#1 Frank Sinatra- In my view, this list must start with the great Frank Sinatra. Aside from his talent and charm, he had an attitude and presence that mystified audiences. I never heard a Sinatra song that I didn't like. His rousing style and punchy attitude put him in his own league. The rumors of his mob connections only made him more interesting to fans. All that aside, he had a great, versatile voice. There are too many to name, but "My Kind of Town", "New York, New York", "Summer Wind", "Strangers in the Night" are some of my favorites for sure. He owned several houses right here in Palm Springs, and his presence is still felt in this town.
#2 Michael Buble- (pronounced "Boo-Blay"). A more recent, young entry into this category, I am so impressed with the depth and power of his voice. I like the way he "kicks up" his voice to sound like he is singing at a noisy casino somewhere. It was actually my barber, Gary who turned me onto Michael Buble. One week he gave me a CD and I thought to myself: "Michael who??". Once I listened to his music, I was blown away with what I had been missing. He channels Frank Sinatra, yet still has a unique style and look. This Canadian kid is going far.
#6 Johnny Mathis- What needs to be said about Johnny Mathis? His signature songs include: "Chances Are" and "Misty". Could there ever be a more quintessential version of "The Christmas Song"? It is a classic. As a multiple Grammy winner, he had many top 40 hits, and sang many Broadway and movie classics including "Moon River". Even Frank Sinatra had this to say about him: "His voice is one of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable in the world. He epitomizes class and romance." Anyway I like him too. In an interview back in 1982 he confirmed that he was gay, but subsequently received death threats and never mentioned it again. (can you blame him?)
20 comments:
Great post. Looks like you hit the big ones for sure. I agree with you on SDjr too.
Michael Buble, eh? He's one of us up here in the North Country.
Rick,
Thanks for sending me your way!
I love comparing notes about stuff like this. Great choices! On my list I'd have to add Bing Crosby, not because I'm a huge fan or anything but because he was the original. Most crooners got their start trying to imitate him. I love Tony Bennett, too. God bless him, he still has a way with a lyric! Also, perhaps not the coolest choice, but Andy Williams always had such a clean, clear, pretty voice and a simple style that I loved. My 2 cents. :)
Very nice. It was cool of you to include Matt Monro. I love "From Russia with Love." The British Frank Sinatra, indeed. I imagine they actually wanted Sinatra, and had to settle on Monro. Sinatra later did "Softly, While I Leave You," with which Monro had already had a minor hit in the U.K.
Great choices, Rick. Sinatra is the best. I just ordered the 4 CD/1 DVD set "Sinatra: Vegas" from Amazon. Can't wait to hear the rare tracks.
Also, if you like Johnny Mathis, I strongly recommend you find a copy of a rare song of his called "Yellow Roses on Her Gown." It's one of the prettiest songs I've ever heard. Great post!
Good list, for sure. Two to add, that aren't necessarily crooners, but definitely in the same vein: Scott Walker and Candie Payne. Check em out, and learn to love them!
Great post.
I have to say that Frank Sinatra was the top Crooner...
...in my opinion.
It's my first time , here , at your blog and i liked it a lot.
Great job.
zero.
Very nice list indeed. I like all of them although I have never heard of Matt Monro. I have Deano in the CD player in the car right now!
Hey pallie, like thanks for the invite to your pad. Great blog, and no disrespect meant, but for me there is only one crooner who deserves the rank of #1 and that would be Dino. Never was, never will be anyone as cool as the King of Cool. Oh, to return to the days when Dino walked the earth.
Thanks for the comment :)
I'm definitely with you on numbers 3 and 4. Really couldn't tell you why I never got into Sinatra's music, but love his films.
hi rick
thanks for stopping by my blog. It was good to hear from you.
You list many great singers that are truely legends.
Kev in NZ
Hi there, thanks for your comment, just been catching up on your blog, sounds and looks like you had a great time on the cruise!
Look forward to reading some more of you
David x
Speaking the Rat Pack, there is an an exciting new group on Yahoo called The Judy Garland Experience. The group features ever changing and always amazing audio files. Currently, along with some of Judy's 1950's radio work we are featuring full length concerts of her with the original Rat Pack, her 1967 free concert on the Boston Common, songs and interviews from her aborted role in Valley Of The Dolls, and much more. The group also features rare photo's, lively discussions, and the most eclectic and interesting gathering of Garland fans anywhere!
The group features fans of all levels, new and hardcore, Garland family members, other celebrities, people who knew Judy, author's historian's, film maker's, and more! The only thing missing is you! Please stop by our little Judyville and check it out, you may never want to leave!
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience/
As much as I love Buble... above Dino?!!?
Sinatra was a good pick for No.1 and really the only pick. I agree that Michael Buble should be rated over Harry Connick Jr.
Interesting choices for male singers... I have never heard Monro and have heard only bits of Buble so far. I listen to women mostly anyway. I want to marry Harry Connick Jr!
Male singers really don't do it for me as they all seem to prefer the falsetto voices. However, I think Nat "King" Cole and Mel Tormé are fantastic.
I have always been impressed with Harry`s voice. Anyone who steps out of the pop genre and uses their voice for other something that a scream is awesome in my book.
Frank's favorite color was orange too.
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