Rolling Stone, the renowned music publication, recently stirred up controversy with its updated “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” list. While the list aims to honor the best vocalists in pop music, it has left out several powerhouses such as Celine Dion, Pink, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Janet Jackson, Tony Bennett, Madonna, Nat King Cole, and Dionne Warwick, among others.
According to Rolling Stone, the new list was compiled by their staff and key contributors, encompassing a century of pop music as an ongoing global conversation. The criteria for selection were based on factors like originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy.
The exclusion of these notable artists has sparked a heated debate among music fans on Twitter and beyond. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown took to Twitter to express her disapproval, questioning the absence of Celine Dion and the low placement of Michael Jackson. Others voiced their disappointment that singers like Jennifer Hudson, with her immense impact on film, theater, music, and television, did not receive the recognition they deserve.
Even EGOT recipients John Legend and Rita Moreno failed to make the cut, further fueling the controversy. Though Jazmine Sullivan, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson earned spots on the list, they did not break into the top 100. This led to criticism of Rolling Stone’s credibility, with some fans questioning the rankings and the omission of vocal legends like Celine Dion and Janet Jackson.
It’s worth noting that some lead vocalists were included, while their singing bandmates were excluded. Stevie Nicks made the list without Fleetwood Mac, Jungkook was recognized separate from BTS, and Beyoncé was listed individually without her fellow Destiny’s Child members. Similarly, Diana Ross was featured solo, without her contributions to the Supremes. Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger, and others were also singled out from their respective bands.
Soul and R&B dominated the top spots of Rolling Stone’s list, with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Sam Cooke taking the highest honors. The full list of 200 singers can be found on Rolling Stone’s website.
Top 20 Singers According to Rolling Stone:
- Aretha Franklin
- Whitney Houston
- Sam Cooke
- Billie Holiday
- Mariah Carey
- Ray Charles
- Stevie Wonder
- Beyoncé
- Otis Redding
- Al Green
- Little Richard
- John Lennon
- Patsy Cline
- Freddie Mercury
- Bob Dylan
- Prince
- Elvis Presley
- Celia Cruz
- Frank Sinatra
- Marvin Gaye
While the debate over the Rolling Stone’s list continues, it’s important to remember that music appreciation is subjective. Rankings can never fully capture the impact an artist has had on individuals and the cultural landscape. What really matters is the enduring legacy these singers have left behind, which will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
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