The greatest singing voices of all time

The greatest singing voices of all time

Whether it’s a soaring soprano or distinctive baritone, a great voice is the cornerstone of great music. When paired with stunning compositions and expert instrumentation, an iconic voice helps create iconic songs. Flip through the slideshow below for a look at the all-time great voices in music, ranging from R&B icons to opera stars, pop chanteuses and everyone in between. 

Barbra Streisand

A truly prolific talent who’s earned the coveted EGOT — an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony — Barbra Streisand’s distinctive voice has been a fixture of American music since the 1960s. Throughout the years, she’s recorded 50 full-length albums, and notched hits with songs like “Woman in Love” and “Why Did I Choose You.” 

Etta James

Best known for her iconic love song “At Last,” Etta James’ powerful voice was soaked in her own real-life pain. After originally finding success in the early 1960s with songs like “All I Could Do Is Cry” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” James staged a musical comeback in the late 1980s, releasing multiple albums and finding a new audience for her most memorable songs. 

Aretha Franklin

Rightfully bestowed with the title of Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin’s inimitable voice propelled songs like “Respect” and “I Say A Little Prayer For You” into worldwide hits. She also stars in the most memorable scene from the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers,” with a truly iconic performance of her song “Think.”