The 50 Best Female Vocalists Of All Time

Navigating the music industry often poses more significant challenges for female vocalists than their male counterparts. Yet, history reflects the female voices instigating critical societal and cultural shifts. The hurdles within the industry imply that female vocalists often need to outperform and outwork to earn their rightful recognition.

This disparity, while far, underscores the immense spirit, creativity, and dedication these successful female artists bring to their craft, contributing to the rich diversity of music across genres and cultures. While our list is not comprehensive – as the sheer volume of inspiring female talent is beyond capture – it showcases some of the most influential based on their vocal prowess, cultural impact, and chart success, among other criteria.

This list of the greatest 50 female vocalists is far from exhaustive but should serve as a springboard for you to delve deeper into the influence and accomplishments of female artists across disciplines; vocalists, instrumentalists, visual artists, authors, actors, and more.

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50. Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, the “Queen of Country,” is renowned for her songwriting abilities, with over 3,000 songs to her name, including classics like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her songs often contain folk, pop, and gospel music elements, broadening her impact beyond country music. Parton’s down-to-earth persona and contributions to music, film, and philanthropy have made her a beloved figure worldwide. Her significant influence extends across genres and generations.

49. Celine Dion

With her powerhouse vocals and poignant ballads, Celine Dion has been a dominant figure in pop music for decades. Her extraordinary vocal range and dynamic delivery have made her one of the best-selling artists ever. Dion’s multilingual skills and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide have further broadened her impact on the music scene. The influence of her passionate performances and her dedication to philanthropy can be seen in artists across generations.

48. Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith, also known as the “Empress of the Blues,” was one of the most popular and influential blues singers of the 1920s and 1930s. Her powerful vocal abilities and emotive performances resonated deeply with audiences and continue to inspire blues and jazz musicians today. Smith was a trailblazer for black artists during extreme racial segregation in America. Her contributions to the blues genre have solidified her legacy and made her an enduring figure in the history of American music.

47. PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey stands out for her dynamic range of musical styles, which includes punk, folk, and blues. Known for her profound lyrics and ability to channel raw emotion into her music, she has greatly influenced the alternative rock scene. Harvey is also celebrated for her artistic range, evident in her successful experiments with different musical styles and instrumentation. Her fearless exploration of themes related to love, politics, and gender issues has helped cement her status as an influential figure in music.

46. Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono is a multidisciplinary artist and musician whose work in avant-garde art significantly influenced her musical output. Often misunderstood, her experimental and innovative music style helped pioneer the new wave movement and left an indelible mark on alternative music. Her collaborative albums with John Lennon, in which she co-wrote many songs, testify to her significant songwriting skills. As a peace activist, she also used her music to propagate messages of unity and harmony, enhancing her influence on the cultural sphere.

45. Carly Simon

Carly Simon, renowned for her intimate songwriting style and rich, distinctive voice, has been a vital figure in the singer-songwriter genre. Her timeless hits, such as “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better,” are a testament to her enduring talent and continue to resonate with listeners. Simon’s deeply personal and introspective music, which often explores themes of love, relationships, and personal introspection, has profoundly influenced many singer-songwriters. Her legacy in the music industry is enduring and her influence is felt even among the newer generation of artists.

44. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, one of the most respected jazz voices of all time, is celebrated for her emotive voice and unmatched ability to convey raw emotion through music. Even though struggles marked her life, her deeply personal and moving music continues to touch hearts worldwide. She was a master of improvisation and her innovative manipulation of phrasing and tempo changed the course of jazz music. The influence of Holiday on jazz and pop singing is beyond measure and continues to inspire musicians today.

43. Tori Amos

Tori Amos has left a deep mark on the music scene with her passionate lyrics, unique piano-playing style, and eclectic sound that melds rock, pop, classical, and electronica beautifully. Her candid exploration of feminism, religion, and personal trauma has resonated deeply with her audience and inspired numerous singer-songwriters. Her daring style of tackling unconventional themes in her work continues to challenge norms and promote a sense of individuality in the music industry. Her influence, particularly amongst female artists, is enduring and profound.

42. Madonna

Madonna, known as the “Queen of Pop,” is celebrated for her versatility and ability to reinvent herself musically and visually. She has been a significant influence in pop music and pop culture, known for her catchy pop tunes, provocative imagery, and role in popularizing dance music. Madonna’s impact can be seen across various elements of pop culture.

41. Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige, often called the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” is known for her expressive vocals and blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. She’s significantly influenced the music industry, especially in developing the R&B genre. Blige’s music, often autobiographical, has resonated with a broad audience.

40. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, celebrated for her remarkable vocal range and style, has dominated pop and R&B music since the 90s. Known for her ability to incorporate pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul into her music, Carey has inspired a new generation of singers. She’s also known for her songwriting and production skills, making her one of the most successful artists ever.

39. Grace Jones

Grace Jones, with her androgynous look and genre-blending music, has been an influential figure in pop culture. Known for her distinctive voice and her blend of reggae, new wave, pop, and disco, Jones has left a lasting impact on the music industry. She has also been a significant influence in fashion and visual arts.

