Stevie Nicks

Ann Wilson from Heart, she could raise Goosebumps on some notes.

I'm not sure there is a consensus answer to this question, really...

But right now, giving a nice spin through Dusty in Memphis, I think my vote for pure vocalist -- not singer/songwriter, overall performer, or anything along those lines -- best pure vocalist might have been Dusty Springfield.

Man, what a set of pipes.

Weirdo Stevie Nicks Portraiture (http://www.johannas-art.com/Portraits.htm) It alarms me that you found that site so quickly.

Isn't Stevie Nicks a guy?

Stevie Nicks

VPI, if you're looking for a last minute gift ideas... might I recommend:

Weirdo Stevie Nicks Portraiture (http://www.johannas-art.com/Portraits.htm)

It alarms me that you found that site so quickly.

All my Xmas shopping was done win one stop this year, baby!

Ann Wilson from Heart
I'll second that.

They're actually pretty good.

And Stevie Nicks was the first that came to mind for me too. Though admittedly that might be in part because my wife really likes Fleetwood Mac.

(now, she also really likes Rush...but I wouldn't say that Geddie Lee is the greatest male singer of the rock era. Commence Canadian bashing!)

No love for Ms Courtney Love?

No love for Ms Courtney Love?

it's for GREATEST female singers.

Ann Wilson gets my vote. Not a Stevie Nicks fan at all.

I'm partial to Grace Slick (White Rabbit in particular), as well.

Ann Wilson, the greatest singer of the rock era.

No love for Ms Courtney Love?

Its greatest female singer of rock era.. not Female who killed a great singer of the rock era

My vote goes to Ann Wilson as well, with Lita Ford coming in 2nd.

Pat Benetar ;)

Its greatest female singer of rock era.. not Female who killed a great singer of the rock era

She killed Kurt Cobain. Who was the good singer she killed?

ALanis morrisette

Pat Benetar ;)

But that dancing :confused: :confused: :confused: :( :confused:

Linda Perry.

I think Ann Wilson will be hard to top as a pure vocalist.

It alarms me that you found that site so quickly.


That site weirds me out.

That site weirds me out.

Ding ding ding!

I think first of Stevie Nicks and Grace Slick and there aren't too many other names on the list. I wouldn't have thought twice about adding Dusty Springfield, but yes she certainly qualifies. Son of Preacher Man might even move her right to the top of it in fact. Nice addition QS. I'm a big fan of Heart as well so Ann Wilson is also on the very short list.

Pat Benetar might be the best Female Rocker, but the question said vocalist.

I tell ya what, I've seen Benetar, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, Deborah Harry, The Eurythmics(Annie ????), Joan Jett, The GO-GOs(sad but true), and hands down the very best female rock vocalist to see live in concert is...... Melissa Etheridge. She puts on one hell of a show. The first time I saw her she opened a concert for Heart and some other groups, and she blew everyone off the stage.

Ann Wilson... hands down.

she's not my favorite, but surprised that we're 25 posts in and no one has mentioned Janis Joplin

Otep

I've never been much of a Heart fan, and never gave much thought to Ann Wilson as being all that special. But with the number of fans here, I'll give it some thought... I recognize she has some pure signing talent.


For me (at least as I define the question) I tend to downgrade singers like Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin because they lack the pure vocal clarity of the others (like perhaps WIlson and definitely Springfield). I don't mean to diminish their value as performers or entertainers, or even as singers for a band, but in terms of "pure singing ability," I'm looking for something a little more closely refined.

I also think this discussion would be incomplete without at least a mention of Diana Ross, who once was a huge talent, before she became something of an oddity.

Are we talkin Rock era, as in the time period, or Rock Era, as in Rock singers?

Dolly Parton :)

Boy George

At school the day after Culture Clubs first appearance on BBC tv, one of my friends said "she's hot". 25 years later he's still reminded about that.

Boy George

At school the day after Culture Clubs first appearance on BBC tv, one of my friends said "she's hot". 25 years later he's still reminded about that.

I remember seeing the first advertisements in Hit Parader for Poison's first album. Seriously, I thought it was a new, all-girl metal band.

Who was the chick who sang that Hero song?

I always loved that song. It was always playing when my dad and I were driving home from the stock car races when I was but a wee Jeeber...

Who was the chick who sang that Hero song?

I always loved that song. It was always playing when my dad and I were driving home from the stock car races when I was but a wee Jeeber...

Bonnie Tyler I believe.

Word.

Such a great song...

Joan Jett

Boy George

At school the day after Culture Clubs first appearance on BBC tv, one of my friends said "she's hot". 25 years later he's still reminded about that.

My babysitters kids (both 6 years older than me) decided when i was about 6 or 7 years old to dress me up like Boy George, yay.

I've never been much of a Heart fan, and never gave much thought to Ann Wilson as being all that special. But with the number of fans here, I'll give it some thought... I recognize she has some pure signing talent.


For me (at least as I define the question) I tend to downgrade singers like Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin because they lack the pure vocal clarity of the others (like perhaps WIlson and definitely Springfield). I don't mean to diminish their value as performers or entertainers, or even as singers for a band, but in terms of "pure singing ability," I'm looking for something a little more closely refined.
In that case, Melissa Etheridge.

I've never been much of a Heart fan, and never gave much thought to Ann Wilson as being all that special. But with the number of fans here, I'll give it some thought... I recognize she has some pure signing talent.


For me (at least as I define the question) I tend to downgrade singers like Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin because they lack the pure vocal clarity of the others (like perhaps WIlson and definitely Springfield). I don't mean to diminish their value as performers or entertainers, or even as singers for a band, but in terms of "pure singing ability," I'm looking for something a little more closely refined.
You asked a simple question, got a simple answer and then you go all analytical and picky on us??

I'm partial to Grace Slick (White Rabbit in particular), as well.

bingo.

Just to throw a more obscure name, Deborah Iyall of Romeo Void was very impressive the one time I saw her live. The quirkiness of Romeo Void's recordings didn't really display the range she seemed to have.

