I love my iPod nano. And my favorite thing to do with my iPod is to put it on shuffle songs. Songs are put in random order. You never know what song is coming up next. I love it. I feel all nervous waiting to see what's coming up next. Is it gonna be one of my massively great 80's songs? Is it going to be an awesome worship song? Is it going to be something side-splitting funny that I have on there? I love the shuffle. Sometimes I can't even wait until the song is over...I have to forward on to the next song, just to see what it is. I know. I'm a dork.
My band and I enjoyed the shuffle a lot last weekend. We took turns shuffling through each other's iPods. There was much fun music talk...like discussions on what exactly IS the best duet of the 80's (Separate Lives? Almost Paradise? Never Gonna Let You Go?).
And we have been enjoying batting around this question for a couple of weeks now:
Who is the all-time best female singer? And, who is the all-time best male singer?
It has been fun trying to beat this one down. Different generations. Different styles. No rules...except you can only have one number 1. And, we excluded classical singers.
I will tell you mine soon. But first..who is at the top of your list? Remember...not your favorite artist. Not the best artist. But, the best singer. Male and female.
Bring it on.
Me and My Peeps
- Travis
- I am passionate about Jesus, and about my family. And I LOVE my life as a worshipper of the Most High God. And I love my job...my calling...as a worship leader. I travel with Beth Moore and lead worship at her Living Proof Live conferences. It is an honor and a joy. I am crazy about the team I travel with, and the music we get to lift up to Jesus. I am also the Worship Pastor at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. I love the people of EBC, and am so grateful to be serving Jesus alongside them!
My Pics
78 comments:
This could take days for me to figure out.
Me too.
I read here all the time but never comment--I have to come out of hiding for this one, though.
Female: Whitney Houston
Male: Bono
Here's someone's Top 10 80s Duet picks:
http://80music.about.com/od/top10list1/tp/top10duets.htm
BTW, thanks to you, my entire family--even my 2 year old--is completely hooked on Wipeout. It's pure entertainment!
Nancy
I'm going to have to think about my favorite singers.
However, best duet of the 80's isn't even up for discussion. Hands down, "Separate Lives".
I'm going to look like such a dork on this one...
So hard to narrow it down. Might be easier to pick the best from genre's. But I'll just tell you two that would have to be in the running.
Here we go, next stop: Dorksville:
Celine Dion - female - can't really stand to watch her perform at times but the voice is unbelievable. I'm not sure I have her on my iPod, though.
Steve Perry - male - yes, the 80's girl in me is showing - but to be such a "rocker" he had an amazing vocal style and range. But wouldn't you like to hear him sing something like "In Christ Alone" or some other big p/w song? Or maybe that is just me.
I'm with Dori on Steve Perry. He's the first one that popped into my head.
Female -- I'm going to have to go with my husband's favorite - Twila Paris. She gets my vote because she's not screechy. I can't take the screechy.
Male: Luther Vandross
Female: Whitney Houston
I think. Josh Groban should have probably been there. Um, but I can't get past his hair. And we all know that a good hair style is part of being a good singer. :)
Oh so hard!! I'll try to think and get back to you. But know I'm praying (and my mom who's in town is too) for you, the team, Beth and the travels (and techincal issues!) for this weekend. Looking forward to God bringing a word!
Hmmm....
I have always loved Sandi Patty's voice. It's absolutely beautiful.
I haven't figures out my favorite male singer. I'll have to think about that for awhile.
Best Duet: "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.
Best Duet with a Dead Person: Natalie Cole and her dad (the late, great Nat King Cole) singing "Unforgettable"
Best Female singer: Barbra Streisand
Best Male Singer:Tony Bennett
Did someone just saw Twila Paris?
I am such a dork with the shuffle too!! Sometimes when I have to turn it off I'll skip ahead to see what it would have played had I been able to listen....TMI?
best 80's duet: Nobody love's me like you do- by Anne Murray and Dave Loggins
best singers: Trisha Yearwood
and Elvis!
