Here are a few of my personal favorite singers( in no specific order);
Male; Tony Bennett -just keeps gettin' better and better. He continuously hones his craft and isn't afraid to try new styles. He is the master at communicating a songs' message. His stories between the tunes are always cool too. He loves his job and it shows.
Freddy Mercury- didn't get a fair shake from many due to his sexual orientation. The dude could sing! never heard him sing a "bad" note. This man was an incredibly gifted musician. He, like so many others, left us way too soon.
Delbert McClinton- raspy, soulfull, doesn't over-sing. Not a "mainstream" artist but who cares. He's as good a singer as anyone in the business. Plus, he's got one of the grooviest names in music too!
Female; Alison Krauss-turns my "tough guy" outer shield to mush when she sings. Her voice is immediatly recognizable and her high range is unbelievable. She sounds better live than any studio recording I've heard from her. No matter which style of music she sings she always uses her natural voice, and it's a thing of beauty.
Bonnie Raitt- always dug her style, she's a cool, classy, amazingly talented musician. And her vocal vibrato, dynamic application, and elasticity of vocal folds in amongst the best. She can belt out some powerful, dirty blues and calm the most angry beasts with her sweet, gentle delivery on her "love songs."
Billie Holiday- "Lady Day" was one of a kind. A soothing and distinct voice that induces goose bumps everytime I hear her sing. She didn't have huge range and her voice wasn't overpowering but she knew her limits and worked her vocal strengths like no other. I wanna give her a big ole hug everytime I listen to her sing.
Give everything but up.