Just to throw a more obscure name, Deborah Iyall of Romeo Void was very impressive the one time I saw her live. The quirkiness of Romeo Void's recordings didn't really display the range she seemed to have.
To me, it's not about range. I find those with great range to be nearly unlistenable, imo. It's about power, style and clarity.

Isn't Stevie Nicks a guy?

Hahah. Maybe I am just punch drunk from working on Christmas Eve, but this is extraordinarily silly.

She killed Kurt Cobain. Who was the good singer she killed?

LOL :D

Just to throw a more obscure name, Deborah Iyall of Romeo Void was very impressive the one time I saw her live. The quirkiness of Romeo Void's recordings didn't really display the range she seemed to have.

She was good. A lot of people seem to be turned off by the way she looked (not sure what she looks like today).

It's about power, style and clarity.

Deborah Iyall had plenty of that, too.

Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Doro Pesch (probably in that order), though Ann Wilson, Bonnie Tyler, and the lead singer of Vixen are also good.

Lita Ford? c'mon

Pat Benetar, hand down....then Ann Wilson but i can see an argument for Alanis, but isnt she too new to be considered best of the Rock Era?

Who was the chick who sang that Hero song?

I always loved that song. It was always playing when my dad and I were driving home from the stock car races when I was but a wee Jeeber...

I originally thought you were talking about Tina Turner's "We Don't Need Another Hero" from Mad Max. :D

My vote goes to Ann Wilson. Kick ass singer who would probably still be popular today if she hadn't put on a lot of weight.

BTW. Has anyone heard Heart's recent album? Is it any good?

I originally thought you were talking about Tina Turner's "We Don't Need Another Hero" from Mad Max. :D

My vote goes to Ann Wilson. Kick ass singer who would probably still be popular today if she hadn't put on a lot of weight.

BTW. Has anyone heard Heart's recent album? Is it any good?The Live in Seattle one? Or was there a studio album?

If anyone wants to check out Ann and her voice away from the sound of Heart, I strongly recommend Whirlygig when she did her stint as the Lovemongers with Nancy. It wasn't that long ago. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000030L1/qid=1103913753/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-3014229-0318352

Sand is probably my favorite of all of the Wilson sister's tracks but also check out Kiss.

Rushmore:

Diana Ross
Dusty Springfield
Ann Wilson
Alanis Morrisette

Rushmore:

Diana Ross
Dusty Springfield
Ann Wilson
Alanis Morrisette

Interesting 4th pick, while I dig her lyrics and evocation, i don't think she has an alltogether strong voice, and not nearly as good as the other 3.

As far as rockers, I certainly wouldn't put Ross up there, anymore than a high-pitched shrieker like Whitney Houston. Alanis I can accept, but probably not in the class of Ann and Dusty. Regarding Stevie Nicks, I think by herself she's too "wispy" and the FMac songs that rocked were those where she was strongly supported by the other vocalists. I don't know, just rambling.

Interesting 4th pick, while I dig her lyrics and evocation, i don't think she has an alltogether strong voice, and not nearly as good as the other 3.


She can be sweet and she can be the biggest bitch in her songs. Anne Lennox and Melissa Etheridge are others, but I think we are on the upside of her career.

Fiona Apple also has a tremendous voice too, but not an all time one yet.

Given a loose definition of "rock" I'd probably go:

1. Ann Wilson (who went to my high school, by the way)
2. Pat Benatar (in terms of singing talent, she's gotta be up there)
3. Frida (the brunette from Abba, for the same reason as Benatar)
4. Steve Nicks (can't compete talent-wise, but I've always enjoyed her music)
5. Natalie Merchant (eh, sue me)

Amy Lee.

The Evanescance chick? For real?
I went to see her live (friend gave away his tickets to me), and she could belt it out pretty good. I wasn't very impressed with her prior that encounter.

Amy Lee.

The Evanescance chick? For real?

For wehat it's worth, I'm using the term "rock era" in the most common way -- to describe a pretty wide range of rock, pop, country, soul and other music that has been widely commercially released during the period from the 1950s until today.

The point of the limitation was not to exclude country or non-rock music, but rather to try to avoid comparisons between Stevie Nicks and operatic singers, or other performers who are engaging in a wholly different sort of medium. And, it's probably sensible to remove people from before the advent of popualr recordings -- since it's tough to compare by any means.


So -- please don't hold back because someone isn't "rock" enough -- perhaps it was a poor choice of wording by me, but I've heard it used this way fairly often in musical writings.

no votes for Vixen?

http://www.urban75.com/rock/images/vixen1.jpg ;)

For wehat it's worth, I'm using the term "rock era" in the most common way -- to describe a pretty wide range of rock, pop, country, soul and other music that has been widely commercially released during the period from the 1950s until today.

The point of the limitation was not to exclude country or non-rock music, but rather to try to avoid comparisons between Stevie Nicks and operatic singers, or other performers who are engaging in a wholly different sort of medium. And, it's probably sensible to remove people from before the advent of popualr recordings -- since it's tough to compare by any means.


So -- please don't hold back because someone isn't "rock" enough -- perhaps it was a poor choice of wording by me, but I've heard it used this way fairly often in musical writings.
Well, if you put it that way. :)

You have to go with these:

Aretha Franklin
Patsy Cline
Patty LaBelle
Mariah Carey
Whitney Houston

She may be young at 22, but I'd have to give a vote to Morgan Lander, lead singer of Kittie.

I can't believe nobody mentioned Chrissie Hynde. First person I thought of when I saw the thread.

Gotta be Joan Jett.

Yeah Chrissy Hynde should be up there, she doesn't have the most angelic voice, but it has a subtle power to it nonetheless. She's still no Anne Wilson though :)

As an aside to Vixen, I think they may be my favorite all girl band, they could rock pretty good and if you saw them on that Bands reunited special I think they may still have something left if they wanted to go on...it was a very solid performance, especially when you consider they did not have a great deal of time to rehearse.

