Top 30 Greatest Broadway Singers of All Time

They're the best and brightest singers on Broadway. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most celebrated musical theater vocalists. Our countdown includes Liza Minnelli, Barbara Cook, Pearl Bailey, and more! Who has YOUR favorite voice on Broadway? Sing their praises in the comments!
Watch more great Broadway videos here:
Top 10 Greatest Classic Broadway Singers - • Top 10 Greatest Classi...
Top 10 Broadway Songs You Can't Sing in Public - • Top 10 Broadway Songs ...
Top 10 Broadway Songs to Listen to When You Feel Like the Main Character - • Top 10 Broadway Songs ...
Don't forget to play our Live Trivia games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!: www.watchmojo.com/play
Have Your Idea Become A Video!
wmojo.com/msmojo-suggest
Subscribe for more great content!
wmojo.com/msmojo-subscribe
MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Broadway #Musical #Singers #Music #Actors

[@MsMojo]

Who has YOUR favorite voice on Broadway? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Broadway Songs to Listen to When You Feel Like the Main Character - kzbin.info/www/bejne/boDXaKOJjrJnfqs

[@Kristine_202]

I saw Bernadette Peters in concert a few months ago. I sat in the front row, and when she sang "No One is Alone," she looked right at me. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was one of the most memorable moments of my entire life.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

Aw Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel being right next to each other on this list is so sweet 💗💚

[@OliviaWilson-ww9jr]

Yessss

[@Snuggelbubs1]

Right?? I thought so too.

[@jonelrobinson582]

Yes!

[@jinakaye]

This list is probably one of the best I’ve seen for Broadway singers. Raúl Esparza, Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, Sutton Foster, and Christian Borle are my modern faves. I also love Kristin Chenowith, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Idina Menzel. Ethel Merman & Angela Lansbury were such powerful vocal forces. I wish there were honorable mentions so Jonathan Graff, LaChanze, and Rita Moreno could have received shout outs!

[@rosiemair-qx9zi]

Even though I’m not a fan of this person cause of who she is in real life. I think they should have included Leah Michel

[@jinakaye]

@@rosiemair-qx9zi Lea Michele has only been in 2 Broadway shows, if I'm not mistaken. I couldn't imagine her in this line up when actor/singers like Annaleigh Ashford, Andrew Ranells, and Ariana DeBose aren't even mentioned. Did Kelli O'Hara even get a mention?

[@rosiemair-qx9zi]

@@jinakaye Good point.

[@marcieotto8600]

I was very happy to see Jeremy Jordan make your list. His voice is incredible.

[@FairyGodMom7]

I was thinking the same thing. I really don't think Jeremy gets the credit he deserves for his work. And I'm willing to be wrong, but isn't he the youngest talent on the list?

[@kenaibulbasaur]

"Looks like you could use some help from the Big Boss of Hell himself!"

[@rosiemair-qx9zi]

⁠​⁠@@FairyGodMom7 Even though I’m more of an Eden Espinosa fan but I really love Jeremy. I think he does get the credit he deserves. Lodes of people love him and I mean what’s there not to love about him💚

[@jonbstudios7257]

I agree. He is also a great actor and voice actor. He’s Lucifer in Hazbin Hotel.

[@rosiemair-qx9zi]

@@jonbstudios7257 And Varian from my favourite Tv show Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure

[@kristashafer93098]

A couple Honorable Mentions. Ramin Karimloo. A beautiful (mostly self taught) voice paired with incredible acting chops. Karimloo was Webber’s pick to play Erik/Phantom in both the 25th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera and in the follow-up Love Never Dies. He’s played many a leading man! And Michael Crawford, O.B.E. Crawford is the original Erik/Phantom and he won every award and accolade available to a musical theatre actor for his stirring performance. His voice has a warm, rich tone.

[@Makeji]

Ramin has a wonderful distinctive voice. Jeremy Jordan's voice sounded the same in each clip.

[@barbaraogle7148]

surprised to not see Colm Wilkinson and Michael Crawford didn't make the list...

[@Thomas_H._Smith]

Or Ramin Karimloo, he's easily on parr with Jeremy Jordan if not better.

