such a laugh at some of the comments-thanks but most of you invest far too much emotion in this sort of thing-it should be used to help you reflect on your own favorites not to deride someone else's! I mean I love Supertramp but will get lambasted for saying so.we should be so glad that we have so much material from which to choose. This just proves how wonderfully different we are-some of you are just SO PRECIOUS- get over it! I agree with comment that the accompanying info was the best part
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but there's nothing wrong in having friendly debates but to get emotionally angry with RS sounds so mm, immature?
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HOLY FUCK PEOPLE!
please get over it, everyone has a different opion, and this is rollingstones!
like give it a break!
i am sure no one completley agrees with this list, i mean NO ONE.
SO STFU!
Score = 0
please just tell me this list isnt in some kind of order. if its supposed to be from best to last, try starting with Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant, and Steve Perry. then go from there.
Score = 1
every list is gonna piss off many people, so get over it.
and people have to stop complaining about the absence of sinatra, nat king cole, etc., because in the issue it says specifically (or at least in the notes to the editor in the next issue) that this list was for the ROCK ERA. therefore, they wouldn't apply.
Score = 0
Justin Hayward at 62 can still belt it out, night after night. With respect to the many dead people on this list, how many of the living still perform? By the way I agree with the comments regarding Dylan, Michael Stipe, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins. I would also add Annie Haslam. In her day, she was better than of any woman on the list.
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I think Liam Gallagher should be on the list
Score = -2
Shannon Hoon!!!!
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where is niel diamond?
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where is britney spears!
Score = -4
i dont know most of these singers cause i dont listen to most of em
But i know Perry Farrell is a great singer! rollingstone themselves mentioned that they were the legacy of led zeppelin? perry farrel is robert plant on acid disappointed with the list!
Score = 0
someone should tell me how curt cobain can be considered one of the best 100 singers ever.....
where are chris cornell and mike patton????
Score = 1
I don`t belive where is Jon Bon Jovi??? He is the best voice than i`m ever see
Score = -2
George Michael not on this list is a travesty.
Score = 0
freddie... HE MUST BE FIRST...
Score = 4
okay ! where too start ? okay everyone get over yourselfs PLEASE ! its a list that ROLLING STONES made for who they think are the greatest singers of all time! not for who you think! so get a clue...just thank god they didnt put someone like britney spears in this list!
& another thing no one cares who your favourite singer is blah blah blah its a list for crying out loud & its for ROLLING STONES !!!!!! honestly read the title before you start hating on the list.
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I LOVE FREDIE MERCURY!You may rest in peace!
Score = 2
marty robbins?
Score = 0
axl rose in the 64 and steve tyler in 99?? are you kidding me?? steve se merece estar por lo menos en el 15 and who do bob marley in the post 18 and mick jager in the 16???O.O
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And NANA MOUSKOURI, where is?
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"Why in the hell is Christina Aguleria above Mary J Blige and Mariah how and why in the hell!" .... Cos' she's better than them, just for that. Her voice is amazing andher 58º was deserved.
Maaann, do you know what's complicated in these lists? Cos' everyone has diferrent opnions and smashes the magazine, calling it names... I don't see many bad things in this list... soh it's valid for me,,, And pleeeease, who more could make a list of this than Rolling Stones? You guys? Pleeeease...
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Somehow they forgot ella fitzgerald? Definitely one of the best singers ever.
Score = 0
wheres eric clapton???? wtf.
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john lennon is the best singer all the time 1 john lennon 2paul mc cartney 3 david gates of bread
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no ann wilson from heart!!! you have lost your ever loving mind!!!
Score = 1
are you nutz? what about annie wilson from HEART!! she only the best rock mama of all time!!
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it'impossible bob dylan 7th
Score = 1
MARIAH AT 79?. SHE SHOULD BE AT LEAST IN THE TOP 5, AN IN MY OPINIO, SHE MUST RANK FIRST. SHE IS THE BEST SINGER OF ALL THE TIME AND HER VOICE IS UNIQUE.
Score = -3
DAVID BOWIE 23??????????
DAVID BOWIE IS THE BEST
Score = -2
Wheres James Morrison,Seasick Steve,Ray Lamontagne,Anthony Kiedes,Norah Jones,Andrea Bocelli...Haha!!The innocence of youth ,ey?.....Liam Gallagher??...:P
Score = 0
bob dylan at number 7 are you kidding me? yes he made great music but have you every heard maggie's farm? he drones on and on, he does not have a great voice, great musician but the seventh greatest singer of all time? give me a break. and how can you put cobain in the list at 45 and not have eddie vedder anywhere... shame on you rolling stone you have lost the plot
Score = 1
this list is sooooo retarded!!!!!!!!
Score = 1
mick jagger at 16 are you kidding me ?
he should be at number 1 or freddie mercury
this is a farce this list
Score = 1
What about Ann Wilson of Heart
Score = 0
Seriously--- no Tom Jones? John Lennon in the top five?? Best singer-- not artist. Tom Jones can sing everything from Pork Salad Annie to My Yiddish Mommy-- Tom Jones can sing Otis Redding as well as anyone other than Otis, if not better. Tom is just phenomenal in the vocal department.
