Best female vocals on CD

I have a classical sampler with introductions by Sandra King (of NPR.) Her voice makes me weak in the knees. Does this count?

I agree with the person who spoke of Rachelle Ferrell's 1st instrument cd. Great voice,good songs, well recorded. Pat Barber is good when she doesn't sound like she's on the verge of falling asleep,[which is most of the time].

Hey what about the opera Diva's? I like Renee Fleming, WOW what a voice she has!

So meny, Holly Cole,Diana Krall,Patricia Barber,Jean Armatrading, K.D. Lang. The list is endless!

Eva Cassidy. (I havent read all the entries above and dont know if anyone mentioned her). Try her Live at Blues Alley and Eva by Heart. Honorable mention: Mary Black (not the last 3 cds, go for her earlier stuff), Gilliam Welch (Revival mentioned above), Etta James, Irma Thomas. Iris Dement and Lucinda Williams belong in a class of their own because they are singer-songwriters and, well, because there's non one else like them.