I love funk, soul, some modern R & B, jazz, and many other genres, but my favorite is classic soul sung by 5-person, 4-person, or 3-person groups. I love the harmonies, but what I love even more than that is a powerful lead singer. I think the lead makes the group. If you don't have that A-1 lead singer, in my opinion, it doesn't matter how well you harmonize, you won't succeed. So in order, my votes for the top lead singers of classic soul vocal groups.

1. Levi Stubbs, The Four Tops: As much as I love Ruffin, Wynne, and others, it's hard to imagine a more dynamic, more powerful lead singer than Stubbs. I've been getting into a lot of classic Four Tops on YouTube of late. The guy blows me away each and every time. I would argue the greatest lead singer of all-time of any soul or rock group ... yes, ahead of Mick Jagger and others.

2. David Ruffin, The Temptations: If you took a vote here or somewhere else, he'd probably top the list. And if you again go to YouTube and punch in the live version of "I Wish It Would Rain" off a TV show clip, you'd be absolutely speechless. It's tough to put him at No. 2, but hey, Levi is tough to topple out of the top spot.

3. Bobbie Smith, The Spinners: My underdog pick from my favorite group. Why Smith over Wynne? In my opinion, more versatile and a bit smoother, and he stood the test of time. It was Smith who sang lead on "I'll Be Around" and "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" and many more hits. Highly overshadowed by Wynne.

4. Russell Thompkins, Jr., The Stylistics: If you're going to vote on which singer carried the group, this would be No. 1. Let's face it, his trademark falsetto IS The Stylistics. Take him out of The Stylistics, and well, it's not The Stylistics. Unreal, unique voice.

5. Walter Williams, The O'Jays: Another surprise pick of mine, edging out group mate Eddie Levert. Why? I go back to his incredible range from bass to high tenor, his ability to really mix it up.

6. L.J. Reynolds, The Dramatics: Is there a more underrated group than The Dramatics? I don't think so. With that underratedness comes an underrated singer, who has plenty of power and emotion in his voice. Absolutely love his voice ... and he's still going strong today.

7. Eddie Kendricks, The Temptations: Number 7 is pretty low for this amazing talent, but it shows you the unreal gifts of the above singers. Left the group and this world way too early.

8. Eddie Levert, The O'Jays: It's not a group without Eddie, who some critics [[see Dave Marsh) believe he sings all the leads. He doesn't, but he sings a heckuva lot of them, and has a bigger presence than Walter, thus the bigger publicity. A great talent.

9. Phillippe Wynne, The Spinners: Hit-making voice that pulled the group from out of the shadows. Tremendous performer on stage, a mega-talent.

10. Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes: Group probably should've been re-named Teddy and The Blue Notes. Incredible, powerful voice.

Vote and pick your own favorites on this thread!