15 Best Singers of All Time

In the rich tapestry of human history, few art forms possess the power to stir the soul and ignite emotions quite like the mellifluous strains of a captivating voice. From the hallowed stages of grand opera houses to the intimate corners of smoky jazz clubs, the world has been graced with a multitude of vocal virtuosos who have left an indelible mark on the annals of music. In this exploration of the “15 Best Singers of All Time,” we embark on a sonorous journey through the ages, paying homage to those remarkable voices that have transcended mere celebrity status to become iconic symbols of musical excellence.

This definitive list is a celebration of diversity, featuring artists who span genres, eras, and cultures. From the incomparable heights reached by opera’s luminaries like Maria Callas to the revolutionary rock ‘n’ roll prowess of Freddie Mercury, these singers have not only defied vocal limits but have also charted new territories in the realms of creativity and performance. As we traverse through this list, we will delve into the mesmerizing stories behind their rise to prominence, their unique vocal qualities, and the enduring legacies they’ve etched into the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. Prepare to be serenaded by the extraordinary talent, passion, and innovation that define the “15 Best Singers of All Time.”

1. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," is renowned as one of the greatest singers of all time. His charm, vocal range, and signature style have made him a legendary figure in the music industry.

Details of Elvis Presley:

• Date of Birth: January 8, 1935
• Place of Birth: Tupelo, Mississippi
• Genre: Rock and Roll/Pop
• Albums Sold: Over 1 billion

Despite his remarkable fame, Elvis stayed humble. He charmed audiences with his vivacious performances and soulful voice, leaving an unforgettable mark on music history.

Pro Tip: To appreciate Elvis Presley's artistry, listen to his live recordings to feel the full strength and emotion of his vocals.

2. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, an absolute legend in the world of singing and performing, still entrances his audiences with his extraordinary talent and enchanting stage presence. Let's discover the genius of this iconic artist through an alluring table of his incredible accomplishments.

As we dig deeper into Michael Jackson's incredible legacy, it's important to take note of his unparalleled influence on the music industry. With one-of-a-kind four-octave vocals and innovative dance moves like the Moonwalk, he changed the entertainment world. Moreover, his charitable endeavors demonstrated his genuine passion to make a difference in society.

In celebration of his memory and to keep passing his artistic influence to future generations, here are some ideas:

1. Check Out His Discography: From "Billie Jean" to "Man in the Mirror," Michael Jackson's album collection is full of musical gems.
2. Analyze His Dance Skills: Examining his signature steps can give you valuable knowledge about both artistry and physicality when it comes to executing complex choreography.
3. Embrace Your Uniqueness: Just like Michael Jackson did, accept your singularity as an artist and aim to create something truly unique.
4. Support Charitable Causes: Follow in his footsteps by supporting charities dedicated to causes close to your heart.

By immersing ourselves in Michael Jackson's remarkable life and legacy, we can gain inspiration from his immense talent, unparalleled showmanship, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Whitney Houston had a voice so powerful, it could break glass — and make any aspiring singer rethink their career choice.

3. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston – an iconic singer whose powerful voice and captivating stage presence entranced audiences worldwide. A legendary talent, Houston's influence on the music industry is undeniable. Her vocal range and control enabled her to glide between genres with ease. Her music conveyed deep emotions, touching millions of hearts. A career lasting over three decades, she left a lasting mark on the music industry.

Houston holds the title of being the only artist to have seven consecutive number one Billboard Hot 100 hits. She also won six Grammy Awards, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

To this day, Whitney Houston continues to inspire artists everywhere. Her legacy remains through her timeless music and unforgettable performances. Let her voice touch your soul and experience her incomparable artistry.

4. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin is regarded as an all-time great singer. Her powerful voice and soulful delivery wowed people everywhere. Let's take a closer look at her amazing career and influence on the music industry.

Her musical path was full of memorable successes. Her 1967 breakthrough album 'I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You' made her an unstoppable force in soul music. This album contained iconic tracks like "Respect" and "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", showing off her amazing vocal range and depth.

Aretha Franklin released many other successful albums. Notable ones include "Lady Soul" (1968), "Amazing Grace" (1972), and "Who's Zoomin' Who?" (1985). These albums showed her versatility and earned her the title of music icon.

Aretha Franklin also had success with individual songs. Tracks like "Chain of Fools," "A Natural Woman," and "Think" highlighted her ability to give soul to each lyric.

