A few weeks ago, the Twitter universe lost its mind when a list from Rolling Stone Magazine “Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” resurfaced. Although Rolling Stone Magazine puts out a Top 100 list every couple of years, the list published in 2008 and put on the web in 2010 was the one that resurfaced online. 

The list was compositied by a panel of 179 experts who decided who was on the list and the rankings of the singers. Why the 2008 list resurfaced instead of a newer list is beyond me. Either way, it caused quite the controversy and debate for music lovers of all ages.

The top ten singers on the list were starting at number one Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Sam Cookie, John Lennon, Marving Gaye, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown at number ten. 

Before I saw the list, I thought the day I had feared the most had finally came; the day Bob Dylan died. You see, Bob Dylan was trending on Twitter that morning. Most of the time when older celebrities are trending on Twitter, it is because they have passed away. 

Thank the music gods that was not the case for Dylan. He was trending because he made #7 on the top 100 list. Unfortunately for Dylan, the people talking about it on Twitter did not agree with his ranking. 

Dylan is one of my favorite musicians of all time. His lyrics are poetry, singer-wise he was one of the biggest civil rights activists during the 60s, and he is pretty badass. Dylan has the ability to play many instruments, 18 to be exact. The list goes on as to why Bob Dylan is beyond talented. 

But his voice is not his greatest strength. Dylan is notorious for his scratchy voice when he sings. So to rank Bob Dylan #7 on a list of the greatest singers of all time stirred up a debate, rightfully so. 

Janis Joplin also made the list, ranking higher than expected at #28. Like Dylan, Joplin has a scratchy voice that most people do not appreciate. Like any hippie, Janis is one of my favorite musicians. I am not bothered by her voice nor Dylan’s, but I know a lot of people are, and again, I do not blame them. 

The two do not have the most soothing voices when singing. 

Other unexpected rankings included Paul McCartney at #11, Robert Plant at #15, Freddie Mercury at #18, Johnny Cash at #21, Prince at #30, Elton John at #38, and Stevie Nicks at #98. Of course, there were many other great artists whose ranks were questionable. 

However, most people agreed with the number one pick on the list, Aretha Franklin. With all the discussion and disagreement, it seemed as though most could agree on Franklin ranking number one.

The list also lacked newer singers. The majority of the singers were singers from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Beyonce and other outstanding singers failed to make the cut, which also questions the accuracy of the list.

Hopefully whenever Rolling Stone Magazine releases their newest top 100 list, it will be more agreeable among music lovers.