Top 10 Singers with Unique Voices

These singers stand out with their unique voices. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most original-sounding voices in music. Our countdown includes Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner, and more! Did we forget one of YOUR favorite voices? Let us know in the comments below.
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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.
#Music #Singers #Voice #Songs #Unique

[@MsMojo]

Did we forget one of YOUR favorite voices? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 10 Most Iconic Female Singers of All Time - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3rVnGRnjZ2dkLs

[@johnholzhey8149]

Michael Nesmith doing Joanne.

[@raymondmaciel4047]

Hey MsMojo, can you make a top 10 animated Disney channel Christmas specials list

[@LaLeLu12209]

Great voices - I missed Sia

[@denisevillalobos6776]

Thom Yorke. Alternative falsettos only he knows how to.

[@MR-hu3ht]

Kinda amazed that you could forget Tom Waits.

[@AquaBlue77]

Cyndi Lauper has one of the most unique voice too. Edit: Holy crap, so many likes. Thanks a bunch.

[@kimkulesa3041]

Sorry, just my opinion I think she sounded like a screeching cat. 'Several much better singers should have replaced 'some of those on the list.

[@AquaBlue77]

@@kimkulesa3041 Alright, your opinion, I respect that. I just happened to like that 'screeching cat' for the uniqueness, and that you can instantly pick out between a bunch of ordinary ones in a crowd, and that she's profited from. So.

[@dvongrad]

Just from the video title, she was on my list, too. So was Steve Perry. A unique doesn't have to be "screechy"-it just has to be one you recognize from just a few words.

[@paulaneary7877]

Yeah, Cyndi Lauper is AWESOME!

[@luv2cyn]

Let the Canary Screech doesn’t roll off the tongue quite so easily, does it?

[@emilieraphael4431]

Freddie Mercury was in a class all by himself. He was incomparable both for his voice and his iconic songwriting!

[@megnotes7908]

And for his showmanship! Loved him, loved Queen!

[@Beckicat07]

Nobody can compare to Freddie , he was truly one of a kind.

[@ddyrich64]

While we are discussing deep voices that are unique, Barry White comes up huge. At least an honorable mention!

[@edzeljereza8234]

Stevie Nicks and Grace Slick......when those two gals sing, you can never mistake them for anyone else.

[@Sunflower8587]

I'm surprised Stevie Nicks wasn't on this list too.

[@feg3akatrey144]

Omg, I would absolutely include Karen Carpenter… her voice was about as close to perfect as I’ve ever heard. Others on my list = Paul Simon, Jim Croce, Helen Reddy, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and Nina Simone.

[@WrenFaithBridger]

I have a story about how distinctive Paul Simon is. A friend of mine received a tape from a friend in Africa. It was a first-run track of an album coming out featuring some African artists. The song on the tape was "Homeless". My friend played it for me. Right in the middle of the song a new voice came in. I asked my friend, "Is that Paul Simon?" She didn't know, as her friend didn't tell her. Months later the album "Graceland" came out...and there was "Homeless"! I knew it was him...and I'm not ordinarily good at recognizing voices.

[@megnotes7908]

Karen Carpenter’s voice was amazing! Love her still.

[@carolanndenton5933]

@@WrenFaithBridger omg..can't forget Art Garfunkel

[@saraeastman40]

Robin Gibb of The Bee Gees had the most wonderful voice, imo. His vibrato was amazing. Just listen to “I started a Joke” “I Can’t See Nobody” “Mr. Natural”, etc

[@chivienhuynh2132]

I was disappointed when Robin Gibb wasn't included in this list. Try to find another singer with such a voice. There is none.

[@valeriebailey8921]

I totally agree!

[@JENSATFAR]

Massachusetts ❤

[@user-xo1mp3pp8c]

Yes he had a remarkable voice

[@layneannen]

Yes indeed!!! Robin Gibb!!!

[@thewriterstuff]

Joe Cocker could've made the list as well as others mentioned. Gonna need a part 2.

