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Americana Vocalists that really Knock Your Socks Off

The first one that comes to my mind is John "The Voice of Newgrass" Cowan, x-New Grass Revival and long time leader of his own The John Cowan Band.

http://www.johncowan.com

Who is the vocalist that does it for you?

:) Steve S-N

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Simon Burt on May 6, 2013 at 1:57am

Ryan Adams anyone?

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Permalink Reply by Hal Bogerd on May 6, 2013 at 7:04pm

Pre-falsetto e.g. Whiskeytown. Agreed. Solo stuff not so much.

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Permalink Reply by Terry Roland on May 7, 2013 at 12:31am

Iris Dement, now and always.

Steve Earle and his son, Justin Townes both do the same.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Crotts on May 8, 2013 at 5:20pm

For male vocalists, I would agree with Steve and go with John Cowan. His version of Dark as a Dungeon sends chills up and down my spine. I got a lucky break at Merlefest 2013 and got to see Johnny C and newcomer Mike Farris work together on many songs of Before The Flood on Hillside Album Hour. Mike is in John's league in that he can do gospel, soul, blues, rock, you name it. Try is CD Salvation in Lights or his live CD with Roseland Rhythm Revue.

For female, I like kd lang, the earth moma Tracy Nelson, and current voice of Susan Tedeschi (try Midnight in Harlem), and Bonnie Raitt. Tift Merritt ain't bad either.

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Permalink Reply by Louis Richardson on May 9, 2013 at 8:37am

Alison Krauss. One of the sweetest vocals I've ever heard.

www.americana-nirvana.net

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Permalink Reply by Randy S on May 9, 2013 at 9:24am

she has a voice of the angels

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Permalink Reply by Randy S on June 11, 2013 at 5:12pm

she has the voice of angels

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Permalink Reply by David Silverstein on May 27, 2013 at 6:40pm

D'oh! The thread said "Americana". I shoulda sat this one out, as I am not real clear on where the lines between genres are.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Crotts on June 10, 2013 at 7:24pm

How did we miss Aretha? Just listened to her wailing on "Going Down Slow" on the Delta Meets Detroit CD.

On the male side, can we include Sam Cooke?

George Strait can get inside a song better than anyone I know. Try "Milk Cow Blues".

I never have gotten into George Jones though I respect what others say about his greatness. My other country alternatives are Ray Price and Vern Gosdin.