Throughout music history, exceptional female vocalists have left an indelible mark on the industry, captivating audiences with their powerful voices and passionate performances.
Singersroom, a leading authority on R&B and soul music, has curated a list of the best female singers of all time.¹ These iconic artists have not only achieved commercial success but have also shaped the musical landscape, inspiring generations of aspiring singers.
1. Whitney Houston
With a voice that soared to unimaginable heights, Whitney Houston’s incredible range and emotive delivery made her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her 1985 debut album catapulted her to stardom, and hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All” showcased her remarkable talent.
Houston’s dynamic stage presence and numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, solidified her status as a global icon whose legacy continues to inspire artists across genres.
Houston’s impact extended beyond music. She also found success in acting, starring in films like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.”
Her untimely passing in 2012 at the age of 48 shocked the world, but her music and influence live on, cementing her place as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
2. Mariah Carey
Known for her impressive five-octave vocal range and signature whistle register, Mariah Carey burst onto the music scene in 1990 with her self-titled debut album. Her unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul, combined with her incredible vocal acrobatics, quickly made her a sensation.
With numerous Grammy Awards and record-breaking chart performances, Carey has continually influenced the industry with her innovative style and vocal prowess.
Carey’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, with her annual Christmas hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” becoming a modern holiday classic. Her songwriting skills and ability to convey emotion through her music have made her a role model for aspiring artists, and her longevity in the industry is a testament to her talent and dedication.
3. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul,” possessed a powerful voice that blended gospel, soul, R&B, and pop, earning her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her career spanned several decades, with classic hits like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “Think” becoming anthems of empowerment.
Franklin’s influence extended beyond music. She was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and helped shape the cultural landscape of the 20th century.
Countless artists have covered Franklin’s music, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of singers. Her performances and ability to convey the depths of human experience through her voice have made her an icon whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
4. Celine Dion
With a career spanning several decades, Canadian singer Celine Dion has achieved global success thanks to her powerful vocals and musical versatility. Hits like “My Heart Will Go On,” “The Power of Love,” and “Because You Loved Me” showcase her exceptional vocal technique and emotional delivery.
Dion has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, and has been recognized for her successful Las Vegas residency shows and humanitarian work.
Dion’s ability to connect with audiences through her music has made her one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Her music has been featured in films, television shows, and even video games, further cementing her status as a cultural icon.
5. Adele
British singer-songwriter Adele has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and deeply emotional lyrics. Her debut album, “19,” showcased her rich, powerful vocals and heartfelt ballads, while subsequent albums like “21” and “25” solidified her status as one of the leading voices in contemporary music.
With hits like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Hello,” Adele has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, and is celebrated for her authentic storytelling and exceptional vocal performances.
Adele’s music has resonated with listeners around the world as she fearlessly explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Her ability to convey raw emotion through her voice has made her a role model for aspiring singers, and her impact on the music industry is sure to be felt for years to come.
6. Beyoncé
Beyoncé, a powerhouse performer and cultural icon, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a career spanning over two decades, she has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, both as a solo artist and as part of the legendary girl group, Destiny’s Child.
Her dynamic voice, captivating stage presence, and innovative music videos have earned her a devoted global fanbase and countless accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards, making her the most awarded female artist in Grammy history.
Beyond her music career, Beyoncé has also made significant contributions to the fashion industry, philanthropy, and social activism. Her influence on popular culture is undeniable, with her music and performances often sparking important conversations about race, gender, and empowerment.
7. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand, a true legend in the entertainment industry, is celebrated for her incredible vocal range, acting prowess, and successful career spanning music, film, and theater.
With a distinctive voice that effortlessly blends pop, jazz, and classical influences, Streisand has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles throughout her career, earning her ten Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Streisand’s impact extends beyond music. She has also achieved great success as an actress, director, and producer. Her versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry have made her an icon, and her philanthropic efforts have further cemented her status as a beloved figure in popular culture.
8. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, affectionately known as the “First Lady of Song,” was a legendary jazz vocalist whose career spanned over five decades. Renowned for her pure tone, wide vocal range, and masterful scat singing, Fitzgerald’s music showcased her exceptional musicianship and improvisational skills.
Her collaborations with jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington produced timeless recordings that continue to inspire musicians today.
Fitzgerald’s influence on the jazz genre is immeasurable, and her numerous accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, are a testament to her enduring legacy. Her music not only entertained audiences but also broke down racial barriers, making her an important figure in the civil rights movement.
9. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, one of the most influential jazz singers of all time, was renowned for her distinctive vocal style and performances. Her music, which often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and social injustice, was characterized by her unique phrasing, improvisational skills, and ability to convey deep emotion through her voice.
Holiday’s recordings, such as “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child,” have become jazz standards and continue to inspire artists across genres.
Holiday’s impact on music and popular culture is undeniable. Her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in her footsteps, and her legacy as a pioneering figure in jazz and a powerful voice for social change endures to this day.
10. Etta James
Etta James, a dynamic vocalist known for her high-powered voice, left an indelible mark on the music world with her contributions to blues, soul, and R&B. Her music, which often showcased her raw, unapologetic style and incredible range, earned her six Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
James’ signature song, “At Last,” has become a timeless classic, cementing her status as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century.
Throughout her career, James faced numerous personal and professional challenges, including struggles with addiction and legal issues. Despite these obstacles, her music continued to resonate with audiences, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in her footsteps.
11. Tina Turner
Tina Turner, the legendary “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” is celebrated for her electrifying stage presence, powerful vocals, and enduring influence on popular music. With a career spanning over six decades, Turner has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, blending elements of rock, soul, and R&B.
Her high-energy performances and signature dance moves have become iconic, earning her twelve Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
12. Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse, a British singer-songwriter, left an indelible mark on the music world with her distinctive voice and eclectic blend of jazz, soul, and R&B. Her critically acclaimed debut album, “Frank,” showcased her raw talent and unique style, while her sophomore release, “Back to Black,” catapulted her to international stardom.
Winehouse’s music, characterized by her strong vocals, candid lyrics, and retro-inspired sound, earned her numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards.
Her untimely death in 2011 at the age of 27 shocked the music world and sparked important conversations about the pressures faced by young artists in the industry. Winehouse’s legacy lives on through her music, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.
13. Diana Ross
Diana Ross, a legendary figure in the music industry, is celebrated for her remarkable career as a solo artist and as the lead singer of the iconic Motown group, The Supremes.
With her powerful voice, glamorous style, and commanding stage presence, Ross has released numerous chart-topping hits, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Coming Out,” and “Upside Down.”
Her music, which spans genres like soul, R&B, and disco, has earned her a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry and her contributions to the civil rights movement have solidified her status as a true icon.
14. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks, the legendary singer-songwriter and member of the iconic band, Fleetwood Mac, is renowned for her distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and mystical stage presence. Her solo career, which began with the release of her debut album “Bella Donna” in 1981, has produced numerous hit singles, including “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” and “Leather and Lace.”
Nicks’s music, which often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, has resonated with audiences for decades.
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Nicks contributed to the band’s most successful albums, including “Rumours” and “Tusk,” and penned some of their most beloved songs, such as “Dreams” and “Rhiannon.”
Her influence on the music industry is far-reaching. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac.
15. Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin, the undisputed “Queen of Psychedelic Soul,” was a singer known for her raw, powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence. Her unique style and uninhibited performances challenged the conventions of what a female singer could be, making her a trailblazer in the rock music industry.
Joplin rose to prominence in 1967 as the lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She delivered a legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival that showcased her fierce, blues-soaked voice.
The band’s 1968 album, “Cheap Thrills,” topped the charts, cementing Joplin’s status as a rock icon. After leaving Big Brother, Joplin continued to captivate audiences as a solo artist, releasing the critically acclaimed album “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!” in 1969.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