[@kris242]

Def gonna need a part 2 lmao. Cocker, Tom Waits, Robert Plant, St. Vincent, Lou Reed, Nat King Cole, Diana Ross, Morrissey, Harry Belafonte, Frankie Valli. There’s a new list right there lolol.

[@kris242]

Oh shit and Sam Cooke and Al Green

[@carolanndenton5933]

yeah

[@DianeLake-sw3ym]

I am surprised Robert Plant is not on this list. He has one of the most distinctive voices. You know it's him automatically because it is so unique

[@jorymil]

Definitely. I don't know who he would replace here, but his voice is just as unique as Leonard Cohen's or Bob Dylan's.

[@jjtino19]

It’s hard to make a top 10 with so many unique singers.

[@spacecat7715]

Tom Waits! You forgot him! That guy has gravel in his voice, but it's still unique. Also Dave Gahan, don't forget his baritone voice.

[@SleeperLG]

Oh yea! Totally Tom Waits!!!

[@alexmeyer5260]

Can't stand Tom Waits. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard for me.

[@DavidWilsoninnefl]

I'd put Joe Cocker in the same category.

[@jenniferburns2530]

Prince and Tracey Chapman should both be on this list. When Prince first hit big, everyone knew he was one of a kind before they even saw him in pictures, video, or live.

[@carolanndenton5933]

Yeah and Joan Armitrading !!

[@margiepico]

Billie Holiday and Nina Simone!!!

[@doc_adams8506]

Damn straight! Every time I hear "Something Good" I stop what I'm doing and enjoy.

[@michaelnorris2522]

I'd also add Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. And on the male side, Johnny Hartman.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

@@michaelnorris2522 Johnny Hartman is one of my favorite male singers. What a voice!

[@criscrisler8604]

I would add Roy Orbison…no one sounds, or can sound like him.

[@shedjammer87]

His vocal range was amazing!

[@MrJeepsters]

C'est LA VOIX.

[@dennis2966]

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues has a one of a kind voice. Over 50+ years I've tried to find someone else who sounds like him. I still haven't.

[@joemachunda]

Justin Hayward has the most emotional voice WITHOUT sounding whiney, breathy or phoney. NOBODY sings like him.

[@ecclestonsangel]

Justin's voice always sounded like warm honey. And he certainly didn't need stupid autotune. Autotune was the worst thing that ever happened to music. It allowed people with mediocre skills to be stars. Retch!

[@aliciaromero2248]

Donna Summer, Tom Jones, Dean Martin, Linda Ronstant, Don Henly, Bono, Olivia Newton John, Dusty Springfield

[@DeidreL9]

Kate Bush is PHENOMENAL❤️

[@TributesAndUnique]

Saade, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and Shakira (as polarizing as her voice is) deserve at least an honorable mention

[@Boobalopbop]

Oh yeah… When you hear Shakira, you know it’s Shakira.

[@renovandermade2051]

I missed Elvis. Not even a HM. You can't miss Elvis' his voice.

[@Boobalopbop]

@@renovandermade2051 Lots of singers sound like Elvis though. He is also easy to impersonate.

[@FoxyPinkGirl]

Absolutely! It’s some stupid Gen Z person(s) working for the channel who don’t know shit about anything

[@bennymora3086]

I was surprised they weren’t in the video.

[@scottalan5282]

I'd add Steve Perry of Journey for his incredible range. It really shines through on some of the album rockers that didnt get the airplay the hits did.

[@carolanndenton5933]

how's about Ian Anderson..and Jon Anderson..

[@michaeleastes1705]

Neil Young deserves a mention. Joni Mitchell’s Blue album got me through a lot of lonely times in the barracks back in 1972.

[@jacobcormier5532]

Two of my absolute favourites!

[@thomasbowers1210]

Dolores O’Riordan should have at least made the honorable mentions. No one else will ever have a rock voice like her!

