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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.

128x128twoleftears

Showing 2 responses by peter_s

peter_s
1,318 posts
 
Nobody a fan of Nina Simone? Unique and as genuine as it gets.
peter_s
1,318 posts
 
@russmaleartist  Good words.  I agree with you.  I don't think this thread addresses absolute vocal talent, because it is very hard for any of us (myself included) to see beyond our own taste in music.  A singer with a great voice, but who in my perception is without soul or too polished (to the point of losing courage or a raw genuine character) will never reach me, because I just can't stand listening to the music.  I think we all have these musical styles that we like, and within them we are nominating vocalists in that style or genre.

Another who has not been mentioned who I enjoy is Linda Thompson.
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