The music magazine Rolling Stone is well-known for its rankings, and its latest list highlights the top 200 singers of all time. This is a remarkable collection of talent, celebrating the voices that have moved hearts and defined generations. The list ranges from legends of the past to contemporary stars.
At the top, we have iconic names like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Sam Cooke. These artists have left an indelible mark on the music world with their powerful voices and emotional performances. They’re followed closely by legendary figures such as Billie Holiday, Mariah Carey, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder.
Some names on the list have become synonymous with entire genres. Hank Williams, for instance, is often associated with country music, while Bob Dylan and John Lennon are rock giants. On the other hand, Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll”, and the Queen of Pop, Beyoncé, are also honoured.
The list is diverse, representing a wide array of genres and countries. From the powerful gospel voice of Mahalia Jackson to the distinctive sound of Umm Kulthum from Egypt, and the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, it’s a global celebration of singing talent.
We see pop queens like Madonna and Lady Gaga, rock legends such as David Bowie and Robert Plant, and soulful voices like Marvin Gaye and Al Green. Artists such as Bono from U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jackson, known as the “King of Pop,” also make appearances.
Country music is represented by Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, while the world of jazz and blues sees names like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith. The range of talent is staggering, with each artist bringing something unique to the table.
Modern stars have also made the cut. Adele, known for her powerful ballads and Ariana Grande with her impressive vocal range, are on the list. Younger stars like Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, who have taken the music world by storm in recent years, show that exceptional talent keeps emerging.
There are remarkable singers from around the globe. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a legend in Qawwali music from Pakistan; Lata Mangeshkar, an iconic voice in Indian music, and Miriam Makeba, the South African singer known as “Mama Africa”, have all secured their spots.
The diversity extends to genres too. Rock is represented by figures like Axl Rose and Mick Jagger. Pop sees stars such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna. R&B and Soul boast talents like Luther Vandross and James Brown. Then there are reggae legends like Bob Marley and the ethereal voices of artists like Björk.
Moreover, the world of hip-hop and R&B is highlighted by contemporary sensations like SZA and Frank Ocean. And let’s not forget the voices that have given us soul-touching ballads, like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
The Rolling Stone list also reminds us of some we’ve sadly lost. The late Prince, Whitney Houston, and Freddie Mercury, whose voices still resonate with many, are testament to the lasting impact of true talent.
The rock genre sees an impressive representation with the likes of Kurt Cobain, frontman of Nirvana, and Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam. Equally influential are voices like Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, known for their unique sound and unforgettable performances.
From the realm of soul and R&B, names like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin stand out. They brought a level of raw emotion to their songs that still captivates audiences today. Equally powerful are the voices of Tina Turner and Barry White, whose songs have become timeless classics.
To wrap up, this ‘Rolling Stone Top 200 singers list is more than just a ranking. It’s a celebration of voices that have shaped the music landscape, transcending genres and generations. These are the singers whose songs have become anthems, whose voices are instantly recognizable, and whose legacies will undoubtedly endure.
