“So many great artists in this life”: Yes frontman Jon Anderson names his favourite singers
When it comes to progressive art rock, Yes are up there with King Crimson and Genesis as the genre’s greatest exports. Forging sprawling sonic hybrids with Moogs and guitars, they delivered all-time prog classics like ‘Close to the Edge’ and ‘Roundabout’ in the early 1970s, infusing rock with new art and experimentation. Just above their swirling sonic collages sat the vocals of Jon Anderson.
Though Anderson’s words always added to Yes’ work, they never really took the focus on it. The band have been far more revered for the ambitious nature of their soundscapes and their experimentation with time signatures than they have for Anderson’s singing, which simply seemed to add to the complexity of their work. Still, the Yes frontman harbours a real love for his craft, and for his peers who have excelled within it.
“So many singers,” Anderson gushed when asked for his favourites during a conversation with No Depression, “so many great artists in this life.” He went on to share a generous collection of picks for his favourite vocalists, which ranges from jazz greats to operatic voices to American Idol hopefuls.
Anderson’s first pick was the legendary Nina Simone, who undoubtedly had one of the greatest voices in music history. From the depth and drama of ‘Feeling Good’ to the vulnerable ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free’, Simone was peerless in her ability to deliver lyrics with emotion and nuance, her tones finding their way into your soul with ease.
The Yes singer continued to demonstrate his love for jazz by picking out Nat King Cole, who had one of the smoothest voices in singing. In ‘L-O-V-E’, he awards his romantic words all the sentimentality they deserve, while ‘Smile’ demonstrates his ability to comfort with vocal delivery. Anderson is clearly a fan of a smooth, technically talented singer.
Italian opera legend Pavarotti also made Anderson’s list, as did Paul Simon, whose voice has become familiar to us all through the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. His soft vocalisations have soundtracked The Graduate and eked saltwater out of even the most reluctant tear ducts with ‘The Sound of Silence’.
Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan finds a place on Anderson’s list, as well as Joe Tex, James Brown, and usual suspects on all-time great lists, The Beatles. For their gorgeous harmonies and enduring lyrics, the latter are not only some of the greatest singers of all time, but the biggest band in music history, so it’s no surprise that Anderson includes the Liverpudlians on his list.
But the Yes singer refuses to only look backwards to the greats, rounding out the list with his appreciation and excitement for the budding vocalists of our future. “I get very emotional watching young kids singing on American Idol,” he concluded, “wow!” It’s nice to hear a prog legend who is particularly excited about the upcoming generation of singers, showing his admiration for his peers and successors.
Considering the kaleidoscopic nature of his own work, it’s no surprise that Anderson’s taste in singers spans genres and generations. From widely-accepted names like Simone and the Fab Four to more personal picks and completely unknown singers, Anderson clearly has a real appreciation for those who have mastered his craft.
Jon Anderson’s favourite singers:
- Nina Simone
- Nat King Cole
- Pavarotti
- Paul Simon
- Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
- Joe Tex
- James Brown
- The Beatles