[@lisadorr-pozos5560]

Agreed! And can we talk about how much higher up Mandy Patinkin should be!?

[@Cyannah117]

Or Elaine Paige for that matter! Guess it’s all about Broadway though and doesn’t include the West End. 😢

[@meredithtilly6299]

This list focused on Broadway. Id love to see a similar one for the West End

[@1Cheytown]

Agreed as they originated the leads in two of Broadway's longest running shows

[@BroadwayGuy]

THANK YOU for remembering and including Dorothy Loudon, Barbara Cook, John Raitt and Mary Martin.

[@erinmalone2669]

I was lucky to see Patty Lupone on Broadway. Her presence is astounding. Just the way she carried her body through the character’s age was so perfect and subtle. A true master.

[@guyinazo]

She did a show here in Kalamazoo back in May. I went backstage to meet her. She is amazing

[@dennisschouten8249]

I was also lucky to see her in Sunset Boulevard in London. Words cant do justice to that experience. There is a concert from her here on youtube in Nantucket. Look it up! The video and sound isnt that great, but I think she is at her absolute best in that concert ;-)

[@thomasbradley4505]

I saw her in concert at a very small venue in San Francisco and she was incredible.

[@cair124]

I would KILL to see Queen Latifah in the Pearl Bailey story!! (Or pay premium ticket prices.)

[@alyzu4755]

Oh, yes please!

[@mlynettepinky595]

I told my mom the same thing. After watching Carmen with Dorthy Dandridge I said if they ever do a biopic, Dana should play Pearl Bailey

[@francescamanfredi2434]

I was just thinking this !!

[@jamesrankin7598]

never been on Broadway, only type performance is Momma Morton in movie of Chicago

[@karenzaslow3808]

I know he's not as well known as others on your list, but you should have included John Cullum. The last note of Meditation from Shenandoah is beyond amazing, and he was great in Urinetown. His rendition of Molasses to Rum to Slaves in the movie of 1776 was incredible.

[@nancyhajeski3360]

Among other shows, John starred in the original runs of On A Clear Day, Shenandoah, On the Twentieth Century, and Urinetown. He's fully as much of a "Broadway Baby" as the stars you honored here.

[@trinaq]

Kristin Chenoweth is such a fantastic singer. She and Dove Cameron have already play mother and daughter twice now, they honestly look like they could really be related.

[@mlynettepinky595]

Kristin Is a little woman and has strong powerful voice

[@ellenwatson7838]

ppppppp😅p

[@rosiemair-qx9zi]

@@mlynettepinky595 That’s why they say “Never judge a book by its cover.”

[@mjsteele42]

This is part of why I really wanted to see Dove as Glinds instead of Ariana Grande

[@jenniferlundquist9475]

I credit Julie Andrew’s for my love all things musical theatre. I think watching Mary Poppins and Sound of Music started my love, then I watched her other roles then started watching other musical movies from there. Now as an adult I watch as many traveling Broadway shows as I can.

[@disposable_cicada130]

I’m surprised and a little disappointed Terrance Mann wasn’t included. I mean he had so many iconic roles, the original Javert, the original beast, the original rum-tum-tugger,even Dr Frank-N-Furter and Citoyen Chauvelin, along with numerous other roles!

[@lorischwartz2533]

Not to mention his role in Pippin

[@marciagillian3827]

I have had the awesome privilege of seeing Julie Andrews in person. She began by singing a capella. I have never heard such clarity and such a pure tone in a voice. Truly amazing. It was a delight!

[@azohundred1353]

Brian Stokes Mitchell's singing in Man of La Mancha is fantastic. Just hear his version of Dulcinea! And he was hilarious as Cam Winston on Frasier too, lol!

[@cards0486]

How I would love to see Brian Stokes Mitchell live. The ‘concert version’ of SOUTH PACIFIC tears me apart. Watching a TV screen and him singing “THIS NEARLY WAS MINE”, I’m in tears. In the late 90s I got to see Bernadette Peters in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on Broadway. It wasn’t a really large theater, and her voice certainly filled the hall.

