Best Female Singing Voice

[dave64o]

Best? Obviously there's no "best" and, on one hand, these threads are silly and can bring out the worst in people arguning about things they can't prove or are purely opinoin.

On the other hand, the good thing about them is that they bring up lots of artists I've never heard of and can enjoy cheking out.

 

[Bassngtr]

My favorite: Susanna Hoffs

IMO the best:
Christine McVie
Linda Ronstadt
Ann Wilson

 

[Commreman]

Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Karen Carpenter, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald

 

[maxschrek]

There's no best, obviously, but here are a few worthy names that haven't been mentioned yet: Suzanna Hoffs, Claire Hamill, Annabella Lwin and Deborah Lyall.

 

[micguy]

There is absolutely no best - one person's voice may be perfect for a particular style or tune, and the next tune....not so much. I have the pleasure of being able to work with some phenomenal singers, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Tom Bomb]

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[Thebiggestjerk]

Paula Cole

 

[TyBo]

There is a female singer from Cincinnati who I was friends with before she was famous. Fantastic voice:

Randy's "Street Life" was the opening theme music for "Sharky's Machine", a better than expected Burt Reynolds gritty cop movie. Great music all through that film, had to get the soundtrack album for that and especially for Randy. Album also has Joe Williams and Sarah Vaughn, so ... keeping good company, Randy. Great voice.

 

[Shepsdad]

My personal favorite for quite a few years has been Annie Lennox.

 

[bassliner50]

*Catherine Russell* Known to very few, but enjoyed immensely by me...She combines the best part of so many wonderful vocalists into one angelic voice.

 

[outoftune]

Right now this girl has got my ear. Such an amazing voice with power and grace.

 

[OldShark]

If "best" includes "Showing how much joy and fun you feel to sing for your audience", I'd nominate Joss Stone.
As to "best in bringing your message", I'd personally favour Maria McKee, Margo Timmins, Jonatha Brooke and Aimee Mann, besides some already mentioned singers.

Apparently that's not best in terms of most impressive voice or versatility.

 

[TyBo]

My vote goes to Karen Carpenter, hands down. If there were a female angel, she would sing like Karen.

Your vote goes to .... ?

How about some Dinah Washington ... she has that power and explosiveness in her voice, but also great phrasing, nuance, tone, rhythm ... the whole package. One of the great singers, for sure!

 

[jnewmark]

Aretha Franklin.

 

[lowendrv]

Sarah Vaughan

 

[Barticus]

Britney Spears, of course.

 

[lbbc]

For me (in no particular order):
Karen Carpenter
Ann Wilson
Pat Benatar
Linda Ronstadt

 

[Moe Hickey]

Is there a best male vocalist thread? As to female, I would throw Carly Simon in. Some of her songs really hit hard.

 

[EXCAV8]

It's too subjective to quantify.

 

[bassolodic]

Looking through these comments I'm surprised no one mentioned Tracey Thorn - OMG(oddess) - the voice of heaven