Top Female Singers of the 20th Century

I one time heard her voice described as haunting. When she hits low notes it chills your bones and makes me shiver. I remember being in the gym class in middle school on certain days they wanted to teach us how to dance and it was the carpenters the whole lesson. The Female gym teacher would always dance with the male gym teacher. She was infatuated with the carpenters. Years later I heard they got married. She is the voice.

Decen tVoice but No way This High

simply the best!

DecentVoice ,Crap songs

Pretty voice, but not much range compared to the greats like Aretha, Dionne , Whitney and Barbara.. I would rank her in the top 20 but certainly not #1. The aforementioned singers should be ranked higher than Karen.

there has not been anyone who could hold a candle to her ability to bring out the raw emotions in a person and make them feel like she was singing in a way that made them think she could see into their minds and heart

Karen had an armor-piercing sincerity. In one verse she could deliver the lowest of despairs AND promise the highest of joys—simultaneously. And somehow she intuitively knew that EVERYONE'S life was REALLY just like that! She connected to that universal vulnerability, that full scale of complex emotions, surrounding situations, mixed feelings, that EVERYONE eventually identified with. Nothing at all is faked in her voice, with bone-chilling talent that borders, if not enters into, the miraculous! Time only reproves any doubts of how truly unique their sound was! Karen MUST be accepted as one of the most undeniably gifted voices: to be able to DIRECTLY touch, cross-over to people of ALL music tastes, even otherwise disparate generations. I probably wouldn't want to know anyone who couldn't appreciate the talent here—an ability to evoke such tender, readily genuine, powerful emotion, acknowledged as it is, from so many of us mere mortals!

Only one thing I'd like to offer...: AMEN! & AMEN!! She is in he Heavenly Place now instructing Angels how to make RIGHTEOUS SOUND. Yes, Teaching the Angels on High Just how to make sound close to hers! Forever AND Ever AND Ever I Miss You Karen, I Love You and My Deepest Thanks. Darling, You are the Very Best . . . THE VERY, VERY, VERY BEST. xx

Judging voices is very objective. A beautiful voice to some may be mediocre to others. Case in point Karen Carpenter. I find her no better than most on these pages, yet she ranks #1. Suprised Sarah Mclachlan didn't place higher.

d ecent drummer,agree top 30 vocally

Top 30, never #1.

Voice of an ANGEL and in a class all by herself.

Karen carpenter, such a pure awesome, amazing heartfelt voice. her singing came from her heart. Her music is so soothing!!! my opinion Karen Carpenter best singer of all time, there isn't even a close second!! many great singers, but Karen was in a league of her own, such inner beauty also. Karen Carpenter did her job with class, unlike the singers in today's world. she is missed, but her music and sweet spirit live on !!

Phenomenal voice - pure and unique; quite unlike any other vocalist. Amazing she was a "reluctant" vocalist; she always considered herself a drummer first...

Excellent, awesome, no top female singer list means anything without Karen Carpenter in it.

ok voice crap music

Have to agree - she wasn't the coolest or a diva, but in my heart of hearts I have to agree that Karen carpenter is the greates female singer who has ever lived.

good but with very limited vocal range

yes! Number one and no one comes close to 2nd. Karen Carpenter had a heavenly voice here on Earth. Truly a gift from God. Karen Carpenter was just perfect. A real voice-not manufactured-just pure and beautiful.

Good choice for No 1

Seeing her name here just brought tears to my eyes. And I'm a pretty tough bloke in my mid-30's! She wasn't human. No human voice can be that beautiful. Truly an angel. The best female singer of all time and only about a million miles ahead of anyone else. Period.

Finally!!! I see someone agrees with me!

Undoubtedly the greatest voice I've ever heard, bar none. Every time I listen to her it sounds as if she's singing just to me and nobody else and I cry like a baby.

Perfection at its very best.

Thank god surprised and can't agree more.I mean totally agree.Most beautiful voice ever.As someone said even if she had sung phone book it would have been amazing.

By all means Karen Carpenter had a perfectly pure voice. Definitely the most beautiful voice I have ever heard.

she had perfect pitch and a 5 octave range could jump from 1end of the spectrum to the other with the ease of none other singer in my lifetime (except for Babs) so sad> her passing ive listened to all their music i know of and am (lyk many artists their 1st album was best.song for you (2nd)

Karen is in a class by herself. Pure perfection. Lots of great singers in this list, but no question Karen is #1.

Best singer of all time in my opinion. No one comes close.

Interesting List. Music is subjective. I think most I would consider great singers. Every list has a different order. Whitney was the best package with the looks and the voice she made such an impression. RIP Whitney.

Karen was such an amazing singer. may she rest in peace.

Karen Carpenter definitley deserves to be Number 1.

Karen had such a beautiful voice and will always live in our hearts.

No way is Karen average! Quite simply the best, any negative comments are either by jealous or tone deaf people.....

Karens voice is hauntingly beautiful and send shivers down my spine when she sings. Wasted talent, she died too soon and to all you young anorexics, u probably all have no bloody idea that this woman practically put anorexia nervosa on the map.

Anybody who has ever had professional voice lessons must be in awe of Karen!. great voice!

I feel Karen Carpenter is, without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest female vocalist of all time!

Karen and Ann Wilson a tie. Obviously two completely different styles but...

No, Karen actually had talent. She was hardly overrated and one only has to watch the VH-1 special on Top 100 female vocalists. Karen is paid homage to by no less than Melissa Etheridge, Dione Warwick, and kd lang.

I agree 100% #1

Simply the best!!

It's a pity she left us to only 33 years old cause of anorexia nervosa. One of my favourite female singers and probably the No.1 female voice during the beginning of 70's with Mina (Italy) and Barbra Streisand.

Karin vocals are very pleasant to the ear. This said, it must also be mentioned that her brother was a recording wizard and really got the most out of her recording sessions.

Absolutely LOVE this woman!

Voice of an angel. Gone way to soon!!

WTF? I think Karen has an amazing voice and deserves her spot at least in the Top 5 all time greats, so I have been voting for her and seen her gradually moving up the ranks. But to go from position #32 to #18 overnight must have taken some serious voting.

The previous poster is so full of codswallop. A voice is not determined by the material sung.

Karen had the best natural gift of all

I dont know with these people who dont believe that Karen Carpenter deserved being in the top ten list. These are obvius fans of other artists who cant accept the fact that Karen carpenter had the graetest singing voice this world has ever had!!!!!!!!!! She deserved the #1 spot here people!

Karen Carpenter not only had a beautiful voice, but she had a producer and writer (Richard)who knew how to write songs for her voice. She also has a decent range. I would put her in the top 10 and better than any current female vocalist.

Karen Carpenter has such a perfect voice that you can listen to it for hours and never get tired of it. She is definitely one of the best singers of the 20th century, A travesty that she is so low down on this list, she should easily be in the top 3.

No hype, no fuss, no smoke and mirrors, just an amazingly engaging and warm voice that expresses every emotion imagineable. Karen Carpenter and her music will live forever.

I cannot believe Karen Carpenter is so low on this silly list. She must have the purest, most expressive and richest voice I have ever heard. The type of music she sings is completely irrelevant, this poll is only about the quality of the artist's voice, and Karen carpenter's voice is exceptional. She sings simply with no tricks or vocal gymnastics involved. I am not a particular fan of the type of music she sings but I could listen to her singing any type of song forever.

Top 10. Hands down. Go on You Tube and listen to her rendition of Solitaire. Crystal clear angelic voice. No hype. Did not appeal by dressing (or as it is now common 'undressing' to appeal to prurient interests. No fancy bands to enhance her voice. We have lost all appreciation of of quality and bought into hype. Long live Karen Carpenter. Hope to hear her sing in heaven.

stan jack and who ever else, I was born in 1970, I love all music, i'm from Trinidad W.I. I've gone around the world no one knows The carpenters but when you hear her clean and clear voice you fall in love with her.music is moods and may be if you understand no collection is complete without carpenters.cause rainy days comes at least twice a year

soft, sweet, and easy-going voice.... great singer. too low in rank.

great singer (as length of this discussion board indicates). beautiful, pitch-perfect voice. should be top 15.

Very pleasant voice and she had lots of fans, but she wasn't much of a stylist. She could really put me to sleep.

Without question, Karen Carpenter is the best female vocalist of all time. This girls sang with such emotion, clarity that you become hypnotized by her. My favorite of all time.

stan and jack are clearly lacking in maturity and are spending too much time smurfing around worrying about what others think. plus their spelling is terrible. get a clue: one's viewpoint can only be considered correct when justified by verifiable fact. arguing about who is right is childish. opinions are like armpits... we've all got two. comparing specific voices from discrete genres of the music industry is like comparing apples and dishwashers. any ranking list can only be a popularity contest unless specific criteria like sales figures and awards are adhered to. karen did not have big lungs or big range and didn't belt like barbra or aretha. she didn't die on stage and exploit her tremolo like judy. could you just picture karen trying to scat like ella? karen unamplified could not stand on the same stage with some of the women on this list. but we're not here to talk about opera, are we? all the women on this list are remarkable for different combinations of similar qualities. karen's pitch, rhythm, sensitivity, phrasing, and diction plus richard's arrangements and studio orchestration [his contributions to their success cannot be disregarded] are the reasons her fans are devoted to her. i grew up listening to the carpenters and wholeheartedly believe karen should be higher in this ranking. and i know that will only happen when she gets more votes.

I'd give Karen Carpenter a top 5 spot easy. She has a warm rich Contralto voice. The Carpenter music has a sanitized quality to it, yet it's some of the most emotionally moving music I've ever heard.

NOBODY"S voice can be duplicated - meaningless

Her voice is ok, to me a little above average, but I HATE her music !

Karen Carpenter should be much higher then this!! Easily top 5 or in my opinion number 1 .. Her voice was so rare, which couldn't be duplicated!

she should be way higher on the list. this is an outrage!

I love Karen.

Can't find any refference to nor find any peers who refered to Karen as "the voice".It's great that you like her, many people do, many others don't. Your statement should have concrete references though to show its not just rumor or hearsay.

She was known in the music industry by her peers as "The Voice". That's good enough for me.

I totally agree with guest 1, how do you compare one singer to another. In my opinion she is top ten. But again my opinion. Just because A&M did not like her solo album does not deter from her ability to sing and be ranked among the best. Her album was released much later and yes did not sell that well. My guess is Richard and A&M they did not want her to go solo at all. I like how no other artist on this list has attracted more attention.

