Doubtless he would. That, however, doesn’t keep me from changing stations whenever one of his songs comes on my radio. For some reason I’ve never liked his music.
Thank you! I thought I was the only person on earth who doesn’t “get” Sinatra.
Ronnie Spector!
Dave Marsh was wrong.
Jim Morrison had a great rock ‘n’ roll voice, though.
Except in post #4, anyway.
Huh? By what measuring stick would anyone not classify Elvis as R&R and Ray Charles as Soul? They’re essentially the poster children for their respective genres.
No. Orbison got some crossover action, as did Elvis, and Lewis was banished to the Country charts after his first marriage came to light, but their music is pretty obviously R&R.
Huh?, again. How is discussion of the “first R&R song” germane to the present topic? And what definitions are you talking about? I’ve seen lists, but no definitions. Regardless, how do any of the previous suggestions eliminate any particular songs from being called R&R?
Don’t make no sense.
GaryT, if I ever get the chance, I’ll introduce you to my first wife. She and I couldn’t understand each other either. Apples & oranges, etc. You two should get along just fine. 
Little off topic here. But Mr. Roboto, if you read the album cover for Kilroy Was Here, you woul know that it is “Domo Arigato.” 
Just thought you would like to know from someone who actually remembers vinyl. 
I am beginning to waffle on one of my choices,Dusty Springfield just cannot be
omitted. Had the “Top 6 List” been a “Top 10 List” Dusty would have gained entry. Now, I’m going to drop #6,Barbara Hudson, and officially include Dusty as
number 6 in the Ladies Catagory.
As good as Barbara was with Ultimate Spinach,personnel changes changed the
Focus and direction of the group.Barbara sang mostly secondary Vocals and
harmonies on the groups 2nd and 3rd albums.I can’t deny Dusty,She’s #6!
- John Lennon
- Grace Slick
- Mick Jagger
- Janis Joplin
- Jim Morrison
- Bob Dylan
I think it all depends on how we define “rock & roll”. If we are going on pure singing talent as well as versatility then Elvis is in a league all of his own.
The man could sing opera, gospel and switch to blues, bluegrass and some arse-kicking rock and roll. How many “singers” could really come close to that '68 comeback special in terms of raw power and emotion and then do an amazing live version of “It’s now or never”? No-one, absolutely no-one. Orbisson noted that Elvis had the greatest signing voice that he ever heard. For sheer range and power I do think Presley stands alone.
I’d put Dylan up there as a great R&R singer though and I am a huge Roy Orbisson fan.
As for Jerry Lee Lewis…well his career was sinking before he married his cousin. The common misconception is that it was this marriage that led to his fall but it really wasn’t. Lewis was a one-trick pony who was found out rather quickly.
I was responding to the claim that Elvis peaked in the '50s. In terms of his ambition and the development of his vocal technique, my point was that some of his greatest performances were in the '60s. Whether or not you classify those particular recordings as rock & roll, he was still considered a rock vocalist, so I think he merits consideration in the poll. That’s all I’m saying.
good afternoon friends,
- aretha franklin
- cass elliot
- mavis staples
everyone else
Speaking of overrated one trick ponies (now that I am done with Lewis). Aretha Franklin had an amazing voice but never did one woman do so much with so very little. She has made a career out of being an “icon” (not that she is alone in this catagory). Absolutely dreadful hack imho.