Vocal range is a fascinating aspect of a singer’s skill set. It encompasses the spectrum of notes a vocalist can hit, from the earth-shaking lows to the spine-tingling highs. But let’s be clear, vocal delivery is a multifaceted art, and hitting notes is just one part of the equation.
Consider singers like Jeff Buckley, who may not make the top ten in the vocal range list but possess an extraordinary ‘chest voice.’
This chest voice resonates deeply, seemingly emanating from the singer’s gut. On the other hand, there’s the ‘head voice,’ which hits higher registers but may lack the same resonance.
However, vocal range alone doesn’t crown the “greatest singer.” In classical music, for instance, vocal training is rigorous, yet many opera stars have a relatively limited range. Sopranos, the highest female vocal register, typically stick to a range between C4 and C6, focusing on the sweet spot to maintain performance quality.
Modern singers like Billie Eilish also challenge conventional notions of vocal prowess.
She employs subtle pitch shifts and technology to convey profound emotions, often singing in hushed tones. It’s a reminder that greatness in singing cannot be solely defined by the science of pitches.
That said, the list below showcases singers with impressive vocal ranges, and while they may not stray far from accepted musical legends, a highlight to their vocal prowess. The study, conducted by Concert Hotels, analyzed the highest and lowest notes sung by various artists, creating a vocal range league. Mariah Carey hit the highest note, while Axl Rose, known for his falsetto, surprised everyone with the lowest note, even surpassing Barry White.
Here are the 10 singers with the greatest vocal range:
- Axl Rose
- Mariah Carey
- Prince
- Steven Tyler
- James Brown
- Marvin Gaye
- Christina Aguilera
- David Bowie
- Paul McCartney
- Thom Yorke
It’s worth noting that the study doesn’t specify how many artists were tested, potentially leaving out lesser-known vocalists with impressive ranges. Additionally, the results highlight an intriguing paradox: often, those known for higher-pitched singing tend to have larger vocal ranges