Top 10 Vocalists of All Time (Redux)

#10: Tina Turner

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Top 10 Best Tina Turner Songs

Starting off as a featured singer, this multitalented artist really turned heads as part of the duo The Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Thanks to her memorable dance moves and killer legs, Tina quickly became known as a powerhouse performer. But it wasn’t only for those attributes that she earned the nickname the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll; Turner’s voice exudes an energy and strength unlike any other in music, which has allowed her to forge a successful solo career across multiple genres.

In her almost 6-decades-long recording career, Ella Fitzgerald sold 40 million albums, won over a dozen Grammys and released more than 70 albums. So is it any surprise she’s been called the First Lady of Song? When it came to pitch and tone, Lady Ella was simply unparalleled. The Queen of Jazz could also improvise with the best of them and excelled particularly with scat singing.

#8: Stevie Wonder

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Top 10 Best Stevie Wonder Songs

This American artist has been honing his singing skills since he was a little boy; in fact, Stevie Wonder was 11 when he signed with his first record label. Known for his vocal harmonies and melodies, this soul music legend has earned dozens of number ones on the pop and R&B charts. Plus, he doesn’t only write and produce his own music, but also plays multiple instruments.

#7: Whitney Houston

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Top 10 Whitney Houston Live Performances of All Time

We will always love this best-selling and record-setting artist – and for more reasons than just her unbelievable cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” Not only did Whitney Houston help break barriers for African-American artists, she also found success in R&B, soul, pop and gospel. “The Voice,” as she was known, was considered a mezzo-soprano, and could sing so boldly and richly there’s no way we’ll ever forget her.

#6: Mariah Carey

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Top 10 Best Mariah Carey Live Performances of All Time

She’s not one of the best-selling artists ever for nothing! This “songbird supreme” burst onto the music scene with four number one hits and stunned critics and fans with her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Boasting a five-octave vocal range and making the use of the whistle register completely her own; Mariah Carey is also known for being able to sing a single syllable while moving between multiple notes in sequence.

Etta James played a major role in bringing R&B and rock and roll together. While she started off singing in the former style, her crossover success in pop and other genres secured her a spot in music history. James may have been a contralto, but her voice evolved throughout her almost-60-year career and demonstrates why she’s had such a big impact on so many musicians thereafter.

#4: Elvis Presley

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Top 20 Elvis Presley Songs

Flaunting good looks, sexy dance moves and a rebellious image, Elvis Presley amped his country and blues rock roots with electric guitars to become the King of Rock and Roll. But he wouldn’t be the icon that he is without his versatile, emotional and inimitable voice. His ability to capture the power and variety of R&B and gospel music ensured that he had “something for everybody” and helped him become the best-selling solo artist ever.

#3: Michael Jackson

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Michael Jackson Biography - Life and Career (REDUX)

It wasn’t for nothing that Michael Jackson became one of the most famous and successful entertainers ever: just take note of his unique style, unmatched creativity, passion for music, groundbreaking dance moves and innovative short films. However, he also stood out for his singing and songwriting abilities, which allowed him to craft and perform hits in genres like pop, rock, soul, R&B and more. Let’s not forget his evolving vocal style, which included his early soprano, unmistakable falsetto, and high tenor.

#2: Freddie Mercury

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Top 10 Freddie Mercury Performances

With his big personality, lively stage presence and a knack for writing some of the greatest rock melodies ever, Freddie Mercury was definitely one of the greatest frontmen rock has ever seen. And then there was his voice; boasting a range that reached four octaves, it’s no surprise Queen flawlessly straddled genres like rock opera, heavy metal, progressive rock, pop, R&B and more. And alongside Brian May’s guitar abilities, Mercury really poured his heart and soul into his performances and helped the band sell out stadiums worldwide. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - James Brown - Ann Wilson - Ray Charles - Frank Sinatra - Bruce Dickinson

#1: Aretha Franklin

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Aretha Franklin Biography: Life and Career of the Soul Singer

She may have started out in gospel, but The Queen of Soul has shown time and time again that she’s got it all no matter what genre she’s singing. The multiple Grammy-winner and best-selling artist has a voice that’s versatile, confident and beautiful. Whether she’s covering another artist’s songs or dabbling in jazz, R&B or soul, Aretha Franklin is a natural talent who’s earned all of our respect and more. Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite vocalist of all time? For more entertaining top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.