Greatest Singers of All Time?

Rolling Stone magazine released the list. Apparently they surveyed current recording artists, industry folks etc. for their opinions and then formed the list based on the responses. The top singer on the list is Aretha Franklin. While I would not classify myself as an Aretha fan, I realize that she can sing or rather SANG, which is the term used to express a skilled passionate singer. Also, she "represented" for us bosomy gals by ALWAYS wearing whatever the hell she wanted to in TV appearances, much to the dismay of the networks. There was no such thing as a top too low cut for Miss Aretha. If a B cup could wear it, why not a G?

What I appreciate most about the list is how it features a mix of singers from various genres. Some examples: Johnny Cash is #21, Michael Jackson is #25 and Karen Carpenter is listed at #94. While I do believe there are some glaring omissions (Hello Rolling Stone, where is Frank, Barbara, Donna and Judy G?) the list does has some good picks. Check it out at: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/24161972/page/103.

Oh,and one final thought, if you consider yourself a music devotee and have never heard of some of the artists on the list, take a moment to delve into music history. You might find it rewarding.

The Musicality of Nina Simone

I recently came across a remix CD of Nina Simone songs, released a couple of years ago. While the remix (by a variety of DJs) was not my cup of tea, I do like some of her original tracks. Simone, who died in 2003, was an accomplished pianist who played and sang everything from jazz to blues to folk.

If the websites and online chatter are any indication, she has quite the cult following, especially in Europe. She started out doing jazz standards and conforming to the traditional wardrobe and "proper" demeanor of the time. [Video#1]


Then something happened, I don't know if it was the civil rights movement, or simply the musical freedom of the mid-to-late 60s, but she became more spirited and less conservative in her approach. [Videos #2 and 3]

I am glad that Simone's artistry remains relevant thanks to remixes,YouTube, fan websites, and tributes by song stylists such as Christina Aguilera.