[@cuckoofan]

Dolores O'Riordan just mixed up Sinead O'Connor and Elizabeth's Fraser (Cocteau Twins)'s voices...🙄

[@nickbrutanna9973]

I recommend you look into Leigh Nash -- she, like O'Riordan, has that kind of voice you could listen to recite the phone book. Look up "Rhys Fulber Leigh Nash Fauxliage" Nash is better known from Six Pence None The Richer, but Fauxliage is more approachable.

[@terry3733H]

dreams 😊 ode to my family 🎵 RIP 😢

[@thomasbowers1210]

@@terry3733H My faves! ☺️

[@carolanndenton5933]

and the true grit to belt it out aloud and proud..cuz she was da bomb unique rockin..such a sad sad shame

[@netgnostic1627]

All of these singers have unmistakable and unique voices: Brad Delp - Boston Ann Wilson - Heart David Bowie Lady Gaga Mick Jagger - The Rolling Stones Ian Gillan - Deep Purple Roger Daltrey - The Who Ian Anderson - Jethro Tull Elton John Annie Lennox - The Eurythmics Geddy Lee - Rush Willie Nelson David Lee Roth - Van Halen Stevie Wonder

[@jadepixie2719]

Fiona Apple, MJ, Tori Amos, Melanie C, Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and many more should be included in this list too

[@cheapglass3068]

💯 Barry Gibb

[@mickeynewsome5412]

Debbie Harry has a unique voice. She tends to change her tone on different songs. She can sing many different types of music and has a tone for each and every one of them.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Great list! There's other unique voices for a part 2: Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley, Eddie Vedder, Birdy.

[@Ozymandi_as]

Oh wow! They missed Jeff Buckley? With all due respect to the other singers you mention, Jeff deserves a list of his own.

[@denisefreitas6727]

@@Ozymandi_as Totally agree.

[@BIGELOW.65]

​@@Ozymandi_asI'd say there's enough for a part 2 AND 3.

[@navega3997]

Billie Holiday should’ve been on this list.

[@Karla_Marie]

Yes!

[@alexmeyer5260]

Peter Gabriel should be on this list. I can instantly recognize his voice anytime I hear it.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Yeah, very interesting talented singer

[@amandabeaty1492]

I love him!

[@carolanndenton5933]

how's about David Byrne

[@ovr4tee]

Shane MacGowan (RIP) of The Pogues had an very original voice. Also missing, two of my personal favorites, Stevie Nicks and Dolores O'Riordan.

[@pauldourlet]

Number 2 should be Karen Carpenter. Saw her drum and sing (at the same time )in 1972 --blew me away.

[@theunintelligentlydesigned4931]

Here are some of the names I was expecting on this list: Carol Channing, Enya, Tones and I, Tom DeLonge, Kesha and Jimmy Durante.

[@deborahbryant9186]

I can’t understand why Nat King Cole was not on this list if not #1. His voice was chocolate wrapped in smoke!

[@terry3733H]

yes- he’s unforgettable- yet, this list forgot him 😉 but many of us remember fondly 🌟

[@victorlewis3251]

An apt description. Too bad that smoke led to his early death.

[@DinaLydia]

@@victorlewis3251~ From what I read, he habitually chain-smoked before performing, believing it enhanced his vocals. Yikes.

[@carolanndenton5933]

yeah and johnny mathis!!

[@carolanndenton5933]

sorry to interrupt again...umm Peggy Lee..Dinah Shore..must be more

[@susanpolice8465]

Jewel.....LAURA NYRO...Boz Skaggs...Lou Reed...Florence and The Machine...

[@kenglasson2920]

Boz Skaggs, I was a huge fan

[@debramandra6338]

LAURA NYRO LAURA NYRO LAURA NYRO ❤❤❤❤❤

[@carolanndenton5933]

Louise Forestier and Robert Charlevoix the songs on youtube around the time '67 '68 part english and french too..from montreal ..she is ultimate vocal ranges in a very very cool sound..en californie is one of them..and the lindberg

[@margiepico]

What about Billie Holiday?!?!?!

[@donaldwilson2620]

Tarja Turunen also has a unique voice. Her operatic voice is incredible.

