The greatest singer of all time, according to Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons is an artist who respects all of the different aspects that come together to make a band stand out. You need a good vocalist, sure, and Gibbons is happy to help provide that with his bassy baritone that takes front and centre on most ZZ Top songs; however, there is a lot more to their band than that.
When you listen to a ZZ Top song, you don’t just connect with the singing, but you connect with every little aspect of the band. This includes the exciting guitar riffs and solos that are embedded into their music, as well as the funky drumbeats and the brass sections. All of this comes together to create a great sound that has resonated with fans for decades.
The power of excellent singers is highlighted when you consider how many bands are only famous because of what they collectively achieve. For singers to stand out and make a name just for themselves, rising above the uniform nature of a band with a voice so powerful and unwavering that it’s impossible to turn away, they must be something extraordinary.
When Billy Gibbons was asked to compile a list of his favourite singers, he highlighted several exceptional vocalists, each renowned for their distinct qualities. Gibbons’ selection reflected his appreciation for a wide range of styles, showcasing his deep understanding of what makes a vocalist truly stand out.
When you consider his list, it’s clear that Gibbons’ definition of a good singer doesn’t just depend on range. He says that Johnny Cash is one of the best vocalists he has ever listened to, and Cash’s power as a vocalist comes less from the range with which he sings and more from his cool nature and the attitude packed within his voice.
That theme of attitude and emotion increases when you consider who else Gibbons’ includes in his list. Many classic entries are left out, such as Freddie Mercury and Aretha Franklin, put aside for those who might not have been able to tackle as many songs as them, but where the songs they do tackle are done so with might and gusto. This is best represented by the person whom Gibbons calls the greatest singer of all time: Little Richard.
A lot of the songs that are notoriously difficult to sing, though within Richard’s range, might be better left in the hands of other vocalists. What is so appealing about his voice is the soul and passion with which he uses it. He had a raspy vocal tone that was completely addictive, and it’s enough for Gibbons to call him one of the best vocalists ever to pick up a mic.
“We had three saxophone players because Little Richard was our hero,” he said when discussing the artist’s impact on ZZ Top, “His singing, I don’t think there’s been another rock and roll singer that can eclipse his singing.”