I'd actually say that Whitney Houston has a very strong voice, from the list you mention above, Duckman. I recognize the others are all established performers, but Whitney had the best voice of that lot, in my book. (In terms of overall talent, I rate her nowhere near Patsy Cline or even Aretha, but in terms of just being a purely talented singer, she's up there)

I'd actually say that Whitney Houston has a very strong voice, from the list you mention above, Duckman. I recognize the others are all established performers, but Whitney had the best voice of that lot, in my book. (In terms of overall talent, I rate her nowhere near Patsy Cline or even Aretha, but in terms of just being a purely talented singer, she's up there)
I think all of those voices are spectacular in different ways. Aretha's voice is astounding for its soulfullness (is that even a word?). Patsy is almost angelic because of the clarity. Patty is pure power. She has been known to sing to large audiences without her micrphone. Mariah's octive range is incredible despite the annoying "whistling" effect at higher notes. Finally, Whitney has the ideal voice because it can be delicate, powerful, clear, and soulful. She as close to the whole package that we may ever get in the rock age.

Hmm, don't know why I didn't think of Lennox either...one of my first CD's was a Eurythmics best of (love the song Would I Lie To You). I like Fiona Apple - what I've heard...whoever posted Extraordinary Machine a while ago, thankyouthankyouthankyou (even if it's not really "rock"). Aretha's Won't Be Long (EARLY Aretha) is one of my favorites too. I'll give props to ABBA too. And if we're just going by the rock *era*, I'll throw in Donna Summer.

Hmm, a best *songs* sung by women would be an interesting list too...

How much backup did Stevie have in Gypsy?

Annie Lennox was one of the first I thought of.

Amy Lee.Seconded.

3. Frida (the brunette from Abba, for the same reason as Benatar)

I know there's something going on!

Annie Lennox. Although Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Crissie Hynde and Joan Jett are pretty good too.

For passion: Janis...the woman sang from the heart.

For pure rock: Ann Wilson...listen to Barracuda, or Magic Man

For intangibles: Stevie Nicks was hot in her early days...had a whispy out of place voice in rock, but when she ratcheted it up you could hear that distinctive voice

For modern rock: Dolores O'Riordian, I'd choose her from the Cranberries over Alanis anyday...plus the accent thing was nice...

Overlooked, but should be considered heavily:

Bjork..this is a woman who's voice is distinctive as it gets...has performed in rock, and other settings...can go from powerful explosion to quiet whisper...and who's latest cd is simply all voices, and samples of voices...she's quirky (anyone who wears a swan for a dress is crazy)

Ann Lennox...she's been named, and her Eurythmics is her heyday...she kind of drifted to more Easy Listening, but "Would I lie to you" shows her powerful vocals

Aretha Franklin...powerful pipes, queen of soul

Shirley Manson...garbage seemed to drop of the face of the earth, but her voice was beautiful...

PJ Harvey...a better Patti Smyth, and some kick ass rock songs...

Lindsay Lohan. Oh--wait..I thought it was "Greatest Female Singer of the rack era

Tori Amos.

Yea, I forgot about Annie Lennox - incredible emotion when she sings.

For people who are into electronic music, the Queen of Electronic Music (for her voice) is generally regarded as Alison Moyet, not Annie Lennox. If Annie can't even win her genre, among fans of the genre polled (on websites, newsgroups and whatnot, everytime I've seen a poll or contest, Alison M. has always won).

-Anxiety

For people who are into electronic music, the Queen of Electronic Music (for her voice) is generally regarded as Alison Moyet, not Annie Lennox. If Annie can't even win her genre, among fans of the genre polled (on websites, newsgroups and whatnot, everytime I've seen a poll or contest, Alison M. has always won).

-Anxiety

AKA Yaz, yes?

AKA Yaz, yes?

Yep. The vocal half of Yazoo. I've seen polls of enthusiasts that actually have her ranked second for best electronic voice of all time (any gender), behind David Gahan (Depeche Mode).

-Anxiety

Come on people, Chrissy Hynde from the Pretenders.

And then Pat Benetar.

for rock joan jett for me

Hmmm... I figure that Linda Ronstadt deserves at least a mention here. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but she really had a beautiful singing voice in her heyday (and actually still does, though she's wandered off the pop/rock track a good ways).

My 7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher had a huge thing for Ms. Ronstadt...back when she was a bit slimmer, of course.

Yeah - the album cover with the roller skates and the Dodgers jacket... I can see that.

My 7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher had a huge thing for Ms. Ronstadt...back when she was a bit slimmer, of course.

Tori Amos.
I've always considered her non-rock material her best stuff.

AKA Yaz, yes?
And the guy was a damn good hitter, too.

Edit: I second or third Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders.

This is what I get for not reading page 2. ;)

lead singer from Sleater-Kinney. She's amazing. Pure passion.

Hmmm... I figure that Linda Ronstadt deserves at least a mention here. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but she really had a beautiful singing voice in her heyday (and actually still does, though she's wandered off the pop/rock track a good ways).
I think of Linda's voice as too polished. It's still a beautiful singing voice though.

For modern rock: Dolores O'Riordian, I'd choose her from the Cranberries over Alanis anyday...plus the accent thing was nice...

Shirley Manson...garbage seemed to drop of the face of the earth, but her voice was beautiful...


Agreed on both counts.

Does Samantha Fox have the biggest boobies?

Oh, and I vote Basia. Except she's not much of a rocker.

Wow, no love for Sinead O'Connor eh? I'd take her voice any day over Dolores O'Riordan.

I think Ann Wilson has a tremendous voice, and the early years of Heart were great.

Bjork has a fascinating, amazing voice and she's (to me) the most interesting musician out there right now. Her latest album is primarily layered vocals only - very little instrumentation. Not quite as successful an experiment as her previous albums, but a great display of her vocal capabilities.

Annie Lennox has a great voice, powerful but with a very pleasing timbre. I think she did her best stuff though with Dave Stewart when she was in the Eurythmics.

I love P.J. Harvey, and while she's certainly not in technical terms one of the most impressive singers out there, she uses her voice well. I'm more impressed by her songwriting, and considering how good I think that is I'm not slighting her singing.

Going back a ways, I'd take Aretha over any of the current divas.