- Aretha Franklin
- Whitney Houston
- Sam Cooke
- Billie Holiday
- Mariah Carey
- Ray Charles
- Stevie Wonder
- Beyoncé
- Otis Redding
- Al Green
- Little Richard
- John Lennon
- Patsy Cline
- Freddie Mercury
- Bob Dylan
- Prince
- Elvis Presley
- Celia Cruz
- Frank Sinatra
- Marvin Gaye
- Nina Simone
- Adele
- Smokey Robinson
- George Jones
- Mary J. Blige
- Paul McCartney
- Dolly Parton
- Mahalia Jackson
- Chaka Khan
- Hank Williams
- Luther Vandross
- David Bowie
- Bessie Smith
- Thom Yorke
- Dusty Springfield
- Kurt Cobain
- Van Morrison
- Curtis Mayfield
- Louis Armstrong
- Aaliyah
- Etta James
- Teddy Pendergrass
- Ariana Grande
- James Brown
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Mavis Staples
- Linda Ronstadt
- Toni Braxton
- Rod Stewart
- Joni Mitchell
- Sade
- Mick Jagger
- Miriam Makeba
- Willie Nelson
- Tina Turner
- Barry White
- Brian Wilson
- Lady Gaga
- Howlin’ Wolf
- Kate Bush
- Umm Kulthum
- George Michael
- Robert Plant
- Björk
- Minnie Riperton
- David Ruffin
- Dennis Brown
- Rihanna
- Youssou N’Dour
- Ronnie Spector
- – Roy Orbison
- Muddy Waters
- Héctor Lavoe
- Patti LaBelle
- D’Angelo
- Wilson Pickett
- Bruce Springsteen
- Janis Joplin
- Emmylou Harris
- Chris Cornell
- João Gilberto
- Steve Perry
- Amy Winehouse
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Johnny Cash
- Michael Jackson
- Diana Ross
- Jimmie Rodgers
- Selena
- – Gal Costa
- Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
- Anita Baker
- Stevie Nicks
- Toots Hibbert
- Vicente Fernández
- Chuck Berry
- Usher
- Bob Marley
- Clyde McPhatter
- Elton John
- Gladys Knight
- Taylor Swift
- Leonard Cohen
- Aaron Neville
- Eddie Vedder
- Bill Withers
- Lou Reed
- Caetano Veloso
- Roger Daltrey
- The Weeknd
- Fiona Apple
- Ozzy Osbourne
- La India
- Chrissie Hynde
- Erykah Badu
- Chet Baker
- Patti Smith
- John Fogerty
- Barrington Levy
- Charlie Rich
- Jackie Wilson
- Donna Summer
- Karen Carpenter
- Robert Johnson
- Joe Strummer
- Donny Hathaway
- Tammy Wynette
- Florence Welch
- Rob Halford
- Courtney Love
- Jeff Buckley
- Loretta Lynn
- Neil Young
- Axl Rose
- IU
- Lauryn Hill
- El DeBarge
- Merle Haggard
- Rocío Dúrcal
- Bono
- Christina Aguilera
- Russell Thompkins Jr.
- Luciano
- Darlene Love
- PJ Harvey
- Ruth Brown
- Barbra Streisand
- Levon Helm
- Wanda Jackson
- Bryan Fery
- Martha Reeves
- Michael Stipe
- Mahlathini
- Dion
- Robert Smith
- George Strait
- Robert Smith
- Carrie Underwood
- Mississippi John Hurt
- Mercedes Sosa
- Brenda Lee
- Françoise Hardy
- Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland
- Sandy Denny
- Ronnie James Dio
- Morrissey
- Marc Anthony
- Debbie Harry
- Sylvester
- Chris Stapleton
- Odetta
- Juan Gabriel
- Marianne Faithfull
- Buddy Holly
- Lana Del Ray
- Iggy Pop
- Patty Loveless
- Tabu Ley Rochereau
- Martha Wash
- SZA
- Bob Seger
- Jazmine Sullivan
- Solomon Burke
- Karen O
- Alicia Keys
- Ofra Haza
- Bonnie Raitt
- Fela Kuti
- Joan Baez
- Frank Ocean
- Jung Kook
- Anohni
- Brandy
- Kelly Clarkson
- Poly Styrene
- Paul Westerberg
- Burna Boy
- Billie Eilish
- Glenn Danzig
- Rosalía
Who is Rolling Stones number 1 singer of all time?
Rolling Stone’s #1 Singer: Aretha Franklin!
Rolling Stone, in its 2023 list, declared Aretha Franklin as the top singer of all time. Aretha, an American artist, was famous for her strong and heartfelt voice. Apart from her music, she played a big role in the civil rights movement.
Born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, Aretha started singing when she was a kid, mainly in church. At just 18, she signed her first music deal and by 1961, her first album “Aretha” was out.
The 1960s were great for Aretha. She gave us hits like “Respect”, “Think”, and “Chain of Fools”. She wasn’t just about pop music; she made beautiful gospel songs too. One of her gospel albums, “Amazing Grace”, is a big deal and people see it as one of the best.
Throughout her life, Aretha kept singing, performing, and winning awards. She got 18 Grammy Awards and in 1987, she entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Sadly, Aretha passed away in 2018 when she was 76. But she’s remembered as one of the best singers and her songs are still loved by many.