Among America’s great vocalists there are several outstanding performers who are under-appreciated and often forgotten. We will examine the music and careers of eight singers who cross genres including blues, jazz, R&B, soul and gospel. We will consider the achievements of Big Joe Turner, Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mavis Staples and the legendary New Orleans singers Johnny Adams and Irma Thomas.