George Michael is pictured in a 2012 appearance at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. Photo by Mark H. Gremmen via https://flic.kr/p/daTfwG. 
Marvin Gaye is pictured with a Rolls Royce in London. Photo source: https://flic.kr/p/2hQ1sjr. 
Steven Tyler is pictured on the red carpet at Celebrity Fight Night XXIV at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz., in March 2018. Photo by Gage Skidmore via https://flic.kr/p/255FkqX.
By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The 2020 Grammy Awards just wrapped from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
We’ve gone down this “Old Town Road” for 62 years now honoring best of the music industry to recognize the best in recording, compositions and artists. I have to admit I didn’t watch one second of the Grammys.
To be totally honest, music today is hard to listen to. It all sounds electronic based and whiny. Today’s “music” has very little soul and expression. It’s mostly braggadocious, subliminal messaging for negativity or instructions for a new trend.
To maintain my musical ear, I have to depend on the classic dating back to the 1960s. My musical diet has a heavy dose of the 1970s and ’80s. Then I build my musical muscle by lifting up my 1990s CDs. And I manage a few tracks from the new millennium.
Back in August 2018 the Best Sellers’ List was dedicated to my favorite female vocalist of all time with the passing of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Sparked by the Grammys and the desire not to write this column with one of my favorite male balladeers kicking the bucket, here is my list for the best male vocalists of all time.
Let’s get through the massive lite of honorable mentions: Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Luther Vandross, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Kurt Cobain, Smokey Robinson, Bing Crosby, Bob Seger, Phil Collins, Darryl Hall, Peter Gabriel, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, David Lee Roth, Eddie Vedder, Tom Jones, John Lennon, Sting, Elton John, Steve Perry, David Bowie, Jon Bon Jovi, Axl Rose, Ozzy Osbourne, Barry White, Gerald Levert, Nat King Cole, Aaron Hall, David Ruffin, Montell Jordan, Ricky Bell, Tyrese Gibson, Ralph E. Tresvant, Isaac Hayes, Johnny Gill, Carl Thomas, Tevin Campbell, Jeffrey Osborne, Eddie Levert, Christopher Cross, Charlie Wilson, Donny Hathaway, Bill Withers, Peabo Bryson, James J.T. Taylor, Lou Rawls, Bobby Womack, Babyface, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Michael McDonald and Kevon Edmonds.
10. Lionel Richie
FAVORITE SONG: “Love Will Conquer All”
He was introduced to the world as the lead vocalist of The Commodores. He left a massive mark on the industry as a solo artist and composer. He’s won all the notable awards, including four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 1986 for “We Are The World,” and Album of the Year in 1985 for “Can’t Slow Down.”
9. Prince
FAVORITE SONG: “Pink Cashmere”
The unofficial composer of the 1980s. Not only were his performances awesome, he also his genius with others. The list of artists he produced since hitting the music scene in the late 1970s is endless. Prince is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has won seven Grammy Awards. He even took home an Academy Award for the iconic “Purple Rain.”
8. Steven Tyler
FAVORITE SONG: “Dream On”
Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948. He is known to us as the front man for the legendary band Aerosmith. One of the most recognizable faces in rock and roll, Tyler has gained a large following for his signature sound and willingness to be daring. I discovered him when the band collaborated with the rap group Run DMC. Been a fan of his work since that day. Tyler is talented as a singer, songwriter, musician, actor and former television personality. He can also play the harmonica, piano and percussion.
7. Raphael Saadiq
FAVORITE SONG: “Ask of You”
His voice was the sound of the 1980s and ’90s trio Tony! Toni! Then his solo career was phenomenal. He was the man for soundtrack songs and collaborations.
6. R. Kelly
FAVORITE SONG: “Looking for Love”
This pick is only controversial because of his private life. Let’s stick to the professional impact of one Mr. Robert Sylvester Kelly. He earned the designations of “King of R&B” and “King of Pop-Soul.” This award-winning singer, songwriter and composer was blessed with a talent that has made many happy over the years. His musical impact is superb and his music is timeless.
5. Kenny Loggins
FAVORITE SONG: “Sweet Reunion”
My boy KL is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He has the vocal talent to deliver the hits too. After recording seven albums as part of the duo Loggins and Messina, he went solo. Loggins became the “Soundtrack of the 1980s.” If you had a hit movie and needed a sound to grab audiences, you went to Loggins for hits like “Footloose” and “Meet Me Halfway.”
Loggins’ soundtrack successes included an Academy Award nomination for “Footloose” in 1984.
Loggins’ voice can be heard with his contributions to artists like Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald. His words made them great artists. And when it was his turn, he brought their words to life beautifully.
4. George Michael
FAVORITE SONG: “Careless Whisper”
Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou hit the music scene with a Wham! The artist known as George Michael joined forces with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981, giving us well-known hits like “Careless Whisper,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Everything She Want.”
Then Michael went solo, giving us more great hits. Great thing he believed in his abilities and had “Faith.” His album “Faith” produced four singles that dominated on the Billboard charts with “Father Figure,” “One More Try” and “Monkey” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Faith” won Album of the Year at the 31st Grammy Awards.
3. Marvin Gaye
FAVORITE SONG: “I Want You”
The purest singer on my list. If you need proof go listen to his National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. He could provide the romance and he provided a voice for our social conscience.
I had to grow to love Marvin Gaye’s music as I matured. His smooth, silky delivery was so boring to me as a child. Then as I approached my late 30s, I understood all the hype from my mom.
The man who defined the Motown sound in the 1960s kept the strong vocals until his death in 1984. He is the “Prince of Motown” and the “Prince of Soul.”
2, Teddy Pendergrass
FAVORITE SONG: “It Don’t Hurt Now”
The musical act who introduced us to him should have been known as Terry Pendergrass and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. His powerful voice grabbed the world’s attention. Until the day he left this Earth Teddy Pendergrass was the sound of love. He is the standard of Philadelphia soul.
Teddy’s songs were a love language easy to understand. According to my parents, Teddy P. helped get me here … ewwwwwwwww. His trilogy of love songs “Come Go With Me,” “Close the Door” and “Turn Off the Lights” are step-by-step instructions for a “Love TKO.”
1. K-Ci & Jojo
FAVORITE SONG: “Hello Darlin’”
The Hailey brothers complement each other perfectly. Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey is cut from the cloth of a Bobby Womack or Teddy Pendergrass. He has an edgy rough style that conveys strong passion. Meanwhile Joe “JoJo” Hailey is the silky smooth crooner that will put you in mind of Donny Hathaway.
They hit the scene back in the ’90s with the R&B group Jodeci. Their songs were targeted toward teenage girls. So I wasn’t a real fan.
Then K-Ci and Jojo came to be in 1996. The 15-year-old Thomas heard the song “How Could You.” It was the first song I memorized all the words. Then in 1997 “All My Life” hit the radio. I was in love with the vocal tandem.
I love the ballads of the Hailey boys and will be a fan forever. You can’t have one without the other.
THOMAS SELLERS JR. is the editor of The Millington Star and both the sports editor and a weekly personal columnist for West 10 Media/Magic Valley Publishing. Contact him by phone at (901) 433-9138, by fax to (901) 529-7687 and by email to [email protected].
