THE 100 GREATEST LEAD SINGERS. This post: #20 - 16. Continues tomorrow.

As the focal point for the groups they sing out front of, these figures loom larger than the other members. Caffè Lattè pays tribute to the all-time…

100

GREATEST LEAD SINGERS 

20

🎤Levi Stubbs   

[The Four Tops]

Stubbs’ voice was the constant on the Motown vocal group’s recordings, including “I Can’t Help Myself”, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “7 Rooms Of Gloom”.

19

🎤Smokey Robinson

[The Miracles]

Robinson was the principal songwriter and producer of The Miracles’ hits. He also performed lead vocal duties as well as helping Berry Gordy Jr. turn Motown into one of pop music’s fundamental record labels. He still works as a soloist.

18

🎤Michael Hutchence  

[INXS; Max Q]

There were traces of Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison in the way Hutchence moved, but he was integral in creating a unique sound for Australian group INXS. Despite various attempts, the band has struggled to fill the void that followed his death in November 1997.

17

🎤George Michael  

[Wham!]

Even as half of the duo Wham!, Michael always overshadowed Andrew Ridgeley. The former was the principal songwriter and, after the two split, sustained a solo career for decades.

16

🎤Gladys Knight  

[Gladys Knight & The Pips]

The Pips may have been unrecognizable, but Knight became one of the finest soul singers. She records and tours now as a soloist. Her vocal range is extraordinary. She is unmatched for conveying heartache as demonstrated on “If I Were Your Woman”, “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Say Goodbye)”.