Aretha Franklin greatest singer in rock era: poll

Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:14pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - She's already the Queen of Soul, but now Aretha Franklin has been named the greatest singer of the rock era in a poll conducted by Rolling Stone magazine.

Franklin, 66, came in ahead of Ray Charles at No. 2, Elvis Presley at No. 3, Sam Cooke at No. 4 and John Lennon at No. 5, according to the magazine's survey of 179 musicians, producers, Rolling Stone editors, and other music-industry insiders.

The 100-strong list will be published on Friday, when Rolling Stone hits the newsstands with four different covers.

The issue includes testimonials from musicians. R&B singer Mary J. Blige, for example, writes that Franklin is "the reason why women want to sing." Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, who was No. 15 on the list, describes Presley's voice as "confident, insinuating and taking no prisoners."

Besides Franklin, the only other living people in the top 10 were Bob Dylan at No. 7 and Stevie Wonder at No. 9. Marvin Gaye was No. 6, Otis Redding No. 8, and James Brown No. 10.

Other notables included Paul McCartney at No. 11, one place ahead of his idol, Little Richard; and Mick Jagger at No. 16, also one ahead of a key influence, Tina Turner. Among the top 25, 50-year-old Michael Jackson was the youngest, coming in at No. 25.

Voters included Metallica frontman James Hetfield, folk singers David Crosby and Yusuf Islam, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, punk rock veteran Iggy Pop and English pop star James Blunt. They each submitted their top 20 choices, and an accounting firm tabulated the results.

(Reporting by Dean Goodman; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

© Thomson Reuters 2008 All rights reserved

Finally, a much deserving title.

This adds NO credibility to fake ass RS but better late than never.

Harlepolis said:

I agree.

Well, neat.

RS is still a joke, but at least Aunty Retha's getting the respect she deserves as a vocalist.


And might I add how refreshing it is to see Madonna and Kurt Cobain NOT make the top 5 in an RS list. I like them both well enough, but they're not the greatest at everything, no matter what this magazine and its readers want to believe.

Among the top 25, 50-year-old Michael Jackson was the youngest, coming in at No. 25.


I think this quote here is very telling of the pathetic state of current music. That even RS readers couldn't think of a young vocalist worthy enough to rank highly. Sad.

meow85 said:

I would've laughed if they were in the top ten.

My favorite artist is number six but y'all already knew that.

meow85 said:

Fuck Madonna,,,,and fuck the other dead guy

Sorry,,,,somebody had to say it

Timmy84 said:

I would've laughed too. Didn't they put Cobain in their Best Guitarist list, or something?

She smokes the hell out of probably every single person on that list I'm sure

meow85 said:

I think so.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

I hate titles,,,,but she lived up to hers

meow85 said:

Yeah it is kinda sad. Maybe a lot of the voters don't consider the singers that came after "Thriller" great enough on the list. But that should tell you something if Michael is on the list and he's the youngest one on there!

Timmy84 said:

Crazy thing is the current Michael would never have made the list!

Timmy84 said:

Like I said, I don't dislike Cobain. I even own a few Nirvana albums. But he really is overrated and overpraised. He was a fairly talented guy, but he wasn't God's gift to music.

meow85 said:

I think thats abit unfair.

There're plenty of GOOD young vocalists around who're still struggling in this biz,,,,just not in the forefront.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

That's what this list is saying to me too.

Timmy84 said:

50 ain't young. And if the RS readership couldn't pick anybody more recent that was good enough to be on the list, that speaks volumes about the cesspool modern music has been turned into. Thanks, corporate ownership!

Harlepolis said:

Oh no, I didn't mean that there aren't talented young vocalists. But you know and I know that more and more often, those with true talent aren't getting the chance to shine, being passed up for a pair of plastic tits and shiny white teeth. That there isn't anyone who's been allowed to become prominent enough is what I was referring to.

fair enough.

Marrk said:

Damn! Where have you been?!

meow85 said:

That is true.

It seems like whoever made it to the forefront had to fit a "certain" mold or something.

That in itself kills ANY hint of originality

Harlepolis said:

No matter the level of talent, any orginality or individuality is squashed out of a performer these days as soon as possible. Remember Rihanna's first video? She had on baggy jeans and running shoes. That look disappeared with the quickness.

Harlepolis said:

No kidding, with all the swagger jackers out there now.

Timmy84 said:

It's all about trying to be cool these days, instead of being cool.

Where the f-ck are Chris Cornell and Layne Staley?

Yay for the Queen!

Boo for Bob Dylan being above Stevie Wonder. That's not to diss Bob, but damn!

meow85 said:

I'd argue Madonna is easily the greatest at maintaining a long, successful career through drive, determination, and perseverance rather than musical talent. Diana Ross is the only competitor I can think of who is even remotely close (and Diana is more talented).

Fair enough. But I wonder what Tina Turner's take on this is?

Apparently, Aretha and Tina have been at each other's throats ever since Beyonce called Tina "the Queen" at the last Grammy Awards.

Sam Cooke at No. 4

I'm sorry, but Donny Hathaway should be in the top 10 as well.

i've always thought she's overrated;


oversinging meh

McCartney and Jagger shouldn't have placed so high, but other than that it was a fair list. Much respect to Aretha btw, she has a voice like no other.