Best Male Singers of the 20th Century


There is an interesting current discussion about the best female vocalists on CD. I have my own ideas about the best male singers (any category) of the 20th Century, but would like to hear other opinions.
sdcampbell
If you are asking about the best male vocals....no doubt and hands down it is Roy Orbison (many very good singers gave him that distinction when he was alive), Elvis next, and Nat king Cole last... People who aren't into rock I'm sure won't agree but I listen to everything except rap and those three certainly have to be the best....If you should think otherwise, try putting your singers best vocal on and then listen to Roy Orbison's "End Dreams". If you think your singer's vocal is better please E-mail me the song title and I'll buy it....(yes I'm a big opera fan also)
1. Bing Crosby (most influential)
2. Johnny Hartman (my personal fave)
3. Tom Waits (he can't write a song to save his life, but boy can he sing!)
1. Captain Beefheart (twice the range and twice the emotion of Tom Waits)
2. Dean Martin (twice the cool and twice the honesty of Frankie)
3. Jackie Gleeson (can make statues cry, that fat guy could sing)

Sinatra forever? I suppose so, but so is death.