Rolling Stone magazine recently updated its “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” rankings. It’s a “who’s who” list of some of the most iconic and influential vocalists in music history, which covers a wide range of genres including rock, pop, soul, R&B, blues, folk, and more. According to Rolling Stone, “This new list was compiled [by] our staff and key contributors, and it encompasses 100 years of pop music as an ongoing global conversation,” adding criteria was based on “originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy.” The list was received with mixed emotions, ruffling the feathers of some music fans due to some artists being snubbed and questionable rankings of certain artists. In rebuttal, Rolling Stone reiterated that the list is compiled of the greatest singers of all time, not voices.
At the top of the list is Aretha Franklin, who is widely considered the greatest singer of all time. Other notable musicians in the top 10 include Sam Cooke, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, and Beyoncé among others.
This time around, the list excludes powerhouses like Celine Dion, Pink, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Janet Jackson, Tony Bennett, Madonna, Bruno Mars, Nat King Cole, John Legend, Dionne Warwick, and more. While questionable rankings include artists like Michael Jackson at #86 and Bob Dylan at #15, to name a few.
The list also includes a number of contemporary artists, such as David Bowie, Dolly Parton, Adele, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, and Taylor Swift who have significantly impacted the music industry.
Overall, Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” list is a testament to the enduring power of the human voice and the many talented artists who have used it to create some of the most memorable and beloved music of all time.
See the full list at RollingStone.com.