Travis Cottrell and Miss Patty Cake
Hands-down! :)
oooh... that's hard. you're gonna make me choose? Oh, don't make me choose. Please!!
Ok - I've got 3 males that I'm decided between and a couple of females. It may all be a coin toss decision.
will get back to you.
80's music stinks.
I am a big fan of the shuffle and I skip forward to the next song ALL the time just so I can hear what is coming next.
Best Female: Ella Fitzgerald (it doesn't get any better than that)
Best Male: Frank Sinatra
Female: Barbra Streisand
Male: Nat King Cole
Male - Arnel Pineda - new lead singer for Journey (yes, he's better than Steve Perry!)
Female- Ann Wilson of HEART.
Goodness, that's a tough one! I think that the best female singers are the easiest for me to pick out: Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion (but I do love Sandi Patty). If I had to pick only one, it would be.... Whitney.
Male singer: I absolutely love Steve Green's voice but then I could go the other way and say Steve Perry?...Kenny Loggins?... That's a tough one!
This is easy, because my favorite all time singer has been my favorite all-time singer since I was 8 years old. My daddy used to stack up the 33 1/3 rpm records and I couldn't wait for this one to drop onto the record player so I could hear her and sing along...
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Miss Patsy Cline!
I am just jealous because my ipod nano worked for all of one month and it has never worked again.
my personal favorite female singer is CeCe Winans but I would have to add another Christy Nockels.
And sorry but I am a big fan of this guy named Travis Cottrell's voice.
I'm having a hard time deciding on the male, but I think I'm going with Linda Ronstadt for female.
She's someone who has the ability to sing all types of music (I loved her on Trio with Emmy & Dolly, but another favorite is all of the Glenn Miller stuff!).
I love when I catch her voice on old 70's stuff as backup harmony - that girl has an ear for it!
Celine Dion and the lead singer from Rascal Flatts.. What's his name?? :)
Both of their ranges are just incredible. :)
Thought you might want to know that my iPod just shuffled to a GREAT duet (albeit not a guy/girl)...
DON'T FIGHT IT w/ Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry
I don't know...pretty close in the running for best duets although I can't remember if it was the 80's though I think it would have to be. But maybe not. I ramble.
But I'm too embarrassed to tell you what played after that...
Let's just say it is from the very southern gospel genre (thanks to my husband's collection of CD's that he loaded me up with) and it has CONSIDER and LILIES in the title!
I told you that I am such a dork!! :)
Who is this Steve Perry you all speak of? Sounds popular...
Since I love deep raspy voices that are instantly recognizable I would have to go with....
Stevie Nicks
and
Neil Diamond
Old school, I know.
New School
Pat Monahan from Train
and
Carrie Underwood
Best female singer, and we're talking pure singing ability, not choice of songs or style... I'd have to say Mariah Carey in her early years, particularly her debut album. Talk about great range! Oh, but what about Julie Andrews - I love that she sings WITHOUT screechiness!
Patsy Cline, Leann Rimes, and Charlotte Church would be at the top of my list too...
Male singers - personally, I'm a sucker for George Strait, although I know he's not the greatest male singer of all time LOL!
Hey Travis,
Found your blog, now I'm suscribed!
Female: Though I hate what she represents, I have to go with Barbara Streisand. No offense to anyone, but when she and Celine did the duet together, there was no comparison. Whitney was tempting because when Sonya and I started dating "The Body Guard" had just come out and "I have Nothing" was our song. And Sonya has always loved Patsy Cline, but I gotta stick with Barbara.
Male: I don't know. For once, I don't really have an opinion.
This is a difficult one.
Male singer-
Christian: Michael English. I know, I know he had a "little fall from grace" but his earlier stuff is awesome. "I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy"
Secular: Al Jarreau
Female singer-
Christian:Cece Winans & Babbie Mason
Secular:Barbara Streisand
Duet: Jane Oliver and Johnny Mathis- "Last Time I Felt Like This"
Coming out of lurkdom to answer this one...
Female - Karen Carpenter
Male - well, it's two men, but Simon and Garfunkle together - um, heaven!
