Who are the 100 greatest singers of all time? Rolling Stone magazine asked a distinguished panel of journalists, music industry insiders and musicians themselves that question for its Nov. 27 issue.

Each was asked to list his or her 20 favorite vocalists from the rock era. The winner: Aretha Franklin. The 66-year-old star won the judges' praise for her gospel roots and total vocal confidence.

No. 2 was the late, great Ray Charles, followed by Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, John Lennon, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and James Brown.

Another former Beatle, Paul McCartney, weighed in at No. 11. Other notables, Mick Jagger, No. 16; Johnny Cash, No. 21; Hank Williams, No. 27; Whitney Houston, No. 34; Bruce Springsteen, No. 36 and Joni Mitchell, No. 42.