[@MCMNasty2]

Glad to see Raul on this list. Betty Buckley too. Saw her in Sunset for my first Broadway show and it still is the best performance I’ve seen.

[@lukerodriguez7219]

Thank you so much for adding Jeremy Jordan and Christian Borle to the list. Both of them are complete powerhouses and pros at what they do

[@MargaretCutt-um8iq]

I love Mandy Patinkin... I adore his baritone, it is so deep and powerful.

[@MargaretCutt-um8iq]

i don't know if i'd put them in the same order but i can find zero fault with your selections.

[@Snuggelbubs1]

Tenor

[@robinbickel4594]

I was fortunate enough to see him and Lupone in the original production of Evita and also saw him and Peters in the original production of Sunday in the Park. Two hilights of my theater going career.

[@christopherchen344]

Wow! …just WOW! Spot on, Ms. Mojo! And, Audra. Always, AUDRA! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@user-xm2ld1um7g]

I'm very glad you featured many of the GREAT voices of Broadway's past. Few young viewers have probably ever heard of them. I feel you hit the highlights for me. I'm satisfied ❤

[@rosejustice]

What? No Jerry Orbach? 💔💔💔

[@1Cheytown]

Sadly no, I think because he will be most known for Linnie Briscoe

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

My dad took an acting class in NYC which Jerry Orbach was in.. The instructor would always ask "Jerry,do u have anything prepared?" & he'd always shake his head. Guess he was observing the other students( which definitely paid off..👍)

[@alinakidd6061]

I think they said something about who are known for their stage work or continued to work on broadway after they became famous

[@robertamsel4769]

I enjoyed your picks, but being an older man, there was a time during which the wonderful Gwen Verdon was considered a Queen of Broadway, for her acting, dancing, and singing abilities. I saw her originate roles in Redhead, Sweet Charity, and Chicago, not to mention her being the greatest "Lola" in Damn Yankees. (I was too young to see Gwen play Lola on Broadway, but thank heavens for the movie.) When I lived in New York many moons ago, Helen Gallagher was an Upper West Side neighbor, and she was also one of Broadway's greats, as were Dolores Gray, Patricia Morison, and Nancy Walker. As for more modern singers, how could you forget the amazing Kelli O'Hara? And what of those two gloriously talented women we lost to cancer, Marin Mazzie and Rebecca Luker?

[@SiennaRoseOfficial]

I’d argue this list is missing Heather Headly, Aaron Tveit, Cynthia Erivo, Sierra Boggess, Shoshana Bean, and Ramon Karimloo

[@erinlizzie09]

Sutton Foster is without a doubt my favorite female Broadway performer, with Kristen Chenowith as a very close second. And of course Julie Andrews will always be Queen.

[@erinlizzie09]

YAAAAS, Jeremy Jordan!!!! I love him!!!!

[@The_Dudester]

33:30 I love Ethel Merman's cameo in Airplane (1980).

[@erinmalone2669]

Miss Saigon is the best musical ever. It always breaks my heart. Lea only being 18 when she played in it is astounding. Such a well honed voice at such a young age!

[@lolacorinne5384]

@@erinmalone2669 I’m also pleased she was introduced as “Filipina”, denoting gender.

[@RobertBurns71405]

Patti LuPone is a living legend who is one of the greatest to ever do it!

[@dandowe1985]

Love to see Richard Kiley's beautiful voice mentioned--truly one of the best ever.

[@JanScogin]

Just so nice to see Norm Lewis on the list, he is one of my favs. So much incredible talent included in this list. But yes, Audra McDonald is in her own category.

[@joannemckinley2487]

These are all fantastic, iconic singers. I loved seeing the old timers such as Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Pearl Bailey, Dorothy Loudon, John Raitt, and Alfred Drake included on the list. So many of these "of all time" lists only go back so far and miss out on some truly great performers.

[@kathrynaston6841]

Ezio Pinza, who sang, Some Enchanted Evening, in South Pacific and Robert Goulet are two of the greats you totally missed!

