The list of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time has already inspired some lively debate, but this list didn’t just come from names picked out of a hat. Rather, there was a large panel of experts expressing their opinions through a series of ballots. Click above for longtime Rolling Stone contributor Alan Light’s explanation of how this particular sausage was made, including the logic behind having other artists write about the top picks, and be sure to check out the list of voters and the ballot gallery below.

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• Photo Gallery: Select Ballots From The Voting Panel, Including Keith Richards, Jim James, Courtney Love and Bruce Springsteen

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