[@Danielthescientist]

Great list, I would also include Michael Jackson , Britney Spears, Florence Welch, Celine Dion and Shakira, because their voice are very distinct.

[@thomasbowers1210]

Celine, Florence, Britney, and Shakira for sure! Vicci Martinez covered “Dog Days” on The Voice and she didn’t even attempt the operatic part b/c it’s so hard to sing!

[@megnotes7908]

If you’re going to have Celine, you’ve gotta have Streisand!

[@gaylestuebing3134]

Britney Spears? Who knows what her actual voice even sounds like?

[@saxbomb84]

I reckon Rob Thomas should be an honourable mention. As soon as he starts singing, you know it’s him.

[@kennylignon7908]

Stevie Nicks, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Joe Cocker

[@carolanndenton5933]

Judy (blue eyes) Collins

[@lilianaherrera-villegas8297]

A unique voice is one that, the minute you listen to it, you immediately know who is singing. So, in this list there are some unique voices missing like: - Karen Carpenter - Neil Diamond - Barbra Streisand - Barry White - Donna Summer - John Fogerty - Gary Puckett - Peter Cetera - Diana Ross - Steve Perry

[@carolanndenton5933]

Del Shannon..Dion and the belmonts..Buddy Hollie..Paul Robeson

[@carolanndenton5933]

Bobby Darin

[@ladylincoln5546]

Stevie Nicks should be on this list too!

[@annetteshann5818]

There have been so many distinct unique voices, my list would include Whitney, Karen Carpenter, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Neil Sedaka, Cindi Lauper, Johnny Mathis, Billie Holiday, Paul Weller, Barry White, Elvis of course and MJ to name just a few xx

[@kamsismith]

Amy Winehouse hands down! There will never be anyone like her to have the impact she made again.

[@DianeLake-sw3ym]

What an amazing talent. Gone way too soon

[@user-me8im1gw9v]

I would add Laura Pergolizzi (LP), Bobby McFerrin, and Jimmy Summerville to this endless list not mentioned, yet😊

[@chrisv.h.2307]

A fun and difficult list... I was very surprised not to see Billie Holiday!

[@WhoWantsToKnow69]

to not even mention frankie valli is criminal, other than that its a solid list

[@jimmcclements5229]

I feel that Geddy Lee should have made your list. Just listen to his vocals from the 70's through the 2000's and you will see what I mean.

[@qbertq1]

Came here to say the same thing. There's no singer like Geddy.😊

[@davidmitchell6873]

Alvin and the chipmunks sound exactly the same.

[@3h2o61]

Barbara Streisand. Adele. He may have been all pop but Barry Manilow. Neil Diamond. So many voices...

[@christinablack4438]

Stevie Nicks has a unique and great voice!

[@pasko7441]

Courtney Love, Shirley Manson, Siouxsie Sioux. Chris Cornell, Mika, Donovan... There are so many 😃

[@patriciabradley4764]

I feel this wasn't a "unique" list as much as it's an "emotional" list. This list drips with passion filled vocal works.

[@trusha_tungare]

Amy winehouse fan! Her voice was so amazing Rip legend!

[@lindabarnhouse3724]

Annie Lennox, Natalie Merchant and George Michael need to be on this list.

[@aimeebouffard909]

I really believe that Layne Staley (from Alice In Chains) should have been on this list and I would also put Chris Cornell (from Soundgarden) on this list

[@caragarratt8260]

I came to the comments to say the same! I’d add Mark Lanegan here too.

[@shedjammer87]

Lisa Gerrard is one of my favorites. Just amazing what she can do with her voice.

[@TheDittoditto]

Willie Nelson and his guitar Both had a unique voice

[@celticpoet21]

Great List! There can be only one Freddie Mercury! Its also incredible that later in his career, he performed and made an album with one of the biggest opera legends of all time- Monsteratte Caballe! If you do a top 20 list, please include Adam Lambert and perhaps Dr. Sir Brian May too!

