[For an introduction to The Greatest Voices Project, click here.]

[To view numbers 5o through 46, click here.]

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#45: Paul McCartney

Every member of The Beatles helped to make that band the greatest of all time, but McCartney’s voice, both in the band and for many years after, made him stand out from the Fab Four.

McCartney does not have an opera-style voice, but his voice holds the listeners attention through each word of any tune he sings. Filled with simplicity, Sir Paul’s voice is unique and quite beautiful. Having a simple-sounding voice has also helped him, as he is able to sing nearly any song and make it sound unique to himself.

While “Hey Jude” is the greatest song in the history of pop and rock music, the 1982 song “Wanderlust” shows the smooth simplicity in McCartney’s voice better than any tune. Enjoy the song.

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#44: Stevie Nicks

The female voice behind Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks made a name for herself with a great solo career. Of all the females on this list, Nicks probably has the least “pure” quality of any singer, but her strength is in knowing what songs fit her style of voice and ability.

While singing with Fleetwood Mac, Nicks was able to blend perfectly with what I like to call their “California cool” sound. As a solo artist, though, there was no place to hide, and Nicks still shone. Her lower range made her unique, and made her songs popular with both men and women.

While “Edge of Seventeen” is probably her most famous solo effort, I believe “Landslide” shows the qualities that place Nicks on this list better. Here is a live version of that song.

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#43: Jeff Buckley

A voice lost far too soon, Jeff Buckley was a “singer’s singer,” as nearly any singer will tell you that they could listen to him sing all day long. The son of musician Tim Buckley, Jeff only recorded one studio album, the classic “Grace,” but that one album, and his amazing live performances were enough to convince nearly everyone of his talent.

At the age of just 30, Buckley drowned while swimming in the Wolf River near Memphis. He was pulled into the wake of a boat and wasn’t able to survive the strength of the pull. We can only wonder how many more wonderful songs he would have released. As it is, Buckley remains a great voice, full of emotion and feeling.

After his death, Buckley’s version of the Leonard Cohen song “Hallelujah” raced to #1. Here it is.

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#42: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

With all due respect to Don Ho, no one personifies Hawaiian and Polynesian music to me more than “The Iz.” Kamakawiwo’ole was able to sing both Hawaiian classics and pop songs and make them reflect both his own vocal style and his love of Hawaii. If you don’t believe me, take the time to look up his version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

“The Iz” never had a major hit on the charts, but his medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” has been used in commercials and movies, and has led many more people to listen to his other songs. Anyone who hears any song Israel did can’t help but think of Kamakawiwo’ole’s love of Hawaii.

Israel was extremely overweight, and it finally cost him his life in 1997, when he was just 38 years of age. Here is his most famous song.

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#41: Anne Murray

Deep, smooth, and controlled. Those three words have to be used to describe this Canadian’s voice. Anne Murray’s lower register and her amazing control have led her to be loved by millions over a career that has spanned over four decades.

While Murray has never had a long string of hits, her albums continue to sell as people hear her voice, and as a new generation of altos try to emulate her smooth voice.

Murray’s first hit continues to be one of her signature songs. Enjoy an early performance of “Snowbird.”