Female- Celine Dion
Male- Steve Perry
Hey, and how about that good old 80's duet "Islands in the Stream"? Can't forget about that one.
Female: Kelly Clarkson
Male: Josh Groban
Ugh this is hard one.
Best Male: Travis Cottrell (lol does that get bonus points) kidding.
Umm Male Vocalist: Anthony Edwards
Female: Gladys Knight.. (she rocks)
Hmmm....that's so hard!
The best male singer (I almost wrote sinner...and that might be easier! No, I'm kidding--I'm not a judgemental girl, at all.) is Elton John (he has quite a range).
The best female singer is CeCe Winans (she can paint a song better than anyone I know).
Although now I think I'm sad that I couldn't write Phil Collins, too. I could listen to him all day.
Just got back from Denver and listened to "Found" on the way home. One of the songs reminds me of the musical, "Chess." Have you heard of it? See if you can find it on youttube.
Next thing you know, you'll be headed to Broadway :) and take Jesus with you, there. That would be awesome-cool.
Mandisa & Travis Cottrell
I don't listen to much country music but I just love Trisha Yearwood's voice.
And for a male singer, John Denver. I just can't help it but I admit I am a huge fan of his. Still have tears if one of his songs comes on the radio...
And Travis, you are right there with him in my favorite male singers!
I don't know her name but you have a singer on your praise team that I love. She has kinda long dark hair and she can hold a note forever!
Your Praise Team is my all time favorite group!
Best male vocalist (besides Travis): Bob Mould
Best female : Kristin Hersh
I know, my tastes are kind of wacky. But these were the first to pop into my mind, and nothing else has won me over.
This is a subject that I could go on for way too long about. I've given the idea of 'what makes a singer great' a lot of thought.
I think a lot of people get hung up on range as being the only way a singer is great, but I think there are a lot of contributing factors. In addition to range, a beautiful tone (Bing Crosby, Vanessa Williams), a unique texture (Don Henley, Otis Redding), and great delivery (Diana Krall, Annie Lennox) can all make a great voice.
This is, of course, more answer than what you asked for. But back to your original question, I think I've got to give best female singer to Aretha Franklin. She's got a combination of characteristics-- great texture, range, and delivery-- that make her voice just phenomenal.
Best male singer is a tough one for me, but I'll say Michael McDonald.
I'll be curious to hear who your picks are!
Best Female - Has to be Karen Carpenter. Was there ever a smoother, more naturally pure voice?
Best Male - James Taylor. The live version of "Shower the People" is a current favorite. (My wife immediately said, Nat King Cole)
y'all.
this is s t r e s s f u l.
I had to go downstairs just now and eat a piece of pound cake while I was thinking about it.
and THAT wasn't enough, so I had to heat up some chicken and rice. while eating it, I decided some Lousianna hot sauce on it would help me think more clearly.
it did.
so here I am, at my computer again, almost done eating, and I've got some answers.
(mind you, it's almost midnight.
that means I might as well be putting everything I'm eating straight into the back pocket of my jeans. beacause that's where it's going anyway this late.)
but I digress. sorry Travis.
female: Celine Dion - her range and control leave no doubt of any other.
male: good gracious, I need another piece of cake!
hmmm... the lead singer of Third Day? or if you've EVER heard "Dance with my Father" by Luther Vandross - when you stop crying - you'd vote for him.
that said, I have to go with
Toby Keith.
His voice is just so Beth Moore's hand placement on the red can of hair product.
and I agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY with moops above:
the best EVER duet is
"The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. if you've not heard it, PLEASE go listen to it.
see you in San Antonio! :)
OK best female was easy - Aretha Franklin! Gotta have me some soul! Male - not sure yet. But, why is "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma" not on your list????
Gulley
My Chris said Clay Crosse and Cece Winans (without any prompts from me!).
BTW--PRAYING for you and the team this weekend...for your precious family, too!
I am having an issue with my i-pod today. Can't wait till they open on the west coast to find out what's up with them! (It's probably me...but it's getting on my last nerve right now!)