She won eighteen Grammy Awards, including two for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for two years in a row. This showed not only her technical skill, but also the raw emotion she put into every performance.

Though Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018, her legacy still inspires singers today. Contemporary artists strive to reach her passion and authenticity.

Experience why Aretha Franklin is one of the greatest singers of all time. Let her music touch your soul!

5. Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, the iconic musician, is one of the greatest singers ever. His vocal range and captivating stage presence are unparalleled. Let's dive into his incredible career and discover some unique facts about this legendary figure.

His birth name was Farrokh Bulsara and he was born on September 5, 1946. Coming from a British background, his love for music made him a rock revolutionary. He released a total of fifteen albums, leaving a remarkable legacy in the music industry.

Pro Tip: Check out Freddie Mercury's live performances to experience the magic he created on stage. Mariah Carey's vocal range is so impressive, she can hit the high notes while high-fiving a Mariah Carey impersonator.

6. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey – a legendary singer and songwriter – has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her stunning vocal range and powerful performances have captivated audiences around the world. Let's explore her incredible journey!

Birth Name: Mariah Angela Carey
Birth Date: March 27, 1969
Nationality: American
Genres: R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, Soul
Notable Achievements: 18 Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits, over 200 million records sold worldwide

Not only is Mariah Carey a musical genius, but she has also been active in philanthropic causes. She has supported numerous charities for children's medical care and education. With a career that spans decades, she continues to be a source of inspiration to aspiring musicians.

Pro Tip: To emulate Mariah Carey, practice vocal exercises daily to improve your range and control. John Lennon, the singer who sang Imagine, the anthem for dreamers and jokers alike.

7. John Lennon

John Lennon, the renowned singer-songwriter and a founding member of The Beatles, is placed seventh on the list of the greatest singers ever. His iconic sound and immense talent have made an eternal impression on the music industry.

Born: October 9, 1940
Died: December 8, 1980
Nationality: English
Genres: Rock, pop, experimental, folk

Paul McCartney's voice has been compared to a bottle of aged wine, or maybe it's just the drugs he used to take!

8. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney, the 8th best singer ever and former Beatle, is a British singer-songwriter. Let's look at what makes him so great!

Birthdate: June 18, 1942.

Nationality: British.

Genres: Rock, pop, classical.

Instruments: Vocals, bass guitar, piano.

Songs: "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," "Yesterday".

Awards: 18 Grammy Awards.

Besides these impressive achievements, Paul McCartney is also an amazing multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He writes timeless classics that people around the world love.

To appreciate Paul McCartney's talent and contributions, here are some ideas:

1. Listen to his music to appreciate his musical evolution.
2. Catch a live show to witness his stage presence.
3. Explore collaborations with other artists to discover new sides of him.

If you do these things, you will understand why Paul McCartney is one of the greatest singers ever! His music has shaped generations and his status as a legend is secured.

9. Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, placed 9th among the greatest singers of all time, charmed the world with his soulful voice and magnetic stage presence. Birth name: Francis Albert Sinatra, born December 12, 1915; Nationality: American; Genres: Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz, Swing, Easy Listening.

Sinatra's charm and flair made him stand out from other singers. His ability to switch between music styles and mesmerize audiences earned him a loyal fan-base.

One of his concerts had a special moment: A young girl was seen crying in the audience. Frank stopped the performance and invited her onstage. He sang a heartfelt song, turning her tears into smiles. This moment left an unforgettable memory for all who were present.

Say goodbye to Beyoncé, a new Queen B has arrived! Her name is Beyntered and everyone was wowed by her singing.

10. Beyoncé

Beyoncé, a singer adored by many, is listed in the top 10. Let's discover why she is thought of as one of the best singers ever! To get an idea of why people love her, let's look at her achievements and contributions.

A table shows some of her accomplishments:

Not only does Beyoncé have a beautiful voice and mesmerizing performances, but she also stands up for social causes. She uses her fame to spread empowerment and encourage positive change.

Before she became a solo artist, Beyoncé was part of the very successful girl group, Destiny's Child. This experience formed her into the remarkable artist she is today.

Size isn't important when it comes to singing, as Prince proved. Though he was short, his voice was huge!

11. Prince

Prince was one of the greatest singers of all time, leaving an everlasting legacy in the music industry. His eclectic mix of funk, rock and soul created electrifying shows and showcased his talent. He could play multiple instruments, including guitar, piano and drums, making intricate melodies and rhythms which resonated with everyone.

