Best Male Singers of the 20th Century

Kevziek-

I've also had some training in music -certainly not to your level- so am naturally predisposed toward classical/opera. That said, I am sure you will be labeled an elitist, snob, dilettante, pick your name. I do listen to a fair amount (probably more than is good for my sanity) of popular music, but I never make the mistake of equating mediocre talent with the real greats. Sometimes the baser side needs its time to partake of other than Verdi, Mozart, et al.

As you, I won't offer any names for the simple reason that when the inevitable criticisms follow, I'd feel compelled to defend them. Their singing appeals to me; if you don't care for it, I don't give a jolly rip!

BTW, I wonder if that one guy is describing Mario Lanza, Caruso's contemporary?

Er, um, I think that Mario Lanza was born the year Caruso died. Not exactly contemporaries. My guess was Gigli.

Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Harry Neilsen, Buck Owens (in his later years) and to me Pete Townshend singing Daultry's parts (as he has been doing recently). The best voice to me is one that moves me

PS: I would like to add Tom Waits to the above list (though I always feel a little greasy while listening to him). I must be remembering his appearence on the Dinah Shore show.

Adamanteus & Kevziek, I just went back and read Kevziek's comment, and agree 100%. That's why my vote for the single, sole, only best singer of the 20th C is Merle Haggard. I did like William Bolcom (sp?) a lot. Opera singers are a dime a dozen. Real men who can interpret real men's songs are few and far between.