Top Female Singers of the 20th Century

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!!

Overrated by a long ways. Her singing was practically void of emotion, and the songs very easy for anyone to sing. Not worth a top 50 rating.

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 a beautiful voice - perfect pitch and timbre but in my opinion she cannot be considered one of the all time greats because most of the material she sang was sacharine coated lightweight pop, with some awful cheesy arrangements by her Brother. When she had good material and arrangements, she was excellent.

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.

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

I live ina democracy,I am entitled to my opinion. This singer is too high on this list. Some sad Italians keep removing my comments. Oh! I forgot Italians don't live in a democracy. Dictator Berlusconi

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.

This spot should be reserved for Christina Aguilerra. Are you out of your mind or just out of tune. I went through 242 singers and did not see her. She can hit the power chords with a commanding voice yet also has a very melodic tone as well. By far better than anyone else on here including Mariah, Aretha and anyone else you would put in front of her voice.

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.

Down with her. Totally overrated!!!

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.

RUBBISH SINGER !!

RUBBISH SINGER !!!

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.

Mia Martini was one of the best female voices of Italy too with her hoarse and distinctive voice and emotional performances.. Unfortunately, she passed away too early from drug overdose. (God Save Whitney Houston!) Mina is a kind of Soprano surpassing Pop Music arena. Clear as well as Agile voice feature having a three-octave range adding a dramatic atmosphere to her music . On the other hand, it's really hard to be famous on both shores of Atlantic if you sing only in Italian or French.. It's the singer's personal career choice. We respect.

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.

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.

too high

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.

Weak voice...I dont care how many awards she won.Puts me right to sleep.

Too high on the list

I wouldn't put her at #1

Dionne was good, but her voice was a bit weak. Put her around Number 40.

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.

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

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.

BORING !!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Who the hell is this !

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.

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,

'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..

No clue who this is.

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.

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.

Mb, Michael jackson's sister? Gosh!

#6, really? Don't even know who she is.

She had a great singing voice, but she could sing only one style. No. 10? No. Maybe No 100.

and the Queen of gospel music

Number 1

Great

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The only way this singer is going up , is because her fans keep voting other artist down SAD FANS. . Yeah she sounds like a nightingale, one that has been shot and is wounded.

BORING !!!!!!

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..

TERRIBLE

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

Terrible

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

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.

Whitney could only sing ballads and torch songs. She couldn't sing jazz if her life depended on it. She's also a major drug burn victim. Her voice is gone. Number 90.

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.

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!!

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.

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!!!!

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

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

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

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.

best singer of all times.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wonderful voice, perfect pitch, power when needed and sings like she understands what whe is singing about! She has the talent to go on to become one of the greatest singers of all time.

She so effing hot...oh and talented too

Very few artists compare in the vocals department. She can go from soft deep vocalization to belting out the high notes with great power and control Above all she really conveys the power and emotion in the song with great integrity. One of the tops for gift and talent on my list!

Unbelievable range! Great easy listening voice.

Just listen to her version of "Halleluah" on you tube, and be ready to be in awe. Awesome.

This Canadian won 4 Grammys.

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.

her rendition of english ballads couldn't be better.

Her professional career began in 1959, and she received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2008

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.

Why don't you google her and take a listen. You might be surprised what you have been missing out on.

Who????? I wouldn't know her if I fell over her.

She has the voice of an angel

Great to see Margo recognized on this list.

This lady has a fantastic voice, she should be in the Top 30 at least.

U go Margo, you are the best!!!

WOW!!!!!!! Where have these guys been hiding? They are really good and this lady has the voice of an Angel.

And she is HOT

Timeless voice, really worth listening to.

I love her voice, amazing, seductive and totally addictive. A real gem. jon

Overrated and only an icon in the poofter world.

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... :)

Judy Garland should be in the top 5 ! We're still talking about her, what an impression she has left behind! She's in the top 10 in AFI ranking as greatest actress of all time!

Judy should be in the top 5 at least! One of the greatest singers (male or female) in music history!

Seriously?! Judy should be number one!!

Judy. Immortal. One of the greatest ever. Top 5.

Frank Sinatra said it best - "Judy will have a mystic survival: the rest of us will be forgotten - never Judy Garland". The lady belongs at the top of list, then the others make sense. And Frank is the other who will never be forgotten.

Judy Garland was one of the best and should be higher on any musical list. Al least top ten.

I know a lot about music. No singer can hold a candle to Judy Garland, but Julie Andrews and Sarah Brightman come close. Her voice is very rich, loud, and smooth. It's not all over the place like Mariah Carey's voice. There is only one Judy Garland. We don't hear singers like her today.

If you've never seen a singer other than Judy that puts emotion into a song then you can't have seen many singers at all. A singer is most certainly rated by their power, octave ability, tone, etc. but it would be awfully hard to become a professional at the level we're talking about here without some ability to put emotion into a song. Talking about how she puts herself into her music is really rather nothing more than fluff as a comment.

