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Coffee Break

9:30 Coffee Break: Great Vocalists

by Jim McGuinn and Steve Nelson

November 20, 2015

Adele at the 85th Annual Academy Awards
Singer Adele, winner of the Best Original Song award for 'Skyfall,' poses in the press room during the Oscars held at Loews Hollywood Hotel on February 24, 2013, in Hollywood, Calif.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Friday is the universal album-release date, and a new album that's getting a lot of global attention today is Adele's latest, 25.

At the heart of Adele's music is her arresting singing ability. Adele's soulful voice comprises a two-octave and a three-note mezzo-soprano vocal range. She has remarkable sustain, and, as BBC Music wrote, "Her melodies exude warmth."

And while Adele is certainly talented, she is not alone among singers who stun us with their delivery. There are a number of performers who have impressed and delighted with their vocal performances, be they soul singers, crooners, balladeers or belters. Who are some of your favorites? That's what we're asking you today.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that feature great vocal performances? Send us your requests.

Songs Played


Aretha Franklin "Chain of Fools"
Roy Orbison "Crying"
Jeff Buckley "Last Goodbye"
Big Brother and the Holding Company "Piece of My Heart"
Nilsson "One"
Etta James "At Last"
Queen "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Do you deserve a Coffee Break? We at The Current's Morning Show think you do, and we want to bring treats from Black: Coffee and Waffle Bar to your workplace. Let us know why you'd like a Coffee Break.