There is an interesting current discussion about the best female vocalists on CD. I have my own ideas about the best male singers (any category) of the 20th Century, but would like to hear other opinions.
waltersallas , you're entirely correct about George Jones ,one of the most devastating singers I've ever heard. For those who (rightly) love Johnny Hartmann, also try Arthur Prysock and Ernie Andrews
Good point. Janis sings with as much intensity as anyone I have heard. Aesthetically, I would not put her in the same category with Holiday and Jones, but that is an entirely different conversation. Your point is well taken. Janis was a great one.
It's tough to add value to 161 responses, but Mel Torme should receive another vote. "Best" is a tough one, but he clearly stays on the list of the top five. His early "scat" phrasing (and later), his styling, and his actual song-writing were just excellent. In my own collection in this category, two singers dominate; Torme and Sinatra.
Mr. Sinatra, Mr. Hartman, Ray Charles, Joe Turner and Louie Armstrong. if your list would not include Satchmo you need to listen to either an original Audio Fidelity pressing of his "St. James Infirmary" (from the 50's) or the Classic Records 45 rpm remastered version. it is an amazing recording of an incredible vocal performance (and of each instrument) and every analog listener owes it to his or her self to get this before dinner tonight! go without dinner if necessary, sell your car, whatever it takes... this is the real deal!
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