We've had a few threads over the years here on Soul Source about who is/was the greatest male and female soul/RnB vocalists.
While the jury remains out on the the male side , on the female side Aretha is way out ahead of the rest, no question, with only Gladys Knight in the same stratosphere. and then a slew of well respected songstresses like Betty Harris, Doris Duke ...
Well, actually, as far as the guys are concerned, no doubt in my mind either, said it before , and I''ll say it again, David Ruffin was the greatest.