Well for some replying here I beilieve that the OP was looking for a list going much farther back than the last 15-20 years as he stated "Ever in History" so I will reply with some that I have heard that go way back and up to fairly comtemporary times.
Not Necessarily in this order:
Enrico Caruso
Billy Holiday
Toss up between
Frank Sinatra , Elvis or Pavoratti But I think Pavoratti has them on his Range and Depth...
Just my thoughts,
KayBay