15 Best Broadway Singers of All Time

Broadway has been the stage for some of the most mesmerizing and unforgettable vocal performances in the history of entertainment. From the dazzling lights of Times Square to the grandeur of historic theaters, the Great White Way has echoed with the voices of countless talented performers who have left an indelible mark on the world of music and theater. In this article, we embark on a journey through the annals of Broadway history to celebrate the top 15 best Broadway singers of all time. These extraordinary artists have not only graced the Broadway stage but have also made an enduring impact on the broader realm of music, captivating audiences with their exceptional vocal prowess and emotive storytelling.

From the classic golden age of Broadway to the modern era of groundbreaking musicals, our list traverses decades of exceptional talent, highlighting the diverse voices and styles that have enriched the tapestry of musical theater. Whether they are belting out powerful anthems, delivering heart-wrenching ballads, or infusing humor and charm into their performances, these Broadway legends have transcended the stage to become cultural icons. Join us as we pay homage to the unparalleled voices that have made Broadway a place where dreams come alive and emotions run deep, cementing their status as the 15 best Broadway singers of all time.

1. Ethel Merman

Ethel Merman tops our list as the most iconic Broadway singer. Let's explore her extraordinary ability and accomplishments!

To appreciate Ethel Merman, let's look at some of her notable works:

Ethel Merman's passion for singing filled entire theaters. Her powerful voice earned her the title "The Queen of Broadway." She also received a Tony Award for her performance in "Annie Get Your Gun." Her contribution to musical theater is remarkable.

It is said that Ethel Merman's influence on Broadway is immeasurable. Her legacy continues to serve as an inspiration for both aspiring and established performers.

Julie Andrews also reminds us that the hills aren't the only things alive with the sound of music – Ethel Merman's vocal cords are too!

2. Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews, a Broadway legend, has enchanted audiences with her incredible talent and vocal range. Her stage presence and smooth transitions between notes have made her an icon in the industry. Let's discover her remarkable achievements and contributions through a table of her performances and awards.

Julie Andrews was not only an outstanding singer, but also a talented actress. She moved beyond Broadway and starred in hit films like "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music." These roles highlighted her immense talent and were praised by both audiences and industry experts.

Her unique ability to bring characters to life with song is unparalleled. Julie Andrews used her exceptional vocals to breathe life into storylines, captivating viewers. Countless generations have been mesmerized by her radiance on screen.

Let yourself be immersed in the timeless art of Julie Andrews. Don't miss out on the chance to witness one of Broadway's most amazing voices. Barbara Cook soars through high notes as if she's renting them out to her vocal range.

3. Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook, the epic Broadway singer, is the third best on our all-time greats list. Her enchanting voice and technique have earned her a place in Broadway history.

Let us take a moment to appreciate Barbara's achievements. Here is a table with some facts about her:

But it's not just her awards and roles that make her special. Her performances were a mix of vulnerability and strength.

Barbara's path to stardom began on television and radio before she made it to the Broadway stage. Her role as Marian Paroo in "The Music Man" made her a star.

Barbara kept captivating audiences with unforgettable roles in shows like "She Loves Me." Her influence on future generations of performers is undeniable. So, move over, Sweeney Todd, Patti LuPone is here to slay the Broadway stage!

4. Patti LuPone

Patti LuPone is an iconic name in musical theatre. Her talent and powerful performances have entranced audiences for years.

Get to know more about this Broadway superstar:

Patti's range allows her to move between genres with ease. Her robust vocals and stage presence make her truly awe-inspiring.

Despite hardships, Patti continues to amaze. She's been honoured with 2 Tony Awards for her work.

Fun Fact: Did you know Patti originated the role of Eva Perón in the first Broadway production of "Evita"? Her spellbinding performance made her a mainstay in Broadway history.

5. Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters is a legendary Broadway singer who has enchanted fans for decades. Her vocal range and emotive expression have made an enduring impression on the music world. She is well-known for taking on tough roles and bringing them to life with her amazing talent. She has won countless awards and honors throughout her career.

Her commitment to her art is truly remarkable. During a performance of “Gypsy”, Peters had a high fever and sore throat, yet she still managed to deliver an unforgettable performance. This is a testament to her dedication to her craft.

Bernadette Peters' passion and talent are unparalleled, placing her among the greatest Broadway singers ever. Her presence in every production is truly unforgettable.

6. Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is one of the greatest Broadway singers of all time! She has a remarkable vocal range and captivating performances. Let's take a closer look at her career and achievements.

6 Tony Awards, a Soprano vocal range and amazing performances in "Ragtime" and "Carousel" are only a few of her notable accomplishments. She earned multiple Grammy Awards for her recordings too!

But Audra isn't only a successful Broadway singer – she's also a classically trained opera singer! This gives her performances a unique blend of technical skill and emotional depth.

In addition to her stunning voice, Audra McDonald is known for her activism and philanthropy. She uses her platform to advocate for causes like LGBTQ+ rights and arts education initiatives in communities in need.

Don't miss your chance to be moved by one of the greatest Broadway singers of all time – Audra McDonald!

7. Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury's immense talent deserves to be celebrated. Let's dive into her remarkable contributions to musical theater. We'll create a snapshot of her success with a table:

It's clear that Angela Lansbury stands out from other Broadway singers. Her stage presence and vocals are unbeatable. Her success is a result of talent and hard work, as she puts unique emotion into each character.