From wikipedia concerning a solo project for Karen: "the project met with tepid response from Richard and A&M executives early in 1980. The project was shelved by A&M CEO Herb Alpert in spite of Quincy Jone's attempt to talk Alpert into releasing the record after some tracks had been remixed. A&M made the Carpenters pay $400,000 to cover the cost of recording Karen's unreleased solo album, which was to be charged against the duo's future royalties." . Everything you said above is your own opinion and you have not shown in the least how industry professionals "people in the music business" , not fans, rate Karen above most on this list.

Karen Carpenter was one of the best, and most influential vocalists of our time. There is no question about that. However, you must be careful about comparisons. For example, how would one compare Aretha Franklin to Karen Carpenter? Aretha would sound terrible singing Karen's material Karen's way, and the reverse is also true. Karen Carpenter had near perfect pitch within her range, and almost never missed a note. Her voice was always perfectly controlled. Aretha, while every bit as good a vocalist, made a career out of putting her voice on the ragged edge of breakdown, while never quite crossing the line of loosing total control. She did not hold, nor want to hold perfect pitch. A better comparison, though still far from perfect, is Karen Carpenter and Barbara Striestand. Both have perfectly wonderful voices, and near perfect renditions of each song they sing, but the differences between then are a delight. Karen sounds more classical, as she can and does sing "on the beat." You almost never hear Barbara singing on the beat. All the singers mentioned are a delight, but Karen Carpenter, while singing material that suits her vocal range and style, is definitely in the top 50, perhaps even the top 25 best female vocalists. Her music touched and affected a wide segment of the population, and is still high on the list of music purchased by young and old alike today. That, more than anything else, shows what the industry attitude is - she sells!

I'm really interested to know what industry professionals put Karen above singers like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Barbra Striesand (though not my music pick I can't argue about her voice) Linda Ronstadt, and many others on this list.

What industry people would they be? Please list. And ( if you can list any ) how many other artists have those 'people' said the same thing about ?

People in the music industry know that Karen Carpenter is way above most of the people on this list. She is easily in the top five and most likely number one.

Mean Peter?, my only comment about her was that I think her voice (as a professional) was mediocre. That's my opinion, yours is different so god bless you, but you go to your room and think about why you think your opinion is so much more valuable than someone elses, and perhaps you should wonder why you didn't attack any other comment about any other artist here. That's a big problem with this site, no equality of opinion, and, if you disagree at all about an artist and then prase another, that artist is likely to get down voted by someone who didn't like one of your comments.

I'm a male and when I ask female singers what female singers they admire purely for the singing, rather than the songs, they have mentioned Karen Carpenter in the first three names quite often. It's no wonder; KC was highly engaged, expressive and intriguing with a voice of outstanding expressive range and an easy and diamond clarity.

Oh no you didn't, Oh No you Didn't! Karen Carpenter was one of the most talented female singers in the 70's. I loved her than and I still love her now! So Mr Stanley, you go into your room and ask for forgiveness for being so mean!

Three Grammys, none on her own.

Great voice

Ugly or not ugly has nothing to do with anything Jack, your problem is that you have no intelligent way to voice an objective comment about a subjective viewpoint. All you can do is try to spout out some type of sensational criticisim (crap) about an artist as if it will affect anyone. And your sad comments are merely a mirror reflection of your own pittiful sense of being, of course your probably not educated enough to even know what mirror image is so I fell bad for you.

STAN the sad old man . I still stand by saying BJORK is an "ugly little diva". If you think is she pretty , get an eye test . !!!!!!

Comments from Jack such as "ugly littles diva" and Jack who is Mr. Boring should be taken seriously - NOT

The comments from STAN are to be ignored . HE seems to be a sad old negative man . IGNORE

Boy, you're sure unaware of his reputation...this has to be your funniest entry yet. Good going! Love it.

"they are wrong" andrewh? Only your opinion is RIGHT ? What an ego, what an idiot you are!

Papasmurf is making similar comments under People in the Best Actors Ever list. He thinks his opinion is the only one that counts apparently!

Thanks Jack, that is my opinion they have theirs but of course they are wrong. papsmurt your taste must be all in your mouth.

papasmurf !!!! EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion !!!

I stand by my first response, to say she is mediocre is obviously without merit.

Now, Now , Girls !!

excuse me but he criticised my opinion, try reading back

Hey Stan, what gives you the right to criticise someone else's opinion? Karen Carpenter had a wonderful, effortless voice. She was one of the best vocalists I've ever heard. Certainly better than the shrieking and yelling by the likes of Aretha Franklin that so-called experts try and pass off as outstanding.

If you think that she has one of the top 2 voices on this list, much less ever, you obviously have no idea what vocal quality is.

obviously you have no idea what a great singers sounds like, this lady is constantly cited as one of the best.

her voice is only mediocre - shouldn't even be in the top 50

The clearest most incrediable voice to hit the airwaves. Karen Carpenter's talents are always under rated. Top 2 voices ever.

Love her voice and lots of greats songs too. happy she is ranking so high.

Certainly one of the greatest female vocalists of the last century. She sang some othe best songs in the 60's and early 70's. I also enjoyed her mid - late 70's and 80's period records. Yes they weren't transcendent but quite enjoyable anyway.

The living legend Dionne ranks #2 right behind Aretha.; in terms of most charted Bilboard singles for a female solo singer of the century. Her range and music diversity was unmatched. Just listen to her numerous albums and singles from the 60's until today.

I'm a big fan of all the big Divas of the last century: Aretha, Diana, Dionne, Barbara, Whitney, Mariah, Celine etc..... But Dionne Warwick is the one I go back to the most. Something about her voice paired with great songs of the 60's until today. Just picked up her latest album NOW. What a wonderful piece of work.

FM radio doesn't play much of Dionne anymore. I listen to the oldies station and they just play her #1 Then Came You from 74'. Why they don't play more of her classics listed below are beyond me. At a mininum: Walk on By, Say a Little Prayer, Do You Know the Way to San Jose, I'll Never Fall in Love Again, I'll Never Love this Way Again and Thats What Friends are For..

Don't Make Me Over, Make It Easy On Yourself, Close To You,Anyone Who Had A Heart, Walk On By, Say A Little Prayer,What The World Needs Now,Alfie, Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Theme From Valley Of The Dolls, Promises, Promises, This Girl Is In Love, I'll Never Fall In Love Again, ,Then Came You, I'll Never Love This Way Again, Deja vu, After You, All This TIme, No Night So Long, Heart Breaker, Thats What Friends Are For and Reservations For Two. That is just a short list of some of her more popular tracks. Too many more to list in this space.

Simply put: The most beautiful voice I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Not the highest voice (although she has hit the stratosphere in the 60's and the better part of the 70's) Not the deepest either. Just a perfect blend. Mutil Octave, amazing control. She sang some of the most complex songs in the 60's to PERFECTION. Listen to her version of SUMMERTIME (from On Stage and In the Movies). Not to mention her countless singles from her peak period (60's- early 70's)

Dionne Warwick has the most pleasant voice I have ever listened to. Even today , her soothing deep voice is alluring. Obviously in the 60's and 70's her vocal acrobatics AND lovely voice was unmatched by just about anyone. Just as impressive was her song collection. I counted over 100 very impressive songs.

Some may question her #2 status, even Dionne Warwick herself! However most clear minded music fans would agree that she is certainly among the greatest music interperters of the century. The complexities of her material are unmatched by anybody on these pages..

I disagree with the poster. One can not compare Warwick to Houston. Warwick voice at her peak surpassed that of Houston. Listen to Warwick sing "Summertime "on her On Stage and in the Movies album. Warwick's pure high octave went throguh the stratospere with that song.

Magical, Amazing, Enduring, this legend embodies just about every positive adjective. While she might not have the most powerful vocals (that description fits Aretha Franklin or Pattil Labelle) or the most pure (her cousin Whitney Houston owns that title) Dionne has something all together different. The unique voice for her unique music.

Dionne's classic albums are mostly out of print. But are available via Amazon.com . I discovered the legendary Dionne by purchasing her greatest hits compilations. But after a few months I I needed more. Her hits are wonderful, but her less popular songs on her albums are even impressive. I listen to Aretha, Diana, Barbara ,Celine, Whitney,.....,etc..... but Dionne is #1 for me.

Her best material: Presenting Dionne- Early hits like Don't Make Me Over and the classic Make It Easy On Yourself. Plus fun youthful album tracks. Anyone With A Heart-Classic title track and fantastic album tracks like above album. Make Way For Dionne-Includes her classic Walk On By and interesting album tracks The Sensitive Sound Of Dionne-No hits but wonderful album tracks Here I Am-Same as above, but even better. Here Where There Is Love-Filled with classic tracks and interesting filler. Dionne On Stage And In The Movies-Change of pace . beautiful remakes. Windows Of The Word- Classic album. Perhaps best of the 60's. Valley Of the Dolls-One of her most popular albums. Fantastic Promises Promises- Despite upbeat title track, mostly beautiful ballads. Soulful Plus- Includes great remakes of the 60-70's. Like On Stage And In The Movies but a different theme. I'll Never Fall In Love Again-Best of the 70's. Includes hit title track. Great album.. Very Dionne- Underated album tracks and Includes great live material at or near her vocal peak. Dionne (Warner) Her most underated album EVER! No hits here but a must buy for any Dionne fan. Just Being Myself- Very different than anything she has ever done. Very early 70's soul. Similar to Motown style. I love it, but no hits hits here either. Then Came You- Includes her first #1 (title track) and lovely album tracks. Track Of The Cat- Another underated album with no hits. Title track is disappointing, but most tracks are very well done. Love At First Sight- Nice late 70's entry. No hits, but very enjoyable. I go to this album when I want to feel good. More upbeat and positvie than most of her 70's work. Dionne (Arista 1979)- Huge comeback album. I'll Never Love This Way Again, Deja Vu, After All, All This Time and many other great tracks. After the hit 1979 album there are many greatest hits compliations that cover her best later period songs.

Dionne's voice is simply magical. Her vocal peak was in the early 70's however her greatest material was in the mid 60's. I also enjoy her later songs from the 80's until today. Her still beautiful voice gradually matured through the 70's until today. Check out her new album NOW. Very impressive considering she is over 70!

definately does not need to be number 1 more like about number 25

Great, but better than Aretha or Ella?

She is a legendary music icon.

lovely. classy singer. but no.2 ahead of streisand, ftzgerald, piaf, garland, holiday... think not.

She's okay, but no way would she rank in my top twenty.

