It's the Singer, Not the Song

Another issue, another list. Rolling Stone magazine’s latest issue features their picks of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. I usually cut RS some slack on their lists, but this one is ridiculous even to a listmaniac such as myself. Boldly announcing that they are not restricting themselves to just rock or pop music, the list supposedly represents all genres “from the rock era.” (I just read that phrase in quotes in the fine print. So my initial question of “where the f*ck is Frank Sinatra?” was answered there. I feel a little better.) 70 some odd musicians and industry types were polled about their favorite singers. (Funny side note: they showed a picture of Keith Richards' ballot in the issue, and he listed himself on his ballot, but not Mick. Needless to say, Keith's genial growl didn't make the actual list.)

The full list is HERE. First of all, what is the criteria? Obviously this is not just about technique and vocal prowess. I mean, Bob Dylan came in at #7 and Lou Reed at #62. I can accept that. A great singer, to me, is about character and unique expression. Not whether they can hit all of the high notes. So I’m cool with Dylan being so high since he has influenced so many people as a singer. (And more than just along the “if he can do it…” lines). But beyond that, what is the criteria? They don’t really specify.

The Top 10 were: 1. Aretha, 2. Ray Charles, 3. Elvis, 4. Sam Cooke, 5. Lennon, 6. Marvin Gaye, 7. Dylan, 8. Otis Redding, 9. Stevie Wonder and 10. James Brown. Not many surprises there.


ABOVE: Rolling Stone makes the bold assertion that Aretha Franklin is the greatest singer of the rock era

Additional thoughts on the list: Roy Orbison at #13 is ridiculous. He should be in the Top 10 easy. I was glad to see Jagger relatively high (#16). He is a great vocalist who can slide into many characters and styles. Underrated as a singer (vs. just a performer). Van Morrison at #24? Also ridiculous. He’s a Top 10 guy. I was especially pleased to see Howlin’ Wolf so high (#31) considering his comparative obscurity when compared to others on the list. To my ears, Wolf had the scariest, most visceral and powerful blues voice ever. As Sun Records producer Sam Phillips said of Wolf, “this is where the soul of man never dies.” Gregg Allman at #70 is way too low. Nice to see Levon Helm of The Band (#91), but bandmates Richard Manual and Rick Danko also need to be there. Nice to see Steve Winwood (#33). Go Steve Perry! (#76).


ABOVE: Rolling Stone agrees with me that Chester Burnett (aka Howlin’ Wolf) was the greatest blues singer of the rock era

So dear readers, what do you think makes a great singer? Is it purely technical skills, or something a bit more intangible? Who are some of your favorites? Thoughts on RS's list? Two of my favorite rock singers not to make this list are Peter Gabriel and Colin Hay. For whatever reason, those two voices hit me like no others do.

Where is Pavarotti? If they are covering all genres and the “rock era,” and Pavarotti was a “rock era” singer (chronologically), then shouldn't he be there? Come to think of it, Frank was still great and relevant in the rock era too. We're talkin' 50's and 60's, and Frank was still doing his stuff.