Who has YOUR favorite voice on Broadway? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Broadway Songs to Listen to When You Feel Like the Main Character - ua-cam.com/video/8Ot7pSYM4HI/v-deo.html
I saw Bernadette Peters in concert a few months ago. I sat in the front row, and when she sang "No One is Alone," she looked right at me. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was one of the most memorable moments of my entire life.
That's about as good as it gets. How fortunate you are to have that ever in your mind. It's so much more than "just" a memory. It's as if it's a momentary encounter in the next dimension up. I wonder if you would agree.
Had the good luck to see her in A little night Music revival as well on front row, and yep, during the Glamorous Life number walking up to the front left, smiling down at me, yup that sent me straight to bradway heaven...... maybe it's a way of her to connect with the audience, room ? mind you the Little Night theatre was not a huge auditorium. But wow, Broadway is special and though i usually don't quite appreciate Miss Mojo, this installment knocks it out of the ballpark. Wish they could have done a top 100 or 200 though. There are so many deserving artists......
In 1979, when I was 23 I had the good fortune to hear Patti Lupone perform Evita. When she walked across the stage and sang, don’t cry for me, Argentina, I was so blown away, that on the way out, I bought a second ticket to hear her again in the next performance. To this day, that is the single greatest performance in a musical that I have ever seen.
I have to concur. I, too, saw her in 1979 in Evita, but at age 22. It was the single most extraordinary performance I have EVER seen, bar none. Living in NYC at the time, I heard, sotto voce, that some ex members of Perone's regime were so spooked by her resemblance to Eva Perone, that they came to the theater to make sure that Eva Perone was really dead. Her rendition of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" will simply never be equaled. She is unreal.
So true. I was 13 when I saw him, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton in Camelot on Broadway. And he brought the house down with that song. I fell in love. 😊
I have had the awesome privilege of seeing Julie Andrews in person. She began by singing a capella. I have never heard such clarity and such a pure tone in a voice. Truly amazing. It was a delight!
Two totally different voices Streisand is a talented, edgy modern pop vocalist. Julie is a coloratura soprano that could sing 4 octaves at age 12. A child prodigy.
Great list, great voices, all of them have huge talent, but nope. Not enough. None of them are at this level. Although in my opinion, putting Jeremy Jordan on this list is absurd. That was an embarrassing choice. All of these voices blow his out of the water.
A couple Honorable Mentions. Ramin Karimloo. A beautiful (mostly self taught) voice paired with incredible acting chops. Karimloo was Webber’s pick to play Erik/Phantom in both the 25th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera and in the follow-up Love Never Dies. He’s played many a leading man! And Michael Crawford, O.B.E. Crawford is the original Erik/Phantom and he won every award and accolade available to a musical theatre actor for his stirring performance. His voice has a warm, rich tone.
Saw Patti LuPone in concert last week. It was a real bucket-list moment for me. I've loved her voice from afar for years and NEVER thought I'd get the chance to hear her sing, live. Then I see that she's here in Australia on tour!! She did two hours, in stilettos, without one even slightly questionable note. At 75yo. Holy hell is she frigging amazing
I enjoyed your picks, but being an older man, there was a time during which the wonderful Gwen Verdon was considered a Queen of Broadway, for her acting, dancing, and singing abilities. I saw her originate roles in Redhead, Sweet Charity, and Chicago, not to mention her being the greatest "Lola" in Damn Yankees. (I was too young to see Gwen play Lola on Broadway, but thank heavens for the movie.) When I lived in New York many moons ago, Helen Gallagher was an Upper West Side neighbor, and she was also one of Broadway's greats, as were Dolores Gray, Patricia Morison, and Nancy Walker. As for more modern singers, how could you forget the amazing Kelli O'Hara? And what of those two gloriously talented women we lost to cancer, Marin Mazzie and Rebecca Luker?
Thanks for mentioning Kelli, Marin and Rebecca. I would also add Linda Eder. Linda may not have performed in as many Broadway shows, but OMG her voice is perfection to me. :) I love Ashleigh Ashford as well.
Yes.... and loved the clips of Christian as the Bard ("is it good to see me, or what?") and his excitable footwork on "little Miss Woods, comma, Elle" from Legally Blond.
I was lucky to see Patty Lupone on Broadway. Her presence is astounding. Just the way she carried her body through the character’s age was so perfect and subtle. A true master.
I was also lucky to see her in Sunset Boulevard in London. Words cant do justice to that experience. There is a concert from her here on youtube in Nantucket. Look it up! The video and sound isnt that great, but I think she is at her absolute best in that concert ;-)
Just so nice to see Norm Lewis on the list, he is one of my favs. So much incredible talent included in this list. But yes, Audra McDonald is in her own category.
I was fortunate enough to see him and Lupone in the original production of Evita and also saw him and Peters in the original production of Sunday in the Park. Two hilights of my theater going career.
I was able and lucky to hear Kristen Chenworth sing at 11am fresh off the airplane and do the highnote from I Could've Danced all Night and it was AWESOME Wonderful artist.
I saw her in “On the Twentieth Century” and I thought it was one of the most demanding leading lady parts as far as the singing goes. It’s just nonstop hard songs and fast dialogue, she handled it easily.
Thank you for the update, MsMojo..!! 24:55 Sutton Foster is an amazing singer. Kristin Chenoweth and Sutton Foster are my favorite Broadway singers of all time.
My daughter and I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell in Man of La Mancha, and when he sang The Impossible Dream, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. He is magnificent!
I do not know why, but Mr Kiley toured with LA MANCHA about 1970 or so. He came to my small southern city and I was fortunate enough to see his show. Truly impressive!
His costar Joan Diener as Aldonza/Dulcinea was someone who should be in this list!!! Wow! I haven't heard a Broadway female voice comparable to hers since Doretta Morrow (Kismet). Both ladies could lift the roof - without a mic!!!