However, when you ask the question about best singers, my mind goes blank! Celine Dion has a beautiful voice and Teddy Pendergrass.
Oh....Oh.... I wanna vote.....
Best ALL TIME in the history of forever Male Voice, wow this is a tough one, but I would have to say Elvis, his voice stands the test of time.
And Female Voice, hmmm, I'm gonna go with Whitney Houston, she could sing the phone book and it would be beautiful. (A close second for me was Janis Joplin, cause I love the husky quality of her voice)
I guess if I have to choose:
Female: Celine Dion
Male: Josh Groban or Travis Cottrell
celine dion. other artist i like better, but her voice any day.
frank cinatra. can't help it. i'm obsessed with the man. different favorites for other genres though. ugh. i don't like this game. i feel the need to defend everything.
conversation in the car last night...
(me) "jack, who is your favorite artist?"
(5 second til response)
(jack) "my dad."
(0 seconds in between)
"but i have to say that."
(me) "right, ok who is your second favorite?"
(0 second response)
(jack) "my mom."
:)
Hard choices, BUT....
1. Female : Nicole Sponberg (Selah sister)
2. Male: Luther VanDross (ooooh hard choices here)
Kelly S.
My husband's responses... I couldn't decide
Male: Elvis Presley
Female: Barbra Streisand
I can't decide male, but I think Mandisa.
Karen
This is really way off topic and you probably won't see this before tomorrow morning but...my friends and I just got home from the Living Proof simulcast. We were just wondering...what was that on the left side of your jacket this evening?
Absolutely loved "Mercy Seat"!
Cindy in Weaverville
BTW, I loathe the shuffle feature. I want to be in control. As I thought about this last night, I kept coming back to Eva Cassidy. Does anyone else listen to her? If not, check her out.
William Hung, obviously.
No, this is a ridiculously hard question, but I believe I have to go with:
Male: Josh Groban
Female: Sarah Brightman. Or Christina Aguilera. Don't necessarily like all of her music, but home girl has got some pipes.
Okay, after the LPL Simulcast tonight you've just moved up to BEST MALE vocalist, Travis. My goodness, what a set of pipes you have!!
Much love,
~Cheryl
Ummm.... Was going to answer this when the post first came out and decided to think on it some first... And I still came up with this:
Best male - Nat King Cole
Best female - Ella Fitzgerald
Best Duet - Unforgettable (Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole)
Now... Having said that, I too, love the lead guy from Third Day's voice, also Josh Groban, and in her day, Sandy Patti's voice. I also liked Amy Grant when she was younger. And I still sing a bunch of Babbie Mason's stuff! She by far is one of my favorite writers. Favorite Christian female up and comer: Tina Hutchison! :)
And if you get me to talking about instrumentalists, well... that's another post entirely!
Can't wait to see you on the 8th! Look for me in the orchestra! :)
alright, I've pondered since you posted and I wasn't even going to comment because this question is just too ridiculously hard....especially when trying to pick across genres...I agree with the commenter that said it's MUCH more than range..and I fear I cannot pick one..male or female..so can we just agree that there are MANY talented people on this planet that we enjoy singing along, belting with and move us to joy or tears with their pipes, okay?? NOW, for the duet thing...here's SOME of my faves:
"Can't We Try" Vonda Sheperd and Dan Hill
"Never Gonna Let You" Sergio Mendez and somebody??
"Baby Come To Me" James Ingram
"Meet Me in Montana" Dan Seals and Marie Osmond
"You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma" Shelly West
"Whenever I Call You Friend" Stevie Nicks and Kenny Loggins
"Leather and Lace" Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
okay, I've gotta stop!!!! I really don't care much for duets;-)
Fun post, though :)
JUST LEFT YOU A MESSAGE TO TELL ME WHAT SONG YOU ALL SANG TODAY AND LAST NIGHT. LAST NIGHT IT WAS TOWARDS THE END AND THIS MORNING IT WAS THE CONCLUSION OF THE MORNING SESSION BEFORE WE TOOK THE 30 MINUTE BREAK!!!