I can listen to Patsy Cline any time - great, smooth, beautiful voice.

lead singer from Sleater-Kinney. She's amazing. Pure passion.

Agreed... I think her name is Janet Weiss or something like that.

The top in my book is Brody Dalle, of the Distillers. Shirley Manson is a good call... and then you have Texas Terri Bomb of course.

Wow, no love for Sinead O'Connor eh? I'd take her voice any day over Dolores O'Riordan.

I think Ann Wilson has a tremendous voice, and the early years of Heart were great.

Bjork has a fascinating, amazing voice and she's (to me) the most interesting musician out there right now. Her latest album is primarily layered vocals only - very little instrumentation. Not quite as successful an experiment as her previous albums, but a great display of her vocal capabilities.

Annie Lennox has a great voice, powerful but with a very pleasing timbre. I think she did her best stuff though with Dave Stewart when she was in the Eurythmics.

I love P.J. Harvey, and while she's certainly not in technical terms one of the most impressive singers out there, she uses her voice well. I'm more impressed by her songwriting, and considering how good I think that is I'm not slighting her singing.

Going back a ways, I'd take Aretha over any of the current divas.

I can listen to Patsy Cline any time - great, smooth, beautiful voice.
I forgot Sinead but to be fair, nothing I've heard of hers was rock oriented but the rest I did name.

Same goes for Patsy Cline.

Qwikshot, this is why people are mentioning the likes of Patsy Cline. It's a discussion about female singers from the 1950's to today. They don't have to be in the rock genre.
Roger that...

I forgot Sinead but to be fair, nothing I've heard of hers was rock oriented but the rest I did name.

Same goes for Patsy Cline.
For wehat it's worth, I'm using the term "rock era" in the most common way -- to describe a pretty wide range of rock, pop, country, soul and other music that has been widely commercially released during the period from the 1950s until today.

The point of the limitation was not to exclude country or non-rock music, but rather to try to avoid comparisons between Stevie Nicks and operatic singers, or other performers who are engaging in a wholly different sort of medium. And, it's probably sensible to remove people from before the advent of popualr recordings -- since it's tough to compare by any means.


So -- please don't hold back because someone isn't "rock" enough -- perhaps it was a poor choice of wording by me, but I've heard it used this way fairly often in musical writings.
Qwikshot, this is why people are mentioning the likes of Patsy Cline. It's a discussion about female singers from the 1950's to today. They don't have to be in the rock genre.

Debbie Gibson

Debbie GibsonOlivia Newton John...LET'S GET PHYSICAL, PHYSICAL

Ah my Austrlian hot chick fetish started early...

Olivia Newton John...LET'S GET PHYSICAL, PHYSICAL

ohh, she was purdy

HAR!

I like some of Olivia Newton John's music, but I think her voice is too thin (for want of a better description) to qualify. I continue to be surprised that only a couple of us have picked Amy Lee.

As long as we're talking pure voices I think i need to throw out a vote for KD Lang, a beautiful voice with an amazing amount of soul.

Olivia Newton John
No mention of her would be complete without saying the magic word...

Xanadu

Thought of another one - Lisa Gerrard, formerly of Dead Can Dance. She has a phenomenal voice, incredibly powerful, and she's a very skilled singer. You may also have heard her on the Gladiator soundtrack.

I'm also a fan of Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins - a very pleasant voice and a uniquely interesting singer.

The Live in Seattle one? Or was there a studio album?

If anyone wants to check out Ann and her voice away from the sound of Heart, I strongly recommend Whirlygig when she did her stint as the Lovemongers with Nancy. It wasn't that long ago. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000030L1/qid=1103913753/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-3014229-0318352

Sand is probably my favorite of all of the Wilson sister's tracks but also check out Kiss.

Sorry for the slow reply. I believe it was a brand new studio album. I bought Whirlygig, but only really like Miracle Girl. Maybe I was looking for it to be more Heart-ish.

For the old school - Joan Jett.

Currently - Brody from the Distillers.

any votes for Neko Case (solo or New Pornographers)?

Oh yeah, the girl from the gossip is awesome, too.

Lisa Marr

Dido

Dido


http://img86.exs.cx/img86/8284/didogross6bw.gif


HAR!!!!

I still think Alison Moyet is worth more love then you folks gave her. Great pipes, very soulful, just happened to be early 80's synthpop instead of a guitar and drums.

No Cher?

I was thinking about this thread after seeing Ann Wilson live last week. She can still bring it, despite being closer to 60 years old, as evident in one of my favorite songs of all time

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Pat Benatar

8 octave range and classically trained as well

I was thinking about this thread after seeing Ann Wilson live last week. She can still bring it, despite being closer to 60 years old, as evident in one of my favorite songs of all time.

I'll second this...I Heart the Wilson sisters.

Bumped for Bucc

I'll second this...I Heart the Wilson sisters.

Thirded, Pat Benatar has great pipes as well.

No love for Susanna Hoffs?
She should get in for looks alone.

Thought of another one - Lisa Gerrard, formerly of Dead Can Dance. She has a phenomenal voice, incredibly powerful, and she's a very skilled singer. You may also have heard her on the Gladiator soundtrack.
.

+1


(That might be the longest delayed +1 in FOFC history...)

For some reason I just don't enjoy female voices nearly as much as male ones. I don't really think I have a "top female rock singer". Maybe the chick from Skunk Anansie.

Janis Joplin

Chaka Khan

Seriously. She can sing ANYTHING.

Janis Joplin is in a league entirely by herself as a singer. She is one of the very few female singers who got by entirely on talent rather than on looks.

Honorable mention: Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney, PJ Harvey, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Bjork, Margaret Garrett of Mr. Airplane Man.

I am surprised at all the love for Alanis Morisette: the ultimate one-hit wonder who somehow managed to spin a decade-long career out of a single so-so album.

I don't really know what defines the 'Rock Era', but my favorite female rock singer is Emily Haines from Metric.

Dola

I'm also a little surprised that, unless I missed it, no one has mentioned Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth.

