The Best Female Vocalists Ever

Published: October 15, 2018, 11:24 pm

Updated: October 15, 2018, 11:26 pm

I noticed another LP blogger had a post proclaiming Barbara Streisand as the "greatest female vocalist of all time." Now, Babs had a fine voice at one time, but in my own personal opinion, she never was #1 and has certainly been surpassed by other ladies who can sing much, much better.

And that's not just MY opinion, but one many others share, according to Ranker, which has "Babs" at #4, although 53% (including me) think she should be lower on the list.

The Best Female Vocalists Ever

However, tastes in music are subjective and perhaps the blogger simply likes Steisand's style and her catalog of tunes. I'm fine with that, but it's also my opinion that B.S. (the initials are for her political opinions, not her singing) doesn't have near the pipes as does Adele (#5), Ella Fitzgerald (#7), Etta James (#18) or many others in the Top 20 on Ranker (and some ranked even lower). If a particular sound or genre is the criteria, then it's MHO that Karen Carpenter (#9) might very well have had the "purest" voice of any female singer. Tina Turner and Donna Summer (# 10 and #11 respectfully on the list) could certainly belt out a tune with the best of anyone and there's no denying Pat Benatar (#31) and Mariah Carey (#6) have unparalleled range with their vocals. And even as weird as is Lady Gaga (#30) there's no denying the little lady can sing!

Personally, I would put Amy Lee(#52), Diana Ross (#53) and Roberta Flack (#54) ahead of Streisand. While I'm not all that much on country music, I'd also put LeAnne Rimes (#97), Shania Twain (#35) and most definitely Patsy Cline (#27) ahead of her as well.

I don't have the time to do my own ranking of female vocalists, but I'd put Streisand far, far down the list, perhaps replacing any of the aforementioned singers...and moving them up the list, of course. I'd say swap her out with Lady Gaga @ #30 and it would be a much more accurate list. (although I don't think Lady Gaga is exactly right at #4, just that she deserves to be there more than does Streisand.

An LP friend of mine recently sent me a link to a singer I had not heard of, Glennis Grace. Again, just my humble opinion, but she's a much better singer than Streisand.

Entry #43

Comments

CARBOB - Oct 16, 2018, 5:32 am

I have never head of her either. That's because when they started that Rap Crap, I quit listening. I loved the music in the 50's thru 80's. I never turn my radio on now, probably missing some very good talent, like this lady.

mikeintexas - Oct 16, 2018, 12:00 pm

I understand that, Bob. I'm the same way, although now 'n then I will "stumble" across a new song and like it.

Rap used to be great; it was a form of protest, just like...oh, CCR songs that were anti-war, but like those songs, they were subtle. I don't know when it changed, but suddenly it was full of hate and bustin' a cap in a cop's azz or demeaning women as ho's. Somehow the gangsters and thugs got ahold of it.

Just a few weeks ago, I found Funky Coal Medina in my mp3 jukebox I have on an external hard drive and listened to it several times in a row...it was catchy, my head was bobbin' and my toe was tappin and I was laffin'.

mikeintexas - Oct 16, 2018, 12:05 pm

And, I would have loved to commented under the other blog post, but I am banned from doing so. This is the sort of thing I enjoy discussing with just about anyone, no need to get upset at what they like or don't like, but far too many people take your NOT liking something they love as a slam upon them. Nonsense!

It's too bad we can't learn to accept our differences and celebrate the ways in which we are alike. A great online friend of mine said that; he died of AIDS some years back and we were polar opposites politically and he was gay and I am straight as a string, but we sincerely liked each other.

The Best Female Vocalists Ever

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