Why aren't Elton John and Lady Gaga among Rolling Stone's best singers in history?

The best singers ever
Not only the voice, but much more
Great names excluded from the top 50
Who made it into the Top 50 before Elton and Gaga?
50 - Joni Mitchell
49 - Rod Stewart
48 - Toni Braxton
47 - Linda Ronstadt
46 - Mavis Staples
45 - Ella Fitzgerald
44 - James Brown
43 - Ariana Grande
42 - Teddy Pendergrass
41 - Etta James
40 - Aaliyah
39 - Louis Armstrong
38 - Curtis Mayfield
37 - Van Morrison
36 - Kurt Cobain
35 - Dusty Springfield
34 - Thom Yorke
33 - Bessie Smith
32 - David Bowie
31 - Luther Vandross
30 - Hank Williams
29 - Chaka Khan
28 - Mahalia Jackson
27 - Dolly Parton
26 - Paul McCartney
25 - Mary J. Blige
24 - George Jones
23 - Smokey Robinson
22 - Adele
21 - Nina Simone
20 - Marvin Gaye
19 - Frank Sinatra
18 - Celia Cruz
17 - Elvis Presley
16 - Prince
15 - Bob Dylan
14 - Freddie Mercury
13 - Patsy Cline
12 - John Lennon
11 - Little Richard
10 - Al Green
9 - Otis Redding
8 - Beyoncé
7 - Stevie Wonder
6 - Ray Charles
5 - Mariah Carey
4 - Billie Holiday
3 - Sam Cooke
2 - Whitney Houston
1 - Aretha Franklin
The best singers ever

In Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 200 best singers in the history of music, many great vocalists are included - but some odd ones are left out.

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Not only the voice, but much more

As stated by the magazine itself, the choice was based on the evaluation of many criteria, such as the originality and influence of the artist and also the breadth of their discography, in addition to their voice.

Great names excluded from the top 50

Among the top 50 positions, you will notice some big names are excluded, such as Lady Gaga (who is only in position 58), Björk (position 64), and Elton John (position 100).

 

Who made it into the Top 50 before Elton and Gaga?

So who went before them then? And do you think Rolling Stone was right about that? Have a look at the top 50!

50 - Joni Mitchell

Her voice and talent continue to inspire young artists. According to Rolling Stone, her voice is "unattainable": it manages to climb octaves without making any effort. For Joni Mitchell position number 50!

49 - Rod Stewart

A living legend of music and one of the greatest representatives of rock. His charisma on stage and his emblematic style make him a true star of the music world. According to Rolling Stone, even if he had only released the 1971 album 'Every Picture Tells a Story', he would still have earned a place in this ranking. For Rod Stewart, number 49.

48 - Toni Braxton

Position 48 instead for Toni Braxton, one of the most beautiful voices of R&B. Her biggest hit is probably 'Unbreak My Heart', although many will also remember 'You're Making Me High' and 'Spanish Guitar.'

47 - Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt had a voice that could sing anything thanks to its power and versatility. Over the course of her career, she has sold millions of albums and earned numerous awards, including 11 Grammys.

46 - Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples was able to bring the gospel to the pop charts. In her music she addressed social and political issues, becoming an icon of the civil rights movement in the 60s and 70s.

45 - Ella Fitzgerald

Considered the 'First Lady of Song' with her precise and extraordinary voice, Ella Fitzgerald managed to conquer all audiences. We find her at position 45 among the best singers in history according to Rolling Stone.

44 - James Brown

Often called 'The Godfather of Soul' or 'Mr. Dynamite,' James Brown has had a huge influence on music. Michael Jackson himself (who arrived at position 86 on this list) drew inspiration from him.

43 - Ariana Grande

One of the greatest artists of the 2000s, Ariana Grande has an incredible vocal range, capable of covering eight octaves. We find her at position 43 in this ranking.

42 - Teddy Pendergrass

One of the best singers of the 70s, he became popular thanks to the group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. His exceptional timbre of voice got him to position 42 in Rolling Stone's ranking.