Miss Saigon is the best musical ever. It always breaks my heart. Lea only being 18 when she played in it is astounding. Such a well honed voice at such a young age!
My husband and I went to see Miss Saigon many years ago. Probably my favorite memory of being in a theater audience with him was after about 20 minutes in he turns to me, and with the tragic expression of a convict walking to the gallows said, "Are they going to sing **gulp** EVERYTHING????"
Kristin Chenoweth is such a fantastic singer. She and Dove Cameron have already play mother and daughter twice now, they honestly look like they could really be related.
I saw Kristin Chenoweth perform with the Oregon Symphony last year. She was outstanding! One of the best concerts I have ever heard...and I've been to quite a few. Just extraordinary.
Betty Buckley hitting that note in "Cat's " just now gave me shivers and made me cry watching it. Her voice and feeling behind it hit you so hard and this wasn't even playing the whole number!! I had the original cassette of Cat's with her rendition. Its long played to bits so I had not listened to it in ages. Hit me in the heart!!! Lol ❤❤❤
@@donnasturla452so was Giorgio Tozzi, he dubbed for Brazzi in the movie. An amazing singer. I met him and played in the pit for an opera he was in back in about 1979.
These are all fantastic, iconic singers. I loved seeing the old timers such as Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Pearl Bailey, Dorothy Loudon, John Raitt, and Alfred Drake included on the list. So many of these "of all time" lists only go back so far and miss out on some truly great performers.
This list is probably one of the best I’ve seen for Broadway singers. Raúl Esparza, Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, Sutton Foster, and Christian Borle are my modern faves. I also love Kristin Chenowith, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Idina Menzel. Ethel Merman & Angela Lansbury were such powerful vocal forces. I wish there were honorable mentions so Jonathan Graff, LaChanze, and Rita Moreno could have received shout outs!
@@RosieTheWickedFangirl2007 Lea Michele has only been in 2 Broadway shows, if I'm not mistaken. I couldn't imagine her in this line up when actor/singers like Annaleigh Ashford, Andrew Ranells, and Ariana DeBose aren't even mentioned. Did Kelli O'Hara even get a mention?
Audra McDonald is absolutely sublime - I saw her in concert recently and the whole show was breathtaking 😍 definitely the best modern performer and my all-time fave alongside Julie Andrews 💜💜💜
I was thinking the same thing. I really don't think Jeremy gets the credit he deserves for his work. And I'm willing to be wrong, but isn't he the youngest talent on the list?
@@FairyGodMom7 Even though I’m more of an Eden Espinosa fan but I really love Jeremy. I think he does get the credit he deserves. Lodes of people love him and I mean what’s there not to love about him💚
I love all of these amazing Broadway actors and actress's, and I want to personally thank them for continuing to inspire and motivate me. Thank you so much for featuring them on mismojo! P.S. I actually had vocal master classes with Betty Buckley, it was a lot of fun!
I know he's not as well known as others on your list, but you should have included John Cullum. The last note of Meditation from Shenandoah is beyond amazing, and he was great in Urinetown. His rendition of Molasses to Rum to Slaves in the movie of 1776 was incredible.
Among other shows, John starred in the original runs of On A Clear Day, Shenandoah, On the Twentieth Century, and Urinetown. He's fully as much of a "Broadway Baby" as the stars you honored here.
Thank you. FYI: Winning in all four categories means Best Lead and Supporting Actor/Actress in both musicals and straight plays. Audra is set to play Mama Rose in Gypsy this November, 2024, on Broadway.
Sutton Foster is without a doubt my favorite female Broadway performer, with Kristen Chenowith as a very close second. And of course Julie Andrews will always be Queen.
This fall, I'll go to NYC for my first and probably only time. I'm shaking with excitement at the thought that I'll be so lucky to see Sutton Foster live on stage!!
@@mckenna8663 Oh, have fun! NYC is wonderful; so much to see and do. Try to squeeze in time for a small play as well as a musical. You won't regret it.
My favorite Broadway singers are probably Michael Crawford and Julie Andrews. But all of these people are so talented and amazing. Their singing, their acting, their passion, and every other amazing aspect of these incredibly talented people is insane and truly amazing.
I think Barbra Streisand should have been on this list. I know she didn't do a lot of Broadway shows other than Funnygirl and I can get it for you wholesale but she still deserves to be listed. Her Broadway album and Back to Broadway albums proves she can sing Broadways best show stoppers like no other. I also think Michael Crawford deserves to be on this list for The Phantom of the Oprera. I love all of these pics and I love Broadway. And Josh Groban after his run in Sweeny Todd...oh that voice! There are so many great ones. Broadway is the best!
I agree, omitting Babs is criminal. Her Broadway albums are there - is this the greatest Broadway Songs or are we doing Broadway's Greatest Performances here? Just askin'
I know he transitioned to Hollywood fairly early, but Kevin Kline was a credit to the Great White Way whenever he performed there (and whenever he occasionally returns). I was fortunate enough to see him in On the Twentieth Century and with Blythe Danner in Much Ado at Shakespeare in the Park.
Some puzzling omissions (Tveit, Crawford, Goulet) as well as equally puzzling additions (Jordan, Esparza?), but overall very pleased that you recognized some truly leading lights from Broadway, and that Ethel Merman placed so high on your list.
I saw Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard and it gives me chills to this day. We were so close I could hear her unamplified voice. So many wonderful artists on the list. Tough to choose, but Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Richard Kiley, and Norm Lewis are proof that God loves us.
I’m surprised and a little disappointed Terrance Mann wasn’t included. I mean he had so many iconic roles, the original Javert, the original beast, the original rum-tum-tugger, even Dr Frank-N-Furter and Citoyen Chauvelin, along with numerous other roles!