I don't really know what defines the 'Rock Era'...Call me a purist but the 'Rock Era' has to be pre-MTV. Video music has changed the scene from an aural medium to a (mostly) visual one. Some of the popular artists over the last couple of decades probably would not have become so if the music had to stand by itself. (You remember what that is -- the music sans hot video babes and Hollywood-like production.)

That said, Annie Wilson easily if we're talking about vocals. Had (and still has for the most part) power, range, and a pleasing tone (unlike Joplin who was a bit nasally/squeally for my tastes, and unlike Benatar whose voice was rangy but a bit 'thin'). Ann could sing the softer ballads and scream the jams. As much as I like them, I think the problem with Heart is that the songwriting was pretty inconsistent. For every Barracuda and Crazy on You song there was This Man is Mine and the dog that was the Magazine album.

But if Greatest = Most Impact then Joplin.

All that said, my favorite contemporary female vocalist is Amy Lee from Evanescence. Same reasons as Ann Wilson only smoother and creamier.

I don't really think this can be between anybody except Janis Joplin, Ann Wilson, or Stevie Nicks. There are others I like but those three stand out to me. As good as Joplin is, her career was way too short to be considered the greatest. Stevie Nicks has shown an ability to do it in a group setting as well as on her own and I still believe she has one of the most unique voices ever.

For me though, it's Ann Wilson. Classic Heart is the only group involving a woman lead singer that can hold their own against the great classic rock bands.

Call me a purist but the 'Rock Era' has to be pre-MTV. Video music has changed the scene from an aural medium to a (mostly) visual one. Some of the popular artists over the last couple of decades probably would not have become so if the music had to stand by itself. (You remember what that is -- the music sans hot video babes and Hollywood-like production.)

That said, Annie Wilson easily if we're talking about vocals. Had (and still has for the most part) power, range, and a pleasing tone (unlike Joplin who was a bit nasally/squeally for my tastes, and unlike Benatar whose voice was rangy but a bit 'thin'). Ann could sing the softer ballads and scream the jams. As much as I like them, I think the problem with Heart is that the songwriting was pretty inconsistent. For every Barracuda and Crazy on You song there was This Man is Mine and the dog that was the Magazine album.

But if Greatest = Most Impact then Joplin.

All that said, my favorite contemporary female vocalist is Amy Lee from Evanescence. Same reasons as Ann Wilson only smoother and creamier.

Although we all know that MTV has changed things, that is not to say that good artists who are not photogenic won;t make it. For proof, I submit Jill Scott, a heavy set black woman with major, major pipes and not that attractive, but still gets nominated for awards and video play, because she's talented.

i dont know whats worse this thread or the chain restaurant one. whats next picking a winner at the special olympics?

Ah yes, a thread from the good old days. Back when VPI97 could see into the future and predict posts befoer they happened... ;)

It's just a shame that didn't work for lottery numbers.

No love for Susanna Hoffs?
She should get in for looks alone.

Amen brother!!!!

I really never get tired of saying this, but I met her and she was just as smoking hot in person.

Janis Joplin is in a league entirely by herself as a singer. She is one of the very few female singers who got by entirely on talent rather than on looks.

Honorable mention: Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney, PJ Harvey, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Bjork, Margaret Garrett of Mr. Airplane Man.

I am surprised at all the love for Alanis Morisette: the ultimate one-hit wonder who somehow managed to spin a decade-long career out of a single so-so album.

Blasphemer. First of all, we're talking about singers and voices, but...

The ultimate one hit wonder? What planet are you from? Over her career, she's been nominated for 14 Grammys and has won 7 of them. I won't get into any of the lesser awards because this would be one helluva long post if I did. As for album sales, if you take all of the names you mentioned (including Joplin) and combined their album sales, Alanis has them topped 10 times over.

As far as her singing goes, she's up there with Ann Wilson for me. She's got the range to go from a beautiful whisper to powerful wail in a single breath, but...lyrically speaking, she's got Wilson beat hands down. Her lyrics are phenominal.

Aside from Alanis, I'm surprised that Louise Post from Veruca Salt hasn't been mentioned. She's fantastic.

That said, Annie Wilson easily if we're talking about vocals. Had (and still has for the most part) power, range, and a pleasing tone (unlike Joplin who was a bit nasally/squeally for my tastes, and unlike Benatar whose voice was rangy but a bit 'thin'). Ann could sing the softer ballads and scream the jams. As much as I like them, I think the problem with Heart is that the songwriting was pretty inconsistent. For every Barracuda and Crazy on You song there was This Man is Mine and the dog that was the Magazine album.



Since I have pretty much listen to all of the Heart's songs (as well as Lovemonger and her solo album) on my iPod regularly, one comes across a song like Break (from Bebe Le Strange) and wonder how did she do that? I agree about Magazine but Little Queen made up for it. The only song I have from Magazine is Without You (oft-covered rock ballad). Another thing about Ann that amazes me is her live performances - they sound nearly as good as in the studio.

Blasphemer. First of all, we're talking about singers and voices, but...

The ultimate one hit wonder? What planet are you from? Over her career, she's been nominated for 14 Grammys and has won 7 of them. I won't get into any of the lesser awards because this would be one helluva long post if I did. As for album sales, if you take all of the names you mentioned (including Joplin) and combined their album sales, Alanis has them topped 10 times over.

As far as her singing goes, she's up there with Ann Wilson for me. She's got the range to go from a beautiful whisper to powerful wail in a single breath, but...lyrically speaking, she's got Wilson beat hands down. Her lyrics are phenominal.

Aside from Alanis, I'm surprised that Louise Post from Veruca Salt hasn't been mentioned. She's fantastic.

Alanis is pretty good. I've said I think she would be one of the more interesting people to talk to in all of music. Not about music but about just about everything else.

Although we all know that MTV has changed things, that is not to say that good artists who are not photogenic won;t make it. For proof, I submit Jill Scott, a heavy set black woman with major, major pipes and not that attractive, but still gets nominated for awards and video play, because she's talented.Strangely, I wasn't really thinking about attractiveness when I referenced the effect of MTV on music. I was thinking more along the lines of the MC Hammer Can't Touch This phenomenon.

