Both Sinatra and Presley recorded thousands and thousands of songs and most of what they recorded is forgettable garbage, to be remembered only because those voices sang the lyrics.
In each case, they only produced a handful of truly classic recordings.
For Elvis, it was the original Sun sessions, the first Nashville RCA sessions, the Memphis recordings of the late 60s and the prime gospel recordings - about three hours of absolutely incredible music in which Elvis sang the right songs backed by real musicians with honest arrangements - and with Elvis himself singing with real passion and conviction.
For Sinatra it was his Capitol recordings of the late 50s - the melancholy concept albums arranged by Stordahl and Riddle. Again, this was Sinatra at the height of his powers when he still cared about breaking new musical ground, backed by a flawless orchestra and singing classic American standards with intelligent lyrics.
Presley and Sinatra, as great as their voices were, lived for most of their careers as prisoners of managers, record executives and industry fads. The 1960s were largely a lost decade for both of these men creatively - and sadly, those were the best years either man had left. By 1970 Sinatra was in his late 50s and Elvis was a junkie.
Dylan has about 6 or 7 songs that I can tolerate and/or just about like. They are, in order preference:
Lay, Lady, Lay
Hurricane
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Like a Rolling Stone
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Tangled Up in Blue
Gotta Serve Somebody
Sinatra I never really cared for. I actually wasn't a great fan of Presley either. His early gospel stuff I thought was excellent, though. Sam Cooke gets my vote, hands down.
That’s a very compelling analysis. You obviously are a music aficionado. The only part I might disagree with is the reference to the songs Frank sang as “forgettable garbage.” I think some of Porter’s and Gershwin’s lyrics, for example, will stand the test of time.
What’s your take on Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah etc...