The Most Famous Baritone Singer, Ranked

Choose the baritone singer you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 07:32
The recognizable, rich timbre of a baritone singer has captivated audiences for centuries, from opera houses to contemporary concerts. Choosing the most famous among them can be subjective, given the wide array of genres and personal tastes. A ranked list offers a clear, consolidated view of who stands out according to collective opinion. Such a ranking not only celebrates these artists but also guides new listeners towards the influential figures in singing. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic, crowd-sourced assessment that reflects current preferences and historical impact. This constant influx of fresh votes keeps the list updated and relevant.

Who Is the Most Famous Baritone Singer?

  1. 1
    1
    points
    Leonard Warren

    Leonard Warren

    An American operatic baritone noted for his rich, powerful voice and his dramatic portrayals, especially in Verdi operas.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: April 21, 1911
    • Died: March 4, 1960
  2. 2
    0
    points

    Ettore Bastianini

    An Italian baritone known for his rich, smooth voice and the intensity of his performances, particularly in Verdi operas.
    • Nationality: Italian
    • Born: September 24, 1922
    • Died: January 25, 1967
  3. 3
    0
    points
    Sherrill Milnes

    Sherrill Milnes

    An American baritone famous for his Verdi roles, with a career spanning over four decades at the top of the opera world.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: January 10, 1935
  4. 4
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    points
    Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

    Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

    A German lyric baritone and conductor, known for his interpretation of Lieder and a wide range of operatic roles.
    • Nationality: German
    • Born: May 28, 1925
    • Died: May 18, 2012
  5. 5
    0
    points
    Piero Cappuccilli

    Piero Cappuccilli

    An Italian operatic baritone best known for his interpretations of Verdi roles, combining vocal beauty with powerful acting.
    • Nationality: Italian
    • Born: November 9, 1929
    • Died: July 11, 2005
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Thomas Hampson

    Thomas Hampson

    An American lyric baritone renowned for his interpretations of both classical and American song repertoire.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: June 28, 1955
  7. 7
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    points
    Titta Ruffo

    Titta Ruffo

    An Italian baritone, known for his powerful voice and vigorous interpretation, considered one of the greatest baritones of his era.
    • Nationality: Italian
    • Born: June 9, 1877
    • Died: July 5, 1953
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Dmitri Hvorostovsky

    Dmitri Hvorostovsky

    A Russian operatic baritone known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
    • Nationality: Russian
    • Born: October 16, 1962
    • Died: November 22, 2017
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Bryn Terfel

    Bryn Terfel

    A Welsh bass-baritone, known for his versatility across a wide range of operatic roles and his rich, powerful voice.
    • Nationality: Welsh
    • Born: November 9, 1965
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Robert Merrill

    Robert Merrill

    An American operatic baritone, celebrated for his performances in both live opera and recordings, particularly known for his Verdi roles.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: June 4, 1917
    • Died: October 23, 2004

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous baritone singer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or baritone is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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  • 3066 views
  • 1 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each baritone once every 24 hours. The rank of each baritone is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Baritone Singer

Leonard Warren
Rank #1 for the most famous baritone singer: Leonard Warren (Source)
A baritone singer holds a unique place in the world of music. This voice type sits between the higher tenor and the lower bass. The baritone voice is rich and versatile, often carrying both power and subtlety. It is common in opera, musical theater, and popular music.

The term "baritone" comes from the Greek word "barytonos," meaning deep or heavy sounding. Historically, baritones were not as prominent as tenors or basses. Early operas favored the higher and lower extremes of male voices. However, as opera evolved, composers began to see the potential of the baritone voice. They started writing more complex and diverse roles for baritones.

In opera, baritones often play the roles of villains, fathers, or older men. This is due to the mature and authoritative quality of the voice. However, baritones can also take on heroic roles. They bring a sense of nobility and strength to their characters. This versatility makes them valuable in many different types of productions.

Musical theater also showcases the baritone voice. Many leading roles in classic and modern musicals are written for baritones. These roles often require a blend of strong vocal ability and acting skills. The baritone's warm tone can convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow. This emotional depth enhances the storytelling in musical theater.

In popular music, baritones have made significant contributions. Their voices stand out in genres such as rock, pop, and jazz. The baritone voice can adapt to different styles, making it a favorite among many artists. Its natural warmth and resonance can add depth to a song, making it more engaging for listeners.

Training a baritone voice requires dedication and practice. Singers must develop their vocal range, control, and technique. They work with vocal coaches to refine their sound and maintain vocal health. Proper breathing, posture, and diction are essential for a strong performance. Many baritones also learn multiple languages to perform a wide repertoire.

Baritone singers often collaborate with other musicians and artists. They may perform in ensembles, choirs, or as soloists. These collaborations can lead to unique and memorable performances. Baritones also participate in recordings, bringing their voice to a broader audience.

The journey of a baritone singer is challenging but rewarding. It requires a deep passion for music and a commitment to continuous improvement. Baritones must stay adaptable, learning new techniques and styles. They must also stay in good physical and mental health to perform at their best.

The baritone voice continues to be a vital part of the music world. Its distinct sound and versatility ensure its lasting appeal. Whether in opera houses, theaters, or concert halls, the baritone voice resonates with audiences. It brings stories to life, evokes emotions, and creates unforgettable moments. The legacy of the baritone singer is one of dedication, artistry, and excellence.

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