Artists with distinctive voices

In the world of music, the voice is much more than just an instrument; it is the carrier of emotions, the expression of the soul, and the unique signature of each artist. In this article, we shine a light on those singers whose exceptional vocal qualities have left a mark. From the raw, rugged power of Janis Joplin and Brittany Howard, to the whispering depth of Leonard Cohen and Matt Berninger, through the dizzying range of Mariah Carey and Ekaterina Shelehova, these artists remind us that the voice can be an infinitely versatile tool for expression. We will also delve into the unique timbres and experimental approach of Björk and Eivør Pálsdóttir, not to mention the legendary scat performances of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. This article celebrates these unforgettable voices that, each in their own way, bring music to life and resonate within us long after the notes have faded.

The Masters of Scat

Scat is an improvised vocal technique used in jazz where the singer uses nonsensical syllables to create melodies and rhythmic improvisations, often mimicking the sounds of instruments. Louis Armstrong is often credited with popularizing scat with his groundbreaking recording of Heebie Jeebies in 1926, where he used scat to add a new and dynamic dimension to his performance. Ella Fitzgerald, known as the First Lady of Song, perfected this technique with remarkable virtuosity, particularly in her renditions of How High the Moon and A-Tisket, A-Tasket, where her ability to improvise and manipulate vocal language impressed both critics and listeners alike. Sarah Vaughan, with her rich and deep voice, also contributed to the evolution of scat, using her technical mastery to enrich her performances and bring emotional depth.



Mel Tormé, known for his nickname The Velvet Fog, incorporated scat into his performances with elegant sophistication, demonstrating great mastery of technique and improvisation. Other notable artists in the world of scat include Cab Calloway, whose energetic performances and inventive vocalizations left a significant mark on the genre, and Bobby McFerrin, whose modern work continues to explore and expand the boundaries of scat with an innovative approach. Each of these artists has brought their own unique touch to the art of scat, making this technique an essential component of vocal jazz.



A Characteristic Timbre and Vocal Versatility

Björk, with her distinctly ethereal and experimental voice, combines a unique timbral quality with incredible versatility. She easily navigates between airy registers and earthier sounds, using her falsetto and vocal variations to create fascinating and innovative atmospheres in her works, ranging from whispers to powerful screams, with a timbre that seems to come from another world. Her avant-garde approach to singing incorporates elements of electronic, classical, and experimental music, allowing her to explore unprecedented sonic territories.



Eivør Pálsdóttir, on the other hand, possesses a rich and deep timbre that evokes the natural landscapes of her native Faroe Islands. She draws inspiration from the traditional ballads of the Faroe Islands and primarily sings in her mother tongue, Faroese, as well as in English, Danish, Swedish, and Icelandic. Her voice, both clear and powerful, carries a mystical quality that lends emotional depth to her performances. Eivør utilizes her vocal versatility to transition from delicate and melancholic interpretations to moments of expressive power, blending folk, pop, and traditional influences to create a distinctive and immersive sound.



A Wide Vocal Range and Ability to Reach Whistle Notes

Mariah Carey, whose impressive vocal range spans five octaves, is known for her mastery of whistle notes, a technique that allows her to produce extremely high notes, often inaudible to some listeners. Her ability to incorporate these notes into her songs, with exceptional clarity and power, has become a hallmark of her style, as evidenced by tracks like Emotions.



Ekaterina Shelehova, a contemporary lyric singer, also shares the ability to reach extremely high notes. Although she is primarily known for her repertoire in the fields of opera and classical music, her vocal technique allows her to explore high registers with remarkable precision. Her mastery of whistle notes is particularly noteworthy in her performances, where she utilizes these heights to add an additional dimension to her lyrical interpretations, demonstrating exceptional vocal technique and great expressiveness.




Raw Power and Unmatched Grit

Janis Joplin, an icon of 1960s blues and rock, was distinguished by her deeply raspy and explosive voice. Her ability to project raw emotions and convey palpable vulnerability through performances like Piece of My Heart and Cry Baby has left an indelible mark on rock and blues. Her voice, both powerful and haunting, captured the essence of her era while showcasing a rare and authentic intensity.



