The Campaign For Real Music
Intelligent Music for Grown-Ups

For those of us who like the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Julie London and Ella Fitzgerald, who are the up and coming popular song stars of today? We are looking for your recommendations of singers who are made out of the same sort of stuff as Frank and Julie.

For starters, of course we have Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bublé and Diana Krall. All have done much to raise the profile of “our kind of music”, and proven that there is still a massive market for this kind of recording, which for want of a better name, we will call the “classic popular song”. Not all of us want pop and rock.

But there are many others out there too who are producing some wonderful music. Michael Feinstein and Linda Ronstadt have, over the years, produced numerous albums of classic popular song. Linda recorded the last albums which were arranged by Nelson Riddle, and these are among the best albums ever made. Fellow ex-rocker Curtis Stigers also made a successful transition to a more mellow side of the music spectrum, his “Secret Heart” album demonstrating his versatility. And what about Rod Stewart, who has proved that this kind of music has a huge following with some of the biggest selling albums of all time?

Bobby Caldwell also made a transition of sorts, being a soul singer whose song “What You Won’t Do For Love” attained cult status in the soul music world. These days, his singing style is often compared to Sinatra. Some compliment, and richly deserved.

Around 15 or so years ago, the next big thing was a chap called Joe Francis. he released two amazing albums, with sensitive arrangements to accompany his incredible vocals. We are sorry he never went on to much bigger things, as he showed real promise.

From a British perspective, in recent years Gary Williams has been flying the Union flag for the classic popular song. His incredible “Alone Together” was sensational, not least due to some fine arrangements by John Wilson. Robbie Williams had a go, too, and whether you rate his vocal skills or not, it is impossibly to deny the popularity of his foray into the popular song world.

Steve Tyrell is probably the leader of the pack of young, American male singers who are continuing along the path well laid by Messrs Connick Jr and Bublé. He has a husky voice that is so well suited to a good song, and has released many excellent albums in the past few years.

What about the girls? Beyond Diana Krall, we have Jane Monheit, whose “Taking A Chance On Love” proved that she is a voice to be reckoned with. Another great set of arrangements there, too.

Tierney Sutton should have gone on to great things too, and is another one to watch. Her album “Dancing In The Dark” provided a lesson to other young vocalists on how to sing a (proper) song.

So the future for the classic popular song does not appear bleak at all. Plus internet radio stations such as “Our Kind Of Music”, “Martini In The Morning” and “Music Of Your Life” are finding that a new, younger audience appreciates the class and style of these wonderful recordings old and new.

Radiocafé is keen to receive your suggestions on other artist we have not included in this article, and your views on whether there is - as we believe - a healthy outlook for this kind of music.

Radiocafe
November 2009

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