I have been so fortunate to see so many of these amazing talented people but the night I saw Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls was only the second week it had been open and she was just 19 years old. I had been to many shows by then and it was the first time I had seen a standing ovation BEFORE the song was over. At the curtain call the whole cast was lined up and then they stepped away into the dark and Jennifer stepped forward and a spotlight shined on her. A star was certainly born. This was 43 years ago and I have never gotten over it.
Dorothy Louden was singing in theatres before the singers were microphoned up the wazoo! So were many of the other older singers. There was a time when all you had was your voice and it had to reach the back of the theatre
Kristin Chenoweth is number 1 for me because we're both from Oklahoma. I'm from Tulsa and she's from Broken Arrow. We love Kristin Chenoweth here in Oklahoma.
When i was a kid my father worked at a theater in Boston. And i got to meet Carol Channing more the ten times and she was the nicest lady's i ever meet. And i meet a a lot of stars when they came to Boston.
No Kelli O’Hara? Not for Bridges, Kiss Me Kate, The King and I, A Light in the Piazza, several successful operatic roles, and so many more??? She more than belongs on this list.
You should have shown Brian Stokes Mitchell singing 'This Nearly Was Mine ' from 'South Pacific', a truly memorable performance. I shed tears every time.
I'm very glad you featured many of the GREAT voices of Broadway's past. Few young viewers have probably ever heard of them. I feel you hit the highlights for me. I'm satisfied ❤
Colm Wilkinson's Bring Him Home is one of the greatest songs of all time. In my life time I have seen and heard the astounding performances of Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Yul Brenner, Mandy Patinkin, Patty LuPone, Barry Bostwick, Kristin Chenowith, Idina Menzel, Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Betty Buckley, and so many others. I am grateful for the talents of so many in live theater who have graced our lives. ❤
As a “Hazbin Hotel” fan, I’m so glad to see Jeremy Jordan and Christian Borle on here.🥰❤️❤️❤️ I do wish James Monroe Iglehart and Alex Brightman made the list though.😢😔 Lea Salonga and Angela Lansbury are definitely the ones I’m most familiar though since I grew up on Disney movies.😊❤❤❤
saw Carol Channing in Hello Dolly in seventies (high school trip) it was my first Broadway musical - just the luck of the draw cause we got our tickets earlier that day - almost 50 yrs ago and I still have great memories - Ms Channing definitely one of a kind
We had a Starlight outdoor theater in Indianapolis, too. Saw Robert Preston in Music Man, Carole Channing in Hello Dolly, Yul Brunner in The King and I, Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur in Mame and so on.... Loved those summers
I watched this lengthy-for- Watch Mojo video to hear Colm Wilkinson’s incredible voice and distinct enunciations. As the end neared I thought be patient, he’s among the top, probably #1. I know it’s subjective but the man’s voice and presence is incomparable.
Thank you for compiling this list of Broadway veterans and today's modern musical actors. I personally would have moved Donna Murphy much higher, but otherwise a good list. Now work towards a list of 40!
Brian Stokes Mitchell's singing in Man of La Mancha is fantastic. Just hear his version of Dulcinea! And he was hilarious as Cam Winston on Frasier too, lol!
How I would love to see Brian Stokes Mitchell live. The ‘concert version’ of SOUTH PACIFIC tears me apart. Watching a TV screen and him singing “THIS NEARLY WAS MINE”, I’m in tears. In the late 90s I got to see Bernadette Peters in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on Broadway. It wasn’t a really large theater, and her voice certainly filled the hall.
Some good selections, although I would have ranked many higher (Cook, Drake, Kiley). But so many are missing - Jerry Orbach, Karen Akers, Diahann Carroll, John Cullum, John McMartin, Terrence Mann, Robert Preston - and how could you leave out Elaine Stritch!?!
Great list, and I must say that your number 8, the magnificent Julie Andrews, in my opinion should be number 1 as she brilliantly sang, among many other famous songs, I Could Have Danced All Night for 2 years on Broadway and a year and a half in London, 8 performances a week in a time that lacked the mikes that Broadway has today. It is a pity you did not show her singing that incredible song. Julie's is really the most glorious song on Broadway, - the My Fair Lady album became the second most sold vynil of the 50's because of her. Just loveRly.
Marin Mazzie should have been included. For me, she was number 1. Range in singing roles and the most beautiful voice and phrasing. Best version of "Not a Day Goes By" ever sang by anyone. And what about Ragtime as "Mother", and her singing in Carrie, and "Losing My Mind". Come on people!
Rebecca Luker should be on this list. She had a beautiful soprano voice, Secret Garden. Showboat Revival, Music Man Revival, Sound of Music Revival, and Christine in Phantom of the Opera. I was in Camelot, with her in college. Rebecca was a wonderful, Lady Guinevere, often compared to Julie Andrews and Barbara Cook. Sadly, she died of ALS. Rebecca was the Birmingham Nightingale on Broadway.
Enjoyed this video so much. Your choices were brilliant. If I had to add one more it would be Anthony Newely. His voice gave me chills. He was a wonderful composer also.
I was pleased to see Audra at the top of the list. I saw her recently in concert and she is still at the top of her game! Your list was solid, but would have liked to Michael Crawford included; he will always be my favorite Phantom.
While I agree with many of these, it think Brian Stokes Mitchell at only #23 is a travesty of justice. Being in that theater when he sang “The Impossible Dream” was a religious experience. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that he was beyond gracious and lovely at the stage door afterwards as well.)
Thanks for including quite a few from old times. Brian Stokes Mitchell came to Broadway somewhat later in life. I remember him in the TV show Trapper John MD in the 80s.
Kristen Chenoweth is amazing. I will never forget seeing her in person the first time in Wicked. I have never seen anyone better in all the shows I’ve seen in NY, Toronto, and London.