41 - Etta James

Perhaps her greatest success was 'At Last', a song that became a symbol of fairytale love. Her incredible voice, typically bluesy, was a true model for her era. Etta James earned the number 41 position.

40 - Aaliyah

Versatility, control, and extension of her voice: these are the incredible qualities of this artist who tragically died at the young age of 22. Position number 40 for Aaliyah.

39 - Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong is considered one of the greatest and most influential musicians in the history of jazz music, thanks to his extraordinary technique and his ability to improvise, both in singing and playing the trumpet.

38 - Curtis Mayfield

One of the leading figures in soul, funk, and R&B music, Curtis Mayfield was part of the group The Impressions before embarking on a solo career. Among his hits is 'People Get Ready'. For him position number 38.

37 - Van Morrison

Van Morrison is known for his uniquely powerful and soulful voice as well as his skills as a songwriter. Among the most successful songs, we remember the wonderful 'Brown Eyed Girl'.

36 - Kurt Cobain

He had rough vocals but was "able to bring out the melody in the chaotic noise-metal of  'School' or 'Breed'," according to Rolling Stone. Kurt Cobain's writing of the highest emotional intensity still influences generations of artists today. For him, the position is number 36.

35 - Dusty Springfield

With her powerful and expressive voice, Dusty Springfield influenced pop and soul music for years, becoming an icon of the 60s. 'Son of a Preacher Man' is certainly one of her most successful songs.

34 - Thom Yorke

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has a uniquely sincere voice. His falsetto has become his unmistakable characteristic. Thanks to his creative songwriting he made it even higher in the Rolling Stone list. Position 34 for him.

33 - Bessie Smith

Bridging the 19th and 20th centuries, Bessie Smith was one of the greatest voices of the classic blues and the first star of African American origins. Her powerful voice landed her in position 33 among the best artists in the history of music.

32 - David Bowie

This artist with a thousand faces, always against the tide, capable of revolutionizing music, entered the history of glam rock of the 70s thanks to his iconic character Ziggy Stardust. And even his last album, 'Blackstar', launched two days before his death, is considered one of his most significant works.

31 - Luther Vandross

A velvety and emotional voice distinguishes Luther Vandross from other stars. He's known for songs such as 'Never Too Much' or 'Dance with My Father'.

30 - Hank Williams

Hank Williams is considered the pioneer of country music. His incredible performances are certainly the reason why, even today, his songs are still great country classics. For him position number 30.

29 - Chaka Khan

Known by all as 'The Queen of Funk' for her powerful vocal style and her extraordinary artistic versatility, Chaka Khan gets the number 29 position in this ranking.

28 - Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson represents one of the most influential and beloved voices in the history of gospel music. 'Didn't It Rain', 'Take My Hand', and 'Precious Lord' are testament to her incredible performances. Position 28 for her.

27 - Dolly Parton

Appreciated in the world of country music and beyond, Dolly Parton has left a significant imprint on popular culture. Her voice is unmistakably hers and she's written some brilliant songs.

26 - Paul McCartney

The Beatle icon embarked on an incredible career with other projects after the breakup of the famous band. Paul McCartney is considered one of the best songwriters in history. Position 26 for this musical genius.

25 - Mary J. Blige

Made famous in the 90s thanks to her album 'What's the 411?', Mary J. Blige has managed to expertly mix soul and hip-hop. For her, position number 25.

24 - George Jones

At number 24 we find George Jones. Nicknamed 'The Possum' he is considered a unique artist in the country genre.

23 - Smokey Robinson

His voice made a legend of Smokey Robinson with ballads like 'Ooo Baby Baby' or 'The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage'.

22 - Adele

A voice that has matured year after year: 'Chasing Pavements', 'Rolling in the Deep' and 'Someone Like You' are just a few of her songs that have made her a real superstar.

21 - Nina Simone

Her big hits include 'Feeling Good', 'I Put a Spell on You' and 'Sinnerman'. A powerful voice capable of moving anyone. Nina Simone is number 21 among the best artists in the history of music.

20 - Marvin Gaye

Politics, love, and social issues: these are the themes addressed by the songs of Marvin Gaye, another of the most impressive voices in music. Songs like 'What's Going On', 'Let's Get It On,' and 'S e x u al Healing' are proof of this. For him position number 20.

