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
Sinatra and Streisand have to be on the list. Nat King Cole still sells tons of CDs and has to be considered. Frankly a top 5 is really tough. You almost have to go to ten. Hard to exclude Dylan and others.
okay, how about ella fitzgerald, she has done everything from the great song writers, and even teamed up with satchmo, and not to mention one of the best jazz scatters of all time.
Hi Scott-- Your post helped better define what I'm trying to get at, ie distinctive, very well known singing voices-- thanks. I think it's easy to tell that you and I are from the same generation. I'm enjoying seeing others opinions on this, especially those singers that we didn't think of.

Ken-- Yep, the 5s are great and I'll have them forever. If you had to sell the 3As, I'm glad they went to a good home. Willie Nelson certainly has one of those very recognizable and widely known voices.

I also agree with Bing Crosby. I wanted to list Emmylou Harris, but my wife held out for Barbra Streisand. Dolly Parton has another one of those really distinctive and very well known voices. Cheers. Craig
screamin' jay hawkins (hands down winner!!), dylan, johnny cash, roy orbison, billie holiday