She was an amazing person, but her voice is definitely not number one. Maybe top 40.

Supreme song stylist.

Has had more chart hits than any female singer ,with the exception of Aretha Franklin

Dionne reflects on 50 years in entertainment.

I wouldn't put her at #1

Dionne is best known for her partnership with songwriters and producers Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

One of the most listenable voices I've ever heard. Seemingly effortless and has the ability to make a song become a mood and a message, she transcends the studio and stereo system, she's more spirit than singer, as great as she does sing.

I can't listen to Aretha over a long period of time. But I admire her powerful voice and many of her songs. Dionne however, I can listen to endlessly. Her melodic voice flows so perfectly with her music. Both are living legends and deserve high rankings.

Mina Definitely has a more powerful voice, much longer breath and greater versatility.

Powerful voice yes.Beautiful voice not so much. My vote goes for Dionne Warwick for the msot beautiful vocals. Along wth Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston and .Celine Dion.

One of the best female vocalists that ever lived. Very powerful and affecting vocals. Sometimes too bombastic though. I enjoy Dionne Warwick's music and vocals more but Aretha beat Dionne on the charts.(60's -90's) Aretha ranks #1 and Dionne #2.

If it was a shouting match maybe she'd be number 1. but then again pati labelle can do that too.

love me some aretha but i tell you a singer came along in the mid 70's that just took over rnb radio. she was said to be as powerful as aretha but clearer in her delivery. her sophisticated funk was pure electric. her powerhouse vocals where the talk of the town. this singer was the young natalie cole.

maybe 25,very overrated

Someone wrote that she "cannot sing ballads". Good grief, you must never have heard her takes on the classics during her Colombia years. Listen to her sing "people". I don't think any singer had her raw power and thrilling range when she was at her best. She didn't touch your heart she ripped it out and stamped on it. She could sing gospel, jazz, rock, soul, standards, anything. You always new it was Aretha and it was almost always the best version of that song you would hear. There are a very few tracks when other's arrangement and interpitations were better - "the makings of you" was bettered by Gladys Knight in my view but overall Aretha has to be considered the greatest voice of contemporary music, male or female.

I agree with the comment by twobirds, she belongs at about Number 20 on this list.

world acclaimed legend

Eva Cassidy beats Aretha for musical ability hands down.

You must be thinking of another Aretha Franklin. If "I Never Loved a Man [the Way I Love You]", "Ain't No Way" and "Tracks of My Tears" aren't ballads I don't know what is! The jazz songs are innumerable!

She can not sing ballads and jazzsongs.

One of the greatest singers in history. Fantastic vocal range and can sing anything. Yes, the Queen of Soul but listen to her sing standards sometime, shes unreal.

#1 ? Not in my opinion...

Too high on the list,maybe top 20.

The queen of Soul.Yes,but musical diversity ?????

Without a doubt she is the best

overrated

Meh...

Aretha was great - but Number 1? I'd put her down around No. 20.

Eighteen Grammys. Named by Rolling Stone magazine as #1 on their list "Greatest Singers of All Time."

great

Adoramos ela no Brasil

The queen

A bit too overrated for me. Very clear diction though. But as far the vocals are concerned, pretty average. I think Sarah Vaughan has got to be the greatest voice on this planet.

She had a beautiful voice, I will say, but she didn't have much "emotional" range. She's the only person I've ever heard sing who sounded happy when singing the blues. Aren't they supposed to sound earthy and gritty?

Very nice, but I'd put Billie Holiday higher.

Number one for me.

Penultimate means next to last, Mr. Fancy pants words.

Although I am not a huge fan (an admirer mostly) I much prefer Ella to the likes of Striesand any day of the week. Ella was pure (and without ego) to the core and long may her music live on.

Ella is good, no doubt, but not in my top ten.

NOOO Definetely not #3!!

The best of all time, no voting necessary, no doubts, no arguments or counterpoints. Forget about awards, quantifiable metrics - Ella was the best female singer the world has ever seen. She had complete vocal control, an incredible range, precise phrasing, and a sound that was pure yet unmistakable. She is the penultimate female vocal artist, and will live on forever. I had the wonderful experience of seeing her at Carnegie Hall as part of the Kool Jazz Festival in 1985 as a tribute to Charlie Parker. She was 68 years old, shuffled on stage, wore coke-bottle glasses, and appeared frail and old. But when she opened her mouth and sang...WOW! It still brings chills to my spine. Thank you Ella!

She is number one hands down!!

I was blessed to see Ella in concert. It was one of the most magical musical experiences I ever had. She was divine. Number 1 for me.

Talent of the highest ability and endurance, with an extremely likeable and highly energetic character. I listen to Ella for her love of life as much as for her outstanding projection of the song. Magnificent!

14 Grammys including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Medal of Honor Award, etc.

Listen to Mina's voice, she's one of the greatest singers of all time. She's not overrated, listen to her music before judging her!

The first one, with Maria Callas. And where are the wonderfuls singers Amalia Rodrigues (portuguese), Barbara (french), Elis Regina (brazilian), Maria del Mar Bonet (catalan), Mariza (portuguese), Ornella Vanoni (Italian)?

Greatest singer of all times! Should be number 1, no doubt. This woman has sung in 20 languages and has recorded well over 2000 songs in 55 years of career. A vocal monster ~

Mina who?

“If I didn’t have my own voice, I’d like to have the voice of a young Italian girl named Mina” Sarah Vaughan. 1968. THAT'S ALL FOLKS

Who on earth is Mina? If she's fabulous enough to make # 2 on this list, why have i never heard of her? I'm not claiming to be a music critic but I love music and am very current.

It's a matter of personal taste. I've heard her recordings and while she can sing, her style is not what I like. But that's my personal taste. I certainly wouldn't rate her in the top 10.

As usual americans think that what motherlad produces is the only thing worth of anything, while they should stop, read and learn before passing judgment. I have been teaching American university students in London for quite some time and their muical as well as cultural ignorance is shocking. Mina not only has a great voice and musical talent but also the ability to feel the vibration of the music. Mariah? do me a favour!

It's a people-who-don't-know-Mina 's problem, not her problem... She's away from scene since 1978 and kept on recording new albums almost every year. The last one was on November 2011. The lucky one is the one who knows her over 1500 songs in Italian, English, Spanish. French, Portuguese, Japanese and Turkish. Find and listen to her on you tube, you'll understand more about the wonder of her voice, her personality, her genius. Mina is Mina.

Who the hell is this ??????

Incredible--she's not known in America, so she must be a "bimbo." Sometimes I'm embarrassed to be from this country.

Never heard of her lets have some real talent on this list

Who? Stop Spamming results with unknown bimbos

Totally agree with above comment. Whover this singer , she is too high on this list

Mina's surenly the best female voice ever... No matter what people that doesn't know her think, she's the best by far! A couple of suggestions? "Brava", "L'importante è finire", "Se telefonando", "Una zebra a pois", "Bugiarda e incosciente"...

better than aretha? ella? sarah vaughan? dinah washington and billie holiday? mina don't deserved the no. 2 spot.

No such thing as power chords in singing and Christina can't keep her voice in control.

ummmmm who the hell is she... well then if she is number 1 she must be really good

Satchmo, Sara Vaughan, Sinatra, Celin Dion, Liza Minnelli (and so on...) said: "MINA is the big greatest singer in the world"... ...and that's all folks!!!

Mina is a fantastic singer. Those who criticise her know nothing. Those who do not know her and wish to pass judgement should go back and study. Like Aretha and a few others unsurpassed by this generation both for technical skills and the great songs they performed. Certain markets did not enjoy her as she did not travel much. At end 70s like a real superstar she disappeared from public scene but she has continued working to date. Huge singer, legendary

Truly Mina has a great voice. The impression I have when comparing her to others on this list is that she deserves a rating within the top 50, but there are many others instead of her that I would place in the top 10. For instance I would rate Maria Callas in the top 10.

i agree ella is maybe the best american singer alltime she was pure class like mina for european what surprise me is streisand she is funny and multifunction artist but not top 100 singer.ella singing today will the best streisand last nothing on the other hand mina still selling millions of discs all over the world.i am from germany and mina is a star here like ella more than streisand.she is singin already more than 50 years listen to her sinatra wanted her to singing in n y but she refused to go on tv since the end of the sixty just refused 50 million dollars for 10 minutes on italian tv she sing for passion not for money

agree, that she is great singer......but if you consider singers outside englsih language, then why not indian or chinese or arabic singers??? Do you think there is only music in europe and americas.... and other people are still not yet advanced! Still Mina is great singer, maybe equally better to Lady Ella. Its pity that you put Ella to 4th place. She deserves better place....maybe combined 1st with Mina.

I should not ever have thought that Mina become No 1 when I put her name in this chart. That's incredible !. Probably Mina No 1 is too much but I'm very happy.

Mina is top 10 alltime but n1 wow ....is a surprise.

Mina is what Presley is for us the living legend of Italian music.she is not bad at all very power full voice.

nr.8 ? Who is she?

bravissima

i am not ruining down nothing .i invited all the mina fans club to vote for her is some of the fans vote other singers down is not big problem like you see you have the option to vote up and vote down if you still have problem with that contact the admin to eliminate the vote down arrow thanks and take it easy life is beautifull

and just so everyone knows this mina voter is ruining the list. By the way who is Mina?

who ever you are voting for mina why do you have to ruin and manipulate the list by voting others down by 100ès every day

Her name is Mina Mazzini (no Martini) she has a great voice and is an excellent interpreter,....the fact that many people don`t know her, does not mean that she is not a great singer. Actually it just reveals that some people are ignorant about non english language music...you can´t say nothing about her if you haven´t heard her....

The ulitmate European singer, O.K. That's a JOKE there are great singers on this list from the U.K. That could give singing lessions to this singer. It is not only Americans that have not heard of her. People in the U.K never heard of her either. She is average.

She´s the ultimate european singer It´s a shame Americans don´t know her, They should before any comment.

Never heard of this singer.

Who is she ?? TOO high on this list.

If she had sung in English would be at first place! Amazing.

Too high on this list, should be in the 100s.

Mina had and she has a lot of hit in the latin states (especially in spanish language) but not only.. Heisser Sand (1962) remains one of the most successful single of all time in Germany and Holland, the title is so popular in those markets, which today is still "pulling" on various compilations of the '60s. In Germany alone the single has sold over 1,300,000 copies and remains the biggest selling single of Mina, The hit Anata to watashi (you and me), who played Mina in Japanese, was a triumph in Japan (1961). She had a nr.one in Japan in 1964 too ("stessa spiaggia , stesso mare”) Mina refused, even for health problems, to do a tour with Frank Sinatra (he called her) in the United States. This World We Love In", which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961.

