Fran, this just shows how different some of us are. My list(partial-not necessarily in order):

* Joe Williams
* Billy Eckstine
* Mel Torme
* Oscar Brown, Jr.
* Nat Cole
* Chet Baker (the trumpet player).
* Lou Rawls
* Michael Franks
* Frank Sanatra
* Al Jureau
* Bobby McFerrin
* Somebody named UD, or something like that.
* Tony Bennett
* Don Mason (as good at his style as some of
the country giants-Eddie Arnold, Ray Price, etc.).
* Michael McDonald
* George Benson
* Kenny Rankin
* Billy Vera
* Rob Thomas
* Chris Rhea
* Gary Puckett
* Stevie Wonder

I like Dean Martin, but more as an entertainer than a vocalist. Elvis isn't even on my radar screen. Don't think he could hold a candle to any of the above.

To each, his/her own, I guess. If anyone hasn't heard some of these guys, Google them. You'll be surprised and pleased, I think.

Again, a lot of this, for me, at least, is the difference between the singer/musician and the singer/entertainer. In my mind, it's substance over fluff.

(Disclaimer) Russ Lay's opinion only-not meant to imply that these opinions are necessarily more spot on than any other expressed or implyed evaluations/rankings.

Whatever floats your boat.

Russ (obnoxious, hard-headed jazz dude) Lay.