Best Singers of All Time - Top Ten List - TheTopTens®
Best Singers of All Time
Pick who you think is the greatest singer of all time.
The Top TenXW
1Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana and passed away on June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, producer, choreographer, entertainer and humanitarian. He donated (at least) a remarkable 300,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King ... read more .
No one is giving MJ a sympathy vote... Are you crazy? Anyone saying something like that does not know what an amazing range he had, how he could control his voice, or what he could do with it. His vocal range was a 4 octave of a tenor, he had an amazing vibrato and sang across just about every genre of music... It is one of the things he is known for. It's sad that some just don't know enough yet comment or merely dismiss him because he was a fantastic dancer as well and somehow they forget what he was originally known for, which was singing from a very young age with the soul of an experienced adult. The emotion and passion he sang with was so authentic and palpable. I am tired of seeing some people discount him when he was both a fantastic singer as well as dancer. He was the complete package as an artist.
Just because your favorite is someone else doesn't mean that it's right to belittle an artist that clearly was an amazing singer or ignore facts that have been in evidence ... more
Michael Jackson was great. His death was horrible and sad but some say he could still be alive. He was still awesome. - Kittensarecute
Michael Jackson is the best singer in the world. No doubt about that but people are loving Justin Bieber. This is just foolishness. You have to vote Michael Jackson. He is the greatest ever ever ever king of every thing in music. He is dead so what he is still alive in our hearts. This I am saying to every Michael Jackson fan. I am the greatest Michael Jackson fan ever in the history of the world. I love Michael Jackson very very very much. Michael Jackson is the greatest singer of all the time. His name will be remember ever in the history of all the centuries. His all songs were very very very nature loving and very very very sweet. I love them very much.
I agree. Michael jACKSON HAS really cool songs. His quality is awesome. Literally! - SuperBacca
Started in the Jackson 5 being a superstar then and then going on to sing songs such as thriller and billie jean, you can't go against him! The King of Pop
Self proclaim don't leave that out. That's what he called himself and demanded MTV to address him as so, no one gave him that title he gave it to himself. Where in Elvis's case it was given to him by other singers and entertainers and he never care for it and denounce it many times. Of all the great compliments given to Elvis by all the great people in the business all your boy and I do mean BOY had to say was they call him the king why not me. So there you go a little history lesson for you. And one more thing Bill Bailey created the moon walk not your boy just an impersonator nothing of his own. - buckles
Michael Jackson is the god of singing.
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2Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town, Tanzania he later became a British singer, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Before he became a singer he has been ... read more .
How could you not vote for Freddie Mercury? Just imagine his lovely, bright character, his sweet sense of humor and is adorable, unique voice. He is the idol of a whole bunch of now beloved musicians like Lady Gaga..
So come on Darlings..
Perfect Singer! I never even heard of the guys at number 3 and 2. Every Queen song blows me away!
I know you heard of the number 3 and you know and I know where should be. The truth will set you free. - buckles
Freddie Mercury is the greatest vocalist and singer of all time. Why? That is because he has a unique voice that can simply not be replicated. The most unique and most beautiful voice that has ever graced this earth. There is no vocalist before or after him, that I could think of, that can sing the song "The Show Must Go On" or "Who Wants to Live Forever". What makes him so special is beyond my understanding. Maybe its his tone, or maybe its his accent. Whatever it is, it is the most amazing thing ever recorded and nobody will ever be able to pull it off.
Freddie shall never be a runner up! He was, let alone is number 1! Creating fantastic music all his life and lying at his deathbed to sing one more melody then becoming one of Queen's greatest songs the man would never stop. He would do anything for his fans. He should be number 1 and we all know it.
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3Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was a American musician and actor. Known as "The King" He was mostly known for his number 1 singles including "Heartbreak Hotel" "Hound Dog" "Jailhouse Rock" "Love me Tender" Elvis debuted in the movie "Love me Tender" and focused less on his music and continued that way. ... read more .