[@megnotes7908]

Freddie and Monserrat singing Barcelona was wonderful.

[@jasonadlay]

I LOVE KATE BUSH

[@giovannaveteri5257]

Me too

[@desireejones1097]

We never got to tiptoe through the tulips with Tiny Tim. 🌷🌷🌷

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Do you know he actually had a good voice. It was a baritone. I loved him.

[@georgequellhorst8320]

Great list, but you missed my favorite unique voice, Tom Waits.

[@farlleyrodrigues9430]

Tina Turner - simply the best

[@theonellakats2443]

You need to expand that list to twenty (maybe 25?) Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra,, Pavarotti, Colm Wilkinson, Dolly Parton,, Carol Channing----I could go on (and on).

[@davidwesley2525]

@theonellakats2443 Carol Channing's Voice is Unmistakable I have Her Version & Marilyn Monroe's Version of " Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend " on My Playlist. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@carolanndenton5933]

Ella Fitzgerald. Enrico Caruso..

[@OneRedRocket]

Cass Elliott, Shirley Bassey, Randy Newman, Little Richard

[@donnawitteried3213]

I am a HUGE fan of Joni Mitchell!💙💙💙

[@slystone4892]

She’s great and I only know like 6 songs from hers

[@juanbernales447]

Tom Waits, Yma Sumac, Suzanne Vega, Nina Simone, Antony Hagerty, Dolores O’Riordan, Milva, Nina Hagen, Stevie Nicks…

[@HannahRainbow88]

I think each DECADE needs its own top 10, as there are so many incredibly unique voices!! 🤩 This video was a nice start, but I - and other commenters - can think of plenty more!

[@JENSATFAR]

Excellent idea! I second this request.

[@sandrashappell6754]

Chrissy Amphlett -- Divinyls (RIP). I always considered the female Brian Johnson.

[@mdeeaonetwothree5162]

Loved when she started yodelling in Siren

[@carolanndenton5933]

Chrissy Hynde

[@carolanndenton5933]

@@mdeeaonetwothree5162 you gotta hear..Hocus Pocus by Focus then!!

[@WarrenBridges-um5cg]

@@carolanndenton5933 A few years before Divinyls, but Chrissy was an absolute cave woman in the early days. Female Bon Scott in a schoolgirl uniform. Headbanging, cartwheels on stage, jumping up and down like a chimp throwing a tantrum.

[@ainobredtved3132]

Pink, Billie Eilish and Bon Jovi was missing in my opinion but I agree on most.

[@deborahmartin3140]

Joni is not just one of the most gifted song writers in her generation. She is one of the most gifted song writers of all time. The Queen ❤

[@Katieluv2sing18]

I'm going with Amy Lee the lead singer of evanescence has a unique voice but it's also a great voice

[@Eshabear1213]

Yes

[@richardhal]

Rickie Lee Jones, Patti Smith

[@carolanndenton5933]

boz scaggs..and The Boss!!

[@leesashriber5097]

Great list. Some I don't agree with but definitely Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Louie Armstrong, Johnny Cash. Thank you and Happy Thursday!!😊

[@hc9084]

Tiny Tim tiptoe through the tulips 😝

[@TheJuliusj]

Morrissey from the Smiths. Robert Smith the Cure, Roland Gift FYC, Ian McCullough Echo & The BunnyMen

[@carolanndenton5933]

Boy George O'dowd

[@jorymil]

Oh wow - Roland Gift has the best voice! Instantly recognizable.

[@cecileph5404]

Dolores O'Riordan

[@KimiLynn]

I said that too!

[@cecileph5404]

@@KimiLynn 💪😁

[@voutsider190]

Yes

[@PneumaNoose]

The Cohen album “You Want It Darker” is easily in my top 50 favorite albums of all time. It’s so rare for an artist to be that damn good at the end of his life and career.