A fun fact about her is that she worked as a model in Paris for brands like Yves Saint Laurent before her music career took off.

38. Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan, a prominent figure in the jazz world, was known for her wide range, operatic vocal style, and rich tone. She was a master of expression and vocal improvisation. Vaughan’s influence can be felt across jazz, pop, and R&B genres.

Sarah Vaughan was known for her incredible vocal range, which spanned over three octaves. She was also a self-taught pianist and often accompanied herself on the piano during performances.

37. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, often called “The Voice,” was known for her power, range, and soulful delivery. Her music spans pop, R&B, and gospel and has considerably impacted these genres. Despite her tragic passing, Houston’s music continues to inspire many artists. 

Whitney Houston holds the Guinness World Record for being the most-awarded female artist ever. Over her career, she received over 600 awards, including 22 American Music Awards and 6 Grammys.

36. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song,” was an extraordinarily versatile jazz singer known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, and “scat” singing. Fitzgerald’s interpretations of the Great American Songbook are considered definitive. Her influence extends well beyond jazz, and she’s remembered as one of the greatest vocalists in music history.

35. Sade

Sade, both the band and its lead singer, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for their sophisticated blend of soul, funk, jazz, and world music, Sade’s distinctive sound has inspired many artists. The singer’s sultry voice and the band’s smooth melodies have made them a staple in easy-listening and adult contemporary music.

34. Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle, known as the “Godmother of Soul,” is celebrated for her powerful, wide-ranging voice. From her days with the Bluebelles and LaBelle through her solo career, she’s been an influential figure in R&B, soul, and pop music. LaBelle is also known for her work on TV and her line of food products.

Patti LaBelle is known for her powerful voice and iconic music career. Still, she’s also a successful entrepreneur with her line of food products, including her famously popular sweet potato pies. Her pies became a sensation when a fan’s enthusiastic review went viral on social media, and they have been a hit at grocery stores across the U.S. ever since. So, besides being a legendary vocalist, LaBelle is also a celebrated cook!

33. Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper burst onto the scene in the 80s with her distinctive voice and her punk-inspired, eclectic style. She’s been a significant influence in pop music, not only for her string of hits but also for her work in the LGBTQ+ community. Lauper’s ability to combine catchy pop with social messages has impacted the music industry.

Cyndi Lauper is notable for being the first female artist to have four top-five hits from a debut album on the Billboard Hot 100. These hits from her debut album “She’s So Unusual” include well-known songs like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “She Bop,” and “All Through the Night.” This achievement underlines Lauper’s immediate and substantial impact on the music scene in the 1980s.

32. Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield, the “White Queen of Soul,” had a distinctive soulful pop sound. Her soul-inspired pop music brought American soul music to the British audience and influenced a generation of British singers. Springfield is remembered for her iconic voice and her influence on the Swinging Sixties in Britain.

Dusty Springfield was one of the first British artists to introduce and popularize the Motown sound in the UK. She was such a fan of Motown music that in 1965 she convinced the producers at ITV to let her host a television special called “The Sound of Motown.” She handpicked the artists she wanted to perform for the show, including The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder, effectively giving many UK viewers their first exposure to Motown music.

31. Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack is known for her soulful voice and her passionate interpretations of folk, soul, and standards. Her music, including hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” continues to resonate. Her ability to transcend genre barriers has made her an enduring figure in the music industry.

Roberta Flack holds the unique distinction of being the only solo artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year two years in a row. She won in 1973 for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”

30. Barbra Streisand

With her versatile talent, Barbra Streisand has had success in multiple entertainment fields. She is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, noted for her vocal range and passionate delivery. Streisand has also had a successful career in film as an actress and director, making her one of few entertainers who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

28. Annie Lennox

Both as part of Eurythmics and as a solo artist, Annie Lennox has substantially impacted pop music. Known for her soulful voice and androgynous image, Lennox’s work often contains political and social commentary. Her influence extends beyond music into philanthropy and activism, particularly in HIV/AIDS awareness.

27. Cher

Cher, known as the “Goddess of Pop,” has had a career spanning six decades. Her ability to reinvent herself, both musically and visually, has kept her at the forefront of the music industry. Known for her distinctive contralto singing voice, she’s also an influential figure in fashion and television. From pop to folk to dance, Cher’s versatility makes her one of the most influential artists ever.

26. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill rose to prominence as the lone female member of The Fugees, then catapulted into solo stardom with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Her blend of rap, soul, reggae, and R&B, along with her thought-provoking lyrics, has influenced the sound of neo-soul and hip-hop. Despite her brief discography, Hill’s work remains highly regarded for its depth and honesty.

25. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks, best known as the vocalist of Fleetwood Mac, has also had a successful solo career. Her unique voice and poetic songwriting have made her one of the most successful female rock artists ever. Nicks’ distinct style and persona have left a lasting impact on the music industry. She is celebrated for her contributions to rock music and her influence on other female artists.

24. Kate Bush

Kate Bush is a British singer-songwriter known for her eclectic and experimental music style and idiosyncratic lyrics. Her music incorporates elements of pop, rock, and art rock. Her debut album, “The Kick Inside,” was critically acclaimed, and her single “Wuthering Heights” was a major hit. Bush has been a major influence on various artists across different genres.

