My Favorite Vocalists (Part Two)

Previously, in Part One, I included Greg Lake of ELP, Jon Anderson of Yes, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Alison Krauss, Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, and Elton John.

David Gates was an American singer, songwriter, and producer best known as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the soft rock band Bread, which achieved major success in the 1970s with hits like “Make It with You,” “Baby I’m-a Want You,” and “Everything I Own.”

Born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gates was celebrated for his smooth tenor voice, emotional delivery, and finely crafted melodies that helped define the soft rock genre. His vocal abilities were marked by warmth, clarity, and an intimate style that resonated with audiences,

making him a standout among singer-songwriters of his era. Outside Bread, Gates had a successful solo career with songs such as “Goodbye Girl,” showcasing his gift for heartfelt balladry. David Gates passed away on June 30, 2022, at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Jo Rita Gates, and their four children.

Karen Carpenter was an American singer and drummer best known as one half of the sibling duo The Carpenters, whose distinctive sound defined 1970s pop with timeless hits like “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Superstar.” Born on March 2, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, Karen possessed an extraordinary contralto voice, widely praised for its warm tone, impeccable phrasing, and emotional depth—qualities that made her one of the most gifted vocalists of her generation.

Her ability to convey vulnerability and melancholy through subtle vocal control gave The Carpenters’ music a unique and enduring resonance. Despite her musical success, Karen struggled privately with anorexia nervosa, a then little-understood illness that ultimately led to her death on February 4, 1983, at the age of 32. She is survived by her brother and musical partner Richard Carpenter, as well as her parents, Harold and Agnes Carpenter.

Burton Cummings is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and pianist best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band The Guess Who, which rose to international fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with classics like “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.” Born on December 31, 1947, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cummings is celebrated for his powerful and versatile voice,

capable of delivering gritty rock anthems as effortlessly as tender ballads. His vocal range, control, and emotive expression have earned him recognition as one of rock’s most dynamic frontmen, blending soul, blues, and pop

influences with a distinctive theatrical flair. Following his time with The Guess Who, he launched a successful solo career with hits such as “Stand Tall” and “I’m Scared,” further showcasing his vocal and songwriting prowess.

Ann Wilson is an American rock singer and songwriter best known as the powerhouse lead vocalist of the band Heart, which she co-founded in the 1970s with her sister Nancy Wilson. Born on June 19, 1950, in San Diego, California, Ann is widely regarded as one of rock’s greatest female vocalists,

known for her soaring, emotive range, dynamic power, and effortless command over both hard rock anthems like “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You” and tender ballads such as “Alone.” Her voice combines raw intensity with operatic control, setting a standard for women in rock and influencing generations of artists.

Throughout her decades-long career, Wilson has earned acclaim for her ability to channel deep emotion and strength through her performances, both as a member of Heart and in her solo work.

Dan Fogelberg was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his poetic lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and gentle tenor voice that helped define the soft rock and folk-pop sound of the 1970s and early 1980s. Born on August 13, 1951, in Peoria, Illinois, Fogelberg gained widespread acclaim with songs like “Longer,” “Leader of the Band,” and “Same Old Lang Syne,”

blending introspective storytelling with lush arrangements. His vocal abilities were marked by clarity, warmth, and emotional nuance, allowing him to convey deep sentiment with subtlety and grace. Fogelberg’s ability to harmonize

and his skillful integration of folk, classical, and rock influences set him apart as both a singer and a songwriter. He died on December 16, 2007, at the age of 56 after a battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife, Jean Fogelberg.

Carrie Underwood is an American country and pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol in 2005 and quickly became one of the most successful artists in country music history. Born on March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Underwood is celebrated for her extraordinary vocal abilities, characterized by a powerful range,

crystal-clear tone, and the ability to effortlessly shift between soft emotional passages and soaring high notes. Her vocal control and dynamic delivery have drawn comparisons to legends like Martina McBride and Celine Dion, especially on hits like

“Before He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and “Blown Away.” Underwood has also demonstrated versatility in gospel, rock, and Christmas music, further showcasing her vocal depth and technical skill.