Broadway singers, the elite vocalists of the theater world, possess extraordinary talent and versatility. With their powerful voices and emotive delivery, they bring characters to life through song, captivating audiences with each performance. From soaring ballads to high-energy showstoppers, Broadway singers showcase their remarkable vocal range and stage presence, mastering a diverse repertoire of musical styles. Their ability to convey emotion and tell stories through song is unmatched, making them essential to the magic of the Broadway experience. With their passion, dedication, and unparalleled skill, Broadway singers continue to inspire and enchant audiences with each unforgettable performance.
1. Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price, born in 1927, is a legendary American operatic soprano whose voice is hailed as one of the greatest of the 20th century. Rising to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, Price broke barriers as one of the first African American opera singers to achieve international acclaim, performing at renowned venues like the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Known for her remarkable vocal range, exquisite phrasing, and powerful stage presence, Price captivated audiences with her interpretations of roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart. Beyond her vocal prowess, she remains a symbol of grace, elegance, and trailblazing achievement in the world of classical music.
2. Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, born in 1968 in Sydney, Australia, is a versatile actor, singer, and producer known for his captivating performances on stage and screen. He gained international fame for his portrayal of Wolverine in the “X-Men” film series, showcasing his action-hero prowess. However, Jackman’s talents extend far beyond superhero roles; he has showcased his singing and dancing abilities in musicals like “Les Misérables” and “The Greatest Showman,” earning critical acclaim and demonstrating his range as a performer. Off-screen, Jackman is known for his philanthropy and advocacy work, making him not just a talented actor, but also a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
3. Brian Stokes Mitchell
Brian Stokes Mitchell is a Tony Award-winning American actor and singer known for his powerful baritone voice and charismatic stage presence. Born in 1957, Mitchell has had a prolific career on Broadway, starring in numerous musicals and earning acclaim for his performances. He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in “Kiss Me, Kate” and has been nominated for several other Tony Awards for his work in shows like “Ragtime” and “Man of La Mancha.” Mitchell is also known for his concert performances and recordings, showcasing his rich voice and impressive vocal range. Offstage, he is involved in various charitable causes, further solidifying his reputation as a talented artist and compassionate individual.
4. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel, the versatile American actress and singer, has captivated audiences with her powerful voice, emotional depth, and captivating performances. Rising to prominence for her portrayal of Maureen Johnson in the Broadway musical “Rent,” Menzel’s career soared to new heights with her iconic role as Elphaba in the hit musical “Wicked,” where she introduced the world to the anthemic “Defying Gravity.” Her breathtaking vocal range and emotive delivery have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond the stage, Menzel’s rendition of “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen” solidified her status as a household name, winning her widespread recognition and a Grammy Award. With her indelible talent and magnetic presence, Menzel continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
5. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga is a Filipina actress and singer known for her powerful voice and captivating performances on stage and screen. Born in 1971 in the Philippines, Salonga rose to fame for her lead role in the musical “Miss Saigon,” for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, making her the first Asian woman to win that award. She is also known for providing the singing voices of two Disney princesses, Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Mulan in “Mulan.” Salonga has performed in various musicals and concerts around the world, showcasing her incredible vocal talent and earning her a dedicated global fan base.
6. Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin, the multi-talented American actor and singer, is renowned for his exceptional versatility, emotional depth, and distinctive voice. With a career spanning across stage, film, and television, Patinkin has captivated audiences with his dynamic performances and magnetic presence. From his Tony Award-winning role as Che in “Evita” to his memorable portrayal of Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride,” he has showcased his remarkable range and ability to inhabit complex characters with authenticity and nuance. As a singer, Patinkin’s rich baritone and expressive delivery have earned him acclaim in both Broadway productions and concert halls. With his indelible talent and passion for storytelling, Patinkin continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
7. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a multi-talented American composer, lyricist, actor, singer, and playwright, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton.” Born in 1980 in New York City, Miranda has received numerous awards for his work, including multiple Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His groundbreaking musical “Hamilton,” which fuses hip-hop and traditional musical theater styles, has been praised for its innovative storytelling and diverse casting. Miranda is also known for his work on the Disney animated film “Moana,” for which he wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics. Offstage, Miranda is involved in various charitable efforts and activism, using his platform to advocate for causes such as Puerto Rican hurricane relief and arts education.
8. Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning American actress and singer known for her powerhouse vocals and charismatic performances on stage and screen. Born in 1968 in Oklahoma, Chenoweth rose to fame for her Broadway roles in shows like “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Wicked,” for which she received a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She has also appeared in numerous television shows and films, showcasing her comedic and dramatic talents. Chenoweth is celebrated for her vocal range and versatility, performing everything from opera to country music. Offstage, she is known for her philanthropy and advocacy work, supporting causes such as animal welfare and LGBTQ rights.
9. Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury is a British-American actress and singer whose career has spanned over seven decades, making her one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring and beloved figures. Born in 1925 in London, Lansbury moved to the United States during World War II and began her acting career in Hollywood. She gained fame for her role as Jessica Fletcher in the television series “Murder, She Wrote,” for which she won multiple Golden Globe Awards and Emmy nominations.
Lansbury’s talents extend beyond television; she is also a renowned stage actress, having won five Tony Awards for her performances in various Broadway productions. Her memorable film roles include “Gaslight,” “The Manchurian Candidate,” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” in which she provided the voice for Mrs. Potts and sang the iconic song “Beauty and the Beast.”
Throughout her career, Lansbury has been celebrated for her versatility, range, and ability to bring depth to her characters. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the arts, solidifying her status as a true legend in the entertainment world.
10. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald, the extraordinary American actress and singer, is celebrated for her unparalleled talent, versatility, and profound artistry. With a record-breaking six Tony Awards, she has made history as the most decorated performer in Broadway history, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and emotional depth across a diverse range of roles. From her Tony-winning performances in “Carousel” and “Ragtime” to her unforgettable portrayals in “Porgy and Bess” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” McDonald has captivated audiences with her luminous stage presence and unparalleled ability to inhabit complex characters. As a singer, her crystalline soprano and exquisite phrasing have earned her acclaim in both musical theater and the concert hall. With her extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to her craft, McDonald continues to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide.
11. Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters is an American actress, singer, and author who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Broadway performers of all time. Born in 1948 in New York City, Peters has had a prolific career on stage, film, and television, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances.
Peters is known for her distinctive voice, impeccable acting skills, and versatility in portraying a wide range of characters. She has starred in numerous Broadway musicals, including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “Hello, Dolly!” Her performances have earned her multiple Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to her work on Broadway, Peters has appeared in films such as “The Jerk,” “Pennies from Heaven,” and “Annie,” and has made guest appearances on television shows like “Smash” and “The Good Fight.” Offstage, Peters is a passionate advocate for animal rights and has supported various charitable causes throughout her career.
12. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning American actress and singer known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. Born in 1949 in Northport, New York, LuPone has had a distinguished career on Broadway, in film, and on television.
LuPone gained fame for her performances in musicals such as “Evita,” for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and “Gypsy,” for which she won her second Tony Award. She has also starred in productions of “Les Misérables,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “Anything Goes,” among many others.
In addition to her work in musical theater, LuPone has appeared in films such as “Witness” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” and has had recurring roles on television shows like “American Horror Story” and “Penny Dreadful.”
LuPone is celebrated for her extraordinary vocal talent, dramatic prowess, and ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. She is considered one of the greatest actresses in Broadway history, with a career that has spanned over four decades and continues to impress audiences around the world.
13. Barbara Cook
Barbara Cook was an American actress and singer known for her soprano voice and her contributions to the world of musical theater. Born in 1927 in Atlanta, Georgia, Cook rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s as a leading soprano in Broadway musicals.
Cook’s career began with her role as Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” in 1956, followed by her iconic portrayal of Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” in 1957. She continued to captivate audiences with her performances in shows like “She Loves Me” and “The King and I.”
Cook’s soprano voice was celebrated for its purity, clarity, and emotional depth, and she was known for her impeccable phrasing and interpretation of songs. In addition to her work on Broadway, Cook released numerous solo albums and performed in concert halls around the world.
Cook’s contributions to musical theater were recognized with a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. She is remembered as one of the greatest interpreters of the American songbook and a true legend of Broadway. Barbara Cook passed away in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of musical theater.
14. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews, the iconic British actress, singer, and author, is a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, celebrated for her timeless charm, crystalline voice, and extraordinary talent. With a career spanning over seven decades, Andrews has enchanted audiences with her unforgettable performances on stage, screen, and television. From her iconic role as Maria in “The Sound of Music” to her portrayal of the magical nanny Mary Poppins, she has captured the hearts of millions with her grace, wit, and boundless energy. Andrews’ incomparable vocal range and exquisite phrasing have made her one of the most revered singers of her generation, earning her numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award, multiple Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards. With her enduring legacy and enduring appeal, Julie Andrews remains a beloved and cherished figure in the hearts of fans around the world.
15. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was an American actress and singer known for her powerful voice and larger-than-life personality. Born in 1908 in New York City, Merman rose to fame in the 1930s and became known as the “Queen of Broadway” for her iconic performances in musicals.
Merman’s booming voice and strong stage presence made her a natural fit for the Broadway stage, where she starred in numerous hit shows, including “Anything Goes,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “Gypsy.” She became known for her signature belting style, which set her apart from other singers of her time.
Merman’s talent and charisma also translated to film and television, where she appeared in a number of movies and TV shows throughout her career. Her rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” became one of her most famous songs and remains a classic in the American musical theater canon.
Merman’s contributions to musical theater were recognized with a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement and induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. She is remembered as one of the greatest Broadway stars of all time, with a career that spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. Ethel Merman passed away in 1984, but her legacy lives on through her timeless performances and recordings.
Edward Tomlin 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.