My dad took an acting class in NYC which Jerry Orbach was in.. The instructor would always ask "Jerry,do u have anything prepared?" & he'd always shake his head. Guess he was observing the other students( which definitely paid off..👍)
Although I missed Michael in POTO, I have seen him in concert many times & was in his fan association for a number of years. His dedication, talent, voice, humor & acting skills are impeccable. And a lovely, sweet, gentle man. ❤️
I credit Julie Andrew’s for my love all things musical theatre. I think watching Mary Poppins and Sound of Music started my love, then I watched her other roles then started watching other musical movies from there. Now as an adult I watch as many traveling Broadway shows as I can.
Pretty good list. Happy to see Lea Salonga in the top 10. Audra and Patti as 1 and 2 are on point! I would have chosen Patti for #1 but Audra deserves it because of her Tony wins.
Who has YOUR favorite voice on Broadway? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Broadway Songs to Listen to When You Feel Like the Main Character - ua-cam.com/video/8Ot7pSYM4HI/v-deo.html
I loved Elaine Stritch.
Streisand . . . Forever the Greatest.
Where was Nathan Lane???????? How could you not include him? He was "Betrayed!"
8@@jamesrobiscoe1174
Brian Stokes Mitchell.
I saw Bernadette Peters in concert a few months ago. I sat in the front row, and when she sang "No One is Alone," she looked right at me. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was one of the most memorable moments of my entire life.
That's about as good as it gets. How fortunate you are to have that ever in your mind. It's so much more than "just" a memory. It's as if it's a momentary encounter in the next dimension up. I wonder if you would agree.
That would bring chills to my spine, I"m sure !
Interesting list. Where's Barbara Cook? My fav
Had the good luck to see her in A little night Music revival as well on front row, and yep, during the Glamorous Life number walking up to the front left, smiling down at me, yup that sent me straight to bradway heaven...... maybe it's a way of her to connect with the audience, room ? mind you the Little Night theatre was not a huge auditorium.
But wow, Broadway is special and though i usually don't quite appreciate Miss Mojo, this installment knocks it out of the ballpark. Wish they could have done a top 100 or 200 though. There are so many deserving artists......
Saw her performance at such a level I had never seen before and this was while she had a cold! Talk about voice control!
In 1979, when I was 23 I had the good fortune to hear Patti Lupone perform Evita. When she walked across the stage and sang, don’t cry for me, Argentina, I was so blown away, that on the way out, I bought a second ticket to hear her again in the next performance. To this day, that is the single greatest performance in a musical that I have ever seen.
I have to concur. I, too, saw her in 1979 in Evita, but at age 22. It was the single most extraordinary performance I have EVER seen, bar none. Living in NYC at the time, I heard, sotto voce, that some ex members of Perone's regime were so spooked by her resemblance to Eva Perone, that they came to the theater to make sure that Eva Perone was really dead. Her rendition of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" will simply never be equaled. She is unreal.
Aw Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel being right next to each other on this list is so sweet 💗💚
Yessss
Right?? I thought so too.
Yes!
My favourite musical theatre duo.
Wicked Fan right here!💚
@@RosieTheWickedFangirl2007 I absolutely love Wicked and have since I was a little girl. My older sister would play it for me when I was very little.
I'd put Robert Goulet on the list. "If Ever I Would Leave You" gives me chills each and every time I hear it. Phenomenal voice.
Thank you for resurrecting one of the greatest recordings oin history. Thank you Sir, many thanks.
@@markdaniels2092
@@markdaniels2092 36:31
So true. I was 13 when I saw him, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton in Camelot on Broadway. And he brought the house down with that song. I fell in love. 😊
THANK YOU for remembering and including Dorothy Loudon, Barbara Cook, John Raitt and Mary Martin.
and Richard Kiley
I have had the awesome privilege of seeing Julie Andrews in person. She began by singing a capella. I have never heard such clarity and such a pure tone in a voice. Truly amazing. It was a delight!
Clarity and marvelously distinct diction!
The anti-LuPone.
Yes. I said it! 🫡
You did not ever get to hear Streisand in person. For her first 45 years she was the Tops.
Two totally different voices
Streisand is a talented, edgy modern pop vocalist. Julie is a coloratura soprano that could sing 4 octaves at age 12. A child prodigy.
Yea Julie was too high and Bernadette was too low. But that top 10 is a fight.
I’d argue this list is missing Heather Headly, Aaron Tveit, Cynthia Erivo, Sierra Boggess, Shoshana Bean, and Ramon Karimloo
Crazy that Cynthia is nowhere to be found as she won a Tony Award
Jonathan Groff also
Great list, great voices, all of them have huge talent, but nope. Not enough. None of them are at this level. Although in my opinion, putting Jeremy Jordan on this list is absurd. That was an embarrassing choice. All of these voices blow his out of the water.
@@harmonydavis6784Jonathan will likely claw his way on before his career ends. He’s super close now.
@@IslesYankeeLady I'd put him there now over Mandy Patinkin, but I'm not a Mandy Patinkin fan like at all
A couple Honorable Mentions. Ramin Karimloo. A beautiful (mostly self taught) voice paired with incredible acting chops. Karimloo was Webber’s pick to play Erik/Phantom in both the 25th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera and in the follow-up Love Never Dies. He’s played many a leading man! And Michael Crawford, O.B.E. Crawford is the original Erik/Phantom and he won every award and accolade available to a musical theatre actor for his stirring performance. His voice has a warm, rich tone.
Ramin has a wonderful distinctive voice. Jeremy Jordan's voice sounded the same in each clip.
Yes Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess are missing here.
YES! Ramin has the most glorious voice!
Yes to Michael Crawford!! His voice made me fall in love with the Phantom!
Saw Patti LuPone in concert last week. It was a real bucket-list moment for me. I've loved her voice from afar for years and NEVER thought I'd get the chance to hear her sing, live.
Then I see that she's here in Australia on tour!!
She did two hours, in stilettos, without one even slightly questionable note. At 75yo.
