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
A second on Alison Krauss.

Add Carmen Gomes and Joan Armatrading. And exceptional recordings for Carmen.
Chantal Chamberland, Katie Melua, Kelly Sweet, Norah Jones..... they sound pretty sweet, and just for pure angelic sound try Jackie Evencho’s Awakening CD or some Nana Mouskouri
Another vote for Holly Cole, her album, Temptation, is a must have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGJV6bI77QU

And Joan Armatrading, how can you not like these lyrics,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s240Iqg-0vY

The future may be bright for Chloe Kohanski. I think she has the potential, but time will tell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtjSIWxgqDo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSliXLywTQU


A second for Nancy Wilson and Ella.
Also: Lani Hall ( Sergio Mendes, et al );
         Lyn Stanley;
         Nicki Parrott;
         Laura Nyro, and
         Vanessa Fernandez