Do you know who the best singers of all time are? They are the ones who have redefined vocal ranges with their brilliant voices and vocal abilities. They have inspired generations of musicians to go for those excruciating vocal lessons. And have given the world some timeless classics with their hard work.
While some of these singers are veterans and have built their legacy through years and years of contribution to music, others might have just started in their journey but have already made impressive achievements. But, nevertheless, they all are heroes of musicians across the world and the torchbearers of quality music. They have charmed the world with their vocal techniques.
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As always we have resorted to solid statistics to bring to you the perfect list of the best singers of all time and have ranked our contenders by the number of Grammys they have won in their lifetime. Of course, one should not get ahead of themselves in creating such a list as there have been many more artists who have paved the paths for future singers and their contributions are priceless. The world has witnessed great artists like Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong whom, as much as we’d like to include in our list, were at their prime before the Grammy era began. Unfortunately, our methodology doesn’t hold good there, but since we always try to resort to statistics, we need to start somewhere. Quite like the 10 Best Rappers of All Time who have set high standards in the world of rap music. We’ve also added 1 point each for every 10 million records sold by the artist and given extra 5 points for a Grammy Award Lifetime Achievement Award received.
So, without further ado let’s take a look at the artists with the golden vocal cords.
11. Alicia Keys
Grammy Awards: 15
Albums Sold: 35 million
Score: 18.5
She took us by storm with her debut single itself and as we savored in the goodness of “Fallin’” we knew the world would see a lot more from her. And, that proved to be true. Alicia went on to become one of the greatest commercial successes as well as one of the most noted voices in the world.
10. Ray Charles
Grammy Awards: 17
Albums Sold: 5 million approx.
Extra Points: 5
Score: 22.5
The High Priest and the pioneer of soul music gave the genre a solid direction. His contributions were groundbreaking and his crossover success opened up various avenues for upcoming musicians.
9. Vince Gill
Grammy Awards: 20
Albums Sold: 26 million
Score: 22.6
Country’s one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters and instrumentalist, Vince Gill, has given the world many exciting collaborations and has created notable work both as a solo artist and with his band Pure Prairie League. He’s won the most awards for a country artist.
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8. Bruce Springsteen
Grammy Awards: 20
Albums Sold: 30 million
Score: 23
There’s a reason he’s known as the boss, and that is because he’ll always be the boss of rock n’ roll! With lyrics that embodies the working class sentiment better than anyone else, Springsteen’s albums “Born in the U.S.A” and “Born to Run” have some music that still holds good for the generations to come.
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7. Ella Fitzgerald
Grammy Awards: 14
Albums Sold- 40 million
Extra Points: 5
Score: 23
Ella has made history in Jazz music and has been the unparalleled queen of Scat. With memorable collaborations with other equally genius Jazz names like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington she has given Jazz some of its most loved standards.
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6. Beyonce
Grammy Awards: 20
Albums Sold: 60 million (exclusive of Destiny’s Child)
Score: 26
Queen B has earned her rightful throne in a shorter span than anybody could have imagined. But today, she is no less than royalty in the world of pop. Whether it’s vocal abilities or annihilating the stage with her energetic performances, Beyonce has mastered it all.
5. Sting
Grammy Awards: 16
Albums Sold: 100 million
Score: 26
Sting is one of the musicians who have redefined the boundaries of music. Whether it is as the frontman of the Police or as his solo act, he is aces with the techniques. We can say the same about his songwriting too.
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4. Tony Bennett
Grammy Awards: 18
Albums Sold: 50 million
Extra Points: 5
Score: 28
One of the greatest names of show tunes, his pop standards have no less than historic significance. There’s no doubt about Tony Bennett being one of the best singers of all time. The singer has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
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3. Aretha Franklin
Grammy Awards: 18
Albums Sold : 75 million
Extra Points: 5
Score: 30.5
Songs like “Respect” and “Rock Steady” will forever be known as R&B classics. Aretha’s magical vocal range is truly what dreams are made of. The singer has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
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2. Paul McCartney
Grammy Awards: 18
Albums Sold: 100 million
Extra Points: 5
Score: 33
The Beatles and Sir Paul McCartney have changed the very dynamics of pop and rock music in the world. Their music has lived beyond their time and their legacy shall live on forever.
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1. Stevie Wonder
Grammy Awards: 22
Albums Sold: 100 million
Extra Points: 5
Score: 37
There is no name in pop music that commands as much respect as Stevie Wonder does. He has sold more than a 100 million copies around the world and created historical songs like “I JustCalled to Say I Love You” and “Superstition”.Clearly making him the best singer of all time.