[@jimmeade2976]

Richard Kiley's "Impossible Dream" is a timeless classic.

[@brianagrzybowski4734]

If you’re gonna include some more contemporary voices, I would add Ben Platt and Lin Manuel Miranda.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

@@brianagrzybowski4734 The list is "greatest Broadway SINGERS". Lin is a supremely talented genius songwriter/composer. Definitely not one of the greatest singers ever.

[@cunyc1]

Ben Platt definitely!! Lin not really - though he's great at pitch and harmonizing on the fly.

[@catswatchingbirds818]

⁠@@ThexImperfectionistMy thoughts exactly. Lin Manuel is an extraordinary composer and songwriter, but not a great vocal performer. Engaging, yes. Adequate, yes. GOAT? Nope.

[@browneyes142a]

LMM would be the first to tell you that he doesn't belong on this list ad a singer. Ben Platt has only had 3 roles on Broadway. I think it matters whether he decides to do more Broadway or concentrate more on TV/film. Not diminishing the voice at all though.

[@globbyakaweirdjellyguy954]

As a “Hazbin Hotel” fan, I’m so glad to see Jeremy Jordan and Christian Borle on here.🥰❤️❤️❤️ I do wish James Monroe Iglehart and Alex Brightman made the list though.😢😔 Lea Salonga and Angela Lansbury are definitely the ones I’m most familiar though since I grew up on Disney movies.😊❤❤❤

[@lolacorinne5384]

I’m so glad you’ve remembered John Raitt and Alfred Drake. They’re often forgotten/overlooked.

[@laurabailey1054]

Dorothy Louden was singing in theatres before the singers were microphoned up the wazoo! So were many of the other older singers. There was a time when all you had was your voice and it had to reach the back of the theatre

[@howvery7971]

Audra McDonald is absolutely sublime - I saw her in concert recently and the whole show was breathtaking 😍 definitely the best modern performer and my all-time fave alongside Julie Andrews 💜💜💜

[@asyoz]

Saw Patti LuPone in concert last week. It was a real bucket-list moment for me. I've loved her voice from afar for years and NEVER thought I'd get the chance to hear her sing, live. Then I see that she's here in Australia on tour!! She did two hours, in stilettos, without one even slightly questionable note. At 75yo. Holy hell is she frigging amazing

[@kristashafer93098]

I firmly believe that the angels in Heaven sound like Audra MacDonald. Her voice is absolutely exquisite!!!

[@alyzu4755]

Dorothy Loudon put the "broad" in "Broadway". 🥰

[@BroadwayGuy]

Amen To That!!!!!!

[@chelseacanales8763]

I would love to see a Broadway show ❤❤❤❤❤

[@isaaccamelobernardesdacost2286]

OMG! a Dorothy Loudon reference! YES

[@Spikesgurl74]

While I agree with many of these, it think Brian Stokes Mitchell at only #23 is a travesty of justice. Being in that theater when he sang “The Impossible Dream” was a religious experience. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that he was beyond gracious and lovely at the stage door afterwards as well.)

[@penquin402]

Kristin Chenoweth is number 1 for me because we're both from Oklahoma. I'm from Tulsa and she's from Broken Arrow. We love Kristin Chenoweth here in Oklahoma.

[@ladykoiwolfe]

Bernadette Peters, Jeremy Jordan, and Christian Borle are definitely my favorites. I can't stand voices that are too high pitched, they just hurt my head. And voices that are too bombastic sound more like shouting than singing to me. I like a singer to sound like they are singing, even when they are spouting words at an incredible rate. Deep Vibrant voices are also beautiful. And I will always love Angela and Julie Andrews, they were so much of my childhood.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

My favorite Broadway singers are probably Michael Crawford and Julie Andrews. But all of these people are so talented and amazing. Their singing, their acting, their passion, and every other amazing aspect of these incredibly talented people is insane and truly amazing.

[@joanmcgovern6305]

Love all these picks, but Ramin Karimloo is my absolute favorite Broadway singer, wish he'd made the list.

[@vikimoody8783]

Great list. Enjoyed watching. Thank you!

