50 Great Voices on NPR
This is where my geekdom shines through. Last year NPR asked for submissions for their 2010 program called “50 Great Voices”. Throughout this year they will profile singers who have distinctive styles, sounds, impacts on music.
Have you seen this list?! Go here to see the interactive map.
This is why I love music. Lauryn Hill sits next to Maria Callas. Notorious B.I.G. is next to Salif Keita. Billie Holliday is above Slick Rick. Neko Case right by Edith Piaf.
Is NPR going to discuss the quality of their recordings, the social impact of the singer, the qualities of their voices? I can’t wait to find out! I’m in total suspense as to who makes the cut and why.
Another reason that I’m fascinated by this is that this list was done by my peers. Although I like NPR’s choices in music, it’s nice to see a wider view of the vocal scene. I’m sure that their editors don’t know everything, and the audience sure doesn’t, but this range of vocalists is beyond anything that could be done by one source. And, again, because I’ve got input in this, I’ve got a great incentive to listen (which brings NPR’s listener stats up, increases chances for donations, spikes web traffic — all the positive stuff that makes for a successful project).
So you know, my submissions were Cecilia Bartoli and Emmylou Harris. Tune in to see if I made the cut!