THANKS!!!!
YOU CAN SEND ME A MESSAGE BACK ON MY BLOG BY CLICKING MY NAME IF YOU HAVE TIME!
IN CHRIST ALONE!!!!!!!!
I FOUND IT ON YOU TUBE!!! THANKS. YOU WERE SO WONDERFUL THIS WEEKEND. WE WERE IN SEVIERVILLE, TN.
IF YOU EVER NEED PICS OF YOUR FAMILY, CHECK ME OUT!
ME AGAIN. SORRY.......
DO YOU THINK ANYONE RECORDED YOU ALL SINGING THAT? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE YOUTUBE OF YOU ALL SINGING IT. I FOUND THE ONE POSTED A YEAR AGO OF YOU THAT JUST HAS THE LYRIC, BUT I'D LOVE LOVE LOVE TO HAVE THE MUSIC FROM TODAY. . .. THE WHOLE BAND SINGING IT.
I like 80's music. I don't shuffle because I don't have an ipod. Best female singer-Celine Dion, she's consistently excellent. Best male? maybe Josh Groban.
Amy
Travis, I attended the Beth Moore Simulcast this weekend and you sang a song that I'd love to find on a CD or somewhere. I don't know the name, but here are some of the words..."holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty. Who was and is and is to come, with all creation i sing praise to the king of kings you are my everything and i will adore you" What is this song and where can i find it? Hope that you can help! You were awesome!
Love Celine and Whitney, but I have to go with the all-to-quickly-quieted voice of Karen Carpenter. For the male, I going back even further to Nat Cole.
Amy,
The song you are looking for is called, "Revelation Song." You can find Kari Jobe singing it on You Tube.
I recognize it because I was actually going to try it with a couple of friends next week at our church...
I was going to say Martina McBride has the most amazing voice ever, but then I saw someone say Celine Dion, and I have to concede.
Male? Hmmmm. Gotta think on that one.
Off subject~ I'm hoping the Simulcast went well this weekend!
CeCe Winans --- and the best song is Alabaster Box...melts my heart!
Travis Cottrell --- after the Simulcast today, my final vote is in --- that Psalm 145 song was like an experience for me, like a demonstration of God ICor 2:3,4. I fell to my knees cause I could do that in the back row not to look all dramatic but when I opened my eyes at the end, I wondered if I was going to find anyone still in the room --- like maybe all of us were, you know, raptured. Smile, one day! It was the most touching experience in my little small world of dependence on my good God in midst of struggle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing God to me. And I was at the church that lost 20 minute connection on Friday and lost it 6 times on Saturday for just a sec---didn't miss anything.
Cannot wait to stand next to a bloggy friend at Siesta Fiesta and worship our Mighty King with you guys. And we get to do this FOREVER!!!!
I hate SHUFFLE.
I never put my iPod or iTunes on shuffle...mostly because I have to be in control of my playlists. I'm way too much of a control freak to leave something like--what song I'm going to listen to--to chance.
Favorite vocalists:
MALE: This one is EASY: Matthew Ward from 2nd Chapter of Acts (one of, if not THE, best Christian vocalist groups - ever.)
FEMALE: This is tough because I prefer male voices, but I think I will go with Susan Ashton...OR the gal who had the solo on "Lord, You're Holy" yesterday at the LPL event in "LU-a-vul". Oh...my...SOUL! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
Best female singer I'd have to go with Whitney Houston. Barbara Streisand is a close second along with Mariah Carey.
Best male vocalist? Stevie Wonder? I'm not sure. Donnie Hathaway, possibly? A personal fav is Al Green. Love, love his music being a Memphis girl and all. Interesting challenge to come up with the male BEST...
Love to shuffle!
Male: Michael Buble. Love this man's voice. A little Frank Sinatra-ish.
Female: Carrie Underwood. Although I would love for her to sing some songs that aren't country because I think it would take her out of her element and challenge her vocals a little more. (Um, that sounded way too much like an idol judge!)
