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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
2channel8
753 posts
 
Thanks @bdp24 for recognition of Darlene Love. She never gets the recognition I think she deserves.
So many great nominees, and a few new to me.I'll have to do some research.
A few I didn't see:
Bonnie Dobson, who wrote and first recorded Morning Dew.
BONNIE RAITT, or did I miss her?
If you've never heard the all-girl group, ISIS; Carol MacDonald has a delicious contralto.
Speaking of contraltos, Chrissy Amphlett of the Divynals, Amy Winehouse, Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blond..Luv 'em

Did we miss Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies?

There are too many amazing background singers to mention; but the Blu-Ray of 20 FEET FROM STARDOM covers many of them.
Of special merit are Clair Torey (Great Gig in the Sky) and Merry Clayton (Gimme Shelter). Rosemary Butler is another fav.

I don't know if we can count her, because she is an opera singer; but Olivia Safe contributed such amazing vocals to Jeff Beck's SERENE, that I thought it was a synthesizer. Never heard anyone hit the highs she does.

Three I am rooting for:
Nicole Atkins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lefhIHdWs3I
Frazy Ford for her unique sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXRrySTujn8
Bonnie Bishop, an evolving talent.
maurice1937's avatar
maurice1937
36 posts
 
Did anyone mention Katie Malua ?

gnason's avatar
gnason
43 posts
 
Karen Carpenter has the best female voice I've ever heard. 

I also like:
Christine (Perfect) McVie
Gloria Estefan
Carol King
Natalie Merchant
Clare Torry - "The Great Gig in the Sky" fame

minorl
1,015 posts
 
This is an absolutely great forum.  I remember most of the names listed and they bring back memories and make me smile.

great singers and voices. 

I disagree about Whitney Houston and Diana krill having no soul. 

Diana Krall knows the limit of her range and stays there.  Which I respect. Whitney Houston no soul???? Come on now. 

But the names listed wow.  The key to me also is/was seeing them live. People are leaving us much too soon. Go see them while you can.  

Also, Shirley Horn.   Every time she came to LA before she passed I went to see her.  Sitting at the bar after a set with a drink talking to people.  Great.

linda Ronstat,  great voice. 

Roberta Flack in her prime had one of the best voices I’ve heard.

Etta James wow!!

enjoy
minorl
1,015 posts
 
Also, the female singers in Sergio Mendez Brazil 66.  Great voices
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