Holy hell is she frigging amazing
I enjoyed your picks, but being an older man, there was a time during which the wonderful Gwen Verdon was considered a Queen of Broadway, for her acting, dancing, and singing abilities. I saw her originate roles in Redhead, Sweet Charity, and Chicago, not to mention her being the greatest "Lola" in Damn Yankees. (I was too young to see Gwen play Lola on Broadway, but thank heavens for the movie.) When I lived in New York many moons ago, Helen Gallagher was an Upper West Side neighbor, and she was also one of Broadway's greats, as were Dolores Gray, Patricia Morison, and Nancy Walker. As for more modern singers, how could you forget the amazing Kelli O'Hara? And what of those two gloriously talented women we lost to cancer, Marin Mazzie and Rebecca Luker?
Amen. Where is Marin and Rebecca
Yes, Kelli O'Hara should be on the list.
Thanks for mentioning Kelli, Marin and Rebecca. I would also add Linda Eder. Linda may not have performed in as many Broadway shows, but OMG her voice is perfection to me. :) I love Ashleigh Ashford as well.
@@kittmarie8285I got to see Linda Eder in the pre-Broadway tour of “Jekyll & Hyde” with Robert Cuccioli. Amazing.
I thought she'd be number one, either her or Ethel Merman and I'm not an older anything. Carol Channing should had been higher.
surprised to not see Colm Wilkinson and Michael Crawford didn't make the list...
Or Ramin Karimloo, he's easily on parr with Jeremy Jordan if not better.
Agreed! And can we talk about how much higher up Mandy Patinkin should be!?
Or Elaine Paige for that matter! Guess it’s all about Broadway though and doesn’t include the West End. 😢
This list focused on Broadway. Id love to see a similar one for the West End
Agreed as they originated the leads in two of Broadway's longest running shows
Thank you so much for adding Jeremy Jordan and Christian Borle to the list. Both of them are complete powerhouses and pros at what they do
Yes.... and loved the clips of Christian as the Bard ("is it good to see me, or what?") and his excitable footwork on "little Miss Woods, comma, Elle" from Legally Blond.
I’ll admit I came here to see if Liza Minnelli is on the list, and I’m glad that she is because I love her❤️
Thank you for including Pearl Bailey, my parents and grand parents loved her… so talented!
I was lucky to see Patty Lupone on Broadway. Her presence is astounding. Just the way she carried her body through the character’s age was so perfect and subtle. A true master.
She did a show here in Kalamazoo back in May. I went backstage to meet her. She is amazing
I was also lucky to see her in Sunset Boulevard in London. Words cant do justice to that experience. There is a concert from her here on youtube in Nantucket. Look it up! The video and sound isnt that great, but I think she is at her absolute best in that concert ;-)
I saw her in concert at a very small venue in San Francisco and she was incredible.
Just so nice to see Norm Lewis on the list, he is one of my favs. So much incredible talent included in this list. But yes, Audra McDonald is in her own category.
Wow! …just WOW!
Spot on, Ms. Mojo!
And, Audra.
Always, AUDRA! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love Mandy Patinkin... I adore his baritone, it is so deep and powerful.
i don't know if i'd put them in the same order but i can find zero fault with your selections.
Tenor
I was fortunate enough to see him and Lupone in the original production of Evita and also saw him and Peters in the original production of Sunday in the Park. Two hilights of my theater going career.
He was too high on the list. “Lily’s Eyes” is nutso. I’d drop him at least a few spots for his impact. And his voice is beautiful.
One of my only regrets is not seeing him in Secret Garden. :(
I was able and lucky to hear Kristen Chenworth sing at 11am fresh off the airplane and do the highnote from I Could've Danced all Night and it was AWESOME Wonderful artist.
I saw her in “On the Twentieth Century” and I thought it was one of the most demanding leading lady parts as far as the singing goes. It’s just nonstop hard songs and fast dialogue, she handled it easily.
Thank you for the update, MsMojo..!! 24:55 Sutton Foster is an amazing singer. Kristin Chenoweth and Sutton Foster are my favorite Broadway singers of all time.
Patti LuPone is a living legend who is one of the greatest to ever do it!
If only....... 😒
....she understood diction.
My daughter and I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell in Man of La Mancha, and when he sang The Impossible Dream, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. He is magnificent!
Love to see Richard Kiley's beautiful voice mentioned--truly one of the best ever.
I do not know why, but Mr Kiley toured with LA MANCHA about 1970 or so. He came to my small southern city and I was fortunate enough to see his show. Truly impressive!
@@lesliecooper1334 I saw him in Philly in LA MANCHA and he blew me away.
His costar Joan Diener as Aldonza/Dulcinea was someone who should be in this list!!! Wow! I haven't heard a Broadway female voice comparable to hers since Doretta Morrow (Kismet). Both ladies could lift the roof - without a mic!!!
@@jillfromatlanta427 agreed; she was astounding
Miss Saigon is the best musical ever. It always breaks my heart. Lea only being 18 when she played in it is astounding. Such a well honed voice at such a young age!
@@erinmalone2669 I’m also pleased she was introduced as “Filipina”, denoting gender.
My husband and I went to see Miss Saigon many years ago. Probably my favorite memory of being in a theater audience with him was after about 20 minutes in he turns to me, and with the tragic expression of a convict walking to the gallows said,
"Are they going to sing **gulp** EVERYTHING????"
Kristin Chenoweth is such a fantastic singer. She and Dove Cameron have already play mother and daughter twice now, they honestly look like they could really be related.
Kristin
Is a little woman and has strong powerful voice
ppppppp😅p
@@mlynettepinky595
That’s why they say “Never judge a book by its cover.”
This is part of why I really wanted to see Dove as Glinds instead of Ariana Grande
I saw Kristin Chenoweth perform with the Oregon Symphony last year. She was outstanding! One of the best concerts I have ever heard...and I've been to quite a few. Just extraordinary.
