Dylan, The Beatles, The Doors, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Jim Croce. This is the kind of stuff that I can put on at any time and feel at home at any listening volume (well, The Doors do need to be at least somewhat loud).
Steely Dan chills me out, no doubt. Van Morrison and James Taylor hit me in similar ways. There are many others from the 70s era, but I think the key for me is being put at ease.
Sarah Vaughn is the ultimate when I'm craving true peace and beauty and total relaxation, even more so than Sinatra. He's sort of the male equivalent for me, but unfortunately he let his ego get in the way far too often. Nat King Cole was a much understated version of Sinatra; a true singer's singer with no apparent need to embellish.
Gosh, then there is Sam Cooke. Where does one begin or end when talking about his 'favorite' artist? There are all sorts of traditional blues and R&B artists that I can listen to endlessly as well.