Blasphemer. First of all, we're talking about singers and voices, but...

The ultimate one hit wonder? What planet are you from? Over her career, she's been nominated for 14 Grammys and has won 7 of them. I won't get into any of the lesser awards because this would be one helluva long post if I did. As for album sales, if you take all of the names you mentioned (including Joplin) and combined their album sales, Alanis has them topped 10 times over.

There's usually--not always, but usually--an inverse relationship between Grammy nominations and talent. The same goes for album sales. Lowest common denominator and all that ;)

Alanis has Jagged Little Pill and...the acoustic re-release of Jagged Little Pill that she did ten years later and...the big band re-re-release of Jagged Little Pill that she is going to do in a few years and...the Gregorian chant re-re-re-release that she is already preparing to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Jagged Little Pill's initial debut.

Her voice is fine.

I like Pat Benitar.

I thought the album that came after Jagged Little Pill was pretty good from memory. It's probably been more than a decade since I heard it, but I remember that I much preferred it when my gf at the time put that Alanis album on instead of JLP.

whats next picking a winner at the special olympics?
That's a shitty thing to say.

Stevie Nicks
Grace Slick
Janis Joplin

Damn, I didn't know Patsy Cline was eligible when I first posted on this thread 3-1/2 years ago.

Got to go with Patsy if that's the case.

Came across this, as I was reminiscing on the 35th anniversary of one of the greatest albums of all time: Rumours. Here is Stevie Nicks performing live at the age of...64! She looks and sounds great.

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S3DhXcQepbY?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S3DhXcQepbY?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Aretha Franklin tops Rolling Stone's list of "Women Who Rock" - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57459708-10391698/aretha-franklin-tops-rolling-stones-list-of-women-who-rock/)

When it comes to rock, the Queen of Soul is top notch.

The 70-year-old singer landed at No. 1 with her 1967 album "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You."

Joni Mitchell's classic 1971 album, "Blue," came in second, followed by British singer Dusty Springfield's 1969 set "Dusty In Memphis."

Rounding out the top five were Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" and Patti Smith's "Horses."

Stevie Nicks

http://www.windrifthill.com/Images/Farm/goat3a.jpg

I can never tell the difference.

Stevie Nicks
Grace Slick
Janis Joplin

Yes these answer the questions of:
Female singer that:
Most sounds like a farm animal
Slept with the most band members
and
Is most overrated AND most affected voice

But we want singers here.

Chaka Khan

Seriously. She can sing ANYTHING.


AMEN! First real singer I've seen on this list so far.

Oh yeah Ann Wilson too. Amazing vocals there.

I do like Alanis' singing ability as well.

Fiona Apple, Marissa Paternoster, not generally considered rock, but Amy Winehouse had an incredible voice.

I think Shirley Mansen from Garbage has a great rock voice too and she can launch into really really solid notes. Maybe not as versatile as others but still really good.

And if we're talking Fleetwood Mac I've always loved Christie McVie's voice. Not a "big voice" singer, but she has a wonderful unique sound. And she blended with Lindsay Buckingham so well!

Hadn't seen this thread until it was bumped today. Just looking at the thread title and before ever opening it Ann Wilson is the first name that came to mind.

Listening to her sing is like watching Ted Williams hit. It is simply the best.

There's something "bad" about the way Chrissie Hynde sings that makes me really enjoy how she sounds. (Singing out of her throat, maybe?)

And Joni has an impressive range and clear voice, but I honestly think she's more outstanding as a lyricist/songwriter. Go look up some of the tunings she used to play songs on Hejira.

All this talk about Ann Wilson finally motivated to get the sisters straight once and for all.

Ann's a fine choice for greatest female rock vocalist, too. But MAN, Nancy has aged well.

I mentioned her in a minor post a the time but Jill Scott has matured into a major voice now. For proof I submit:

My favorite song of hers:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TSYMKUtNuw8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Here's a recent song of hers with a simialr soulful feel:(she also writes most of her songs)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V1OC_XmeIck" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


But this is my favorite vocal performance, of hersm as the chorus of this grammy winning rap song. This shows off her voice differently: (fast forward to about 2:30 if you want ot focus on just her)

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7XOAStfv-v0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


EDIT: And here is is killing He Loves Me, a cover done live, so you can hear her voice undoctored. Just wow. I think she could easily make it as the best voice to debut in this millennium.


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h0nRWHh6yKI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Two others that are an absolute must for this list: Sinead O Connor and Tori Amos.

Sinead I think would win it all.

Also Delores O' Riardon from The Cranberries deserves a nod.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GaK0fS8WhLg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Heard this on the radio for the first time today. I was pretty blown away.

Sinead O'Connor? CF now needs to turn in his man card.

and to be fair, I don't care how old Nancy Wilson is, I'd still wreck it.

Sinead O'Connor? CF now needs to turn in his man card.

Or just his straight card...:)

Ann Wilson is the person who popped into my head when I saw the thread title as well. Slightly obscured by the fact that their music fucking sucked, Karen Carpenter had one hell of a set of pipes. Dionne Warwick could absolutely murder it, back in the day.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X0EA7a5LqDg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yes to Dionne Warwick.

I also love Carole King's voice -- nasal, raspy, emotive -- it combines into something unique.

And wow, that rendition of "Love Reign O'er Me" sounds more like the Who than the Who have sounded for some time now.

And wow, a music video from 1964?!

Oh, Linda Ronstadt could really boom it:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rztAvYAxlVE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And wow, that rendition of "Love Reign O'er Me" sounds more like the Who than the Who have sounded for some time now.

Yeah, that was good stuff, thanks for sharing.

My vote still goes to Ann Wilson.

My vote still goes to Ann Wilson.

Yes...she's on a different planet compared to these others. Not to mention, some of these being considered rock singers?

Or just his straight card...:)

pffff like we aren't subjected to your wusstastic songlist all the time.

I'd go with Brittany Howard.

Yes...she's on a different planet compared to these others. Not to mention, some of these being considered rock singers?

