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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
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
1,016 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
1,016 posts
 
Also, the female singers in Sergio Mendez Brazil 66.  Great voices
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
606 posts
 
Was Cassandra Wilson mentioned?  And Nina Simone?

And Mary Black is excellent although not as well known as she is a niche (Irish) market artist.

In pop, Annie Lennox, and although I haven't quite decided, there is something about Adele....
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