A big name in Italy , not many people in the U.S.A. or the U.K. have heard of her. Pretty average voice. Mia Matini was a much better singer.Therefore very beatable.

A Big Name, A Great Voice from Continental Europe. Unbeatable. A deep as well as loud voice character especially fit for Smooth and Latin Jazz. On the other hand, It's so easy for her to sing Pop effortlessly.

On the present there are Italian singers better of Mina but we have to see all the career of an artist. I consider Mina (and many expert and not Italian critics) in the top 50 of the best female singer of 20th century.

there are much better Italian singers than her !!!!

Best her period were 60's and 70' years. "il cielo in una stanza", "Parole Parole Parole", "Grande Grande Grande" etc.

Who is she ?

Not a great singer.

Number 1 simple

no one can compare with sarah vaughan. she is the greatest

when you listen to Sarah she's like the orchestra. A big sound

should be number 1 simple as that

for a female voice, Vaughans vocals was extrordinary

Sassy number 1

Sarah Vaughan The Greatest

Saw Sassy at the Apollo. She blew me away. That voice just reverberates in your chest. She sang Summertime accapella and holy smoke I've never heard a voice can be that great live.

If there was an instrumnet that was perfect her voice would be noe of those.

the greatest singer who ever lived.

Sarah Vaughan's voice is DIVINE

simply the best voice

a singer singers

had the best voice ever.....

TOP TEN should read: 1.)Sarah Vaughan 2.)Teri Thornton 3.)Billie Holiday 4.)Maxine Sullivan 5.)Ella Fitzgerald 6.)Carmen McRae 7.)Della Reese 8.)Sheila Horn 9.)Betty Carter 10.)Dionne Warwick

Sarah Vaughan the greatest singer of the 20th century. A voice so magnificent it is beyond description. For me she's number 1

Had the best vocal ability among her, Dinah Washington, and Billie Holiday. P.S. Do some of you voters even know what a century IS?

Below Barbra Streisand?! I don't think so!! Her range and vocal ability goes way beyond Streisand's posturing. Whether you like her vocal style or song choice or not, she is one of Jazz's best female vocalists of all time.

below barbra streisand? no way. Sarah Vaughan is by far the GREATEST Female singer of ALL TIME!

She the top.

She would not make my top 100

Sorry, but this woman bores me to tears. Yawn...

by far ....the best.

I had the good fortune of seeing Sarah in concert with the Basie Band. I was absolutely awed and spellbound. Sarah was one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. She had a range of 4 octaves. She could have sung opera too. Definitely one of the top 5.

have the highest honor in jazz

This ladies voice is amazing- she is a personal favourite of mine

2 Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. National Endowment for the Arts - Jazz Master Award 1989.

Should be higher on list.

there is durham then there is the rest of them

JudithDurham - The one that the other Singers listen to.

If you haven't voted for Judith, then you haven't heard her sing!!

Brilliant voice deserves a top ten slot.

Lots of great singers on this list but Judith and Eva Cassidy are the ones I'd choose most often. They reach the heart and the soul. "I'll Never Find Another You" is as fresh today as it was at Christmastime in 1964--and she's done many like that. No one is better, and few are in her class, as a singer or a person. Thanks, Judith!

Never heard of her?? Maybe I am too young.

I miss the Seekers. Just listen to 'Ill never find another you"

go to youtube and search for the seekers "i'll never find another you" and you will hear her beautiful voice.

well considering that very few people inthe u.s. under the age of 50 know who she is.i would consider this to be no. 1 but i suppose the brits and the aussies haven't forgotten her,she was the great golden voiced songbird of the seekers for those who dont know. she's still a great singer even though she now has a chronic lung problem i think that when i was a little boy and the first time i heard her sing another you , it made my tistlcles drop,no one in recorded music has had such and effect on me. hopefully she'll be around for a long time to come, because sadly to say we'll never find another judith.

while others can break glass she can not olny glass she can cut through titanium she needs to be higher rated like mabye no. 1

she should be in the top 5

Here's something I hope will give a blessing to someone. Guest noted an old folk standard. Hear it on YouTube, as manfreadstraw's great upload (pics of old trains, depression times), 500 miles, by Judith and The Seekers. You may want to reach for the "up" button.

Other songs that should have been mentioned by the guest above are: 500 Miles; Just a Closer Walk With Thee; and I'll Never Find Another You!!!Judith's beautiful voice stands out in all of these ... very pleasant to listen to her.

the more i listen the greater she becomes it is amazing that she is so underrated if more people looked on you tube she would easily be in the top 5

All this is somewhat subjective, but honestly, I would rank Judith as number 1. Her voice is enigmatic, and pure as gold. She has bell ringing clarity and tone, but still retains texture and expression. I do not have enough words to describe her voice.

She's my favorite. :)

Some of my favorite songs that Judith sings so beautifully are: "Island of Dreams", "Danny Boy", "Morning Has Broken", "Blowin' In The Wind", "Amazing Grace", and of course "Waltzing Matilda"! Her voice is so easy to listen to; very strong, clear, and pleasant.

The best. The unassuming little princess of The Seekers. A voice of such range and purity it makes the hearer proud to be human. For those who don't know what I mean, please give a listen to some of the songs already commented on.

i noticed she is moving up the list fast . listen to the song' all over the world' and you will hear how incredible she is

Judith possesses a voice which is very strong and extremely clear. To me she sounds absolutely beautiful. I believe she and the Seekers group did not receive much exposure in the US. If more folks were familiar with her music they would certainly rank her ahead of singers such as Linda Ronstadt.

One of the best female vocalists of all time. Should be much much higher on this list.

very underrated the carnival is over incredible

242? More like top ten.

Incredible voice. One of a kind! Belongs in top 50.

how is she 225 of all time she is easily in the top ten

Definitely one of the most beautiful voices of all time. She has been doing it for nearly a half a century and she's still got it.

Vocally she is perhaps the best I ever heard. I also love many of her movies. Her music choices are mixed. I enjoy the music of Dionne and Aretha more.

Listen to the beginning of Windmills of Your Mind. Even at 70, Barbra still has it. Best voice EVER...period.

i have perfect pitch/ have most of my life. she is perfect + unwavering notes of opposite ends of the spectrum. I had pictures/posters of her in my bedroom as an kid and had 4 albums in the 60s Barbara Joan Streisand > her best album 'stoney end' (2nd) funny girl #1 >

should be number one

Barbara leaves me flat. Maybe it's because I don't like her as a person - that could influence my judgement. Still, I don't care for her music and I feel totally detached from her voice and performances.

i love karen carpenter and she has such a unique voice but barbra clears the lot for me. the most talented female singer to ever have graced this planet. Barbra has everything a singer could be blessed with and more, the cream of the crop for me, past, present or future. one in a trillion

people...this is a list of best VOICES, not artists...I don't dig her music much but if there's any debate on her vocal superiority just watch A Star Is Born...freaking incredible

She's slightly above mediocre. She often loses control in her voice and begins wailing.

An excellent voice, but considering the quality of the competition I believe Barbara Streisand should be in the range of about number 20 to 25.

Doubt there is a more homely person on the face of the earth.

Phemonimal voice...she had..was has a talent like no other

The greatest voice ever! The only singer I never ever get tired of listening to. She is simply the BEST. To the person who said they don't like her voice...you must not have ears!

If Streisand does not move you, or make you care, you have a heart made of ice and an ear made of tin.

Give me the real and flawed Barbra and then I'll maybe start to listen. She sounds great for sure but I'd much rather have soul than superiority. She can sing but she can't make me care.

Nobody does Streisand better than Streisand, except maybe Celine Dion.

She's #1 and it's not even close. If you're talking just pure voice...none are better. She can sing anyone's song better then they can..Memory

Love Barbra... move her up the list!

You like her voice ,or you don't. I don't.

The most moving voice I know. Everyone who have listened songs like Memory, The Way We Were, Guilty, and, All I ask of You, understand what I mean. No one is better than this marvelous singer who holds the record for the most top ten albums of any female recording singer .She also is the only artist to accoplish number-one albums in 5 consecutive decades ans is the best-selling female artist on the RIAA! And more... Barbra Streisand had been nominated for OVER 57 GRAMMY AWARDS. I love Barbra, her voice and the way she sings!

Barbara was very good - but over produced, over hyped, and over rated. Top 20 - OK - but No. 4? No way.

A voice of great specialties, character projection and pristine smoothness. Obviously her love of theatre song provides immense enthusiasm and relentless attention to fully realizing the possibilities in each song. You can't find a more professional talent for such songs.

sorry just cant take her ,

Love her voice, I grew up listening to her music, still remember her after all these years.

Nana Mouskouri..... Legend! The woman is pure music. The voice of a Nightingale.

Good record sales does NOT mean great voice.

She is not terrible as the demonic haters say here.......Nana is a top selling female vocalist of all time, with a beautiful angelic voice. 200 million+ records is representative of her fame and talents.

Wow !! what a bad judgement by twobirds !!! A shame !!

The reason Nana recorded in more than 10 languages was because she failed in them all. As soon as she bombed in Greek, her producers said "Let's try her in Swahili - maybe she'll score in Africa." After she failed in Swahili, they moved her to German. After she failed in German ... and on and on - ad nauseum. I don't agree with comment No. 2 - who said "Terrible." Terrible is not a strong enough word. How about "elevator music"? Can you say "elevator music? No. 23? How about 2,000,023?

Nana should be top 5 not 23..

Nana is my all time favorite. She has the sweetest voice of all....

In her five-decade international career, this Greek singer recorded in more than 10 languages.

'Run of mill' ??? She has a unique voice and if you can't hear that then you you must be tone deaf.. I would actually put her higher on this list for her emotion and pure soul..

You make a good point. Singers who don't have a good voice have occassionally been popular, however, singers with a great voice will almost always be popular. Therefore popularity may be used as one way of determining quality although other factors enter the mix also. A great singer should be able to sing most genres of music including jazz, I agree. But, merely being classified as a 'jazz' singer does not elevate a singer above someone who sings pop, rock, alternative, country and western, etc. in my opinion.