Title is of the rock era and nothing saying specifically a female rock singer. If non-rock singers are involved, Aretha wins. She was asked to sub in for Pavarotti on a last minute's notice and to do so live for the Grammy's.

Not mentioned, Florence Welch.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F6LLTVR_vx4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And wow, that rendition of "Love Reign O'er Me" sounds more like the Who than the Who have sounded for some time now.

Which was exactly why I posted it four years ago in this thread. I heard the song live.

Yes...she's on a different planet compared to these others. Not to mention, some of these being considered rock singers?

i was going to say same thing. Since when is soul, r&b, jazz or blues singer consider rock singers? The rock era has been going on for over 55 years but not every singer should be considered a rock singer.

I suppose it all depends on whether you put the emphasis on "era", or "rock" and how you define rock and roll. Does anything pre-1965 really qualify as modern 'rock'? I figured if they hit the pop charts, that's good enough for me. Aretha Franklin has 17 Billboard top 100 hits. Not R&B hits, but "rock" hits. Dionne Warwick had 34 (!). Personally, I can't qualify anything written by Burt Bacharach as soul. Is "Always Something There to Remind Me" soul when it's sung by Dionne Warwick, but rock when it's sung by Naked Eyes? I went with Quik's assessment.

For what it's worth, I'm using the term "rock era" in the most common way -- to describe a pretty wide range of rock, pop, country, soul and other music that has been widely commercially released during the period from the 1950s until today.

The point of the limitation was not to exclude country or non-rock music, but rather to try to avoid comparisons between Stevie Nicks and operatic singers, or other performers who are engaging in a wholly different sort of medium. And, it's probably sensible to remove people from before the advent of popualr recordings -- since it's tough to compare by any means.

Number 1 for true rock singers for me is still Ann Wilson as it was when this thread started, but since we are going back to the early 60's I have to throw out Ronnie Spector.

Sinead O'Connor? CF now needs to turn in his man card.

Said in a thread pretty much devoted to Heart?

Kate Bush has some pipes as well...

[http://youtu.be/-1pMMIe4hb4

Said in a thread pretty much devoted to Heart?
Heart put out some shitty records in the '80's, but when they started out they were a kick-ass band. Their first two records are classics.

Heart put out some shitty records in the '80's, but when they started out they were a kick-ass band. Their first two records are classics.

And Sinead put out a lot of great albums. I personally don't care, I listen to what I think is good. My amusement is just in the idea that listening to Sinead makes you turn in your man card but Heart doesn't. No matter how classic, Heart does not earn you a man card.

And Sinead put out a lot of great albums. I personally don't care, I listen to what I think is good. My amusement is just in the idea that listening to Sinead makes you turn in your man card but Heart doesn't. No matter how classic, Heart does not earn you a man card.
Hey, no argument from me. I also think Sinead's first two records are pretty awesome.

The difference Being Sinead's music isn't Rock, its at best alternative and for the most part Punk.

She's had veery few true "rock" songs.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JjD4eWEUgMM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And Sinead put out a lot of great albums. I personally don't care, I listen to what I think is good. My amusement is just in the idea that listening to Sinead makes you turn in your man card but Heart doesn't. No matter how classic, Heart does not earn you a man card.

Wilson and O'Connor both have fantastic voices and if you want my man card you will have to ask my wife for it.

Pat Benatar - best voice in rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFEc0mNql3Y

And if anyone happens to think that it's somehow "enhanced", here's Pat almost 30 years later doing an acoustical version (1:39, hits the same damn notes that she did in 1980).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysGs7gFOdwA&feature=related

Or a 2001 live rock version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw5P91v25x0&feature=related

Joplin's voice has always bothered me.

Never mind that she's representative of those damned baby boomers.

Yeah, Joplin always felt a bit over the top to me - like the Aguileras and the Careys of today who feel they need this crazy multi-octave run at the end of every line.

As long as we're talking pure voices I think i need to throw out a vote for KD Lang, a beautiful voice with an amazing amount of soul.

Still going with Annie Lennox as my first choice for #1 female rock singer (8 years later), but as pure voices go, I agree with Suicane that few can beat Kathy Dawn Lang.

Yeah, Joplin always felt a bit over the top to me - like the Aguileras and the Careys of today who feel they need this crazy multi-octave run at the end of every line.

Agreed

And Sinead put out a lot of great albums. I personally don't care, I listen to what I think is good. My amusement is just in the idea that listening to Sinead makes you turn in your man card but Heart doesn't. No matter how classic, Heart does not earn you a man card.

Word. I love a lot of Sinead's stuff. "Lion and The Cobra" is one of my all time favorite albums.

I love all kinds of chick music. I've been to multiple Lilith Faires or would it be Liliths Faire, like attorneys general? I've always preferred female vocalists.

Then again, I've also seen Queens Ryche, Judas Priest, Rage Against The Machine and Ozzy Osbourne live, and had a great time, so I'm a bit all over the map.

I like music, but's never been my definining thing. I just sort of like what I like. Heck, a lot of the music I end up buying nowadays I hear on commercials.

Heck, a lot of the music I end up buying nowadays I hear on commercials.

Damn. You're old.

The difference Being Sinead's music isn't Rock, its at best alternative and for the most part Punk.

She's had veery few true "rock" songs.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5QFPfSfLi-Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And Sinead put out a lot of great albums. I personally don't care, I listen to what I think is good. My amusement is just in the idea that listening to Sinead makes you turn in your man card but Heart doesn't. No matter how classic, Heart does not earn you a man card.


But autumn....This...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJmX8lkYpy8/TsURaQmKhzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/R3m8Hmpjhi0/s1600/heart3.jpg

I mean....This....SOOOO this....

Nothing more manly...

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5QFPfSfLi-Q" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="480"></iframe>That stretch from the :40 to :50 mark is...well...let me put it this way: I thought someone was beating my cat. I couldn't listen beyond that.

Aretha Franklin isn't getting the proper amount of respect in this thread.

Aretha Franklin isn't getting the proper amount of respect in this thread.

I don't consider Aretha part of the "Rock Era". However, she's queen of the Soul Era.

Aretha Franklin isn't getting the proper amount of respect in this thread.