Score = 1
How do you leave Burton Cummings (ex-Guess Who)off? In the 70's he had the best voice in music. Today, at 61, he is still belting it out as his latest solo album will attest. Definitely a popularity list and not a best voice list.
Score = 0
Kurt Cobain shouldn't be on the list. He was a great guitarist and musician but his singing voice was pretty average. Most of Nirvana's songs suited his style of voice which was 'screaming' and not much singing. I like his voice but I don't see how he should be on the list. Rolling Stone is a crap magazine full of biased reviews and lists and crappy mainstream music. Of course they'll leave out some of the best singers and guitarists of all time in their lists, mainly because they've never heard of them.
One example is Matt Bellamy from Muse. His voice in my opinion is amazing compared to others on here such as Thom Yorke (who has a similar voice). His guitar playing skills are very good too. Anyway, I won't bother paying attention to these lists anymore.
Score = 1
Why do I look at these fucking lists...
Score = 2
OMG ...the list is OK i'm not saying good or perfect ...i just say it's ok except for one thing..i believe that serj tankian should be in the list ....have you heard the way he uses his voice.....so much better than the stupid dude in 66 :thom yorke!!! he hasn't shown much except for his average psychedelic voice copy of pink floyd!!
Score = 0
oh and i forgot...i agree with the guy above...matt bellamy should be on the list... he has amazing voice...and again...fuck thom yorke...he cant do shit...
Score = 0
Steve Perry should be much higher. What about Ann Wilson? Bob Seger? A singer most people never heard of- Eva Cassidy.
Score = 0
You honestly think Joni Mitchell should be higher than Jim Morrison, you've gotta be kidding. Robert Plant and Mick Jagger should be in the top 5 no problem. And why is Roger Daltry so low.
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Anthony Kiedis, great performer u may not like his music but his performing genius is arguably top ten performers of all - time ,He would influences us thorughj his musical stimulation, conveying emotion an almost super-natural stimulation through his performances.
Score = 0
So many singers are missing: LIndsey Buckingham, Peter Gabriel, Christine McVie, Phil Collins, James Hetfield, Curt Smith....
And I don't agree with most singers' position: Stevie Nicks 98 Steven Tyler 99 and Steve Perry... They should all be in the top 50
Score = 0
So many singers are missing: LIndsey Buckingham, Peter Gabriel, Christine McVie, Phil Collins, James Hetfield, Curt Smith....
And I don't agree with most singers' position: Stevie Nicks 98 Steven Tyler 99 and Steve Perry... They should all be in the top 50
Score = 0
So many singers are missing: LIndsey Buckingham, Peter Gabriel, Christine McVie, Phil Collins, James Hetfield, Curt Smith....
And I don't agree with most singers' position: Stevie Nicks 98 Steven Tyler 99 and Steve Perry... They should all be in the top 50
Score = 0
No Diana Ross no Barbra Stresiand No Ella No Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan sings better thatn Frankie Lyman? and Tony Bennett? What a Joke of a list. And the people who voted can sing? Oh yeah? by whos standards?
Ronnie Spector sing better than Diana Ross? I dont think so. What a stupid List that does hold any water. Put the crack pipe down.
Score = 0
I think Chris Cornell definitely should have made the list. Layne Staley as well.
Score = 0
Terrible list. No George Michael? Freddie Mercury not in the top 10? Karen Carpenter at #94. Rolling Stone needs a re-do for this list.
Score = 1
Robert Plant 15ht? Jim Morrison 47th? C´mon, they should be in the top five at last! And Bob Dylan 7th with a pretty shitty voice? What are you thinking?
Score = 0
Carlos Gardel? Frank Sinatra? Chris Cornell? Eddie Vedder?
you can't expect to make a list like this...it's embarrasing
Score = -1
First off, this is not the list of the 100 best artist of all times. which I supposed it was, I figured that out when I saw the slot 86 not filled by tupac, which had pissed me off plenty regardless. Tupac was one of the best artists ever born, he produced a greater variety in his short 25 years than most of these losers who've grown to be 80. Yet none of you will respect him, mainly because you're biased, bigoted idiots with zero taste. I mean, come on, Paul simon, who? Come on people... I cna't really even call you people anymore. Wild Boars have a better appreciation to real music
Score = -2
WHAT have you heard Thom Yorke sing nude it's incredible
Score = 0
Y Sinatra?? y Tony Hadley? y Roger Hodgson? y Sting? y Mick Hucknall? y Cliff Richard??
Una vez mas estas listas convencen de que lo mejor es armarse una propia...
Score = 0
Oye colega! Estoy de acuerdo contigo. Sin duda Roger Hodgson deberia ser el numero uno en la lista. No tienes razon cuando dices Cliff Richard o Sting pero Roger es lo mejor. Me ha alegrado a ver que hay otras personas en el mundo que gustan la voz de roger! Viva Supertramp!
