The Greatest Male Vocalist
Many have come and many have gone, but looking down thru the years, up ’til this very day, my pick for the Gospel Walk of Fame “Best Male Vocalist of Our Time, secular or Gospel, would be the incomparable, Daryl Coley.
There are some who might argue with me about this selection, and if you have someone else in mind, feel free to voice it in the comments. Certainly, I can think of a few vocalists who might know a few more riffs than Daryl, but Daryl has more than talent to riff. He has “It.”
For years, I myself have tried to catch him in total, but God really took his time molding Daryl. His gift is uniquely his. Many have tried to imitate him, but none have been able to surpass him. He has been and still is the benchmark on which we work to perfect our gift of musical ministry.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I have many fond memories of Daryl and his beautiful wife, Jenell. I can truly say, they are real people. Nothing fake about them. Daryl Coley has always been pleasant to be around, unlike some other Gospel singers I will not name.
…such an awesome gift and inner beauty too. Now that’s a winning combination. In my book, he is the greatest male vocalist of all time. Look for him to be leading a song in the heavenly choir, cause I’m sure he’ll get a lead before Smokie or J. Moss.
Please enjoy this video of Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers, singing “When Sunday Comes.” The featured vocalist is Daryl Coley.
I respect Coley’s talent but James Cleveland is by far the greatest gospel male vocalist of all time.
Comment by christianthought | May 2, 2008
I can agree with you on that… to an extent. I do think that Daryl Coley is the best in the sacred genre, but there are a lot in the secular world that are just as good (if not better) if you basing this on voice alone.(ie. Phil Perry, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Prince, etc)
Comment by Jake | May 6, 2008
Now if we are going to talk about the secular world. I would encourage you to research a vocalist named Jimmy Scott. A male vocalist with a range so great that many people outside of the new jersey jazz scene believed him to be female. Patti Labelle credits listening to Jimmy scott as teaching her how to phrase corectly.
I would also make arguements for Micheal Franks, Kenny Rankin, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Anthony Hamilton (yes he is that good), Donnie Hataway and Stevie Wonder.
I have always felt that music was created with the real sole purpose of praising the lord. We can talk about secular artists being “great” but the truth is a artist is never as great as “he can be” until he does what he does in service of the lord.
Thats how gifts work..
By the way ….Isreal Houghton ….
Awww never mind
Comment by Christianthought | May 7, 2008