A great singer should be able to sing most genres of music, jazz included. If you say popularity is based on great voices, it is NOT always the case. People like "The Spice Girls" Britney Spears" Madonna" etc. Were and are NOT great singers, far from it.

another 'run of the mill' performer, ok voice but nothing special. Her popularity ( how well the public accepts an artist's offering ) was not good, she never made it into Billboards's Top 100. How can she possibly be at #11 here with such fine artists way down the list, and, yes, those artists were successfull because they were/are fantastic singers and that led to their popularity being so high. It seems like if an artist sang 'Jazz' ( my least favorite style ) they are voted high on this list no matter how average their voice is, almost like Jazz singers are supposed to be a grade above everyone else, pittiful !

This American singer has been more successful in Europe.

Great voice.

never heard of her did she have a hit

her and ertha @ the crusade in '64 in A's stadium in downtown KCMO. I was 7 years old and truly knew the hand of God was layed upon the head of that wonderous woman! As nieve as I was the hairs on my arm stayed standing up throughout much of the day! there was NO DOUBT in my mind that God was real and was there in our midst!

It was not that she could only sing one style, she chose to stay true to herself, just like any other artist, i.e. country music artist, r&b, blue grass, and many other genres. Come on, don't be so closed-minded.

TOP 5 of ALL TIME! That she is ranked 10 says something about our (human beings) in ability to discern real talent. She is also the GREATEST Gospel Singer bar none!

One of most moving singers ever. Awesome control. She sang from somewhere beyond this earth.

Best voice I ever heart.

and the Queen of gospel music

Number 1

Great

No, thanks.

Dinah is simply mahvellous. Wonderful. She could really deliver a song. Her phrasing was sublime, as was the power and control of her voice. She also had great songs. One of the greatest singers ever. Number 2 (after Ella) for me.

I have added other references (such as Grammy.com to) to reinforce my statements but they have been deleted as is the case with many comments on this site.

I'm not the guest as above, But trusting Wikipedia is the worst thing you could do. Wikipedia is not a reliable sorce.

Poor PANDORA spends sooooooo much time writing comments here. Votes down people she does not like. She want to rule this site. SAD

The Grammy Hall of Fame Award is listed by Wikipedia as an award to HER. DUH. It's under HER NAME, not anybody else's. And I have not "kept listing" these awards either, as you state. Check the dates given in the entries. Read the entry under her name, which you have obviously not done. Then take your complaints to Wikipedia.

PS: Enjoying the list has nothing to do with your seemingly mission of trying teach the rest of us about the artist's accomplishment. You can't enlighten anyone if your not accurate and missleading. Don't know why you seem to think that the rest of us need you to keep listing all these awards as if we didn't have a clue in the first place.

She was not the only one to sing those songs. The most successful version of Unforgettable was from Nat King Cole, Teach Me Tonight : The DeCastro Sisters. The VERSION of the song that Dinah sang was beleived to have significance NOT BECAUSE SHE SANG ON THE RECORDING. No you didn't add her to the list but YOU ! MADE ! THE ! STATEMENTS ! DUH !!! you don't know what your talking about DUH !!!!!!!

P.S. I DID NOT ENTER THE LADY ON THIS LIST AND THE VOTERS PUT HER IN HER CURRENT LOCATION, NOT ME. SO VOTE HER DOWN IF YOU FIND SHE DOESN'T BELONG HERE. ENJOY THE LIST OR DON'T BOTHER. YOUR COMPLAINTS DON'T CHANGE THE LADY'S TALENT, WHICH IS WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE VOTING ON.

WELL, SO WHAT? THE SONGS SHE SANG WON THREE GRAMMY HALL OF FAME AWARDS - BECAUSE SHE SANG THEM! SPEAKS TO HER TALENT, DUH.

Wikipedia: "The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by the Recording Academy to "performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. This award is distinct from the Grammy Hall of Fame Award, which honors specific recordings rather than individuals" rather than INDIVIDUALS, yes I did read Wikipedia, you however only read what you wanted to read!! (cited under Grammy Lifetime Acheivement Award - Wikipedia)

Did you actually READ Wikipedia under "Dinah Washington"? All the information I've listed on this site was straight from Wikipedia under the artist's name. Obviously GRAMMY HALL OF FAME is NOT THE SAME AS GRAMMY! If you believe the induction dates are wrong, contact Wikipedia with your complaint. And it doesn't matter if an organization becomes defunct - the awards it gave while in existence are still valid in the singer's career.

As I said the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was in the Early Influences category and the Grammys were in the special category for songs, she didn't receive a regular grammy for those songs. Maybe you need to read closer.

You need remedial reading. Wikipedia lists three Grammy Hall of Fames as follows: Unforgettable [1959, inducted 2001], Teach Me Tonight [1954, inducted 1998], What a Difference a Day Makes [1959, inducted 1998]. Further: Grammy 1959, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted 1993, Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame inducted 1984. Also inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1986. Anybody that wants to can check these, so "guest" it's YOUR comments that need to be questioned.

The Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame only lists itself and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as her accomplishments. Wikipedia also does not list Grammy Hall of Fame as an accomplishment. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was in the Early Influences category to which Wikipedia notes: "Unlike the performers category, these inductees are selected by a commitee. The full process is not transparent and it is unclear who comprises this selection commitee." . I don't mean to take away from this artist's accomplishment, that's not my point. But pandora's comment is misleading. It makes me want to question her other comments. PS: for thoses of you who don't know Wikipedia lists the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame as defunct.

1 Grammy, 3 Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.

natalie cole has proven be one of the greatest voices of all-time. Apparently many of you have not seen her in concert to appreciate the old hollywood glamour she presents and are too young to remember when she dethroned Aretha as the new queen of soul in the seventies. She has always remained a critic's choice because when she's on- her souful presence has few equals!

The first poster is incredibly wrong. Natalie Cole went out of her way to make it on her own even eschewing orchestral arrangements her father also used.

IF Ella FitzgErald made such it was obviously in her advancing years, hearing not so good. It was probably made out of respect to Nat King Cole.. Natalie Cole is just an average singer.

One of the GREATS for sure. Her voice is simply beautiful and her amazing ability to sing different types of music well is rare. R&B Natalie sounds completely different from Jazz Natalie, Jazz Natalie sounds completely different from Pop Natalie. Highly respected by her peers, I heard Ella Fitgrald say she was one of her favorite voices and you cant argue with that.

Twobirds is always negative and is one of the most critical ! Should rank Number 3 000 000 as a critic !

I agree a lot with comment number one. She's good - not great. Her voice sometimes gets gratingly shrill - like she's singing harmonics. It also has kind of a whiny quality. She is one of my least favorite jazz singers. She shouldn't be Number 14. She should be Number 104.

Rubbish !!!

Natalie Cole at 12 on this list yet real heavyweight singers way down the list ? What are you people thinking ! Disgraceful !!

Absolutely!!, Yet here she is at # 14, terrible!

Agree totally with above. Natalie Cole would NEVER have been heard if her father had NOT been Nat King Cole.She is a pretty average singer!!!

Natalie is popular because of her father. Her voice is good but she should be either way down or off this list. OK, go ahead and attack me but the fact remains that she draws a sentimental following because she's Nat King Cole's daughter. She's been performing since 1955 both with her father, and then in a duo with her father digitally added, and solo, and still has only sold a little over 30 million records showing that she's not that popular. Her nominations and grammys don't impress me. To have her on this list this high is like putting Jullian Lennon at the top of a mens list because he is John Lennon's son.

9 Grammys out of 19 nominations.

Number One of All-Time on my list!

If you don't know who Nancy Wilson is....perhaps you should broaden your listening horizons!!!!

Jazz songs and jazz in an R & B groove.

They are not talking about Nancy Wilson from Heart. They are referring to a famous jazz singer of the same name.

Kind of cast suspicion on your whole list if you don't know that the lead singer of Heart is ANN Wilson. Nancy has a pretty voice and sang lead on a couple of songs (These Dreams notably), and she is definitely the best guitar player on this list... But I'm pretty sure you want to go with Ann. And are you really ranking her below Petula Clark?

Nancy should be in the top 5. She was incredible.

3 Grammys.

cool jazz festival in San Diego '75 Chargers Stadium I WAS ONE OF THE VERY FEW WHITE PERSONS THAT I SAW/ AND WORE WHITE DASHIQUE WHITE CRUSHED DENIMS (STOOD OUT) VERY WELCOME WHEN SHE CAME ON YOU COULD HEAR A PIN DROP!

With due respect to Aretha, an Empress outranks a Queen.

One of the best singers you could ever hear live. I have seen her in concert 6 times and each time was thrilling. She sings with honesty and feeling and I don't think many other singers can touch you the way Gladys does, consistently. At her best in the 70s and 80s she is still now, a remarkable vocal force as her appearence on Jools Holland testified in 2010. One of the true all time greats.

I agree with the comment several above; she is an OK singer. I consider her definitely above average. However, by comparison to the great singers on this list, I would rate Gladys Knight at about 50 to 60.

Love hearing her belt out "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Midnight Train To Georgia". Shes awesome.

the empress of soul

Gladys can only sing R&B. She's just O.K. Nothing great. Nimber 70.

Glagys is from the U.S.A. NOT the U.K. !!

The UK's best - seem her perform live, and she's the biz

4 Grammys.

Nice singer

Saw Elkie Brooks in concert last week. What a powerhouse of a singer. Rock, Blues, Jazz, she sing it all fantastically !!!!

Elkie Brooks, HAS charted in Austrailia, South Africa. and several European countries. The biggest seller of albums in the U.K. in the last 30 years. A great singer.

This amazing lady started out supporting the Beatles. She went on to co-star with Robert Palmer in the rock group Vinegar Joe and later became a household name with her mega-selling album PEARLS...she still rocks and has a voice and range to rival anyone half her age and can hold a note longer than the Barbara Striesand and that's live on stage! A true legend!!!

ELkie 's version of " Lilac Wine" IS FANTASTIC. Better that all the other versions around. PERIOD !!!

The U.K. BEST female singer. SIMPLE !!

I agree with the guest above, she should not be in the top ten and I think she should be way down from where she is now. Who is the best on this list ? Apparently, the artist that has the most fans that come to this little known site and cluster their votes without much objective and impartial voting.

I go and see Elkie at least once a year and everytime she gets better and better. I will never know why she does not get the recognition she deserves as Britains best female singer.!

As a professional singer, I find Elkie Brooks a huge inspiration. Her ease at the way she sings most genre's of music is very difficult to be beaten. She is also the type of artist that truly loves to sing, the whole celebrity bit she tends to ignore. Not the type of singer that would turn up to the opening of an envelope.A singer ,truly respected by her peers.