33:30 I love Ethel Merman's cameo in Airplane (1980).
hahaha .. she was the best!
Glad to see Raul on this list. Betty Buckley too. Saw her in Sunset for my first Broadway show and it still is the best performance I’ve seen.
Betty Buckley hitting that note in "Cat's " just now gave me shivers and made me cry watching it. Her voice and feeling behind it hit you so hard and this wasn't even playing the whole number!! I had the original cassette of Cat's with her rendition. Its long played to bits so I had not listened to it in ages. Hit me in the heart!!! Lol ❤❤❤
Betty Buckley -- after being on TV , who knew ? She is amazing.
@@donnasturla452 If you have the time, you should watch that whole performance of Memory with her in Cat's.
Ezio Pinza, who sang, Some Enchanted Evening, in South Pacific and Robert Goulet are two of the greats you totally missed!
OH Ezio PINZA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVED him singing "Some Enchanted Evening". So romantic.
How about John Cullem? There was a wondrous voice. 1776 - Molasses to (?) to Rum.😊
@@donnasturla452so was Giorgio Tozzi, he dubbed for Brazzi in the movie. An amazing singer. I met him and played in the pit for an opera he was in back in about 1979.
Robert Goulet. Yes, please
These are all fantastic, iconic singers. I loved seeing the old timers such as Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Pearl Bailey, Dorothy Loudon, John Raitt, and Alfred Drake included on the list. So many of these "of all time" lists only go back so far and miss out on some truly great performers.
Perfect comment!
I would KILL to see Queen Latifah in the Pearl Bailey story!! (Or pay premium ticket prices.)
Oh, yes please!
I told my mom the same thing.
After watching Carmen with Dorthy Dandridge I said if they ever do a biopic, Dana should play Pearl Bailey
I was just thinking this !!
never been on Broadway, only type performance is Momma Morton in movie of Chicago
@@jamesrankin7598 she was also in the movie adaptation of Hairspray and the Wiz live version.
Thanks so much for this video. So good to know Richard Kylie was a stage actor/singer. I only heard his wonderful voice as a narrator for NATGEO Docs.
I’m so glad you’ve remembered John Raitt and Alfred Drake. They’re often forgotten/overlooked.
I got to have dinner with John Raitt and his wife. Nice guy
@@Tracymmo Oh how nice!
At we as@@lolacorinne5384
This list is probably one of the best I’ve seen for Broadway singers. Raúl Esparza, Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, Sutton Foster, and Christian Borle are my modern faves. I also love Kristin Chenowith, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Idina Menzel. Ethel Merman & Angela Lansbury were such powerful vocal forces.
I wish there were honorable mentions so Jonathan Graff, LaChanze, and Rita Moreno could have received shout outs!
Even though I’m not a fan of this person cause of who she is in real life. I think they should have included Leah Michel
@@RosieTheWickedFangirl2007 Lea Michele has only been in 2 Broadway shows, if I'm not mistaken. I couldn't imagine her in this line up when actor/singers like Annaleigh Ashford, Andrew Ranells, and Ariana DeBose aren't even mentioned. Did Kelli O'Hara even get a mention?
@@jinakaye
Good point.
@@jinakaye Raul Esparza, YES! His Being Alive is the best in the world.
@@jinakayeshe's been in 5, but lead in 2.
Audra McDonald is absolutely sublime - I saw her in concert recently and the whole show was breathtaking 😍 definitely the best modern performer and my all-time fave alongside Julie Andrews 💜💜💜
YAAAAS, Jeremy Jordan!!!! I love him!!!!
I was very happy to see Jeremy Jordan make your list. His voice is incredible.
I was thinking the same thing. I really don't think Jeremy gets the credit he deserves for his work. And I'm willing to be wrong, but isn't he the youngest talent on the list?
"Looks like you could use some help from the Big Boss of Hell himself!"
@@FairyGodMom7
Even though I’m more of an Eden Espinosa fan but I really love Jeremy. I think he does get the credit he deserves. Lodes of people love him and I mean what’s there not to love about him💚
I agree. He is also a great actor and voice actor. He’s Lucifer in Hazbin Hotel.
@@jonbstudios7257
And Varian from my favourite Tv show Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure
I'm so glad you included Norm Lewis.
I love all of these amazing Broadway actors and actress's, and I want to personally thank them for continuing to inspire and motivate me. Thank you so much for featuring them on mismojo! P.S. I actually had vocal master classes with Betty Buckley, it was a lot of fun!
Thank u for including Pearl - have always loved her !
Rebecca Luker (RIP). Beautiful voice, lovely lady. Secret Garden, Showboat, Sound of Music, Music Man, Phantom, etc.
God. 37 minutes of chills!!! What an incredible amount of talent. I’m sure there are others, this collection could be an hour or more long!!!
Wooo!!!🎉🎉
I know he's not as well known as others on your list, but you should have included John Cullum. The last note of Meditation from Shenandoah is beyond amazing, and he was great in Urinetown. His rendition of Molasses to Rum to Slaves in the movie of 1776 was incredible.
Among other shows, John starred in the original runs of On A Clear Day, Shenandoah, On the Twentieth Century, and Urinetown. He's fully as much of a "Broadway Baby" as the stars you honored here.
Great shout. I saw him in Shenandoah in 1980's. Fabulous!
I made my comment about his exclusion before seeing yours. 100% agree!
YESSSSS
Thank you.
FYI: Winning in all four categories means Best Lead and Supporting Actor/Actress in both musicals and straight plays.
Audra is set to play Mama Rose in Gypsy this November, 2024, on Broadway.
John Cullum should be on this list. What a voice.
Sutton Foster is without a doubt my favorite female Broadway performer, with Kristen Chenowith as a very close second. And of course Julie Andrews will always be Queen.
This fall, I'll go to NYC for my first and probably only time. I'm shaking with excitement at the thought that I'll be so lucky to see Sutton Foster live on stage!!
