To kick off the new year, Rolling Stone has released a list of the 200 Best Singers of All Time. Not to be confused with the greatest vocalists of all time, who could be described as having perfect pitch or a wide range, these singers are described by Rolling Stone as having “rougher, stranger, or more delicate instruments.” To preface the list, editors stated, “In all cases, what mattered most to us was originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy.” Voices can be beautiful, rugged, or bracing, but the singers behind them are what makes the ultimate difference.

Out of the singers who made it onto the list, who surprised you? Which rankings do you agree with? Who do you think got snubbed? Discuss in the comments below. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs from the best singers of all time do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played:
Aretha Franklin – Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Roy Orbison – In Dreams
Bjork – It’s Oh So Quiet
Stevie Wonder – Living For The City
Lauryn Hill – Feeling Good
The Replacements – Unsatisfied
Queen – Somebody To Love (Bonus Track!)