That Gal Should Be Number 1. There's nobody in the world that will ever sing like her. She can sing the most boring song and make it beautiful and exciting. With Judy, it's not the octaves and the decibels that counts, but the emotion in her voice. She's the best entertainer because she can entertain a whole crowd alone on the stage with just her voice and make them laugh and cry. I've never seen a singer that gives herself that much to every song she performs.

Singing ability is what this list is about. I believe Sarah has a very pleasant voice. She is easy to listen to and I enjoy her songs very much.

Voice of an Angel

Your "One of" can be applied to anyone that has ever done charitable work and is a cop out way to be able to say I didn't say "Most" when challenged, and when you add "all time" with it you are implying that shes is one of the greatest. You may be convinced of anything you like but I doubt that you have researched every performer that has existed to see what kind of contributions they have made, and I still see no documentation here to support your statement. Besides, she still seems to be more of an animal activist, and to me the order should be Children, the Elderly, Women and Men, then animals. Sorry but I believe you intended to place her above everyone on this list. I'm also amazed at the people commenting on this site that don't comprehend that song WRITING talent has nothing to do with SINGING and is irrelevant and fluff.

Actually, my comment was that Sarah McLachlan is "ONE of the most prolific philanthropists associated with the music industry of all time", and of this fact I am absolutely convinced. Had I stated that she was "the MOST prolific philanthropist associated with the music industry of all time", your comment might actually have some basis in reality. Also, the fact that Sarah is not in the top ten of this list proves that most of the people who visit this forum lack any knowledge whatsoever of what constitutes actual singing and songwriting talent, not to mention the basic intelligence to decipher what constitutes the "20th century"!

I love Sarah McLachlan's music, I do. But let's not get carried away, "most prolific philanthropist associated with the music industry" ? Common now. Yes she played some concerts that led to other people donating money, but so has Henry Mancini, Jordin Sparks, Gary Brooker, Shirley Bassey, Lisa Lavie, Bjork, Emily Williams, Garth Brooks, Vicki Carr, Jon Bon Jovi, and Abba donated the copyrightes and royalties to their huge hit 'Chiquitita' to UNICEF for children as well as performed in concerts for charity and Anni-Frid Lyngstad still funds and operates orphanages in Europe, besides many other artists that conduct charitable work. Sarah performed in a concert that raised 3.6 million for Tsunami Relief, but spent way more time raising 30 millon for the ASPCA. children in need, people homeless and dying due to flooding etc. and she devotes all that time to animals. Ok, animals need help too but the above comment by guest is sort of a slap in the face to many other artists.

Sarah has 13 Grammy nominations (3 wins), 21 Juno nominations (8 wins), 6 MuchMusic award nominations (3 wins), 1 Billboard Music Award nomination (1 win), and 1 MTV Music Award nomination (43 nominations and 18 wins). Also, she has sold well over 40,000,000 albums worldwide! Additinally, she has been awarded The Order of Canada by the Queen Elizabeth II of England for her philanthropical work.

Sarah McLachlan easily has as good tone, pitch, and range as any female singer in history, and as added bonuses, she's an extraordinarily talented songwriter and one of the most prolific philanthropists associated with the music industry of all time!

Sarah McLachlan is arguably the best female singer/songwriter of all time.

GREAT singer! One of the best.

This singer is pure TRASH. I went to a recent concert to admire the great Etta James. Huh! The woman is a HO with a mouth like a sewer! Too bad all that potential is wasted on a skanky shell of a woman. She isn't even in the top 1000.

4 Grammys. 17 Blues Music Awards. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1993, Grammy Hall of Fame 1999, Blues Hall of Fame 2001.

This singer is pure class. Inspiration to many singers on this list. Not many come close. !!!

Outstanding voice; very easy to listen to. She truly deserves a fairly high rating.

no one even comes in to a close second. An 87 year old TOP TEN ALBUM in 2011...WHO CAN POSSIBLY COMPETE"

Definitely Number One Female singer of the 20th Century, hands down. Just look at her record.

Hands down The Number One singer of the Twentieth Century, bar none.

the loveliest most touching ever. she and ella no 1.

just one take ! Doris does it every time !

The most lovely and talented singer EVER, she should be wayyy up the list for sure!

queen of all time greatest singers

She is the best in the last 100 years, Should be number 1, that voice is a force to be heard.

#44 are you kidding me! She has a pure voice like Grace Slick in her prime. Easy top 20.

for the life of me icant understand how linda can get sofew praises and karen carpenter so many shes my no.1 who cares if she cant write. listen to "what"ll i do" or "telling me lies" with emmy lou

She should be MUCH MUCH higher on this list. She is incredible, she would be the top on my list.