[@suebob16]

Thank you for compiling this list of Broadway veterans and today's modern musical actors. I personally would have moved Donna Murphy much higher, but otherwise a good list. Now work towards a list of 40!

[@backdraft916]

The fact that Kristin Chenoweth also suffers with a debilitating illness (Ménière’s), just makes her even more of a talent.

[@LoriDPetterson]

Where's Jerry Orbach?

[@1Cheytown]

He's best remembered by most as Linnie Briscoe is why I'm guessing

[@RonBrown-Gray]

Kristin, Idina and Bernadette.

[@bryannburgess]

I love all of these amazing Broadway actors and actress's, and I want to personally thank them for continuing to inspire and motivate me. Thank you so much for featuring them on mismojo! P.S. I actually had vocal master classes with Betty Buckley, it was a lot of fun!

[@jandreid2023]

Gypsy is not just by Sondheim; it's also by Jule Styne.

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, MsMojo..!! 24:55 Sutton Foster is an amazing singer. Kristin Chenoweth and Sutton Foster are my favorite Broadway singers of all time.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

Good mix! Obviously not going to please everyone when attempting something like this. I was expecting to see Ramin Karimloo, Cythnia Erivo, and a few other contemporary names in here somewhere but then many of the older choices were unfamiliar to me.

[@dominiquecheney9105]

Did they miss Barbara?

[@mlynettepinky595]

Yep and Bett Midler

[@krissycatg1957]

Once Barbara became famous, she never came back to Broadway again. So she wasn’t included.

[@MarshallArtz007]

Barbra!

[@kristiern2606]

Saw Carol Channing in Dolly - she toured and stopped at our outdoor theater Starlight in KCMO. I still remember although it’s been decades since!!

[@What_Makes_Climate_Tick]

Thanks for including quite a few from old times. Brian Stokes Mitchell came to Broadway somewhat later in life. I remember him in the TV show Trapper John MD in the 80s.

[@What_Makes_Climate_Tick]

33:28 "Sondheim's Gypsy" I hesitate to call it this, since Sondheim was the lyricist, but June Stone was the composer.

[@timeoutforcaregivers9438]

Thank you for including Pearl Bailey, my parents and grand parents loved her… so talented!

[@movieswithsammykitty]

Norm Lewis is so incredible! I was lucky enough to see him play Javert, and I thought about his voice for weeks.

[@BlakeBarrett-qb7dw]

the fact that Ramin Karimloo isn't on this is list is a crime

[@greenqueenjp]

Great list! I was sure Patti would be #1, but Audra makes sense. I’m going to shout out my favourite duo, Belting Bonnie Milligan and Matt Doyle, as well as Eva Noblezada and Damon Daunno, whose voice is haunting and incomparable. Also my current #1 Cynthia Erivo - she hasn’t done many Broadway roles but her voice is unbelievable.

[@robinsmith5442]

And every time I see Ethel Merman I think of "Airplane"

[@bernardsheley5970]

I love your work keep doing what you doing.

[@bernardsheley5970]

I love your work keep doing what you are doing.

[@cynthiat6505]

Brian Stokes Mitchell knocks me out! And Audra McDonald gives me chills!

[@joebinienda5283]

Thank you for such a great video. Some of the list were quite a surprise.

[@clydeericksoncapati7566]

Clicked here to see if Lea Salonga is here💗

[@thisisdone6018]

Elaine paige

[@janhoke7796]

There is only one “Voice of Broadway” - Betty Buckley is the Voice of Broadway. ♥️Xxxooo

[@liveicelive]

Lots of great ones on here, but: Renee Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Christopher Jackson, Daveed Diggs, Ben Platt, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, Hugh Jackman, Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Lea Michele, Tracie Thoms

[@aidanloeser8679]

Most of these performers are very talented but are known solely for one Broadway performance. Others like Anna Kendrick, Lea Michele and Meryl Streep have done Broadway shows but infrequently.

[@kateharrison6776]

You should have shown Brian Stokes Mitchell singing 'This Nearly Was Mine ' from 'South Pacific', a truly memorable performance. I shed tears every time.