Brittany Howard, the lead vocalist of the band Alabama Shakes, shares this power and grit with a modern approach. Her voice is characterized by a depth and a raspy texture that add a soulful and bluesy dimension to her performances. Tracks like Don't Wanna Fight and Hold On showcase her ability to blend raw power with raw emotion, delivering a captivating listening experience. Howard uses her voice to explore a variety of themes with an intensity reminiscent of Joplin, while integrating contemporary elements and diverse influences.



A Deep and Whispering Voice

Leonard Cohen, known for his spoken and introspective singing style, has a profoundly deep baritone voice that conveys a unique emotional depth. His murmured timbre and dark inflections, as heard in songs like Hallelujah and Suzanne, add a poetic and melancholic dimension to his lyrics. The quality of his voice allows for subtle nuances and complex feelings to shine through, making his interpretations a deeply emotive experience.



Matt Berninger, the lead singer of the band The National, also possesses a deep and whispering voice that evokes a similar sensitivity. His rich, velvety baritone is often described as dark and enveloping, with a whispering effect that enhances the introspective and sometimes melancholic themes of his songs. Tracks like Bloodbuzz Ohio and I Need My Girl illustrate how Matt Berninger uses his timbre to create an intimate and reflective atmosphere, capturing the emotional nuances of his lyrics with a subtle yet powerful intensity.



A High and Powerful Timbre:

Axl Rose, from the band Guns N' Roses, is renowned for his extensive vocal range, capable of transitioning from deep lows to very high notes. His high and powerful timbre is particularly recognizable in songs like Sweet Child O' Mine and November Rain. His voice is notable for its expressiveness and emotional intensity. Axl Rose employs a wide variety of vocal techniques to convey complex emotions, ranging from raw power to melancholic softness. His ability to alternate between low registers and high notes with great ease is a hallmark of his style. He is also known for his vibrato techniques and dynamic inflections that add depth to his performances.



Sebastian Bach, the singer of the band Skid Row, possesses a powerful voice with a wide vocal range, capable of reaching high notes while maintaining an intensity similar to that of Axl Rose. His timbre is often compared to Axl's due to their shared ability to deliver rock performances with great expressiveness. Like Axl Rose, Sebastian Bach is known for his energetic rock style and his capacity to convey strong emotions through his voice. His interpretations of songs combine power and technique in the realms of hard rock and heavy metal.



A Deep Voice Timbre

We immediately think of a few well-known artists, such as Barry White, who is famous for his deep and rich voice, celebrated for his soul and R&B performances. His deep, warm voice has left a significant mark on the genre and is instantly recognizable. Johnny Cash, whose voice is often described as baritone-bass, is deep and raspy. His distinctive timbre is a key element of his country style and musical impact. Muddy Waters, also an iconic figure in blues, has a powerful deep voice that contributed to defining modern blues.

Tim Storms, on the other hand, possesses an exceptionally low vocal range, reaching extremely deep notes that are inaudible to most people without amplification. He holds the Guinness World Record for the lowest note ever recorded by a singer, a G-7 at 0.189 Hz, which is well below the threshold of human hearing.

Tim Storms with the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir and Nikolai Korniev:





Exploring these unique voices—of course, we have only presented a tiny fraction of all the artists that could be listed—we have delved into the profound impact that artists can have by using their voices as true instruments of expression. Whether it’s the raw power of Janis Joplin and Brittany Howard, the deep murmurs of Leonard Cohen and Matt Berninger, the astonishing vocal range of Mariah Carey and Ekaterina Shelehova, or the experimental timbre of Björk and Eivør Pálsdóttir, these artists demonstrate that the voice is much more than a means of singing—it is a force capable of touching, inspiring, and captivating. By celebrating these unique vocal talents, this article reminds us of the richness and diversity of music, where each voice brings a new dimension to the art. Dive into the world of these artists who give voice and let yourself be carried away by their sonic magic.