Keith Richards Just Named His Pick for the Greatest Voice Ever—And It's Not Who You Think
(Credits: Far Out / Larry Rogers)
Sun 12 October 2025 13:26, UK
When you think of legendary vocalists, whose name springs to mind first? Here's something that might surprise you: Keith Richards, the iconic guitarist from The Rolling Stones, has a very specific answer to that question—and it's probably not the one you'd expect from a rock legend.
Now, let's be honest—Richards himself isn't exactly known for having a voice crafted by celestial beings. But here's the thing: throughout his illustrious decades-long career, he's shared stages and studios with some of the most extraordinary vocal talents the music industry has ever witnessed.
For the majority of his professional journey, Richards has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with none other than Mick Jagger, the man who essentially created the blueprint for what it means to be a rock 'n' roll frontman. Sure, Jagger possesses the ability to soar into the stratosphere and deliver stunning high notes when needed. However, if we're being completely transparent here, his true genius has always resided in his electrifying stage presence, his magnetic charisma, and his ability to command an audience—rather than purely technical vocal prowess.
The partnership between Richards and Jagger represents one of music's most perfect unions, a creative collaboration where both artists have continuously elevated each other's talents for longer than most of us have been alive. But here's where it gets controversial: despite the profound respect and admiration Richards holds for his longtime musical companion and partner in crime, Jagger doesn't even come close to claiming the top position on Richards' personal ranking of history's greatest singers.
Anyone who knows even the basics about Keith Richards understands that he's an absolutely devoted disciple of rhythm and blues—a musical genre that has provided the soundtrack to virtually his entire existence, from his earliest memories right through to today. His mother, Doris, essentially baptized him into this world of sound during his childhood years, constantly filling their home with the comforting, soulful melodies flowing from the radio. Although she passed away many decades ago, the profound love for this music that she instilled in her son continues to pulse through his veins, serving as a precious portal back to those formative childhood moments.
So who does Richards consider the ultimate vocalist of all time? The answer is none other than 'Lady Soul' herself—the incomparable Aretha Franklin. Richards publicly revealed this choice back in 2008 when he participated in a comprehensive Rolling Stone magazine survey designed to identify the greatest singer in history by collecting opinions from musical legends and industry icons.
"Being the Queen is not all about singing," Franklin herself once wisely observed. "It has much to do with your service to people… your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well. Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It can take you right back, it's uplifting, it's encouraging, it's strengthening."
For countless years, Richards worshipped Franklin's extraordinary magnificence from a distance, admiring her artistry through recordings and performances. Then came a magical moment when he actually found himself sharing a stage with one of his absolute heroes. He experienced the electrifying thrill of witnessing her genius up close and personal in 1986, when she delivered a breathtaking interpretation of The Rolling Stones' classic 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' with both Richards and his bandmate Ronnie Wood providing instrumental support.
That particular cover version, which transported the song into an entirely different sonic dimension, only served to reinforce and amplify his already deep appreciation for her remarkable talent. Franklin didn't just deliver exceptional performances in the controlled environment of a recording studio—she could effortlessly sing every conceivable note across the entire musical spectrum while performing live on stage, without relying on any technological enhancements or studio tricks. In Richards' considered opinion, absolutely nobody else in music history even approaches her level of vocal mastery.
And this is the part most people miss: Franklin shattered barriers when she made history by becoming the very first woman ever inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. In a beautifully fitting twist of fate, the person who received the distinct honor of inducting her at the ceremony in Cleveland was none other than her biggest fan—Keith Richards himself.
"The dictionary has been used up, there's no superlatives left, and there's nothing to read anyway," Richards declared in his characteristically rambling yet endearing speech before dissolving into genuine laughter. "What can I say about Aretha? You're in baby. My turn next, maybe?" he added with playful, self-deprecating humor before graciously welcoming her family members, who accepted the prestigious award on the singer's behalf.
Tragically, in 2018, the music world dimmed considerably when Franklin's extraordinary life came to its conclusion following an extended and courageous battle with cancer. In the aftermath of her passing, Richards once again publicly proclaimed his profound love and admiration for the singer, perfectly capturing the essence of her talent in a heartfelt social media tribute: "The most consistent voice in music for 60 years has been Aretha Franklin's voice… The world of music has lost a bit of its soul."
Now here's a question for you: Do you agree with Keith Richards' assessment? Is Aretha Franklin truly the greatest vocalist of all time, or does someone else deserve that crown? Some might argue that technical ability matters less than emotional connection, while others might champion different genres entirely. What's your take—and who would YOU name as the ultimate singer in music history? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, especially if you disagree!
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