past simple vs present perfect

[ostap77]

If I were asked whether there was a singer who sang a particular song, what would be the difference in the meaning of each answer?

"There has been a singer named......who sang ........"

OR

"There was a singer named ........who sang............."

 

[Tdol]

Without more context, the second sounds more natural, but context would be the deciding factor- is the singer alive or dead, is the song old, has music changed since it was recorded, etc.

 

[ostap77]

The first one would suggest that the singer is still alive, whereas the second he's dead?

 

[Tdol]

Not necessarily