Score = 0
WHAT IS THOM YORKE DOING AT 66 HE SHOULD BE IN THE TOP 5 AS SHOULD ROBERT PLANT. AND WHY IS BOB DYLAN AT 7 HIGHER THAN PLANT, MERCURY AND COBAIN SOMETHING IS WRONG...
Score = 2
What about Meat Loaf? Not only a powerful voice, but allways a touching performance...
And they've forgotten Tom Jones!!
Score = 1
aguante los redondos y
pink floyd
Score = 0
Where is Cat Stevens????????
Score = 0
David Ruffin definitely top ten
Score = 0
thom yorke top 5????what the fuck?? if he sings with his original voice and not the fake psychedelic one....I'll think of it..IDIOT
Score = 0
what the fuck??? bjork and not frank sinatra???? and freddie mercury??? 18th??? are you fuckin crazy?? my god this is ignorance!!!!
Score = 3
wowwww! christina aguilera is in the list.... Come on!!!!! that's stupid
Where is israel kamakawiwo or celine dion?
Up janis joplin she had a great voice!
And Maria callas, edith piaf or lluciano pavarotti are better
Score = -1
I can think of many artists that I think could be on the list... but one of them that I remember right now and HAVE TO be on the list, is Nick Cave!
The list without him is incomplete for sure however it wants change!!
Score = 0
Where is Alicia Keys?
Score = -1
i love Bob Dylan but hes not an amazing singer honestly, his songwriting is where he wins..
and Freddy Mercury is most definitely top 10 at least
Score = 1
WHERE THE HELL IS MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN???
Score = 0
Can I get an Al Green please? Also I appreciate Rolling Stone putting singers with their talent coming from passion even if their voice isn't perfect, but Dylan is a little to close to the top here. Also: Isaac Hayes!!!! Sinatra, can't say it enough, and Gary Snider from Funkadelic (listen to Cosmic Slop), and RAY DAVIES!
Score = 0
Tom Jones ?????????
Score = 0
This is a list compiled from the votes of singers' favourite singers. Moaning that your favourite singer isn't higher up is a bit pointless when it is just the result of information being fed into a database.
The article is actually quite good if anyone would actually follow the link and read it.
Score = -3
Yeah we can be pissed...
That's why they show us these lists...
We are suppose to "comment" and that's what we are all doing here...
Score = 0
This list is seriously missing two of the best vocalists of all time.... Celine Dion and Martina McBride. Two of, what i think, are the most powerful singers I have ever heard.
Score = 0
Freddie Mercury should be #1.
Score = 3
Yep, you nailed it....James Dewer, The Pavoratti of rock n' roll, is the greatest rock singer of all time
Score = -1
dear god, jesus christ, fuck, was the person who made this list deaf, no bruce dickinson, bon scott, ronny davis dios, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHAT THE FUCK RS get real, cristian agulera!? deaf
Score = 0
How The Fuck is geoff tate of Queensryche not on this list
Score = 0
OMG!
Rob Halford wouldn't need to be pissed because this is the worst list I've ever seen.
I'm pissed though...
Robert Plant is #1
Rob Halford # 2
Come ON...get it right...
Score = 0
I mostly agree with this list, but I feel Chris Cornell (from Soundgarden) should have been on that list. Awsome vocal belting.
Score = -2
For a list that contains Bob Dylan, it is not obviously towards the technical side. It is sad to notice that Joey Ramone is not on this list, for his is the voice that stirred up the minds of 75% of the mindless excited kids on the planet. Its the voice of the punk generation. If the factors that go into the making of this list is how I percieved, Jeoy should come.
Otherwise, I am still thinking...
-Jude
Score = 2
Pavarotti, and Maria Callas,, OK that`s Belcanto let's forget them but Lenny Williams(tower of power), Sinatra, Lisa Gerrard(liric),Phillipe Jarousky(castrati),,and other non english singers Camaron de la Isla(flamenco),Roberto"El Polaco" Goyeneche(tango) and Luis Miguel (pop),Amalia Rodrigues(fado)where the f.. is Robert Plant and Ella Fitzgerald??other great female singers Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane, or 4 non blondes singer Linda Perry this list is good but there are still forgetting very special voices
Score = 0
Well, seeing as the greatest rock singer of all time (that would be Steve Marriott) doesn't even appear on this list, I officially declare it to be a complete piece of crap.
Score = 1
WTF?
Where is Roger Waters, I wonder? Why? Why Joe Cocker only 97?
And Freddie Mercury? 18? It's wrong... If Dylan is 7... He can't sing, and Freddie is a great singer in music history... But WTF Dylan? Pop-singers from Russia can singe better...
And where is Phil Collins???
Score = 1
steve winwood should be in the top ten; a teenager with a voice like ray charles
Score = 0
Is this a list of only rock singers? If it is supposed to be all singers then it is total bullshit because Frank Sinatra is by far the best singer of all time and he isn't even listed here. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though after reading RS's list of the 100 greatest songs *involuntary vomiting ensues*