OT: Lousy voice, great singer

[Bigboote]

Some people with crappy voices are flat-out great singers. There are a few that jump out immediately. Of course, who's a great singer and who has a lousy voice are up to the posters.

I usually leave the low-hanging fruit for others, but I'm gonna start out with one of those who really jumps out. For me, Tom Waits has an incredibly flexible voice that can evoke a range of emotions. This is a beautiful ditty from his classic years:

 

[Bigboote]

Some might say Tom Waits is a great songwriter who happens to sing, but he's more that that. Here he is singing something from West Side Story:

 

[SCNCHuskie]

Is this one too obvious?



Note: if you can find the interactive version of this video, it’s the coolest video ever made.

 

[rvwsleep]

3 of the most popular male singers of the 1970's: Rod Stewart, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.
Here's an example. Bruce really sells the song:

 

[Dove]

First artist that comes to mind...

 

[HuskyNan]

Simon Le Bon has a marginal voice but it fits Duran Duran’s music so well

 

[Dove]

I hope my post isn't "low hanging fruit."

 

[Dove]

Simon Le Bon has a marginal voice but it fits Duran Duran’s music so well

You couldn't post Hungry Like The Wolf? C'mon!!!

 

[Aluminny69]

 

[Aluminny69]

 

[Aluminny69]

 

[Aluminny69]

 

[Boreifs]

No opera singer would ever fit in to this category.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

 

[64Zcode]

BoDeans made a lot of music I like.
Kurt Neumann shared lead vocals in the early days.

 

[Greenfan]

Louis Armstrong, Dave Van Ronk , Patti Smith

 

[Scud49]

I don't think Mark Knopfler has a great voice, but I sure love it with so much of his work - "Wild West End" is a great example IMO:

 

[Kaizen]

Rod Stewart - Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?​

 

[TCC Kid]

Some people with crappy voices are flat-out great singers. There are a few that jump out immediately. Of course, who's a great singer and who has a lousy voice are up to the posters.

I usually leave the low-hanging fruit for others, but I'm gonna start out with one of those who really jumps out. For me, Tom Waits has an incredibly flexible voice that can evoke a range of emotions. This is a beautiful ditty from his classic years:

No video--just a comment. The epitome of Terrible Voice, great entertainer All personality--Jimmy Durante.

 

[Scud49]

The great Joe Cocker:

 

[Scud49]

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones - he's pretty rough and ragged at times, but I think his voice is perfect for much of the Stones musical catalog:

 

[Scud49]

Donald Fagen of Steely Dan - he's a little raspy - but I think he's just a great singer and so perfect for their work over the years.

 

[Scud49]

Ah, BigBoote - I wasn't going to do this one, but after pondering it for an hour or so, I caved in, had to post it, just had to post it, didn't want you to think I've forgotten it or anything:

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

No video--just a comment. The epitome of Terrible Voice, great entertainer All personality--Jimmy Durante.

Inka-dinka-doo. Just old enough to remember Durante on variety shows with other old-timers. Reportedly a great guy as well.

I'm surprised by someone saying Billy Joel - I thought when he was younger his voice was fine. Now is a different story.

I wonder about mentioning the great Neil Diamond (whether you like him or not, his place in music is secure). I never thought his voice was great, and he went through a period (maybe 30 years ago) where he was downright raspy. Thought it would be the end of his career but things actually improved. A great showman up until illness forced his retirement.

 

[Sifaka]

The Lion's brilliant piano playing got an extra jolt of goodness from his singing. Begins around 1:25.

 

[KennyD]

 

[AgStatesman]

The lowest hanging fruit on the tree, so I grabbed three pieces! The Grateful Dead sang in Birdsong, "All I know is something like a bird within her sang."



Janis Joplin - Piece Of My Heart

Janis Joplin - Me And Bobby McGee (Audio)

 

[Scud49]

Billy Gibbons has a less then perfect voice I'd say, but he sure is good on those ZZ Top tunes:

 

[KennyD]

 

[CTBballfan243]

BoDeans made a lot of music I like.
Kurt Neumann shared lead vocals in the early days.

Saw them at Toads Place. I think it was in the mid to late 80’s. Great show.