I was a teen when Elvis Presley began singing, but very few of his songs appealed to me: I grew up in a family of classical music lovers. Last year I found a station that played nothing but Mr. Presley's music, including the several takes required to make a master that satisfied him, his live concerts, and informal recordings of his in-studio and at-home jam sessions. I'm 64 years old, and I've never heard anything like Mr. Presley's voice. I still don't "like" everything he sang, but he has no equal among recorded singers. He could, and did, sing anything. When I read that the great tenor, Placido Domingo said, "He had the voice I wish I had gotten", I listened a little harder. Musicians themselves still place Mr. Presley at the top of their lists of excellent singers. If you don't, you haven't listened to the whole body of his work. Frank Sinatra sang for 60 years and recorded three times as many songs as Mr. Presley did in his scant 23 years-career, but even his ... more
I couldn't say it as nice as you did... he will always be the king no matter what
Elvis Made Music As it is today, Without his great moves, Looks and Music, What Would Today's Music Be Like, a No1 Single By Rebecca Black's Friday.
Very attractive and sexy for his time. Beautiful voice, good entertainment. Would be in top 10
Would be in the top ten? Have you ever really listen to any of Elvis's music I mean really listen not just hound dog and don't be cruel. I mean the guy has more gold records than anyone charted more than anyone photography more than anyone copied more anyone never made a movie that didn't make a profit and the freak they got as number 1 was nothing but a poor Elvis imitation. People what's up with this crap you know who's number 1 I know who's number 1 and everyone on this list know's who's number 1 so stop insulting ELVIS he deserves better. These one dimensional singers don't belong on the same list with a three dimensional singer. I hope the blinders have been removed. - buckles
He made great music and I can't help moving my body while listening to his music
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4Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer . With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame with the rock band the Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop and rock music .
Great vocals... great songwriter!
The Beatles changes music forever. Paul McCartney also has a much better voice than MJ. He really should be higher up on this list, if not #1.
Why isn't he top, he has an enormous range, but not only that, he has got an extremely good voice, the best singer of all time in my opinion
Its all about the voice - marco-cat
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5Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time. Houston is one of pop music's best-selling music artists of all-time, with an estimated 170–200 ... read more .
I love the range and how good you can control the pitches so well
She's the best singer I've ever heard! The most beautiful voice to listen!
This has nothing to do with question of taste.....bla bla bla
How on earth can somebody say Mariah Scarey or regine vaseline is better than Whitney!!! Like I said this has nothing to do with taste....those people should be declared insane........How on earth and in their right mind can people say Mariah, Celine, Regine are better than WHITNEY!!!!! Even Mariah and Celine would say "The people who voted for us are lunatics or children" Everybody in their right mind and who's being honest would say that title belongs to Whitney, period!!!
Greatest voice of all time
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6Robert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant is an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin.
Robert Plant had a true quality of Rock in his voice, like he sung Rock itself. He could sound crazy, beautiful, disturbed... whatever he needed to fit the song, and the passion he sung with is unbeatable. Certainly the greatest singer in the Rock Genre and probably the greatest vocalist of all time.
It's really sad that Plant didn't get on the top ten...
he is by far the greatest rock and roll singer of all time, and will always be emulated, but never surpassed. He is much too original to ever be forgotten for his contributions.
I think that Robert Plant is good but still he has a good band to follow him, jimmy page and john bonham, but still Led Zeppelin is the best band of all time
Last time I checked he was on top 4. getting lower. - zxm
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7John Lennon
John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE was an English singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a co-founder of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. He was assassinated by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980 at age 40 .
Great person, good vocals, Innovator
When you listen to lennon's voice in the early beatles like twist and shout and help his voice is like none other. Then later there's come together and jealous guy and he doesn't even sound the same but he still sounds awesome. John lennon obviously deserves to be in the top 5 alongside paul or the beatles weren't the best band ever
John Lennon may not have had the range of MJ or the power of Whitney Houston but when it comes to raw emotion and a beautiful tone, he has no match. He was an innovator, a worldwide icon and a pioneer of the 21st century. Nobody else on this list would ever have such a large part of an Olympic Games Closing ceremony devoted to them which just proves what an incredible singer, songwriter and person he was. He has led the most popular band in the world and sung what is arguably the most popular song in Britain (Imagine) and if that isn't enough to take him to #1 I don't know what is.
He changed America
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8Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century.
A lot of clueless people out there. Frank is hands down the greatest entertainer of all time
Should be number one. The was he brought a story into a song and put emotion into it is unrivaled. His vibrato control is the best of any singer past or present. The beauty of his breathing technique is so subtle and unappreciated. My vote for top 3 of all time.
