how many recording artists can actually sing?

[RATTER15]

How many so called pop stars have made it big by singing the right songs rather than by having a good voice.

I have just been listening to Meatloaf, he really has a dreadful voice, I'm sure there are many more.

[EDDIE51]

They owe a lot to this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-Tune

[ummmm]

I like the less than perfect voice. Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, David Bowie...all spring to mind

[factor-fiction]

I think it really depends on what is meant by a 'good' voice and a 'dreadful' voice. If the voice is appropriate for the song then that's what matters

[factor-fiction]

Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker spring to mind as great singers with what could be classed a s dreadful voices

[murraymints]

Paulo nutini...good lyrics though..but find his voice grating...

[Tilly2]

Tom Waites

[boxtops]

watch ratter, you'll have me and micmak from the Meatloaf fan club after you..... :-)

[tonyav]

As Tilly says definately Tom Waites, great song writer, but gawd who told him he can sing.

[mushroom25]

circumstance often plays its part too.

diana ross wasn't the best looking supreme, nor did she have the best voice. but she was sleeping with berry gordy, which may well have helped her become the group's leading performer.

[tonyav]

Not may have mushroom ' It Did ' . Mary Wilson should have been lead singer IMO.

[RATTER15]

Im also a lover of the quirky imperfect voice but this is just a dreadful voice.... I like bat out of hell because it was a great song but he really cannot sing!!

Sorry Boxy and micmak :-)

[tonyav]

I love paradise by the dashboard light !

[ummmm]

I think as long as they can sing in tune most people could pull off a good song.

[MarkRae]

Other way round for me. I think Meat has or, at least, had a great voice but that Jim Steinman is one of the worst songwriters ever...

[RATTER15]

Now here is a really beautiful voice, she has so much purity to her voice and is a pleasure to listen to, Im not a great Kate Melua fan but I do like her. A totally different style I know.

[RATTER15]

Katie*

[Tilly2]

On the other hand, Christy Moore can sing and writes wonderful songs. And Sting. (and lots lots more)

[ummmm]

I love Christy Moore :-)

[Kiki-frog]

Katie Melua certainly has a beautiful voice. But the most successful singer who can't sing has got to be Bob Dylan, with Rod Stewart a close second, and the vocalist of Kings of Leon (can't remember his name off hand) third. Dylan's song-writing is superb, though.

[Kiki-frog]

Oooh, Christy Moore of the dark brown voice. I was so disappointed when I found out what he looked like though. Yes, I know I'm shallow.