Best. Voice. Ever.

[anne]

For technical pitch perfection, I'd have to tip my hat to Barbra Streisand (voice is smooth as glass) and Sarah Brightman.

For singers who really know how to put the emotion in, I'd vote for KD Lang, and Scott Blasey (lead singer of a band called The Clarks that most people in the world have not heard of)

For underrated singer who doesn't get the respect her voice deserves because of her path to stardom, I'd say Kelly Clarkson

And for voice I could listen to for hours and hours, I have to go with Bryan Ferry.

[bastinado]

I like the velvety smooth voice and clean phrasing of Ella Fitzgerald

[comfortablynumb]

I think Steve Perry has the best rock voice evah.

ETA: Let me qualify that by saying he has the greatest MALE rock voice evah. Ann Wilson is THE rock goddess.

[quickychick]

I'll throw in Paul Rodgers. His voice has not changed at all since the Free days, still quite clear and distinctive.

[sleepy]

You all have mentioned a lot of good singers. Mine shifts with my mood, but I'll have to jump on the Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits bandwagon for now. Mostly for "Suzanne" and the entire "Closing Time" album, respectively.

[thvar]

This is one thread I couldn't resist answering, especially since none of my favourites had been mentioned. So, my vote goes to Judy Henske (listen to "Dark Angel" and you'll agree) and Mahalia Jackson (sigh...), incredible Howlin' Wolf and Shane MacGowan, who I just love (provided I don't have to look at him ;-)).

[cleangenie]

Have to go with Duke of URL on Nat King Cole and Patsy Cline.

I'll add Julie Andrews and Bing Crosby.

And Placido Domingo, but only when he sings Ava Maria and Nessun Dorma.

[Mouse]

Let me add Karen Carpenter. I just love that warm, clear voice she has.

[spider]

I've always loved Roberta Flack's voice. And Sinead O'Connor and Loraine Ellison.

[Deleted]

The best voice in heavy hard rock ever is Ian Asbtury from the British band "The Cult". Rich, baritone, seductive. Amazing.