OMG!!! The year was 1978. The place central Ks. I worked in a little stereo/record store. Elke Brooks was what is known as a 'cutout' album. I fell in love with that voice. I've truly heard nothing about her until this very day!!! How cool is that?? I still have the LP and her version of " Stay with me" is rockin'.

We all are talking past one another :( The Velvet Underground never had a hit, and barely made the Billboard 200 a couple of times. Yet Rolling Stone ranked the band #19 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". So chart success isn't everything. No one is saying The Spice Girls or Britney Spears should be high up on the list merely because of record sales. Quite the contrary. But it shouldn't be ignored, either. "Top" can be interpreted a few ways. I take it from these comments that it should be the greatest voice and greatest performer rolled into one, without regard to commercial success. But if someone is truly great, one of the best of a 100-year period, it should follow that record sales will be at least ONE indicator, but not the controlling one. And shouldn't universal appeal also be taken into account? What about popularity in Asia? Or Africa? Try and be a little objective when it comes to your personal favorites. I mean I own no Ella Fitzgerald or Aretha Franklin records but I have no problem with them being in the top 5. Or even Top 3. Or even 1 and 2.

PS : if you don't like the Spice Girls (as I don't) DON'T VOTE FOR THEM AS I SAID ABOVE but don't criticise someone that does like them even if the person uses sales to justify their position, its their opinion and they're entitled to it, but, maybe your one of the people that come on this site that are'nt smart enough to understand that position.

Nice to see Elkie Brooks at no 7. Shows some people appreciate great vocal talent, and are NOT only impressed by chart success. I see a lot of know it all's leaving comment's here.

Of course anybody has the right to vote anyway they wish. But if charts aren't everything (and I agree) then simply voting as a fan isn't everything either. That's not being impartial.

No doubt a great singer but with all due respect to her fans, does not really deserve to be this high up on the list. Yes, record sales aren't everything (or else Britney Spears would have to be rated higher!) but Brooks has never charted in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and virtually nothing in continental Europe. And that shouldn't be ignored. I'm just saying that there are quite a few singers on this list who I would put in the top ten over Ms. Brooks. No disrespect to her talent or fans intended.

Watching videos on Youtube I saw a band called "Vinegar Joe" Elkie Brooks is the singer in the band also Robert Palmer. Elkie's voice is fantastic as is her stage performance. Not many female rock singers come close.

Elkie Brooks is the finest female singer the U.K. has ever produced.

She has had 16 UK hit albums in 25 years.

superb voice, love her to bits - should be No 1

truly amazing especially live.Definitely 1st on my list

Amazing voice !!!

This list is about singers not dancers. Elkie Brooks is a GREAT singer, her phrasing and her pitch is perfect. POWERFUL.

I thought this list was about singers, not record sales lauren. Are you unaware of chart ratings being based upon record sales lauren or do they only count when you think they count??

Elkie Brooks is the most charted female singer in the U.K. in the last 30 yrs. Album chart . Her voice is incredible.

The finest female singer from the U.K.Powerfull voice that covers , Rock, Blues, Jazz,

highly overrated

A truly lovely singer and gorgeous to look at!

One of the most popular and widely recognized female country singers. Her older sister was future superstar Loretta Lynn.

she might be at least in top 5

Second behind Fitzgerald for me.

She should be no1 with Maria Callas

has to be top ten...

Edith was the French equivalent of Dinah Washington. She was absolutely wonderful. She had a mastery of phrasing, and a powerful and supremely controlled voice. She was adored by millions of fans fans all over the world. She should be in the top 10.

This French legend died in 1963. "La Vie en Rose" received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998.

French

She was the sound of the Greatest Generation during the biggest even of all times WWII, she over race even had German and Japanese fans during the war. Her voice is natural and raw but real she is top Five, because she was so enormous.

I can't believe I had to scroll down to #20 to get to Billie! How can anyone who started recording the last two years of the 20th century even compare? I do agree, however, that her talent was more stylistic than vocal prowess. But what a style!

she knocked blues outta the park! dont care who u are....if your bummed/or just in a blue mood - who else would u turn to(at least SET THE BAR!)

oh my gosh, pretty good singing!

"The Greatest Woman Jazz Singer of all time"!!!

I agree with comment No. 3, where he/she says " Her singing talent in a technical sense was VERY limited". Billie's voice totally failed in her waning years. Listen to her "Lady in Satin" (her last record. She sounds like a dying cat. Her popularity continues to this day because of the mystique. Also, she was doing it at a time when very few others were doing it. She could not have ever sung at a level to do opera. Top 40 - OK - but No. 6? No way.

Had great successes with musicians Lester Young and Teddy Wilson. Her single God Bless the Child, which she co-wrote, is one of the most frequently covered jazz standards of all time. The emotional depth she poured into her songs is rivaled by very few.

I've had several musicians and singers tell me how much they like Billie Holiday (I do too), and for the feeling of her voice. Her singing talent in a technical sense was VERY limited, but it was the soul of the singer that came through that limited range, that opened up all possibilities and the capacity to steal your heart. No-one cares about the technical side of her singing once she starts to sing. Billie Holiday is what singing is all about.

4 Grammys and 5 Grammy Hall of Fame Awards.

Not only jazz. She influenced singers of every genre!!

She deserves #1 Sure clarity, range and beauty! The Best singer that ever lived!!! She wasn't called the voice for nothing!!!

Have you seen the concert at Norflok in 1991 or south africa in 1994 ? Whitney is amazing !

good singer but its unfortunate that everyone let her looks carry her vocal talent more than was justified. Sorry but I LIKE HER BUT iM A CHRISTIAN AND iM JST NOT THAT INTO LIGHTNING BOLTS

To all the people that say she doesn't deserve to be on this list... wow is all i can say. She is definitely one of the top 5-10 give or take each person's taste. Her live performances were great, asking that of your voice, your voice will off some periods of time. Heck, even Adele had to have vocal cord surgery, and she hasn't been in the nearly as long as whitney, and she's in her prime! Whitney's voice had stood up until the drug use destroyed it. She could still sing somewhat towards the end, but WAAAY farther in between. Vocal cords are like athletes, take care of them, or destroy them. Her voice was very "athletic", despite performing at times sick, and some drug use(she said she had started doing it heavier since the Bodyguard) for her voice not to really take a tumble until around 2004-06, not an easy feat for anybody.(Dion, Brightman, Dion, Carey, Streisand, don't care name 'em, with 10+ years drug abuse, see them try to maintain 1/2 the voice she did from mid '90s to at least 2004. She was doing heavy use during waiting to exhale and the preacher's wife, youtube it....) Heck she even matched Mr. Pavarotti himself at charity event in '94 w/Sting and Elton John(youtube it...) Sounded just like any songbird Pavarotti would have by his side on a World Tour. I would take Celine Dion over Streisand, and Whitney over Dion, not by much though. Whitney, pound for pound, just probably the best to do it.

Stated simply, Whitney Houston is one of the greatest female singers of all time, with looks to match.

R.I.P .

way to good a singer for #18! this lady is famous because she can sing.

she is the best nobody can hit those notes think her stella sadly dont got the groove no mo.

are comparing these singer at the time when they're best or what?? if we should consider when Whitney was at her peak.. i would say she's number 1 for me

In the 80s and early 90s she had a loud voice that was used to good effect in several hits. The loud voice has now gone and she is left with a cracked rasp that she covers up with her timing to an extent but leaves her a really ordinary vocalist now. She has never been good live.

Best singer ever!!!

At her best Whitney Houston was an excellent singer; her songs were very pleasant to listen to. But considering the outstanding competition on this list, I would expect her to be ranked at about number 30 to 35.

I am not going to judge her on her attitude or her drug use. My opinion is based on her live concert performances that I attended. First off, I was a huge Whitney fan at one time... purchased all of her music and couldn't wait to see her live. Major let down!!! I have attended hundreds of concerts over the years, and she was by far the worst live performance that I have ever seen. You may think that everyone has an off night, right? So did I, so I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and attend another show. The second concert was just as bad, if not worse than the first. Total waste of time & money. I will never purchase her music or pay to see her perform again. There are many other singers that can actually sing live, I will spend my money on them.

Stop judging !!!! Yes, she has taken drugs, but after 7 year rehab and stuff she is still here with emotion, and she still has a voice (Maybe not great how it use to be ) but she is strong to gets back on the stage and sing with confidence , and if you didn't like her and before just say : I think she is not for that list. And stop repeating that part of her life, couse i'm sure that she is not pride with this.Unlike from another singers her songs (2009 album i look to you) are not just words they are lived I think that Whitney is the best singer of all time whit voice and confidence and believe in God :) Sory about my english :D

seriously awful should not be anywhere near this list

Better than Mariah Carey was in the 20th century. This list is the 20th CENTURY...not the 21st.

Saw her in London this year. So disapointing. Great production, great songs. The voice is NOT great anymore. Soooooo NOT amazing.

All of these singers lose there voice or it gets worse with age whether they are 45 or 85, i saw Whitney this year (2010) live at manchester, and she was AMAZING ! it just amazes me to think what she was like 20 years ago ! HOW AMAZING !!! that is the best way to describe Whitney , HOW AMAZING !!!!!! She is the best Singer EVER and has the best voice ! the emotion and magic is just ...yepp, you guessed it .... AMAZING !!!!

Whitney had (is it gone now?) an almost unlimited voice; full control, maximum possible range, professional attention to song realization and character projection. Fun! An all-time great no matter what. Hope she takes care of herself now and gets back in the groove.

Had really bad reviews recently in the U.K The voice is just NOT there anymore.

Six Grammys.

I'm not judging her on anything but her own words. There is no question that her voice has been seriously degraded by her drug use.

Still has a great voice.People should try NOT to judge sooooooo much .

Did have a great voice 20+ years ago. Now, her vocal cords are fried from smoking crack and no telling what else. I wonder if her arrogant attitude toward drugs was worth the cost?

Great voice . Some of the singers on this list are here because they are famous, NOT because they can sing.

Great underestimated singer

great voice I thought her to be a man the 1st time i heard her on the radio

Wonderful rich, velvety voice, great delivery. I have seen her live twice, once she was very very good and the second time average, she was coasting. I don't think she has recorded enough material (considering how long she has been around) to be considered one of the true greats but she is a unique and talented vocalist.

Wonderful voice.

