Who are the best singers of all time?
That’s a tough question to ask. This list includes many of the greatest, most famous vocalists ever. For this list, the singers are chosen based on a combination of the quality of their voices, vocal range recognition and popularity.
Tina Turner
Starting off as a featured singer, this multi-talented artist really turned heads as part of the duo, the icon Tina Turner revue. Thanks to her memorable dance moves, and killer legs, Tina quickly became known as a powerhouse performer, but it wasn’t only for those attributes that she earned the nickname, “The queen of Rock and Roll”. Turner’s voice exudes an energy and strength unlike any other, in music, which has allowed her to forge a successful solo career across multiple genres.
Ella Fitzgerald
In her almost six decades long recording career, Ella Fitzgerald, sold 40 million albums,won over a dozen Grammys and released more than 70 albums. So, is it any surprise that she’s been called the first lady of song. When it came to pitch and tone, Lady Ella was simply unparalleled. The queen of Jazz could also improvise with the best of them and excelled particularly with scat singing.
Stevie Wonder
This American artist has been honing his singing skills since he was a little boy. In fact, Stevie Wonder was 11 when he signed with his first record label, known for his vocal harmonies and melodies. This soul music legend has earned dozens of number ones on the pop and R&B charts.He does not only write and produce his own music, he also plays multiple instruments.
Whitney Houston
We will always love this best selling and record setting artist for more reasons than just your unbelievable cover of Dolly Parton’s “I will always love you”. Not only did Whitney Houston help break barriers for African-American artists, she also found success in R&B, soul, hip-hop, and Gospel. The voice as she was known was considered a mezzo-soprano.
Mariah Carey
She’s not one of the best selling artists ever for nothing. She has the ability to use her voice as an instrument. Boasting a five octave vocal range and making the use of the whistle register completely her own. She is also known to sing a single syllable while moving between multiple notes in sequence.
Etta James
She played a major role in bringing R&B, and rock and roll together, while she started off singing in the former style for crossover success in the pop and other genres secured her a spot in music history. James may have been a contralto, but her voice evolved throughout her almost 60 year career, and demonstrates why she has had such a big impact on so many musicians thereafter.
Elvis Presley
Flaunting good looks, sexy dance moves and a rebellious image, Elvis Presley and his country and blues roots with electric guitars to become the king of Rock and Roll, but he wouldn’t be the star he is without his versatile emotional and unmistakable voice. His ability to capture the power and variety of R&B and Gospel music ensured that he had something for everybody that helped him become the best selling solo artist ever.
Michael Jackson
It was not for nothing that Michael Jackson became one of the most famous and successful entertainers ever. Just take note of his unique style, unmatched creativity, passion for music, ground breaking dance moves and innovative short films. However, he also stood out for his singing and songwriting abilities which allowed him to craft and perform hits in genres like pop, Rock, Soul, R&B and more.
Freddie Mercury
With his big personality, lively stage presence, and knack for writing some of the greatest Rock melodies ever, Freddie Mercury was definitely one of the greatest front man, rock has ever seen. And then there was his voice boasting a range that reached four octaves. It’s no surprise Queen flawlessly straddled genres like rock, pop, Rock Opera, heavy metal, progressive rock, R&B, and more.
Aretha Franklin
She started out in the gospel and this queen of soul has shown time and time again that she’s got it, no matter what genre she’s singing. This multiple Grammy winner and best selling artist have a voice that’s versatile, confident and beautiful. Whether she is covering another artist’s songs or in Jazz or soul, she is a natural talent who’s earned all our respect.