Totally different genre.

I'll defend Sinead far beyond what many will, but her voice is far from powerful. It stands out mostly due to how distinct it is.

Saying that, I love this song so much and it my be my favorite from her. It's an old Irish song sung over the beat from "Funky Drummer."

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9tcwlCHSdGQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here's a version with nothing but her singing and it's just amazing.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o7coUd9WC1g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Said in a thread pretty much devoted to Heart?

Nah.

<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zWzy5q_M5Ho?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zWzy5q_M5Ho?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

But autumn....This...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJmX8lkYpy8/TsURaQmKhzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/R3m8Hmpjhi0/s1600/heart3.jpg

I mean....This....SOOOO this....

This album has my very favorite Heart song - "Love Alive".

Don't yell at me, but I think that chick who sings lead for Hooverphonic has a really cool voice.

I'll defend Sinead far beyond what many will, but her voice is far from powerful. It stands out mostly due to how distinct it is.

Saying that, I love this song so much and it my be my favorite from her. It's an old Irish song sung over the beat from "Funky Drummer."

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9tcwlCHSdGQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>

Here's a version with nothing but her singing and it's just amazing.

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o7coUd9WC1g" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>

Huh? Far from powerful? Actuallyhaving power is her biggest quality.

Mainly talking about this of course:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iUiTQvT0W_0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That said I like her but perhaps was overstating her worth actually. She didn't have enough known stuff I think.


But yeah...the following still gives me chills.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OZuW6BH_Vak" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And I do kind of agree about the punkrock/Altrock vibe of sinead. But as you will notice there is "ROCK" in both :D

Even though Pink Floyd's The Wall is my most favorite album of all time, I thought the Live in Berlin has been become somewhat dated and a bit of a 1980s parody. However, Sinead O'Connor's version of "Mother" wa truly exceptional.

Even though Pink Floyd's The Wall is my most favorite album of all time, I thought the Live in Berlin has been become somewhat dated and a bit of a 1980s parody. However, Sinead O'Connor's version of "Mother" wa truly exceptional.

Not to go off topic, but I've found I'm one of very few people whose favorite Floyd album is The Final Cut.

Though The Wall and Dark Side are right up there.

Dark Side and Wish YOu were here for me

Although I love Meddle and Animals too!

My second favorite is PULSE but of the studio albums, I don't know. Ummagumma, Dark Side, Wish You Were Here, Animals, Division Bell and Final Cut are all up there.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="border-bottom: 3px solid #000000; border-right: 3px solid #000000; border-left: 5px solid #000000;" align="center" bgcolor="#005c5c" height="30">100 Greatest Classic/Modern Rock Female Vocalists </td> <td rowspan="2" style="border-bottom: 3px solid #000000; border-right: 3px solid #000000;" align="right" bgcolor="#171717" valign="top" width="300">
</td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-left: 3px solid #000000; border-bottom: 3px solid #000000; border-right: 3px solid #000000;" align="center" bgcolor="#000000"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 2px;" bgcolor="#000000"> Criteria: - These Modern Rock Female vocalists are rated by their ability, in their prime, for vocal range, power, versatility, uniqueness, ability to convey emotion, and lasting popularity. (This list is comprised of female vocalists generally considered hard rock, soft rock, punk, alternative, indie, new wave, folk rock, psychedelic rock, and similar sub-genres. It does not contain female vocalists generally considered pop, country, blues, new age, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and similar sub-genres.)</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
1. Janis Joplin
2. Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane)
3. Ann Wilson (Heart)
4. Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac, Solo)
5. Tina Turner
6. Pat Benatar
7. Debbie Harry (Blondie)
8. Annie Lennox (Eurythmics)
9. Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)
10. Joni Mitchell
11. Melissa Etheridge
12. Patti Smith
13. Alanis Morissette
14. Bjork
15. PJ Harvey
16. Kate Bush
17. Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)
18. Tarja Turunen (Nightwish)
19. Ani Difranco
20. Nico (Velvet Underground)
21. Delores O'Riordan (Cranberries)
22. Shirley Manson (Garbage)
23. Patty Smyth (Scandal)
24. Rickie Lee Jones
25. Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention, Solo)

100 Greatest Classic/Modern Rock Female Vocalists (http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_vocalists-fe.html)

From Digital Dream Door, which usually has pretty fair rankings.

Is it a bad thing that I think more of Jefferson Airplane's music when Grace Slick isn't singing?

I'd rather not think of Jefferson Airplane/Starship at all.

Me neither but I can go along with the top 5 of 6, with a different order.

Not to go off topic, but I've found I'm one of very few people whose favorite Floyd album is The Final Cut.

Though The Wall and Dark Side are right up there.

I liked Final Cut a lot when it first came out but don't listen to it much anymore, actually same with The Wall.

But still listen to Wish You Were Here, Animals, Meddle and Piper all the time.

I'd rather not think of Jefferson Airplane/Starship at all.

They had some really great stuff in the 60s.

They had some really great stuff in the 60s.


My favorite...

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xKBttQmhDBw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

They had some really great stuff in the 60s.

I thought Volunteers was great for a couple weeks in the '80s. Thankfully, I got over it.

I just re-read this entire thread to make sure there was not a single mention of Debbie Harry. She had an absolutely awesome voice that probably wasn't done any favors by the fact that she was also smoking hot, since that's what folks seem to recall first and foremost. Great, subtle range, depth and control, and pioneered a sound that could probably still chart today. And it's her birthday today.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/12w5wykucgk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

BONUS: '70s no-nuke screed

Happy birthday Debbie. Finger fucking, 24 hour sucking for everyone!

Kate Bush has some pipes as well...



Cool to see Kate Bush get a mention in this thread! I'll also throw in Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins.

For those of you who like Heart, did you see Gretchen Wilson sing Barracuda with Alice in Chains (Jerry Cantrell) for some tribute deal? It was pretty amazing. Nancy Wilson also played guitar with them.

Nobody will ever top that chick who sang the female parts for Guns N Roses. Her duets with the dude doing the bass parts were unbelievable.