Of course, not all composers have to be great singers (just like how not all playwrights have to be great actors), but there are some songwriters that I find myself preferring their versions of their songs over other singers/actors.
Jason Robert Brown has a really nice bluesy quality to his voice, and he's probably my favorite composer's singing voice. What are some of your favorites?
Alex Kulak2 said: "Of course, not all composers have to be great singers(just like how not all playwrights have to be great actors), but there are some songwriters that I find myself preferring their versions of their songs over other singers/actors.
Jason Robert Brown has a really nice bluesy quality to his voice, and he's probably my favorite composer's singing voice. What are some of your favorites?"
I saw Brown do The Last Five Years live with Lauren Kennedy. They were the best Jamie and Cathy. He WAS the character, and his voice was strong and perfect.
Skip23 said: "Alex Kulak2 said: "Of course, not all composers have to be great singers(just like how not all playwrights have to be great actors), but there are some songwriters that I find myself preferring their versions of their songs over other singers/actors.
Jason Robert Brown has a really nice bluesy quality to his voice, and he's probably my favorite composer's singing voice. What are some of your favorites?"
I saw Brown do The Last Five Years live with Lauren Kennedy. They were the best Jamie and Cathy. He WAS the character, and his voice was strong and perfect.
"
Was that back in 2001 in Chicago? That sounds absolutely amazing.
Alex Kulak2 said: "Skip23 said: "Alex Kulak2 said: "Of course, not all composers have to be great singers(just like how not all playwrights have to be great actors), but there are some songwriters that I find myself preferring their versions of their songs over other singers/actors.
Jason Robert Brown has a really nice bluesy quality to his voice, and he's probably my favorite composer's singing voice. What are some of your favorites?"
I saw Brown do The Last Five Years live with Lauren Kennedy. They were the best Jamie and Cathy. He WAS the character, and his voice was strong and perfect.
"
Was that back in 2001 in Chicago? That sounds absolutely amazing."
No. It was back in the late Aughts (I think). Special performance at Cooper Union in NYC. She stopped the show - I mean REALLY stopped it - for Weekend In Ohio. People were screaming over her held note in that song. His Shiksa Goddess was the best I've ever heard.
Most of the suggestions here were already pop stars BEFORE they were composers.... so obviously they are going to have nice voices. I guess that’s fine because the rules weren’t set, but I’d imagine this is more about people who are more known for their composing then their singing.....
"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."
I was very impressed with his Pierre when I saw him a couple of times in the last few weeks of the Broadway run. He really NAILED Dust and Ashes one particular night. Sure he is no Groban, who is, but he more than held his own.
it’s an interesting question - it’s true that a lot of musical theatre composers have only passable singing voices.
Obviously you have people like Elton John and Sara Bareilles, but I don’t really think that sort of example is what the OP was asking about. You also have people like Grace McLean, who are mostly known for being musical theatre performers, but go on to write a musical
But as far as people who are mostly known for composing specifically for musical theatre, I would say Andrew Lippa is one of the best. When he performed in his own Harvey Milk oratorio, it was clear that he is a bona fide singer, with actual training and technique. As opposed to many musical theatre composers who mostly just know how to carry their own tunes.
Leonard Bernstein had a beautiful singing voice (demonstrated frequently in his Young People's Concerts series), but for the life of me, I can't remember hearing him ever sing songs from his own shows.
TheGingerBreadMan said: "I’m quite fond of the late Jonathon Larson’s voice."
I saw a video, obviously recorded by a friend in the audience, of him performing a selection of TTB. Powerful stuff. It's not the smoothest voice, but emotional and evocative indeed
Another vote for Jason Robert Brown as the best, but I enjoy David Yazbek's voice on his demos and his solo albums as well. Some of the songs, not as much, but I do like his singing style. And all his work for musicals.
I'm going to second Dave Malloy - he sings with more emotion than 90% of the actors I've seen. Honorable mention to the unique and rich voice of Anais Mitchell.