Narrators. How do you create an audiobook without one? Impossible. You can’t. Don’t try. Think back to the first audiobook you listened to. Why were you hooked? The narrator was one reason why you kept hitting the play button, whether you knew it or not.
What makes a great audiobook narrator? Talent, voice range, and an understanding of the book are all important qualities. But most of all, fantastic narrators have the ability to tell a story that captivates the audience. We’ve kicked off the long list of noteworthy narrators with these favorites (in no particular order).
Jim DaleClassics come to mind when we think Jim Dale – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Or Harry Potter—he created 134 different voices for J.K. Rowling’s series. The list goes on. As does the tally of his awards—Audies, Grammys®, Tonys®. If you haven’t picked up an audiobook narrated by Jim Dale, we highly suggest you change that.
Lorelei KingLorelei King has recorded over 200 audiobooks! Have you listened to a Janet Evanovich audiobook recently? Or a Debbie Macomber audiobook? That’s Lorelei King. She’s an actress and multi-award-winning narrator. She’s also appeared on film and television, but to be honest, we like her audiobook work the best.
Meryl StreepConsidered one of the greatest film actors of all time, Meryl Streep narrated the first ever audiobook edition of Nora Ephron’s Heartburn. A perfect combination of story and voice.
Scott BrickScott Brick’s range is unparalleled. He reads thrillers and narrative non-fiction to biographies and science fiction with aplomb. AudioFile magazine named him “one of the fastest-rising stars in the audiobook galaxy.” You might recognize his voice from Erik Larson’s Dead Wake or John Grisham’s The Firm.
Stephen FryBestselling author, narrator, and actor Stephen Fry has read such classics as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and been part of the narrator ensemble for Winnie-the-Pooh. And don’t forget about the Harry Potter series. We know this is a sensitive subject, but whether you’re Team Dale or Team Fry, you’re in for a phenomenal listen.
Toni MorrisonNo one brings to life Toni Morrison’s work better than the author herself. A recent New York Times article by Colin Archdeacon describes her voice as, “Purring and soft. Dulcet. A faint noise coming from within the darkness.”
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