Rusty Saber: Greatest singers list misses a few notes

Way back in 1999, before the turn of the century, lots of polls were released naming the best this and that of the 20th century. In fact, the Rusty Saber took issue with some selections and agreed with others. The Saber even invited readers to compare their personal choices for the greatest movies of the century to an "official" top 100 listing.

I assumed that naming the best of the century had come to an abrupt halt when the 20th century sailed off into the sunset. Not so. I was surprised to see the article in USA Today reporting on a poll by the British Broadcasting Company of the 20th century's greatest singers.

Without comment, the top 10 singers as determined by the BBC are listed below. Rest assured that plenty of comments will follow. Otherwise, this would be a short column.

1. Frank Sinatra, 2. Elvis Presley, 3. Nat "King" Cole, 4. Ella Fitzgerald, 5. Bing Crosby, 6. John Lennon, 7. Aretha Franklin, 8. Billie Holiday, 9. Barbra Streisand, 10. Queen's Freddie Mercury.

Now for the comments. First, this poll was taken in Britain. It's surprising that so many American singers made the cut. I presume people taking the poll were told to name the greatest pop singers of the century. Otherwise, some opera singers would have been mentioned. Any list of great singers of the century of necessity should be headed by Frank Sinatra. Without question, he is No. 1.

But if Sinatra is to be No. 1, Tony Bennett has got to appear someplace among the top 10. As an aside, I think a strong case could be made for Rosemary Clooney, whose golden voice churned out hit after hit in the 50s She is still singing with a voice as lovely as it was then.

I have a friend who would swear that another Italian singer, Jerry Vale, should be there. My wife would say jazz singer Joe Williams should be named. Personal favorites aside, a talented singing voice should be the chief criterion. Thus, no one of sound mind could put Elvis Presley ahead of Nat "King" Cole.

Elvis was a great entertainer; he successfully merged country music with the blues, and rock n' roll came into its own. He sold more records that Col. Sanders sold chicken legs; but he was not a better singer than the immensely talented Nat Cole.

In fact, it speaks volumes about Sinatra's talent that he is No. 1 to Cole's No. 2. Elvis shouldn't be kicked out, just demoted: Stay tuned.

At No. 5, Bing Crosby is in about the right place. I agree with Ella Fitzgerald at 4, but if the list is to include Ella, Aretha Franklin and Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, who in my judgment was a better singer than any of the three, can't be omitted from the list. Truth be told, I would take Aretha Franklin off the list and replace her with Sarah.

The choice of John Lennon at No. 6 boggles my mind. He was a great composer, musician and social force; however, most of his singing was with the Beatles. Very little of his singing was solo. He isn't deserving of being at the lofty height of one of the top 10 singers of the 20th century.

If the Brits wanted to name one of their own, why not Elton John? I wouldn't put him on the list, but he at least has accumulated an impressive body of solo singing.

Lennon's selection is absurd, but not nearly as much as the No. 10 choice, Queen's Freddie Mercury. Come on, get serious. He should be included while Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder are excluded? Mel Torme, surely he must be a better choice. Sammy Davis Jr.? Louis Armstrong?

I haven't a problem with Barbra Streisand at 9. However, I find it hard to justify her selection, and not Judy Garland. Listen to both singers and tell me who influenced Streisand.

Before you Streisand fans march on me and string me up, I'm going to leave her on my list. Speaking of my list, here it is: 1. Frank Sinatra, 2. Nat "King" Cole, 3. Sarah Vaughan, 4. Ella Fitzgerald, 5. Bing Crosby, 6. Tony Bennett, 7. Billie Holiday, 8. Judy Garland, 9. Barbra Streisand, 10. Elvis Presley.

If you would like to tell me what genius choices mine are or how idiotic they are please contact me, and tell me your choices. In a future column, I'll share your choices with Rusty Saber readers. Send your comments to Rusty Saber, PO Box 1365, Springfield, MO 65801 or to sbj@sbj.net.

(Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University and a Springfield public relations consultant.)