Lovely voice

Heard her DO the prayer with Bocelli, she butchered it severely. Was like Jodie Foster shinging it.

excuse me while i yawn

DOWN DOWN AND DOWN CRAP

I swear people need to shake their heads a little more and think harder. Celine does not deserve to be number 27! She should b number 1

sorry, NOBODY IS AS GOOD AS SHE THINKS SHE IS! MEDIOCRE TALENT (to me) she wouldnt last with american idol

26??? Arguably the best female voice ever.......

omfg Celine Dion should be right up there with Karen Carpenter. Celine is better than that bloody Barbara Streisand lol

I can`t believe !!! she is definitely the best singer ever sh has a real angel voice and she deserves to be number one I don`t know where this list came from just to know iam from EGYPT and she is so popular here.

She's the ugly duckling of music !

i can say that this woman is number one of all singers in the world.....she is my idol and because i was amaized on her voice when she is singing....i have a lot of collections of her albums...I JUST WANT TO HAVE HER ALBUM DURING CONCERT IN MEMPHIS EGYPT,1997.coz i like it.no doubt..she is really number one compare to all those modern singers nowadays...lady gaga,taylor swift,justin bieber,bruno mars,rihanna,and many more.....i dont like their songs..it doesnt have meaning..

Celine Dion is the best!! She's honnor french language around the world!

What's your problem with the list???????????

Your list has no credibility with some names I've never heard of before and I'm a 58 year old male who has followed music since the 60s. Although not my fav.singer, Celine does not deserve to be ranked # 20??? Give your head a shake.

Money inspired, you mean !

for the people who say that Celine dion is not that good, she happens to have the same octave range as the late Pavarotti. She is also a great human being. She should be number one on this list in pop and Maria Callas for classical. I saw her life in Las Vegas, incredible voice! Her voice and passion are God inspired

Powerful voice, good control. Nasally at times and does not seem to sing with real emotion to me, she is forcing it. Personally I do not think she puts her vocally talents to effective use, I would not consider any of her recordings a true classic though some of them are useful to keep ships off the rocks.

Yeah ! every stupid song for the "pitch" !! She is so superficial.

Céline Dion is the best!! She has a magnificient and powerful voice! Celine did a lot of outstanding songs in the late 20th century! After it is true that her songs in english were not always speaking the words very interesting, but her songs in french, it's something else! It's the singer who has sold the most records in french with "d'Eux"! She sold two of her albums over 30 million copies in the 90's! For me, Celine is the best female singer!

She sings stupid songs and she is unidimensional. Her nasal voice and her screaming really fall on my nerves

Undoubtedly an excellent singer, but Celine has very few outstanding songs in the 20th century. It seems to be a signifcant error to rate her above great accomplished singers such as Maria Callas and Joan Baez.

Celine Dion the best of the best! In my view, Celine Dion is the best singer! no doubt!

celine is the best no doubt i just cant understand why she is in 33 she sing like operah singer its so hard for the pop singer to sing like celine

She's the best singer in my point of view.

Celine Dion should really be part of the top 3!!

She's the best!

Insipid, to say the least !!

Singing is more than a voice and Celine Dion is the perfect example.

How can Celine be so far down. She's a true vocal talent. I may not always like the songs she sings, as songs, but she always delivers amazing vocals. Range, power, control she has it all!

Celine Dion is without any dought, the very best of the best. She does not yell!!!! She has a gift and helps others, not many famous people do that. Her best songs, The coulor of my love, send me a lover, water from the moon,miracle, river deep, mountain high, and many more.

There is no "finesse" in her singing and the feeling she puts in her songs is false ! To my opinion, she screams too much !

Celine Dion has a very beautiful and powerful voice, which she has total control over. She's also a beautiful person, always kind and positive.

One of the most versatile singers in pop music history

By far, overrated.

One of the greatest singers ever!!!!!!

Celine Dion is by fact the highest selling female artist of all time. Countless critics have admired her for her amazing vocal ability , she has amazing control her pitch, she can sing high notes without wavering the slightest, she sings with emotion. Celine Dion has been blessed with an incredible ability

Regarding the above comment, the US is not the centre of the universe! England, France, Canada, etc, are not "unknown markets". She has great range, and a powerful voice. Vegas paid her $100 million for a reason!

celine dion 43 number one songs... 4 in US.. so dats 39 number 1 songs in small unknown markets... thats TOO FAR from accomplishment...

Seriously, shes not that good, her voice is actually really annoying :/

Hey ! how come some comments are deleted ? Someone doesn't like the bad comments on Celiiiiiiinne !!

I totally agree with the one before ! And what about the cover of All by myself !! She really makes a fool out of her.

Celine has a speech impediment - Like Norah Jones.

Yeah !! Rubbish singer and phony !!

Rubbish, crap and childish !

Celine is worthed for her vocal range and her -super condusive out of gossip- living that so pure, far differ from Mariah neither Withney whom troubled in many ways of their life journey. Celine can stabilize her emotion, in other hand she can do her career and get her vocal shaped by day

Celine would have been on no. 1not at no 38....she is the no 1 no one is like her..!!!!

She doesn't sing, she yells like hell !!

Celine dion Album Sales: 220 Million Mariah Carey Album Sales: 160 – 200 Million Grammy: Celine Wins No.1 singles World wide: Absolutely Celine Wins MARIAH: 18 CELINE: 43 Golden Dove: Celine Wins oscar: Celine WINS Quotations: Rhianna”Celine Dion is a Legend” and many more like beyonce and whitney Watch the video Broadcaster says:”Bigger than Barbara, More popular than MARIAH” NET WORTH: CELINE: 250 M MARIAH: 225 M 1096 awards: Celine DION THE HUGEST ,THE BIGGEST and THE HIGHEST SELLING FEMALE ARTIST OF ALL TIME: CELINE DION

@Marcy...you've gotta be kidding, it's only an F. hahaha 46 yrs old and I can still hit it without a problem.

celine dion is the best selling female artist of all time (fact) her voice is the best out of them all, with perfect pitching and increadible live performances i wonder how she isn't in the top 10, mariah carey forget about that squeaky voice, no wonder celine was chosen to launch the titanic, (simply the best)

Celine because ..her high note on All by myself was the first for me that try as i may I could not hit ! I was devestated but at the same time i was in awe ..she has total vocal control .wonderful to say the least

still rocking new stuff out soon reaallly coool

and the beat goes on

watch you tube unreleased songs such a range of style from this oh so talented lady

soon 2 be on x factor final,cant wait,real diva

cant wait for new album,time cher was in rock n roll fame,who else is makin it from 1960s,love you babe

The orginal babe, rock on

new album soon and farewell tour again long lasting diva

CHECK OUT STARS ALBUM SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER

another one 'my girls' watched every episode and @ 60 she's still awesome

it´s ridiculous 2 say she shouldnt be on any Top 100 list. She should be on Top 5 list. Dont forget her success with Believe. That year she was the most selling singer n her Farewell Tour was no 1 success. She even outshone Madonna with this tour.

cooooooooooooooooooooooool as icecream and funny to

NUTZ! Cher has sung a LOT of hit songs for a 'non-singer'!!!!!!

For her singing she shouldn't be on any wide-open Top 100 list, which isn't an insult, it's just recognizing what far superior vocal talent is out there. Cher never put herself out there as a singing talent, she's a performance entertainer and actress, where she scores higher than for voice.

One Grammy [her other awards include an Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe and People's Choice Award].

Good actress

Mariah Carey is the best vocalist ever! And isn't it funny how u don't see any of Mariah lambs attacking other singers, but yet Mariah haters make sure they come attack her... lol. That shows u why she's so great. They have no choice! She's the best! Plus she's a songwriter! Get over urself!

Just an amazing singer and a gorgeous women.

HIGHLY OVERRATED

Cant Stand That Voice

omg she has an amazing voice

SURE AINT FAIR TO THE OTHERS THAT SHE NOT ONLY HAS THE SEXYIST BODY ON EARTH BUT ALSO THE PIPES! SHE'S SITTIN IN A ROPE SWING AND CURLING HER FINGER TO COME HITHER AS I MELT INTO THE SOFA IN A PUDDLE

The world lost one of the greatest performers and the most beautiful voices of the past 30 years. Thanks for everything whitney, heaven's yours, after the hell you've experienced in recent years.

She should be up on number 1!! What a beautiful voice!

whaaat.. 17.. crap... if no 1 is the most... then she is no 0... simply, just beyond comparable.. just listen to her old musics and you'll know why i said that.. believe me

With the glaring exception of Madonna, never has a singer's talent been less in proportion to her record sales. She cannot hold a note for tofee and she sounds like she is gargling if she has too. On her own songs she is average but when she does cover versions, you really hear her lack of timbre and weak technique.

I feel like she tries to hard in her voice and it starts to become pretty annoying. It's like she is trying to push out this terrible screech.

Mariah Carey has the most enigmatic voice to grace the Earth. Her giant vocal range is more than any other current artists and has the 2nd largest female artist earnings ever, at a giant $750 million! Every album she releases reaches the top 10 and every single the top 100.

Bad

All I can say that is Mariah Carey and some other singers are just want to inspire us... forget about their glamours, their entourage or their success because they deserve it, you know.. people are forgetting that they are still humans, they have feelings too, just give them a break... and stop fighting, you're just wasting your time people. PEACE :D

mariah carey is one of the has one of the greatest voices i have ever heard. sur she cant sing like she could 21 years ago but she made her mark before her voice left her... and to all you haters need to really get a grip cause if her voice is so terrible then im pretty sure shee wouldnt be the best selling female artist of all time!!!!!!

I really don't what Mariah Carey do! She can have many octaves, but I don't like her songs or even her voice! Then it has now become extremely overrated! Excuse my English very rough!

Really an insipid singer!!

absolute diva

Boring singer. There are singers around that have been singing for 50 years and sound soooooooooo much better.Terrible.

TERRIBLE !!!! Great singer NO. Overated DIVA YES. !!!

Mariah should be ranked higher to be honest. She is a technician and perfectionist. She may not sing like she used to but who does after 21 years? Nobody. Anyway, Mariah is a songwriter and producer unlike most of these so called legends that are out. Not to mention she wasn't named #1 on MTV's 22 greatest voices for nothing and doesn't have the most #'1's for nothing. She is simply the greatest diva of our time.

Mariah Carey shouldn't be in the top 100 much less 10. She has a technically great voice but is a terrible vocalist and singer. Absolutely terrible. The only reason she is this high is because of her delusional fans who are truly obsessive about polls. Mariah couldn't even sell out small 3,000 seats venues on her last tour. Look it up yourself on Billboards official boxscores. Couldn't even fill small venues! Testament to how truly terrible she is live. If she had the voice her fans claim she does, she would have blockbuster tours. Instead, her tours an either non-events or worse, disasters.