Beautiful smooth. This describes the man and the voice. Would definitely make the top ten
It's Sinatra, enough said.
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9Madonna
Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She influenced a lot of singers such as: Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears . She is known as Queen of Pop and at modern pop culture specifically in 2012 "Madge" or MDNA . She has ... read more .
I LOVE Madonna. Singing is not all about how good your voice is. But what you do with your voice.
I CAN'T BELIEVE CHARICE HAS A HIGHER RANK HERE THAN THE GREAT ELVIS, MARIAH, CELINE DION, AND ALL THE OTHERS!
MARIAH HAS A VERY ANGELIC VOICE... I ALMOST GET DEAF WHENEVER I HEAR CHARICE, NOT THAT SHE'S NOT GOOD. BUT SHE ALWAYS SCREAMS ESPECIALLY IF IT'S A DUET... SHE'LL SCREAM EVEN IF SHE'S ALREADY OFF KEY. :P
Sarah Geronimo can sing in different genres... And she's good at all of them. And when she can't do something, she'll admit it and not struggle to do it because she know she can't unlike Charice. - feiy_o6
Girl You Are the QUEEN of music. I don't see why you haven't got the top ten hammered down. Your Great! Just keep the great music comming. Love Ya! Madonna - Cort2011Spenc
Let's give the Top Tens some credit here. It is so refreshing to see an ALL TIME top ten singers that does not include the names Evancho, Underwood, Amy Lee, or Lambert on it. They are all fine singers but they do not have enough of a track record to be worthy of top ten on an all-time list, and have influenced nobody, although they probably will in time. Every one of the singers in your top ten has a proven track record, a long string of hits, and several artists they have influenced. It is a model for other Top Ten lists. Way to go!
She is a great entertainer, but not the best singer... - anewman
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10Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 172 million albums making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce ... read more .
Justin bieber, shakira and britney spears better than Eminem?
Who vote for them don't know nothing about music.
EMINEM FOREVER.
Eminem is above Sinatra, Beyoncé, Aretha, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi. I mean, he's good, but his voice just can't be compared to those music legends.
I love every single song eminem has wrote favorite would have to be NOT AFRAID, STAN, CRACK A BOTTLE, LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE, AND MOCKING BIRD
These guys don't really know the music! How can shakira be better than eminem? Come on
Eminem is a strong candidate for a top ten rapper list. He is not a singer. A sing can carry a note, hit the high/and or low octaves. Just saying! - Terrax
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12Bruno Mars
Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer.
he is the best! his voice is amazing and he is really pretty and nice. so I think, that he is on of the best. Bruno Mars YOU ARE my special singer!
Why is he not in this list? He should be ranked higher, seriously. He can sing high notes AND he was the youngest Elvis Presley impersonator professionally at the age of 2. Later in his teen years he started impersonating Michael Jackson (which means he can moonwalk) He's also a songwriter, producer and many more! He has a good personality and good sense of humour ;) And his performances are never boring!
He is my favorite singer... Bruno Mars! YOU ARE THE BEST! I loved his songs. Just the way you are, Grenade, lazy son'
He is a brilliant pop star, I like his songs, well done
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13Axl Rose
William Bruce Rose Jr.,better known as 'Axl Rose', was born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana, USA. He Is the founder and lead singer of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is a celebrated but controversial figure in the world of rock.
Axl should be number 1! How can you compare welcome to the jungle and Chinese democracy to michael jackson? Both are really powerful songs. Axl still has it!
Axel is no doubt the greatest front man in history. He had an amazing voice which is sadly overshadowed by his disputes with Guns N' Roses. Still doesn't take away the fact that he is up there with the Rock Gods. 20 years later he still is the best!
I've heard many 1000's rock bands , and I'm sure "Axl is the best singer ever"
He should be in Top 10 undoubtedly...
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15Steve Perry
Stephen Ray "Steve" Perry is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known as the lead singer of the rock band Journey during their most commercially successful periods from 1977 to 1987 and again from 1995 to 1998.
"The Voice" is none other than Steve Perry, one of the greatest singers of our time! His vocal range is second to none and he can sing anything! Steve's talent seems to be appreciated more and more as time goes on by his generation, as well as new generations. Timeless and awesome - that's the voice of Steve Perry!
