Opinions on Music ...

I have been asked, at times, about singers … because of my constant association with and love for music. I like many singers and some, although they're not my type, I respect greatly. I think that some people have great songs, great ability, great promotion but not "essential" voices. I think that some great "essential" voices in music must include:
     Billy Holliday, Ray Charles, Nat "King" Cole, Laura Nyro, Judy Collins, Dean Martin, Merle Haggard, Jay Black (of Jay and the Americans), Johnny Maestro (The Crests, Brooklyn Bridge), Linda Ronstadt, David Clayton Thomas (Blood, Sweat, and Tears), Juice Newton, Norah Jones, and Freddy Mercury.

Then … there is the area of musicians. There are many greats out there … rock guitarists ad infinitum … but who are the musicians that influenced the many decades of musicians who came after? I think the list must include: Django Reinhardt, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Carl Perkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Acker Bilk, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Leon Russell, Billy Preston and Duane Allman.

Are these "all-encompassing" lists? Of course not, but I think that these people must be considered in any discussions of the topics.