Mariah is a vasty overrated singer. She is terrible. Horrible music, terrible songwriter and overinflates her sales. She cannot sing live to save her life.

NO SHE DOESN'T!!!! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. She has sold well, but not the best. Grow up.

She has the most number 1 hits of all time she has more then any other artist ever

She is not the best selling female artist. Actually, Madonna is.

She's not nearly as good as she thinks. Same with her crazy fans. Way to high on the list. How about #100? Go home, Mariah.

Mariah doesnot act the way people thinks she does she is a beautiful successful woman who has a heart of gold and a beautiful voice you are just mad because you can sing like that so shut up haters and get a hobby and Mariah keep up the great work good luck with the baby and forget the stupid dumb haters who have no life.

Personaly i think Mariah Carey is a little overrated but she is beautiful (: Love her

BORING, BORING,

PS : forgot to sign in, the above comment was mine.

Fallon, there is not one artist listed above Mariah that is not well know, many are in fact legends, and in fact there are artists below 200 that are as well known as Mariah. Being well known does not make an artist the best. I commend you for being a loyal artist but at the same time your comments about Mariah's songs having hidden meanings draws a red flag - be careful and think about what you hear logically. It is dangerous to get sucked into following anyone because of 'hidden messages'. Remember, when it comes down to it, artists on this list are professional BUSSINESS women and don't perform solely out of artistic love.

Fallon, while Mariah is a good singer and can hit those notes like no one else. Most of the singers above her are well know to those of us older than you. With you tube and such these day almost anyone is going to be popular. The top 3 artist have been around a lot longer than her and probably will be known long after Mariah is forgotten.

Mariah car IS THE MOST POWERFUL MUSICIAN EVERRRR1. she is the most successful 2.best voice in the industry 3.best diva some of the comments are truley sad ...however half of the music artists above well you could hardly call them well known ! just type in on youtube mariah carey live , andthenyou will see who the real no.1 should be !! im thirteen and she has influenced me so muchas all of her songs have hidden meenings !!!

This brings up the difference between "vocalist" and "singer", where Mariah as "vocalist" is concerned with what she can do with voice effects. I have to say that Mariah is not a great singer by any means, but she does rate very highly on the vocalist effects. I put that down to her youth. With her dedication to songwriting we should see her "song singer" talents catch up to her vocal effects talents. I would never put her in a "Top 20" singer list, but in another 10 years, maybe. Up to her.

Easily the greatest of all time

5 Grammys.

Her voice is okay, her boobs...can't miss um ! But what she does with her voice is not good at all ! She should honestly stop being a song writer, producers or anything else that has to do with music !

Overated Diva !!

She may be a little off her onion, but she can sing with anyone in any era.

Mariah Carey is one of the most successful singer/writer/producers to date. Her multi-octave range, power, melismatic style, vocal texture, tonality and use of the whistle register have made her a household name all the while propelling her further as the Top Selling Female Artist with the most Number One Singles.

When I let people listen to her songs for the first time, regardless of what kind of music they like, there is not one person that is not highly impressed about her crystal clear and powerfull voice. The only difference between live and studio recorded songs was the amount of background noise, but no different in her voice. My music library is huge, but she was one of the greatest and she belongs without any doubt in the top -3.......

LOL !!! 23 would say of above would say Eva LOL . Imposible about 8 of them are dead.

If you could ask the 23 female vocalists above !! They would say Eva !

Eva Marie Cassidy (February 2, 1963 – November 2, 1996) was an American vocalist known for her interpretations of jazz, blues, folk, gospel, country and pop classics. In 1992 she released her first album, The Other Side, a set of duets with go-go musician Chuck Brown, followed by a live solo album, Live at Blues Alley in 1996. Although she had been honored by the Washington Area Music Association, she was virtually unknown outside her native Washington, D.C., when she died of melanoma in 1996. (wikipedia)

Everyone above Eva on this list deserves to be lower than her! Eva is simply the best overall , miles ahead of the rest, and even though the rest are amazing, they dont come close to Eva.

Her voice is mesmerizing. I cannot stop listening.

I never heard such a voice plus outstanding technique together. Number 1 for me should be Eva.

I recently discovered Eva Cassidy. I think she has one of the most beautiful voices I have heard in many a year. She never reached her full potential as an artist due to circumstances in the recording industry. Her tragic death was untimely and if she had lived she would have become one of the greatest artists of all time. long live Eva.

I literally dont know why this girl isnt higher..live=could be the best ever

Fully agree. Eva had the voice of an angel! Superb. Compare her live with any other voice listed, and you'll 100% agree.

I agree!!! Her voice is marvelous!

Definitely should be number 1. She has the most beautiful voice EVER. No one delivers a song like she does, without a doubt the greatest of all time!!!!

Patti is one of the best jazz singers in history. Period. Top 5. I agree with empressming. Check out Patti's record "The Real Me" if you want to find out just how great her voice is.

Beautiful songstress. One of my idols. Seriously underrated.

She won her single Grammy in 2008, 53 years after her first recording contract.

I totally agree. 80 is too low a number for one of the best voices in the jazz scene today.

79? Such rankings are obviously very subjective undertakings, but this is tragically unjust to me. One of my favorites.

love her! great voice with wonderful phrasing and a brilliant pianist

how can they put her in here with annie lennox not yet mentioned

Should be top 5 - no excuse for this low a rank!

haters gonna hate. Downtown is a classic song.

Out of tune most of the time.

Too high. Boring , boring. singer.

Why is she on this list? She only sings schlock pop rubbish. Number 200 for me. She sucks.

i agree top 5 would be nice

Petula Clark, I love you! I think you should be ranked within the top Five!

2 Grammys. This English singer, actress and composer's career has spanned seven decades. Fifteen consecutive top 40 hits in the U.S.

she shouldve had Nat's babie's spot

I understand opinion and taste. Not everyone likes artists who most agree are in the top 1% of the best, but do you have to be so nastily judgmental about it? Sheesh.

YAWN ,REALLY DULL !!!!

4 Grammys including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Medal of Honor Award, Tony Special Citation in 1981 for "Lena Horne: the Lady and Her Music.

R.I.P.

one of the most unrecognized travesties of my life was watching 'touched by an angel' without hearing her wonderful talented voice

Should be in the top 10! Her voice is powerful with a terrific range.

Actress,singer of gospel,pop and blues with a clear and powerful voice.

she was fun and not at all hard to listen to. I have 1 of her christian duet album love it!

Peggy was great in her early years, but her alchoholism really wrecked her voice in her later years. Her voice became feeble, and she lost pitch control. She shouldn't be in the top 10 - maybe around Number 30.

Grammy for "Is That All There Is" in 1969. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. Songwriters Hall of Fame 1999. Carnegie Hall tribute 2003.

Nobody could sing sultry like Peggy Lee. On the drums in her terrific recording of "Fever" is the great Shelly Manne.

best woman singer of the century

Over the top !!!

Very powerful singer, able to hold a live audiance in the palm of her hand and shake them to the rafters. Can hardly be bettered when the song can needs a "sandblaster" aproach but not good with material that needs a more thoughful or reflective aproach. Dusty, for example, rings far more feeling out of "Yesterday when I was Young" than DSB's blow tourch aproach does. I think it is a pity she did not have better guidance or intuition in the 70s, when it seemed she was going to experiment more with her material and arrangements. Sadly, she fell back to formula for most of the rest of her career. However she deserves a lot of credit as she is now 10 years younger than God and still going strong. Practically an instituion in the UK, you would better to criticise HRH than DSB.

Astounding vocal range and her powerful, passionate and heartfelt performances make Bassey a serious contender for best female singer of all time!

The best female live performer in the last 50 years

The Best Belt of rhyhthm ever, a tour de force perfromer , a captivating and sensuous singer of staggering vocal and sexual artistry in motion. The rest of the world (outside of the US) can.t get enough of the one and only Dame Shirley Bassey!

Though never quite as popular in the U.S. as in the U.K., Bassey is a legend. Incredible voice, incredible performer. Do check out some of her clips on YouTube.

This Welsh singer is best known in the U.S. for recording the themes for the James Bond movies Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker. Many international awards.

great legs!

Completely underated! She is one of the most well known performers of all time! She is probably the most internationally successful women on this list! Charting hits all over the world, filling out stadiums all over the world, winning numerous awards all around the world, and selling well over 100 million albums! Her 50+ career just shows the longevity of this women and how great she is!

A great voice, a great spirit and obviously in concert she owns the stage. Total audience catharsis, what you HOPE for in the back of your mind.

Tina! Simply the BEST. A Private Dancer. Roaring Female Lion at the Stage. Vibrating Energy and Magnetism. Power and Pride of the All female Singers. Deserves to be in TOP 3 constantly on this List. Aretha is the SOUL No:1. Tina is the ROCK n BLUES No:1 and Barbra is the Theatrical MUSICAL No:1..For Jazz There are so many No:1s like Ella, Billie, Sarah rendering different type of singing and voice range styles.

Greatest Opera and Soprano Ending Arias.... A true Diva...

Maria Callas in 43rd position?! number one all the way home. The range, the power the quality cannot be matched. A true Diva and unfortunately tragic life.

The voice of the last century. And this century. And any century. Unique.

yes i forgot, Joan Baez, everyone else have a wonderful voice, or even great voice, maybe better than some on the list i make, but for me to be considered as the greatest singer, means to give something that the generations after will follow and still will continue to listen to you. So thats why i didn;t put Aguilera, or Shakira, because those might be well forgotten after a decade.

The Diva of Divas, she could act as well as sing, tragic, emotional, powerful, glorious Greek Goddess.

When songwriters like Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer are left breathless from your mastery of musical interpretation as well as your vocal power and phrasing genius, you have no peer. Judy is the very best there is.

got to be top 10

top 20 candidate

The best. Period. Absolutely the greatest female singer of all time. There is no song she couldn't sing other than Opera and make it her own. Not just ballads, but blues, jazz-oriented, and even comedy laced songs. She is still the singer by which most singers are measured against. #!.

Don't worry about Judy's legacy cos she'll still be remembered a hundred years from now along with a handful of the other great female vocalists here. Each to there own taste and I'm sure Judy would agree.

Perhaps no one knows she sang "Over The Rainbow" in 1939 in a movie called the Wizard of Oz... :)