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5 most recognizable voices in American music?

While watching CNNs Larry King interview Johnny Cash a few days ago, I commented to my wife that Johnny Cash probably has one of the five most recognizable voices in American music today. My wife agreed and then asked "Well who are the other four?" After some discussion, we came up with our nominations (in no particular order):

Johnny Cash
Elvis Presley
Ray Charles
Barbra Streisand
Louie Armstrong

This question probably assumes that the singer is quite famous and that their music has been around quite awhile-- or they became really famous really fast. We'd be interested in knowing what other A'Gon members think about these five, or others you would nominate instead for this "top five"? Thanks. Craig
garfish
garfish OP
1,840 posts
 
Hi Scott-- Your post helped better define what I'm trying to get at, ie distinctive, very well known singing voices-- thanks. I think it's easy to tell that you and I are from the same generation. I'm enjoying seeing others opinions on this, especially those singers that we didn't think of.

Ken-- Yep, the 5s are great and I'll have them forever. If you had to sell the 3As, I'm glad they went to a good home. Willie Nelson certainly has one of those very recognizable and widely known voices.

I also agree with Bing Crosby. I wanted to list Emmylou Harris, but my wife held out for Barbra Streisand. Dolly Parton has another one of those really distinctive and very well known voices. Cheers. Craig
goheelz's avatar
goheelz
297 posts
 
screamin' jay hawkins (hands down winner!!), dylan, johnny cash, roy orbison, billie holiday
ben_campbell
1,169 posts
 
I think it's probably too wide a demographic to imagine what the American public would recognise today-I actually don't think coast to coast,age group to age group you would get much concensus certainly I don't think Johnny Cash would get into a top 5.
If you took the American public today,straw poll age to age I think a guess at the 5 might be (in no order)-
Michael Jackson
Eminem
Frank Sinatra
Elvis Presley
Madonna

I think if you looked at it from a historical and music fans view as the five voices easiest to recognise I would say

Elvis Presley
Frank Sinatra
Nat King Cole
Bob Dylan
Barabra Streisland.

I'm working from the point that these are the five unlikely to be confused with anybody else.
ucmgr
173 posts
 
1. Neil Young
2. John Foggerty
3. Al Jarreau
4. Vince Gill
5. Allison Kraus
mc2000
35 posts
 
Hey, let's not forget those who started it all like Bill Monroe. He was the king of bluegrass. Just like Louis was of Jazz and Elvis Rock and Roll. You guys always want to forget bluegrass, but that is music that comes from the heart and soul of America. Country rocks but bluegrass aways rules in my house.
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