Steve Perry is the consummate performer! He can sing ANYTHING; he's not boxed in by one particular kind of music. Remember, Steve Perry is "The Voice" and he will go down in music history as one of the very best singers of our time, bar none!
People must be blind if they don't vote for steve perry, one of the great majestic singers of all time. He still writing and producing music till this day. Don't stop believing hold on to that feeling, put him the top 2 make him #1 HE DESERVES THIS. I WILL BE A FAN FOREVER.
You are so very totally correct! He is the best singer of ALL TIME!
He must be on top 10 because since he sang we are the world I love him
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16Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Why is he not in the top ten stevie should be in the top 3
Not my favorite singer, in fact I'm not a big fan of his music. However, this is a list of the best singers in the world and Stevie is without a doubt worthy of the top five. In my opinion I would put Elvis first, John Lennon second, Stevie wonder third, Robert Plant forth and Freddie Mercury fifth. But that's just my opinion peace and love.
Original voice, one of a kind. Great entertainer. Inventive.
People need to get real what's above the best ever
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17Chester Bennington
Chester Charles Bennington is an American musician, singer, songwriter and actor. He is best known for being the lead singer of Linkin Park.
Chester=the best. PERIOD. No one even comes close to chester, he can sing everything and has the ability to scream better than anyone and can just straight up sing... Go Chester, go LP, go Dead by Sunrise(name of Chester's side project)!
I think chester bennington is by far the best singer of modern day. He gives LP songs the edge that no other song has. No one can really compare to Chester Bennington. His voice is the most unique and powerful voice I have ever heard... Chester Rules!
Chester is "THE BEST. " He is absolutely the best. It does not matter how many albums sold; how many concerts attended; whatever. His voice is so much better and he really gives it emotion. He's also a great person, too. Listen to "Given Up. " Its like a 15 second huge scream. Its amazing. This guy deserves #1, no doubt.
Just listen to this dude, soft or hard and raspy, he's amazing.
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18Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She won 5 Grammys, got her documentary movie "Glitter" and also one of the biggest best-selling women in the music industry. ... read more .
Mariah Carey is an inspiring singer! I'd love to be like her. She has many hit singles including 'always be my baby', 'bye bye', 'I'll be there' and hit Christmas single 'all I want for Christmas is you'. Although my favorite song of Mariah Carey is 'Hero' because every time I listen to that song it reminds me to never give up no matter what. Also it shows, the soldiers in war are all really having a hard time. But the most amazing thing is she actually wrote the song. When I listen to Mariah singing it(on You Tube)she shows great emotion and I believe she actually means what she is saying.
Mariah Carey is not like many other singers today- she doesn't just create an 'upbeat' song to make a lot of money and to have fame but because she wants to show why she is singing and why she became a singer in the first place.
Mariah can really sing her songs
Have any of you people heard her sing? She has a range like nobody else, and she is also HOT HOT HOT!
She must to be at number 1 of the list
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19Adele
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is an English singer and songwriter. Graduating from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in 2006, Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace the same year. She is best known with her international hit singles ... read more .
Beautiful voice and amazing music. One of the best artists of the new millennium.
What the-
Why isn't Adele at the top? In my opinion, she deserves to be number 1! Adele is amazing, for she puts soul, heart, and feeling into her music. She inspired me to sing, so bring her to the top people!
With the people already on here adele definitely deserves a spot
I have to ask everyone why the hell is adele on the 19th place when she should be in the first. I just love her voice and she inspires me and I have to mention her cool videos for every song she has.
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20Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian pop singer . Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, she first entered the music industry by recording demo tapes under the direction of record producer Evan Rogers in 2003. She ultimately signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning ... read more .
Rihanna has an unique voice and she deserves be on top 10
Rihanna is my idol I love her she should be top 2 all her songs are amazing my favorites are diamonds what's my name we found love don't stop the music umbrella only girl in the world s&m disturbia and every single one her voice is incredible I love her unreleased songs to #biggest navy in the world navy's are Rihanna' diehard fans
She totally deserves to be higher than Taylor Swift ! She has had 14 number one singles, even more than Michael Jackson, and she is ranked 13th on billboards greatest singles artists of all time.
She is a beast