Aspiring Broadway singers can seek to emulate Angela Lansbury's greatness. Here are three tips to help get started:

1. Be versatile. Angela Lansbury excelled in many styles. Flexibility will help you take on different roles and hold the audience's attention.
2. Work on your vocals. Put time into perfecting your voice with different techniques and vocal coaches.
3. Don't forget to act! Angela Lansbury conveys emotion and tells stories through her performances. Take acting lessons to ensure your notes are full of feeling.

Let Angela Lansbury's legacy motivate you to explore, push boundaries, and leave your mark on musical theater. Kristin Chenoweth's voice is so powerful, it could make even the quietest Broadway show sound like a smash hit – true vocal magic!

8. Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth, the multi-talented artist, has dazzled Broadway audiences with her singing. She's been in the industry for decades! Let's take a look at some of her key career moments:

• Birthdate: July 24, 1968.
• Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
• Education: Studied Musical Theater at Oklahoma City University.
• Broadway Debut: "Steel Pier" in 1997.
• Tony Awards: Won for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" in 1999.
• Notable Roles: Glinda in "Wicked," Lily Garland in "On the Twentieth Century".
• Film and TV Work: "Pushing Daisies," "Glee," "The West Wing," and more.

Chenoweth isn't only a singer – she's an actor too! She's moved between genres with ease, and earned praise for her work. She is one of the best Broadway singers ever, and missing out on her performances would be a tragedy. Her voice and presence are truly captivating – don't miss out!

9. Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the multi-talented performer, writer, and composer, has earned his place as number nine on the list of best Broadway singers ever! Let's explore this remarkable artist.

His incredible Broadway accomplishments are obvious. His musical masterpiece "Hamilton" won lots of awards and changed the genre with its unique storytelling and diverse cast.

He mixes many musical styles, like hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes. His talent for combining historical themes and modern relevance is extraordinary.

Lin-Manuel Miranda also helps education. He supports programs that promote art in schools, seeing the power of creativity in young minds.

Fact: Lin-Manuel Miranda won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Hamilton". (Source: Pulitzer.org)

10. Mandy Patinkin: He's the Broadway crook with a voice so smooth. Patinkin always steals the show – and a few hearts, too!

10. Mandy Patinkin

Mandy Patinkin is renowned as one of the best Broadway singers ever. His vocal range and stage presence have earned him lots of accolades. His real name is Mandel Bruce Patinkin and he was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States on the 30th of November, 1952. He studied at Juilliard School. His impressive works include "Evita," "Sunday in the Park with George," and "The Princess Bride."

Patinkin is great at acting. He can switch between comedy and drama easily. His role in "Evita" made him famous and highlighted his singing talent. His renditions of songs like "Oh What a Circus" and "And the Money Kept Rolling In (and Out)" left audiences mesmerized.

Lea Salonga is an amazing singer. Her voice is so powerful, it could break glass. She is great at belting out those high notes on Broadway.

11. Lea Salonga

Lea Salonga is a world-renowned Broadway singer with an exceptional vocal range and stunning performances. She has earned her place among the best Broadway singers of all time. Let's take a look at her impressive career highlights:

She made history by winning the first Tony Award for an Asian woman. Her extraordinary performances in "Miss Saigon" and "Les Misérables" have captivated audiences globally. Moreover, Lea's voice brought iconic characters like Mulan and Princess Jasmine to life through Disney animated films.

If you want to be a Broadway singer like Lea, here are three tips:

1. Train your voice: Practice regularly and learn to control your voice. Also, explore different genres to grow your versatility.
2. Focus on storytelling: It's not only about hitting high notes; it's about expressing emotions and telling stories through your voice.
3. Be open-minded: Don't limit yourself to one role or genre. Welcome opportunities that push you to explore different styles of music and performance.

Follow these steps to become a successful Broadway singer like Lea Salonga.

12. Idina Menzel

Position 12 on the list of the best Broadway singers of all time? Idina Menzel! Her powerful and captivating performances have earned her a Tony Award, Grammy Award, and Drama Desk Award. Her voice exudes emotion and her stage presence commands attention. Her iconic performance as Elphaba in "Wicked" gained her critical acclaim and her role as Elsa in "Frozen" made her a global sensation with her rendition of "Let It Go".

But what really sets her apart is her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. Want to experience Idina Menzel's extraordinary talent? Catch one of her live performances on Broadway or during a concert tour – you won't want to miss out on the magic she brings to the stage!

13. Brian Stokes Mitchell

Brian Stokes Mitchell is renowned for his Broadway singing. His voice is both powerful and versatile, making him popular with audiences all over.

He has an amazing presence on stage and can switch between musical genres without any effort.

His love for music and hard work show in each performance, leaving a lasting impression.

Additionally, he was awarded the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the Tony Awards in 2016 in recognition of his charitable work.

14. Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman is a renowned Broadway singer and actor who has wowed audiences worldwide. His powerful voice and captivating performances have earned him the title of one of the best Broadway singers of all time.

His career spans multiple genres from musical theater to film. He's had leading roles in "The Boy from Oz" and "Les Misérables" and won numerous awards.

Jackman's success is due to his dedication to honing his craft. He loves exploring new ventures and transitioning between stage and screen.

Aspiring performers should take note: commit to continuous improvement, have a passion for storytelling, and embody characters with depth and conviction. These are key elements to leaving a lasting impact.

15. Leontyne Price

Leontyne Price is at the 15th spot of the Best Broadway Singers of All Time list. Her talent and stage presence have thrilled many for years.

Table for '15. Leontyne Price':

The remarkable singer has astounded with her performances in operas like "La Bohème," "Aida," and "Tosca." Her voice is strong yet graceful. Her acting is unbelievable. She's a Broadway singing legend!

Pro Tip: Listen to Leontyne Price's live recordings for a musical journey you won't forget.

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.