@@mckenna8663 Oh, have fun! NYC is wonderful; so much to see and do. Try to squeeze in time for a small play as well as a musical. You won't regret it.
My favorite Broadway singers are probably Michael Crawford and Julie Andrews. But all of these people are so talented and amazing. Their singing, their acting, their passion, and every other amazing aspect of these incredibly talented people is insane and truly amazing.
I think Barbra Streisand should have been on this list. I know she didn't do a lot of Broadway shows other than Funnygirl and I can get it for you wholesale but she still deserves to be listed. Her Broadway album and Back to Broadway albums proves she can sing Broadways best show stoppers like no other. I also think Michael Crawford deserves to be on this list for The Phantom of the Oprera. I love all of these pics and I love Broadway. And Josh Groban after his run in Sweeny Todd...oh that voice! There are so many great ones. Broadway is the best!
I agree, omitting Babs is criminal. Her Broadway albums are there - is this the greatest Broadway Songs or are we doing Broadway's Greatest Performances here? Just askin'
Bette Midler should have been included also...
I know he transitioned to Hollywood fairly early, but Kevin Kline was a credit to the Great White Way whenever he performed there (and whenever he occasionally returns). I was fortunate enough to see him in On the Twentieth Century and with Blythe Danner in Much Ado at Shakespeare in the Park.
The BEST Pirate King ☠️!
Some puzzling omissions (Tveit, Crawford, Goulet) as well as equally puzzling additions (Jordan, Esparza?), but overall very pleased that you recognized some truly leading lights from Broadway, and that Ethel Merman placed so high on your list.
I saw Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard and it gives me chills to this day. We were so close I could hear her unamplified voice. So many wonderful artists on the list. Tough to choose, but Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Richard Kiley, and Norm Lewis are proof that God loves us.
I’m surprised and a little disappointed Terrance Mann wasn’t included. I mean he had so many iconic roles, the original Javert, the original beast, the original rum-tum-tugger, even Dr Frank-N-Furter and Citoyen Chauvelin, along with numerous other roles!
Not to mention his role in Pippin
when i watched sense8, i kept expecting him to break out in song....even with a whisper!
He’s amazing!!!
I have been so fortunate to see so many of these amazing talented people but the night I saw Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls was only the second week it had been open and she was just 19 years old. I had been to many shows by then and it was the first time I had seen a standing ovation BEFORE the song was over. At the curtain call the whole cast was lined up and then they stepped away into the dark and Jennifer stepped forward and a spotlight shined on her. A star was certainly born. This was 43 years ago and I have never gotten over it.
Dorothy Louden was singing in theatres before the singers were microphoned up the wazoo! So were many of the other older singers. There was a time when all you had was your voice and it had to reach the back of the theatre
Wow! Great list. Looks like you need another list. There’s just so many wonderful singers.
Kristin Chenoweth is number 1 for me because we're both from Oklahoma. I'm from Tulsa and she's from Broken Arrow. We love Kristin Chenoweth here in Oklahoma.
Richard Kiley's "Impossible Dream" is a timeless classic.
When i was a kid my father worked at a theater in Boston. And i got to meet Carol Channing more the ten times and she was the nicest lady's i ever meet. And i meet a a lot of stars when they came to Boston.
No Kelli O’Hara? Not for Bridges, Kiss Me Kate, The King and I, A Light in the Piazza, several successful operatic roles, and so many more??? She more than belongs on this list.
You should have shown Brian Stokes Mitchell singing 'This Nearly Was Mine ' from 'South Pacific', a truly memorable performance. I shed tears every time.
They did bit it was very short.
I'm very glad you featured many of the GREAT voices of Broadway's past. Few young viewers have probably ever heard of them. I feel you hit the highlights for me. I'm satisfied ❤
Hear, hear!!
Colm Wilkinson's Bring Him Home is one of the greatest songs of all time. In my life time I have seen and heard the astounding performances of Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Yul Brenner, Mandy Patinkin, Patty LuPone, Barry Bostwick, Kristin Chenowith, Idina Menzel, Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Betty Buckley, and so many others. I am grateful for the talents of so many in live theater who have graced our lives. ❤
Saw him in Les Mis in London. That song just eviscerates me every time I hear it.
As a “Hazbin Hotel” fan, I’m so glad to see Jeremy Jordan and Christian Borle on here.🥰❤️❤️❤️ I do wish James Monroe Iglehart and Alex Brightman made the list though.😢😔
Lea Salonga and Angela Lansbury are definitely the ones I’m most familiar though since I grew up on Disney movies.😊❤❤❤
Barbara Cook. The best ever.
AMEN!!
Saw Carol Channing in Dolly - she toured and stopped at our outdoor theater Starlight in KCMO. I still remember although it’s been decades since!!
saw Carol Channing in Hello Dolly in seventies (high school trip) it was my first Broadway musical - just the luck of the draw cause we got our tickets earlier that day - almost 50 yrs ago and I still have great memories - Ms Channing definitely one of a kind
We had a Starlight outdoor theater in Indianapolis, too. Saw Robert Preston in Music Man, Carole Channing in Hello Dolly, Yul Brunner in The King and I, Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur in Mame and so on.... Loved those summers
I watched this lengthy-for- Watch Mojo video to hear Colm Wilkinson’s incredible voice and distinct enunciations. As the end neared I thought be patient, he’s among the top, probably #1. I know it’s subjective but the man’s voice and presence is incomparable.
I'm surprised you didn't mention Angela Lansbury won four Tony Awards for Lead Actress in a Musical.
Thank you for compiling this list of Broadway veterans and today's modern musical actors. I personally would have moved Donna Murphy much higher, but otherwise a good list. Now work towards a list of 40!
Brian Stokes Mitchell's singing in Man of La Mancha is fantastic. Just hear his version of Dulcinea!
And he was hilarious as Cam Winston on Frasier too, lol!
