If Mary defined "black music" in the 90s, and Bey defined it last decade - then Anita Baker was THE voice of soul. Rich and thick like butter, her contralto became synonymous with love, passion and luxury. Truly one of the most influential R&B singers of the last twenty five years.
In many ways the proto-Elvis, but with more range - in fact, Roy was one of the only POPULAR male singers to have a multi-octave range. Known for the heartbreak in his voice, his biggest success came from country/rock crossovers like Crying.
This next artist almost didn't make it. Thanks supaspaz!
38. Lauryn Hill
Points Received: 59
In 1998, a lot of pressure was heaped unto Lauryn Hill's shoulders. No one had ever really combined rapping and singing as well as she did. She wrote the majority of her own stuff, and was a proud, strong, Black woman. But the main reason was her voice, incapable of telling lies, or having false moments. As supa writes:
Quote:
Originally posted by supaspaz
Some people look for massive range and epic high notes, but my primary test for determining a great singer is whether they can make me cry. And I'll be damned if the piercing, heartbroken, deeply felt inquisition of "Ex-Factor" doesn't get me choked up every time.
Amazing vocalist