 

19 - Frank Sinatra

At number 19 comes another icon of music: Frank Sinatra. He is considered one of the greatest vocal performers of the 20th century. His unforgettable hits include 'My Way', 'Fly Me to the Moon' and 'New York, New York'.

18 - Celia Cruz

Her passion and life force found their maximum expression through her inimitable voice. Celia Cruz is today an icon of Latin music. Her most famous song is, undoubtedly, 'La Vida Es un Carnaval'.

17 - Elvis Presley

The king of rock and roll enters the top twenty of this ranking, winning position number 17. Elvis Presley managed to combine rock & roll, country, and rhythm and blues in a unique and inimitable style that still today captivates millions of fans around the world.

16 - Prince

With Funk, pop, rock, R&B, and soul, Prince has managed to span countless genres creating his own distinctive style. Songs like 'Purple Rain', 'When Doves Cry' and 'Kiss' are now part of music history. For him position number 16.

15 - Bob Dylan

Another music giant was awarded the number 15 position among the best singers in history according to Rolling Stone which defines Bob Dylan as "one of the most eccentric voices in America". And we can only agree.

14 - Freddie Mercury

A voice capable of "shaking the soul", as Rolling Stone states, which made one of the most famous bands ever, Queen, unforgettable. 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'We 'Will Rock You' and 'Somebody to Love' are just some of the interpretations that Freddie Mercury has left us as a gift. For him, the position is number 14.

13 - Patsy Cline

Considered the pioneer of country pop, Patsy Cline passed away too early, at the age of 30. Despite her short life, she managed to leave us songs like 'Crazy', 'Walkin' After Midnight' and 'I Fall to Pieces'. Position number 13 for her.

12 - John Lennon

He was a rough-voiced singer but also a brilliant author of some iconic songs, such as 'Imagine'. John Lennon could only be in the top twenty of this ranking at number 12.

11 - Little Richard

He has been a great source of inspiration for many generations of singers who want to push their voices to all limits. In position number 11, Little Richard.

10 - Al Green

Let's get to the heart of this ranking drawn up by Rolling Stone. At number 10, Al Green, who thanks to his warm and sensual voice became one of the major performers of the 70s.

9 - Otis Redding

A controlled, precise, and wonderful voice is that of Otis Redding who rightfully enters the top ten of this ranking at number nine.

8 - Beyoncé

"Beyoncé's voice contains the entire history of black music." This is the comment of Rolling Stone magazine to introduce the famous singer to the number-eight position in this ranking.

7 - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder, with his unmistakable voice, manages to convey tenderness and anger at the same time. Hits like 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life' or 'You Haven't Done Nothin' are proof of this. For him position number seven.

6 - Ray Charles

Ray Charles was a "giant of R&B, pop, jazz, and country," according to Rolling Stone, and few could argue with that fact. His compositional talent is still among the most admired in the music scene. For him, position number six.

5 - Mariah Carey

Her vocal range and ability to hit high notes have made her one of the best singers of all time. 'Vision of Love', 'Hero' and 'We Belong Together' are just some of her hits. For her, position number five.

4 - Billie Holiday

Few have managed to make the audience feel what she felt during her performances. Authentic emotions contributed to making her immortal in the world of jazz music. Number four position for her.

3 - Sam Cooke

And here we are at the podium. In third position among the best singers in history according to Rolling Stone, we find Sam Cooke, who thanks to his talent and his splendid voice has managed to mark a before and after his passage into the world of music. 'A Change Is Gonna Come', 'You Send Me' and 'Cupid' are just some of his greatest hits.

2 - Whitney Houston

A powerful yet sweet voice that sold over 200 million records worldwide. With impeccable technique and an incredible vocal range, Whitney Houston will "resonate for decades," according to Rolling Stone. Second position for The Voice.

1 - Aretha Franklin

"A force of nature. Brilliant. A gift from heaven." This is how Rolling Stone defines the woman who has won the first position in this ranking. There is no other like Aretha Franklin, a voice that, to this day, continues to influence the world.

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