How I would love to see Brian Stokes Mitchell live. The ‘concert version’ of SOUTH PACIFIC tears me apart. Watching a TV screen and him singing “THIS NEARLY WAS MINE”, I’m in tears. In the late 90s I got to see Bernadette Peters in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on Broadway. It wasn’t a really large theater, and her voice certainly filled the hall.
Will always remember him singing from his window during Covid
How could you forget Howard Keel?
*swoon
He pretty much was only in movies.
I saw Bernadette Peters in Vegas in the late '79 or early '80. She was just lovely.
Enjoyed this very much, was lucky to have seen many on Broadway. There are so many others that could be added to the list.
I firmly believe that the angels in Heaven sound like Audra MacDonald. Her voice is absolutely exquisite!!!
Wait until Streisand gets up there.
I would love to see a Broadway show ❤❤❤❤❤
Some good selections, although I would have ranked many higher (Cook, Drake, Kiley). But so many are missing - Jerry Orbach, Karen Akers, Diahann Carroll, John Cullum, John McMartin, Terrence Mann, Robert Preston - and how could you leave out Elaine Stritch!?!
You have many good points!
Great list, and I must say that your number 8, the magnificent Julie Andrews, in my opinion should be number 1 as she brilliantly sang, among many other famous songs, I Could Have Danced All Night for 2 years on Broadway and a year and a half in London, 8 performances a week in a time that lacked the mikes that Broadway has today. It is a pity you did not show her singing that incredible song. Julie's is really the most glorious song on Broadway, - the My Fair Lady album became the second most sold vynil of the 50's because of her. Just loveRly.
Marin Mazzie should have been included. For me, she was number 1. Range in singing roles and the most beautiful voice and phrasing. Best version of "Not a Day Goes By" ever sang by anyone. And what about Ragtime as "Mother", and her singing in Carrie, and "Losing My Mind". Come on people!
Rebecca Luker should be on this list. She had a beautiful soprano voice, Secret Garden. Showboat Revival, Music Man Revival, Sound of Music Revival, and Christine in Phantom of the Opera. I was in Camelot, with her in college. Rebecca was a wonderful, Lady Guinevere, often compared to Julie Andrews and Barbara Cook.
Sadly, she died of ALS. Rebecca was the Birmingham Nightingale on Broadway.
This show has been a great pleasure to watch and listen to.
Enjoyed this video so much. Your choices were brilliant. If I had to add one more it would be Anthony Newely. His voice gave me chills. He was a wonderful composer also.
I had the privilege of seeing Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun. Superb and fun!
Great list, but what about Joanna Gleason and Bebe Neuwirth?
Ah... love them!
The Baker's Wife from Into the Woods and Velma Kelly from Chicago!
Gypsy is not just by Sondheim; it's also by Jule Styne.
One of my very favorites that I had the incredible luck to perform both on stage and in the pit.
Thank You! for setting all of us straight. Jules styne . . . they all make my heart sing . . .
I was pleased to see Audra at the top of the list. I saw her recently in concert and she is still at the top of her game! Your list was solid, but would have liked to Michael Crawford included; he will always be my favorite Phantom.
Norm Lewis is so incredible! I was lucky enough to see him play Javert, and I thought about his voice for weeks.
I’ve seen Audra, Kristen, and idina in concert and each time I was blown away.
While I agree with many of these, it think Brian Stokes Mitchell at only #23 is a travesty of justice. Being in that theater when he sang “The Impossible Dream” was a religious experience. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that he was beyond gracious and lovely at the stage door afterwards as well.)
I knew exactly who #1 would be before even watching, Audra McDonald what a legend 👏
Good copy. This has been my favorite list so far on mojo. And you only use the word iconic twice!
Matthew Morrison. Gordon MacRae. Robert Goulet. Michael Ball. Barbra Streisand....
Thanks for including quite a few from old times. Brian Stokes Mitchell came to Broadway somewhat later in life. I remember him in the TV show Trapper John MD in the 80s.
33:28 "Sondheim's Gypsy" I hesitate to call it this, since Sondheim was the lyricist, but June Stone was the composer.
Kristen Chenoweth is amazing. I will never forget seeing her in person the first time in Wicked. I have never seen anyone better in all the shows I’ve seen in NY, Toronto, and London.
Lea Salonga is one of my all-time favourites! Her voice is stunning and she had unbelievable control!
Robert Guillaume was the first African American Phantom when he succeeded Michael Crawford for the Los Angeles production in 1990
Thank you for such a great video. Some of the list were quite a surprise.
Audra!! (And Brian Stokes Mitchell) So many wonderful performers. I think you're missing Marin Mazzie, though.
What? No Jerry Orbach? 💔💔💔
Sadly no, I think because he will be most known for Linnie Briscoe
My dad took an acting class in NYC which Jerry Orbach was in.. The instructor would always ask "Jerry,do u have anything prepared?" & he'd always shake his head. Guess he was observing the other students( which definitely paid off..👍)
I think they said something about who are known for their stage work or continued to work on broadway after they became famous
42nd Street, Chicago, The Fantasticks....
An INCREDIBLE legend!!!
(And, yes, always Brisco)
Beautiful man, what a beautiful comment for a truly beautiful man.
Favorite ; Michael Crawford. Can't believe I didn't see him here.
Although I missed Michael in POTO, I have seen him in concert many times & was in his fan association for a number of years. His dedication, talent, voice, humor & acting skills are impeccable. And a lovely, sweet, gentle man. ❤️
I credit Julie Andrew’s for my love all things musical theatre. I think watching Mary Poppins and Sound of Music started my love, then I watched her other roles then started watching other musical movies from there. Now as an adult I watch as many traveling Broadway shows as I can.
Pretty good list. Happy to see Lea Salonga in the top 10. Audra and Patti as 1 and 2 are on point! I would have chosen Patti for #1 but Audra deserves it because of her Tony wins.