The 15 Best Broadway Singers of All Time
Introduction
Broadway has always been the ultimate stage for musical talent, where powerful voices meet unforgettable performances, and where legends are born. Over the decades, this iconic stretch of Manhattan has witnessed the rise of countless stars, each leaving their indelible mark on the theater world. But among the glittering array of performers, there are a select few whose voices have transcended the boundaries of the stage, earning them a place in the pantheon of Broadway greatness.
1. Ethel Merman
Known as the "Queen of Broadway," Ethel Merman’s powerful, brassy voice could fill any theater without the need for a microphone. Her performances in musicals like Gypsy and Annie Get Your Gun set a new standard for show-stopping productions. Merman’s voice truly epitomized the golden age of Broadway. Audiences would leave theaters in awe, still humming the tunes she so effortlessly brought to life.
2. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald’s voice is nothing short of extraordinary, and her six Tony Awards are a testament to her unmatched talent. Known for her versatility, McDonald has tackled everything from operatic arias to contemporary musical theater with grace and precision. Her performances in shows like Ragtime, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill showcase her ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining impeccable vocal control.
3. Patti LuPone
Patti LuPone is a Broadway icon whose voice is both thrilling and unmistakable. Known for her gutsy, larger-than-life performances, LuPone has made roles like Eva Perón in Evita and Mama Rose in Gypsy her own, earning her multiple Tony Awards along the way. Her ability to hit high notes with a mix of power and emotion has made her a favorite among both theater lovers and critics alike.
4. Julie Andrews
Before she became a beloved film star, Julie Andrews was dazzling Broadway audiences with her crystalline soprano voice. Her performances in My Fair Lady and Camelot set a new standard for vocal purity and acting prowess. Andrews’ ability to communicate vulnerability and strength simultaneously made her a standout in the early days of musical theater.
5. Bernadette Peters
With her distinctive voice and curly red hair, Bernadette Peters has been a Broadway favorite for decades. Her performances in Stephen Sondheim classics like Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George have become legendary. Peters brings a unique vulnerability and warmth to her roles, and her voice—rich, expressive, and emotionally charged—can switch from playful to heartbreaking in an instant.
6. Sutton Foster
Sutton Foster is a modern Broadway star whose incredible energy and vocal range have made her a favorite in shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes. Foster’s ability to blend humor, dance, and vocal prowess sets her apart as one of the top performers of her generation.
7. Angela Lansbury
While Angela Lansbury is often remembered for her TV role in Murder, She Wrote, her contributions to Broadway are equally iconic. Her ability to embody characters like Mame Dennis in Mame and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd showcased her incredible versatility and magnetic stage presence.
8. Elaine Stritch
Elaine Stritch was a true original—her larger-than-life personality and gritty voice made her an unforgettable presence on the Broadway stage. Stritch’s performance in Company, with the iconic rendition of "The Ladies Who Lunch," remains etched in Broadway history.
9. Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin’s voice is a force of nature—powerful, emotive, and dynamic. A master of both classical and contemporary Broadway, Patinkin’s performances in Evita and Sunday in the Park with George are among the most revered in musical theater history.
10. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel’s voice is instantly recognizable—her belt is nothing short of iconic. Best known for her roles as Elphaba in Wicked and Maureen in Rent, Menzel has redefined what it means to be a Broadway star in the 21st century.
11. Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera is a Broadway legend whose career spans over six decades. Known for her dance skills as much as her voice, Rivera originated iconic roles in shows like West Side Story and Chicago. Her fiery energy and unmatched stage presence make her performances unforgettable.
12. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda may be best known as the genius behind Hamilton, but his own performances are equally impressive. Miranda’s ability to blend rap, traditional musical theater, and heartfelt emotion has redefined what it means to be a Broadway performer in the modern age.
13. Kristin Chenoweth
With a voice that can soar effortlessly into the stratosphere, Kristin Chenoweth is a Broadway favorite. Best known for her role as Glinda in Wicked, Chenoweth’s soprano is both powerful and playful, capable of hitting high notes with ease while maintaining a light, bubbly tone.
14. Hugh Jackman
Though he’s a major Hollywood star, Hugh Jackman’s roots are in musical theater, and his love for the stage is evident in every performance. Whether in The Boy from Oz or The Music Man, Jackman brings charisma, energy, and a powerful voice to every role.
15. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga’s voice is often described as crystal-clear, and her performances are nothing short of breathtaking. Known for originating the roles of Kim in Miss Saigon and Eponine in Les Misérables, Salonga’s ability to convey deep emotion through her voice is unparalleled.
Conclusion
These 15 iconic Broadway singers have left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. Their voices have been a constant source of inspiration, entertainment, and awe, and their performances have been etched in our collective memory forever.
FAQs
Q: Who is considered the "Queen of Broadway"?
A: Ethel Merman is often referred to as the "Queen of Broadway" due to her powerful and iconic voice.
Q: Who has the most Tony Awards among these singers?
A: Audra McDonald has six Tony Awards, the most among these singers.
Q: Who originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked?
A: Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked.
Q: Who is known for his rap and musical theater skills?
A: Lin-Manuel Miranda is known for his ability to blend rap and musical theater.
Q: Who has originated roles in shows like West Side Story and Chicago?
A: Chita Rivera has originated roles in shows like West Side Story and Chicago.
