sing·er1 /ˈsɪŋər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sing-er] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a person who sings, esp. a trained or professional vocalist.
2. a poet.
3. a singing bird.
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in·stru·ment /ˈɪnstrəmənt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-struh-muhnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a mechanical tool or implement, esp. one used for delicate or precision work: surgical instruments.
2. a contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds: a stringed instrument.
3. a means by which something is effected or done; agency: an instrument of government.
4. a device for measuring the present value of a quantity under observation.
5. a mechanical or electronic measuring device, esp. one used in navigation: landing a plane by instruments.
6. a formal legal document, as a draft or bond: negotiable instruments.
7. a person used by another merely as a means to some private end; tool or dupe.
–verb (used with object) 8. to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process: to instrument a space vehicle.
9. to arrange a composition for musical instruments; orchestrate.
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Singing is an art, and to alot of people it is just the cherry on top of a good song. This is essentially true. Without the song, we have no basis for anything memorable. However, occasionally there comes along a singer that can bring the Song to another level, and a Singer who can make a Story come true. They make it come alive in you. You can feel the song as they sing it.
This list is who I consider to be my Top 20 favorite singers of all time. They to me use their voices as "true" instruments. Here it is in no particular order. Feel free to tell me who you feel should not be on the list or added to it.
Males
1. Frank Sinatra
2. Elvis Presley
3. Stevie Wonder
4. Nat King Cole
5. Kevin Max
6. Brian McKnight
7. Steve Perry
8. Seal
9. Anderea Bocelli
10a.Ray Charles
10b.Freddy Mercury
Women
1. Barbara Streisand
2. Christina Aguilera
3. Celine Dion
4. Nina Simone
5. Sade
6. Aretha Franklin
7. Karen Carpenter
8. Whitney Houston
9. Billie Holiday
10. Carole King
12 comments:
1. Stevie Wonder
2. Kevin Max
3. George Michael
4. Me (jk)
5. Timmy B.
6. Bono
7. Sting
8. Elliot (from American Idol)
9. Michael Jackson
10. Prince
ok... let's see here...
First of all, I don't see a reason for Seal to be on there. He's good, but he doesn't belong in this bunch if you ask me. I'd argue on behalf of Tony Bennett, maybe Bobby McFaren (especially considering your 'instrument' definition of vocalist) and definitely Wierd Al.*
*NOT REALLY
As far as the ladies go, I'd vote for Eva Cassidy or Sarah MacLachlan to replace a modern-day diva like Aguilera...
My $.02
I really struggled with leaving George Michael off of my list. He is one of my favorite artists, but I just didn't know if he was in the top ten for males. I almost included Sting as well.
Mark you are probably right on with Seal. He is great, but is he worthy of this accolade, I don't know.
Zach I was actually expecting serious answers, so your answer including me is not funny. If you are serious, thanks for the props. By the way Elliot from American Idol has great chops. Why is he the only one who has not signed a record deal off of that show?
And finally...Mark I don't think I could ever take off Aguilera. She has stupid skills. I would need to listen to more Eva Cassidy, and even though MacLachlan is smooth I could not place her on my list.
By the way everyone go out and get Mark's album when it drops in a few months. He has skills as well.
Where's Barry in all this?
Instead of a record, I have a baby that is going to drop in May!
More great singers:
1. Sade
2. Chris Martin
3. Mark Nielsen
4. Matt Kaminiski
5. Chet Baker
6. David Martin
7. Imogen Heap
8. Dude from Keane (he is retarted)
9. Robert Plant
10. Willy Porter
Deal with my list.
Whats going on man.............there I hooked it up for ya bro
Brice
Denise-
I know. I know. Manilow of course is one of my favs. However, it an entertainer and song writer. Don't get me wrong, I do like his voice, but I can't include him in the top vocalists. I think Barry would even admit that he is nowhere close.
However, he does write the songs that make the whole world sing.
Men:
1. George Michael
2. Johnny Mathis
3. Rufus Wainwright
4. Brian McKnight
5. Lyfe Jennings
6. Maxwell
7. Robert Plant
8. Jeff Buckley
9. Luther Vandross
10. Timmy B.
(Elvis gets honorary #11...not my flavorite singer, but about as cool as it gets).
Women:
1.Billie Holiday
2.Dolly Parton
3.Mary J. Blige
4.Patsy Kline
5.Harriet Wheeler (from the Sundays)
6.Patricia Kaas
7.the woman from the Fugees
8.Kim Carnes
9.Barbra Streisand
10. Julie Else
I'm with Z for the most part. Timmy B, your list is too old school; I think you forgot Bing Crosby. J/K for the most part.
Here are the best. My list is authoritative:
Men:
Bono
Sting
Dude from Keane
Dude from Mute Math
John Mayer
Justin Taylor, honorary mention
J Chad Simington, honorary mention
Women:
Julianna Zobrist (yes - props to fam!)
Imogen Heap
Timmy,
I just couldn't resist getting in on this one. BTW, you're correct in implying that a song doesn't really come to life unless the interpreter breathes something special into it.
So here are three old school vocalists from the halcyon days of 1960s Top 40 Radio:
Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison and Bobby Darin.
Pitney and Orbison brought an almost operatic treatment to their songs, with voices that expressed the anguish of lost or unrequited love.
Darin was the white Ray Charles, in the sense that he could sing and interpret any style of song.
Tim, if you put Andrea Bocelli on your list and leave off Luciano Pavarotti, you are dumb.
Bocelli isn't worthy to polish Pavoratti's shoes.
Bocelli's only popular because he's blind.
Yeah I said it. Cry two tears in a bucket.
Now I see what you mean......Seeya tonight!
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Brice Hazelwood
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