we all cant be a ray charles, frank sinatra, bill medley or joe cocker, but like those singers that were influenced by a previous singer, they became their own style that later influenced the new singers that came along. my singers i wanted to sound like was otis redding, sam cook , joe cocker, i worked with a guy that was considered the male aretha franklin his named was freddie empire. toured with him in the 70's. one greatest unknown club singers i've ever worked with. also boyd williams,i've work with, a good blues singer. both of these guys have youtube videos and have taught me alot on how to sing.