Most polls are useless, but c'mon, Ann Wilson and Roger Daltrey are still the best voices in rock, and everyone else is playing for 6-10.

Best singer? Aretha

Best recording artist? Aretha again; count the number ones. Not even close.

Best live performer? Depends on your taste. I'd go with Tina. Joan Jett, Ann Wilson, and as some mentioned, Pat Benatar, are very entertaining performers ( I've seen them all live), but not exceptionally talented singers like the others on the list. By that criterion, I'd include Melissa Etheridge, Celia Cruz, Etta James...

Interesting to include Roberta Flack and Kate Bush, who deserve inclusion even though their carreers may have languished.

If it's pure pop singing talent you're rating, I'd include Linda Ronstadt, Natalie Merchant, the Roches, Dolly Parton.

gstucker wrote:
Best live performer? Depends on your taste. I'd go with Tina. Joan Jett, Ann Wilson, and as some mentioned, Pat Benatar, are very entertaining performers ( I've seen them all live), but not exceptionally talented singers like the others on the list.

Taste is indisputable, if somebody appeals to you then they are good by your definition. But to say Ann Wilson and Pat Benatar aren't exceptionally talented singers is bona fide nuts. Benatar shocked her teachers at Julliard when she rejected a career in classical music.

It was a BIG toss up between Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. Both are fantastic. But, I voted for Tina Turner. She demands RESPECT. Along with respect comes feel of authority.
Ofcourse, my second one would have been Aretha Franklin. She is great. Love them both.

strawhousepig wrote:Merrill Garbus

If that performance doesn't knock your socks off, well I just don't know.

You got me,I thought you were serious !

Joan Jett because who else in that list would win in a Royal Rumble?

I r-e-s-p-e-c-t Aretha (sorry, had to be done), but after listening to Adele, I've never heard a voice like hers. She has such a natural singing voice that it seems like it takes no effort at all, including live. I'm not a huge fan of what she sings (I like a few songs), but I am blown away by her voice. She wins, hands down.

Tina had #1 songs in four different decades.

Tina had #1 songs in four different decades.

Imma have to vote for Joanna Newsom

Better question would have been who is #2 behind A.F.

lobo81865 wrote:Ann Wilson all the way. Where is Pat Benatar?

How about Stevie Nicks?

adele is the only name on that list I have seen before, and I don't like her music.

Edit: I didn't see Aretha Franklin the first time.

gusvonpooch wrote:You got me,I thought you were serious !

110% percent serious. Girl's got pipes and pumps a truckload of emotion through them.