Now that was funny, one of the most unique voices I've ever heard is Joan Armatrading and if you have heard her I think you'll know what I mean. I haven't heard her for years...so someone was playing Tracy Chapman next to me and I looked up and said, "That's funny, I could swear it's Joan Armatrading..." Great voice by the way...
I'm trying to get him to listen so he doesn't think I'm crazy...but a Google of the two names reveals, "influence on...Tracy Chapman"
If you know them..MGKBUS you've gotta tell them...

So my young coworker is going to check out Joan's voice..I mean it's really not something you hear everyday.

I know what you mean about Joan Armatrading. She's an extremely talented singer/songwriter. All of her albums are great, and there are at least two excellent CD "greatest hits" compilations available. "Show Some Emotion" is the only song by Joan that I ever heard on the radio, but she has so many songs that were radio-worthy! It's a shame that most of the radio stations tended to ignore her.

Speaking of interesting voices, have you ever heard Leon Redbone? I never tire of his renditions of old songs...

What about Grace Jones's distinctive voice? She was the epitome of new age...

The only song I know of hers is "The Weakness In Me" because it's on the "Ten Things I Hate About You" soundtrack. It's kind of sad but very good!

I don't want to sound sexist or anything, but the only female singers that I enjoy are the ones with distinctive voices. So many sound the same that someone like Joan Armatrading, or Barbra Streisand, or Toni Childs really make you sit up and take notice.

I don't want to sound sexist either (ESPECIALLY being female!!!), but I agree, I really only like female singers with distinctive voices, too. Stevie Nicks would have to be the top of the list. Tori Amos, Tracy Chapman, Enya.....

A most unusual but likeable voice is that of Aaron Neville.

'Don't Know Much'. sung with Linda Ronstadt is particularly good.

I think I know what you mean, but I listen to both genders.
What I think is unusual is someone who has an unusual range, or timbre to their voice.
It's difficult to describe in words.

In one of my quizzes I researched the castrati and they apparently had this quality of doing different ranges with the greatest of ease.
Leon Redbone...sounds familiar.
Anyone like Johnny Mathis? I've always found his voice fairly unique.
I see what you mean that Rondstadt's voice is unique..if you think about "on blue bayou..." that's the sort of thing I mean.

Michael MacDonald has one of the most distintive voices I've heard. I hate getting up in the morning, but a radio alarm clock helps, but I still put it on snooze about 2 or 3 times, but last week "I keep Forgetting" by MM came on and I was awake and singing along instantly!!

I have to disagree with Dalgliesh though - most voices I can pick out and say "that's so and so" be they male or female.