Fun stuff! Amy in OK
how about Ebony and Ivory?
I can't come up with anyone better than what other's have...Celine, Whitney, Steve Perry..etc...all amazing...I have to say though that Travis - you voice is amazing. This weekend was my first Beth Moore conference - aside from reading her books and doing church group studies...so also my first experience with you...I dont have an ipod..i have a Zune...and I went right to the Zune marketplace and downloaded your Alive Forever album...incredible!! So my Zune shuffles, but I have never tried it...I will though! haha..what is the actual name of the Psalms 145 song?? anyone know????
Female: Britney
Male: Justin Guarini
Actually, I'm confused by your terminology. "Best singer," as in the one with the best voice? Because that automatically rules out almost everyone. But if you're just talking about overall vocal artistry, you could include people like Amy Grant or Bono or a ton of other people who might not have the most powerful voices and can't belt like some people but are still fantastic vocalists in their own way.
I vote for Whitney and, ummm... I dunno.
As for 80's duets, obviously "Walk This Way," by Aerosmith and Run DMC tops the list. Right? Am I right??
David Phelps and Celine Dion.
I love my Ipod too. One time I was evaluating my "stuff" and playing the "what would I grab in a fire?" game. Ipod won out.
I haven't tried shuffle. I will do that.
And on best male voice, that would be you! You are one of my playlists. I did cheat a little and I added Mercy Seat to it last May. And Sunday I added Revelation Song. But the playlist is still named Travis.
Best female voice - I vote Barbara Streisand.
I guess i will represent Teen and Child oppinion haha
Old School:
Whitney Houston(don't care who u r)
OR
Anne Wilson from HEART (LOVE HEART!)
Johnny Cash
New School
I have yet to hear something from DEMI LOVATTO that i haven't loved (including her live stuff), she will be AMAZING as her career continues
Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts lead)
of course i would pick him ha
i mean the more my sister makes me listen the more i get used to Nick Jonas, but im not there YET
haha
C
I've been out of pocket for a few days, so I'm just now reading this post. Here's my infallible opinion...
First of all, Angela Cruz is my absolute favorite singer of all time. I about wet myself when I get do stand next to her in sessions...literaly...she is also one of the funniest people I've ever met. Love her.
Okay...
Female: Allison Kraus...I WILL sing like her when I get to heaven. Her voice is second to none. And I will fight anyone who disagrees with me.
Male: Michael McDonald...I was bummed that someone mentioned him before I could get to it. But it is obvious we share impeccable taste in music. His voice is butter. In the words of Randy Jackson - "He could sing the phone book." I don't care if he's 97 years old...the man can sing.
Added Bonus - Best Vocal Group of all time:
Take 6...enough said.
Have fun in Estes...one of my favorite places. Drive up Trail Ridge Road if you get the chance. Take a jacket and an oxygen tank...but it's worth it.
well, I'm a sucker for all 80's music. My hubby & I just love to hear it playing when we're with the kids because we'll rock out and they'll laugh. Anyway, male is a toss up between Phil Collins and Peter Setara (sp?) especially when he was with Chicago...they haven't been the same since. As far as female, probably going to go with the majority here and say Whitney.
I have really been in a quandry over this... it has absorbed my every waking thought for days... well, not really, but I've finally made a decision.
I was deciding between 3 male vocalists: Jesse Graver (unknown), David Phelps, and well you.
Sorry, but the you and David, the two "knowns" lost out to Jesse. He was our assoc. WL for several years and is now the WL at a church in Tulsa. What's funny is that David Phelps actually used to be a music assoc. at our church years ago as well... just thought of that.
So there's my decision. Jesse Graver, WL at Southern Hills BC in Tulsa.
http://www.shbctulsa.org/
If you could hear him, I think you'd agree.
I've got another added plus to the shuffle mechanism. We play name that tune or name that band with ours. We'll take turns with whose Ipod is in control and have even taken points for fun competition. I know we're dorks...
Hey Trav, we never heard what your picks were!
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