Oh there are many, but for beauty, two that come to mind are Janis Ian and Alison Krauss.
For uniqueness, Rickie Lee Jones and Ella.
For uniqueness, Rickie Lee Jones and Ella.
exceptional voices of female singers (non-classical)
What I'm talking about here is what critics of classical singing refer to as "the instrument": the exceptional beauty or uniqueness of the timbre of the voice qua voice. For the moment, put aside preferences w.r.t. repertoire, interpretation, performance, style, delivery, etc., and just consider the *sound* of the voice. We're *not* talking about favorite female artists here, because that kind of preference is based on a whole amalgam of factors.
I suspect some of the top figures in the category I've tried to define often aren't very popular among audiophiles, because of those many other factors.
My first three nominations: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy.
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Based on the purity and sheer beauty of her voice, I would cite Judith Durham, best known as the lead singer of The Seekers although she has had a distinguished solo career as well. Following is a brief excerpt of comments about her provided by a British gentleman whose bio is shown at the end of an article he wrote entitled Judith Durham: The Voice of the 20th Century. Obviously some of what he has to say in this paragraph and in the rest of the article is debatable, as well as being subjective to a considerable extent, but his comments are not without foundation IMO. Judith Durham (of the Seekers) is the greatest of them all. The voice of the twentieth century, in my not very humble opinion. Clarity, spine-shivering (I’ve already used “spine-tingling” and I’m all for a bit of variety), astonishing purity – all that is obvious straightaway. But listen to The Carnival is Over or the amazing Just a Closer Walk and you hear a vocal beauty which is unique and reaches a level no one else can get near to. Callas is just a tear-jerker by comparison; Carpenter just a female crooner; Piaf just a screeching Gallic banshee. Judith Durham combines a bold, even brash, confidence in her own ability with a deeper humility which lends her remarkable sound an even more profound character. Best regards, -- Al |
Another vote for Holly Cole, her album, Temptation, is a must have. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGJV6bI77QU And Joan Armatrading, how can you not like these lyrics, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s240Iqg-0vY The future may be bright for Chloe Kohanski. I think she has the potential, but time will tell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtjSIWxgqDo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSliXLywTQU |
I could probably add another voice or two every day for quite awhile (I love female voices), but above left out a few that simply MUST be included: Aretha Franklin, Arlene Smith (of The Chantels---you have GOT to hear her sing "Maybe"), Brenda Lee, Peggy Lee, Wanda Jackson, Ruth Brown, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Kasey Chambers, Dusty Springfield, and Judy Garland. |
For me it's all about the emotion and soul: The greats include: Etta James. Lucinda Williams. Sandy Denny. Aretha Franklin. PP Arnold. Anne Peebles. Irma Thomas. Emmylou Harris. Allison Moorer. Dusty Springfield. Maggie Bell. Gloria Jones. Bessie Smith. Billie Holiday. Wanda Jackson. Lisa Kekaula. Koko Taylor. Mavis Staples. Patti Smith. and a few more. They do not include: Mariah Carey. Celine Dion. Whitney Houston. Diana Krall. etc. Who have no soul. |
Thanks very much, John (Roxy54). Here are some videos of Judith Durham with The Seekers, which provide about as good an indication of the quality of her voice as one is likely to find in a YouTube video of a 1960s recording: "The Carnival Is Over" (composed for them by Tom Springfield, Dusty’s brother, who wrote a lot of their hits): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5G1OkFLQPY "Someday, One Day" (composed for them by Paul Simon): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiIqhY5-SKY "Love Is Kind, Love Is Wine" (composed by Bruce Woodley, the guitarist on Judith's right): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VAAMueQQYk Best regards, -- Al |
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Some of the same as mentioned by others and some I love I didn't see mentioned; Sandy Denny
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