She should be much higher. She's the most versatile singer around. I think a lot of people don't like it that she did so many covers, but her covers were better than the originals.

amazing voice. amazing she is so low on this list

Linda could sing the dictionary and make it sound good. So very versitile, from rock to light opera (check out the movie version of Pirates of Penzance(sp?) with Kevin Kline), country and big band, she can do it all. Definitely should be higher. Not number one, but in the top 15, I think.

Her work in pop music is great but I like her Mexican CD's even more. One of the best all-time vocal performances I've ever heard is throughout the album "Canciones De Mi Padre". Maximum joy, liberated spirit, effort, control and results, with a hot Mexican acoustic band with chorus to back her up. It's stunning work.

here goes twobirds again and his (her) venin !!

Anne Murray is pure Muzak to my ears. She sings great dentist office music - or elevator music. 37? How about 237.

Anne has the best voice of all time. No question. honey & gravel, always warm and evocative

Best singer in the world. Her voice is soulful, husky, smooth, clear, solid and warm all at the same time. Pitch perfect and totally soothing. Like a warm hug. Pure perfection!

Always wished she would have written more of her own songs.

Talented pianist,gospel,r&b and jazz singer.

This lady should be far higher she has got a fabulous voice

this is a mistake she should be in at least the top 25 she was singing long before many of these ladies were still playing with dolls

what?

Olivia had broken more records than any other female singer. She had 3 songs in the Top 5 in 1978 at the same time. She was the number one female singer of the 70's and she had the biggest song "Physical" of the 80's. She has charted every decade since 1972.

her song PHYSICAL was voted 2nd world sexiest song..Great singer of her time!!

Not only are her boobs magical but her singing is amazing and she writes her own stuff and shes so nice and she plays like 7 instruments

Her boobs are magical (:

Even though I love her, when I close my eyes, I think Alvin the Chipmonks girlfriend or sister or hey maybe his mother!!!

She grew up in the business and is one of the most informed, interested, supportive and creative singer-songwriters decade after decade. Clearly one of the country/bluegrass foundations.

i tend to be impressed with the ladies who also write their own material and Dolly IS one of the greats

Her voice is beautiful and her rendition of "Crazy' is amazing. Strong voice with great feeling behind it. Good choice

folks, can we get it figured out that these awards are meaningless??? The girl can sing. let's say something meaningful about her.

Too gravelly a voice for singing.

Hard to claim she's the best ever, but certainly deserving a mention. Certainly in terms of raw vocal power and entertainment value she was hard to match, although whether she could be called all THAT technically proficient or versatile is another matter.

She should be #1. Her voice is completely unique and beautiful. She sings with so much emotion and was the first female rock star. I agree with the person who recommended "Ball & Chain". That's probably her best songs (yes I know it's a cover) and it gives me chills every time.

Simply one of the greatest singers of all time. 41 is an insult. And she was said to have had a four octave range. It's just rock and roll really didn't show it off. But she put more heart into every performance than practically any of the others listed.

Single! The best singer ever heard ..

Janis Joplin must be 1st you fools! : ))))

Janis Joplin is teh best! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING! Long live Janis Joplin :)

Everybody was supposed to like Janis because of the hype surrounding her. It was supposed to be "hip" to like Janis in the '60's. But in reality, Janis was a psychotic screamer. I had the misfortune of seeing her live once. She was terrible. I left the concert. She shouldn't be on the list. One of the worst "singers" who ever assaulted my eardrums. She sucks.

Janis had that gravel-gurdy voice that just grabbed my heart strings whenever she sang! Take another piece o' my heart now, Bay-Bee!

Janis found a way to make a bad voice sound beautiful.

Not a fantastic voice BUT would be top of the rockers list due to her anguished delivery, heart and power. Check her out singing "ball & chain" at Monteray or "Cry Baby" in Canada to see she's all about.

Janis Joplin was ranked # 28 on the Rolling Stone Magazine list Greatest Singers of All Time.

Elkie is THE best

Totally agree , Elkie Brooks has a much better voice.

I love her songs, she's an outstanding performer, but she dosen't have a real good voice - the unique sound of her voice is not a subsitute for vocal quality.

Along with Elkie Brooks !!!

Deserving of the No. 1 spot, no question ! No one even comes close.

This is an outrage!.. Dusty should be in Top Ten.. No question.

The best female singer of all time period

Dusty should be at least in the top 20 of greatest female singers. She had great interpretive skills, was one of the first white artists to embrace black soul singing styles and was one of the best singers of songs of pathos and reflection.

You mean who you want to sound like. Not whom.

Dusty should definitely be higher than #42 on this list! This member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame could make ANY song of ANY genre her own. Her falsetto and vibrato were both sublime, as were her soul capabilities, tone, and pitch.

If I could sing, this is whom I would want to sound like.

wonderful and raw