100 Greatest Singers: Rolling Stone

Every so often, Rolling Stone makes a list of the all-time greatest something. Guitarists, albums, songs, artists, and now 100 greatest singers. 

The top 10 goes: Aretha, Ray Charles, Elvis, Sam Cooke, Lennon, Marvin Gaye, Dylan, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown. 

The top ten is good but I do have some criticism. First, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra are not on the list. Sinatra should be mentioned, but Armstrong completely revolutionized singing in the 20's and should at least be in the top 25. Two other great jazz singers, Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, are not on the list either. I guess it's because Rolling Stone doesn't really cover jazz, but jazz musicians always get left out on their lists. Also Morrissey is way back at 92. Morrissey could be in my top 10 due to the way he influenced so many indie singers with his New Wave band The Smiths. Finally, Wilson Pickett at 68 should be much higher. Anybody who hears "Mustang Sally," and "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Just Won't Do)," knows exactly what I'm talking about.

All other changes I would make are to minuscule to mention. But Rolling Stone deserves credit for making a good list and I always find it interesting to see what they have to say.