exceptional voices of female singers (non-classical)


What I'm talking about here is what critics of classical singing refer to as "the instrument": the exceptional beauty or uniqueness of the timbre of the voice qua voice.  For the moment, put aside preferences w.r.t. repertoire, interpretation, performance, style, delivery, etc., and just consider the *sound* of the voice.  We're *not* talking about favorite female artists here, because that kind of preference is based on a whole amalgam of factors.

I suspect some of the top figures in the category I've tried to define often aren't very popular among audiophiles, because of those many other factors.

My first three nominations: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy.

128x128twoleftears
@russmaleartist  Good words.  I agree with you.  I don't think this thread addresses absolute vocal talent, because it is very hard for any of us (myself included) to see beyond our own taste in music.  A singer with a great voice, but who in my perception is without soul or too polished (to the point of losing courage or a raw genuine character) will never reach me, because I just can't stand listening to the music.  I think we all have these musical styles that we like, and within them we are nominating vocalists in that style or genre.

Another who has not been mentioned who I enjoy is Linda Thompson.
I thought we got off the intent of this thread a while back but, what the hey...

Grace Potter
Kim Richey
A few more truly exceptional folk & world female vocalists who seem to be escaping notice:
Teresa Salgueiro
Julie Fowlis
Connie Dover
Kirsty MacColl
Eileen McGann
Loreena McKennitt
Susan McKeown
Najma Akhtar
Mara Aranda
Maddy Prior
June Tabor
Tríona ní Dhomhnaill
Jean Redpath
Lou Lou Ghelichkhani, Natalia Clavier, Shana Halligan, Elin Melagarejo. All of these singers perform on many of the Thievery Corporation releases. Thievery somehow finds the most beautiful and angelic female voices from around the world. Check out the Thievery Corporation release "Saudade". This album features all these female artist and more in a mordern Bosa Nova style...excellent!