The Queen of Soul tops a list that includes more than a dozen other musicians with connections to Detroit.
Rolling Stone ranks Aretha Franklin No. 1 in its list of the « greatest singers of all time » on Sunday.
The list has 200 singers and orders them based on « originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalog, and the breadth of their musical legacy, » according to the article.
Franklin, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Detroit, was called a « force of nature, a work of genius, and a gift from the heavens, » by the music magazine.
It says the « Respect » artist described her mission as a singer like this: « Me with my hand outstretched, hoping someone will take it. »
Outside of Franklin, the magazine ranks Iggy Pop, a Detroit-born vocalist, No. 176, saying he « would have been one of the most attention-getting vocalists ever, thanks to his ready-for-anything, scenery-eating yowl. »
The third Detroiter the magazine named was Bob Seger, at No. 181. According to Rolling Stone, Seger was the first rock star with a youthful voice, being most famous for his song « Night Moves. »
Martha Reeves, lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, came in at No. 151. The magazine said Reeves’ « gleeful, girlish, gritty voice cut straight through the airy harmonies of her group mates. »
Born in Detroit and raised in Grand Rapids, El DeBarge was listed at No. 137, with the magazine describing his voice as « like caramel » on the song « All This Love. »
Jackie Wilson, who was born in Highland Park, ranked No. 121. Famous for « Lonely Teardrops, » (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher » and « Baby Workout, » Wilson was admired by Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, the magazine said.
Patti Smith, ranked No.
