2. music
  3. 1042255335

5 most recognizable voices in American music?

While watching CNNs Larry King interview Johnny Cash a few days ago, I commented to my wife that Johnny Cash probably has one of the five most recognizable voices in American music today. My wife agreed and then asked "Well who are the other four?" After some discussion, we came up with our nominations (in no particular order):

Johnny Cash
Elvis Presley
Ray Charles
Barbra Streisand
Louie Armstrong

This question probably assumes that the singer is quite famous and that their music has been around quite awhile-- or they became really famous really fast. We'd be interested in knowing what other A'Gon members think about these five, or others you would nominate instead for this "top five"? Thanks. Craig
garfish
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,820 posts
 
Mapman, that is absolutely ridiculous, and I share your outrage. Not only is Sting not American, neither is his musical style or influences. Whores!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,820 posts
 
Levon Helm, John Hiatt, Emmylou Harris, Iris Dement, plenty of others.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
Except for one_shot, you guys are showing your (our) age.  Do you really think Americans under 30 know what some of these folks sound like?  They probably do recognize Willie Nelson but not many of the others.  Kurt Cobain is about as far back as some of them go.  And they are the majority.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I assume this combines popularity and distinctive tone (maybe phrasing, too) - If you play a less well known Louis Armstrong song for 100 random people, you'll probably have a pretty high hit rate.  Using those criteria, I'd add Stevie Nicks and Barry White




sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
I love it when a thread from 10 years ago pops up again! 

For pure recognition Adele has got to be near the top if we poll the random public. Short memories rule. Most under 30 could not identify Willie, Johnny Cash, even Sinatra or Ella.

If we are adding iconic voices for this crowd, let's mention Bowie, Freddy Mercury, Tom Waits, Donald Fagen, Van Morrison, Rickie Lee Jones, Chrissie Hynde & Joni Mitchell to the list. Cheers,
Spencer
More to discover