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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
hdm
1,062 posts
 
This is definitely "generational". My list of distinctive, instantly recognizable voices would be (not necessarily in order of talent or ability):

Elvis
Sinatra
Billie Holiday
Muddy Waters
and, to a lesser extent, because his voice has changed so much over the years,
Bob Dylan
grandpad
151 posts
 
Think your original "5" are great Garfish, although might swap Sinatra for Cash or Babs, awful close.

Oh, as for the generation thing, beat you to the big 60 (and wish I hadn't won!)

Grandpa Doug
garfish OP
1,840 posts
 
Per all the above excellent suggestions, I would delete "Babs" and Ray Charles from my top 5 list list and add Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson. To expand the list to top 10, I'd still include B. Streisand and Ray Charles and add Sinatra, Willie Nelson, and Nat King Cole. Thanks. Craig
jayarr
117 posts
 
Bing Crosby
Nat King Cole
Louis Armstrong
Ray Charles
Elvis Presley

BTW, this list is very "era" dependent. Ask a 20 y/o today about Bing, Louis, or Nat and all you"ll get is a huh?.
mejames
986 posts
 
forgot about Hank Williams another very recognized voice.
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