[@dannysimion]

Love broadway! So many great ones on this list both the past and modern times. Love it! Audra definitely is a powerful all on her own.

[@Malabar190]

Pretty good list. Happy to see Lea Salonga in the top 10. Audra and Patti as 1 and 2 are on point! I would have chosen Patti for #1 but Audra deserves it because of her Tony wins.

[@maryk3458]

I'm so glad you included Norm Lewis.

[@michaelgreisinger5255]

I'm surprised you didn't mention Angela Lansbury won four Tony Awards for Lead Actress in a Musical.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Audra Mcdonald. Happy saturday afternoon, Emily. Take care and God bless you. Greetings from Colombia to you as well

[@brianborchardt7198]

And she's such a lovely person! I had the great pleasure to meet her a few years back.

[@viviansnead4886]

Where's Elaine Stritch?

[@aidanloeser8679]

Brilliant performer but not one of broadways best vocalists

[@amandastumpff5252]

Before I watched this, I said to myself, “I swear, if Norm Lewis is not on this list, I don’t know what I’ll do…” lol

[@nikkiclark8123]

I thought Sutton Foster would be higher!! She is EVERYTHING!!

[@lynnjenks9427]

I think Barbra Streisand should have been on this list. I know she didn't do a lot of Broadway shows other than Funnygirl and I can get it for you wholesale but she still deserves to be listed. Her Broadway album and Back to Broadway albums proves she can sing Broadways best show stoppers like no other. I also think Michael Crawford deserves to be on this list for The Phantom of the Oprera. I love all of these pics and I love Broadway. And Josh Groban after his run in Sweeny Todd...oh that voice! There are so many great ones. Broadway is the best!

[@robinsmith5442]

First place I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell was on the TV show, Trapper John MD on CBS with Pernell Roberts.

[@dollyperry3020]

Just lovely!

[@tommunyon2874]

Kristin Chenoweth did a concert with Seattle Men's Chorus--time of my life!

[@mlynettepinky595]

I saw Hilary Banks fiancé on the thumb nail and I had to click😂

[@LaLayla99]

Audra!! (And Brian Stokes Mitchell) So many wonderful performers. I think you're missing Marin Mazzie, though.

[@themadwomanskitchen9732]

I'm surprised Barbra Striesand didn't make the list

[@jaynefarrell7378]

Rebecca Luker please

[@1trschaefer78]

It's a pretty good list. Though I could quibble with the ranking.

[@Kristine_202]

And now think about how many of them will be on Broadway this upcoming season! Bernadette, Lea, Sutton, Audra, Idina, and even Kristin if "Queen of Versailles" transfers in time. (And Jeremy is already there. I've seen "Gatsby" three times now.) My poor wallet. 🤣

[@1Cheytown]

I would LOVE to make another trip back there to see Lea and Bernadette in Old Friends!!

[@milliemouse6525]

Bravissimi! You got it right❤! All amazing. I confess there were a few I'd never heard of but would say 95% i know and agree with you!!! Good job.

[@64cateyes]

Shirley Jones?

[@jimmymccully8701]

Rebecca Luker should be on this list. She had a beautiful soprano voice, Secret Garden. Showboat Revival, Music Man Revival, Sound of Music Revival, and Christine in Phantom of the Opera. I was in Camelot, with her in college. Rebecca was a wonderful, Lady Guinevere, often compared to Julie Andrews and Barbara Cook. Sadly, she died of ALS. Rebecca was the Birmingham Nightingale on Broadway.

[@RoseTylerxx]

Lea Salonga is one of my all-time favourites! Her voice is stunning and she had unbelievable control!

[@kristiern2606]

Hell yeah Miss Pearl Bailey. Lovely gravelly alto.

[@CareyTisdal]

Excellent choices, although I also have some personal favorites!

[@nancyhajeski3360]

I know he transitioned to Hollywood fairly early, but Kevin Kline was a credit to the Great White Way whenever he performed there (and whenever he occasionally returns). I was fortunate enough to see him in On the Twentieth Century and with Blythe Danner in Much Ado at Shakespeare in the Park.