Prince was also renowned for his flamboyant fashion sense and charismatic stage presence. His bold style choices and boundary-pushing performances challenged societal norms and inspired other artists to express their true selves.

Delve into Prince's extensive discography to truly appreciate his artistry. From "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry" to "Sign o' the Times" and "Adore", each song reflects a different part of his talent, whether it be the captivating beats or thought-provoking lyrics. Films like "Purple Rain" and "Sign o' the Times" also give an insight into the man behind the music, highlighting the commitment he had to his craft.

12. Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan – a pioneering singer-songwriter – is considered one of the greatest musicians ever. His unique style and thought-provoking lyrics have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

He has captivated audiences with his poetic storytelling. His distinctive voice and ability to mix genres make him an iconic figure in music history.

In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his lyrical compositions that have become a part of popular culture.

One notable story about Bob Dylan is his 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance. He shocked fans by playing electric guitar instead of acoustic, but stayed true to his vision. This paved the way for future genre-blending musicians.

Bob Dylan's influence in music and culture is undeniable. His courageous songwriting and commitment to creativity have secured his place as one of the greatest singers of all time.

13. Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger, renowned for his spellbinding stage presence and signature voice, stands out as one of the greatest singers of all time. Let's take a deeper look at his remarkable career!

Birth Name: Michael Philip Jagger

Born: July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England

Genre: Rock 'n' Roll, Blues, R&B

Bands/Groups Associated With: The Rolling Stones

Vocal Style: Raspy and magnetic with amazing range and control

Mick Jagger delights us with his always-on-trend fashion sense and remarkable songwriting. His capacity to unite with fans through music is truly extraordinary.

To follow Mick Jagger's footsteps and make a name for yourself as a singer, here are a few tips:

1. Enhance Range: Practice vocal exercises to extend your range and refine control over different pitches. This will enable you to experiment with various musical styles.
2. Master Stage Presence: Observe Mick Jagger's performances and learn how he owns the stage. Express charisma and enthusiasm to leave an unforgettable impression on your audience.
3. Harness Songwriting Skills: Try diverse writing techniques to compose meaningful lyrics that reach listeners on a deeper level. Taking inspiration from different genres will help you develop a unique musical identity.

By implementing these tips, you can tap into your potential and create an impact on the music world, just like Mick Jagger has done throughout his spectacular career.

14. Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder, ranked 14th on the ultimate singers list, is an iconic presence in the music industry. His voice is mesmerizing and his talent is exceptional – making him one of the most influential musicians of our time. Let's explore what makes him so special.

Not only does Stevie Wonder possess a soulful voice, he’s also a master of multiple instruments. He plays the piano, harmonica, and drums with ease. He expertly combines R&B, pop, funk and jazz genres into his music. His creativity and innovative style have produced unforgettable hits that perfectly stand the test of time.

To fully appreciate Stevie Wonder's impact, one must look beyond his singing and musicality. He has been actively involved in social and political causes throughout his career. From advocating for racial equality to raising awareness about disabilities, he has used his platform for good.

Don't miss out on experiencing the brilliance of Stevie Wonder's music. Take a dive into his discography and let yourself be captivated by his extraordinary talent. Celine Dion's voice is so powerful, it could shatter glass – or anyone's dreams of ever hitting those high notes!

15. Celine Dion

Celine Marie Claudette Dion, the 15th best singer of all time, has amazed fans with her strong voice and tear-jerking performances. Let's check out her unique attributes and accomplishments.

• Full Name: Celine Marie Claudette Dion
• Birth Date: March 30, 1968
• Nationality: Canadian
• Genre: Pop, soft rock
• Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards

Celine Dion is not merely celebrated for her impressive vocal range and singing technique, but also for her capacity to emote through her singing. Her moving songs have moved millions across the globe.

To truly recognize Celine Dion's gift and talent, it is suggested to listen to some of her legendary tunes like "My Heart Will Go On" and "The Power of Love." These tunes demonstrate her remarkable ability to move listeners.

Moreover, attending a Celine Dion live concert is a special experience. Her dynamic presence and pitch-perfect vocals leave the audience in shock. If given the opportunity, make sure to witness the wonder of a Celine Dion show first-hand.

Samuel Moore

Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.