[@SleeperLG]

Roy Orbison, Joe Cocker? Maybe the list should’ve been top 20

[@hermionewetherall3976]

I'm surprised sia is not on this list, her voice is impossible to replicate !!! Like the video though

[@cathyshifley3472]

What happened to Minnie Ripperton?She had a range that totally soared!

[@MichaelSouhoka]

Don't forget Bonnie Raitt, Annie Lennox, Sinead O'Connor, and Grace Jones.

[@greengorillah]

Less known but certainly unique: Yma Sumac (5 octaves), Dorival Caymmi and Diamanda Galas.

[@DavidDoom95]

Mine are Phil Collins, Tina Turner, Chuck Berry, Britney Spears, Katie Melua, Amy Winehouse and Estelle

[@d.scotthumphries955]

Intelligent and accurate list, beautifully presented. Thank you.

[@Boobalopbop]

BJORK!

[@hsvcommodore4111]

no list of unique voices is complete without Anastacia!

[@user-iq9tm9in5b]

Roy Obison

[@sainjawoof3506]

Miriam Makeba, Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, Sade

[@carolanndenton5933]

Joan Armitrading

[@alexioverdo5225]

Tina,Amy,Bjork YES!Some others mentioned in the video are indifferent to me.But where's Karen?Olivia NJ?Such unique vocal identities.

[@scottalan5282]

This is of course mainly for pop, traditional and mainstream music. If you would dive into the realm of rock.you'd have Stevie Nicks for the girls, and Geddy Lee of Rush for the guys. But even beyond Lee, there's a lesser known rocker from the 70s that has one of the most unique male voices you'll ever hear. Check out the group Pavlov's Dog and experience David Surkamp.

[@vmateo2842]

You need to make a Top 10 part 2 and possibly part 3

[@Uncle_Smidge]

If we get another list we need some love for Mariah Carey and her insane range :3

[@MarciaFialho]

My favourite male singer is still Greg Lake. He passed away too soon… 😢

[@coachburke9145]

yall should do volume 2 to this one. so many modern day artists that have very unique vocals / styles - Amy Lee, Florence Welch, Shakira, heck even adam levine... or nicki minaj.. they all have iconic shticks :#$

[@emmablack1035]

Absolutely LOVE Björk and Amy Winehouse ! I also think of Lana del Rey, Alanis Morissette, Dolores O'Riordan, Amy Lee among those I haven't seen mentioned much in the comments... but there are so many that we can't list them all

[@mclaurinisGODsSon2]

Barbara Streisand..cmom!? She has the most interesting voice.

[@StellarAvenger]

I'm surprised Tom Waits wasn't on here.

[@seabassseabass8835]

I'm like... are they crazy no Old Tom Frost !!!

[@leapguy1235]

"Those were days of roses..." Brrrrr! Just caught a chill...

[@martharunstheworld]

You left off Diamanda Galas - NO ONE ever sounded like her!!! No one. Ever. She is spectacular! Thanks for making Cohen number 1!

[@shedjammer87]

Nina Hagen also comes to mind.

[@martharunstheworld]

@@shedjammer87 Yes!!!

[@carolanndenton5933]

Yma Sumach..Miriam Makeba

[@susanheklicht]

Jon Anderson, Jim Morrison, Robert Plant...

[@AlexandelHowl]

Love the list but do part 2 please 🤩

[@ixtlibell1516]

You forgot Stevie Nicks

[@kenglasson2920]

Damn right

[@DianeLake-sw3ym]

Right. She has a very distinctive voice. Love Stevie

[@staceymccullough3671]

Ok so you have Bjork and Kate but no Tori Amos? Her voice is everything! But props for having Joni, Freddy and Leonard on here. They are all stars

[@carolanndenton5933]

Did anyone mention David Bowie..and Cat Stevens..to be continued

[@soopy.m]

clicked as SOON as i saw kate bush

[@christinadietl-stocker5769]

Otis Redding, Tom Waits, Lou Reed, Curtis Mayfield, Billie Holiday, Roy Orbison, K.D. Lang, The Boss, Joe Strummer, Mark Lanegan, Beth Hart, Eddie Vedder...