Kate Bush was only 19 when her debut single, “Wuthering Heights,” reached number one on the UK charts in 1978, making her the first female artist in UK chart history to achieve number one with a self-written song. Her lyrical creativity and unique sound have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

23. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has been a dominating figure in the pop genre with her striking image, powerful vocals, and theatrical performances. Her music incorporates pop, dance, and electronic elements and has been commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Gaga is also known for her activism, particularly for LGBTQ+ rights. She has also ventured successfully into acting, further solidifying her influence in the entertainment industry.

22. Björk

Björk, an Icelandic singer-songwriter, is known for her eclectic musical style, incorporating electronic, pop, experimental, classical, trip hop, IDM, and avant-garde music elements. Her innovative use of electronic music technology has been particularly influential. Björk’s creative approach to music, including incorporating multimedia elements into her work, has made her a unique figure in the music industry.

21. Patti Smith

Patti Smith is often called the “punk poet laureate” for her fusion of rock and poetry. Her debut album “Horses” is considered one of the most influential albums in the history of the punk rock movement. Smith’s lyrics are often filled with rebellious and provocative themes. She remains an important figure in the music industry, recognized for her influential contributions to rock music.

Patti Smith’s album “Horses,” often cited as one of the greatest albums in punk rock history, was recorded in Electric Lady Studios, a studio built by Jimi Hendrix. Interestingly, her close friend, renowned photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, shot the album’s iconic cover photo.

20. Donna Summer

Donna Summer was one of the most successful artists of the disco era and was known as the “Queen of Disco.” Her music has had a lasting impact on dance music. Her use of electronic music elements was pioneering, and her song “I Feel Love” is often cited as a foundation of the electronic dance music genre. Summer’s music has been influential across multiple genres and continues to be celebrated for its impact on the music industry.

19. Etta James

Etta James was a versatile vocalist, known for her work in blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel genres. Her powerful, deep voice was recognized as one of the greatest in music history. Some of her most popular songs, like “At Last,” remain timeless classics. James’ influence has extended beyond music, and she is celebrated for her perseverance through personal struggles.

Known for her powerful and emotive voice, Etta James holds the distinction of being inducted into not one, but three Halls of Fame: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. This is a testament to her versatility and the significant influence she had on these genres.

18. Tina Turner

Tina Turner is known for her powerful vocals and high-energy performances. Her mix of R&B, soul, and rock has made her one of the most successful female rock artists of all time. Her life story, overcoming personal and professional struggles, has inspired many. She is considered one of the greatest artists in rock and roll history.

“The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” holds a Guinness World Record for selling more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, her resilience and powerhouse performances have made her a global icon.

17. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was a major figure in the 1960s rock and blues music scene. Known for her powerful, raspy vocals and electric stage presence, she brought an unmatched intensity to her performances. Her life was tragically cut short at age 27, but her influence on rock music, especially for female artists, is immeasurable.

16. Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was one of the first successful crossover pop and country artists and was instrumental in paving the way for women in the country music industry. She was known for her rich tone and emotionally expressive performances. Cline’s life and career were cut tragically short by a plane crash, but her music continues to be celebrated for its significant impact on the country genre.

15. Adele

Adele is known for her powerful, passionate vocals and her soulful, heartfelt lyrics. She has been dominant in the pop and soul genres since her debut. Her albums, especially “21,” have broken numerous records and garnered multiple awards. Adele’s influence has extended beyond music, and she is celebrated for her body positivity and down-to-earth persona.

Despite her global fame, Adele is known for her stage fright. The superstar has often spoken about her nervousness before performances, and she once even projectile-vomited due to her anxiety before a show.

14. Loreena Mckennitt

Loreena McKennitt’s unique fusion of Celtic, Middle Eastern, and progressive rock music, combined with her ethereal soprano voice, has positioned her as one of the most distinctive female vocalists ever. Her imaginative reinterpretations of traditional Celtic music and her original compositions, inspired by themes like history, mythology, and travel, have resonated with a global audience, making her a truly international artist. McKennitt’s contributions to the world music genre have been so significant that she’s sold over 14 million records worldwide. 

An interesting fact about her is that she is a singer and a proficient instrumentalist; she plays the harp, piano, and accordion, among other instruments, providing a rich tapestry of sound to accompany her compelling vocals. Her musical prowess and narrative storytelling make her an influential figure in the music industry.

13. Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was a British singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Despite her tragic death at 27, she left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Winehouse’s “Back to Black” album, which blends elements of 1960s soul music with modern R&B, has been hailed as one of the best albums of the 2000s.

12. Nina Simone

Nina Simone, known for her expressive voice and powerful performances, profoundly influenced music. Her work, which spanned genres from jazz and blues to R&B and folk, often carried messages of social and political protest. Simone’s song “Mississippi Goddam,” a dynamic response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the Birmingham church bombing, remains one of the most potent protest songs. Her life and music continue to be celebrated for their impact on music and civil rights.

Not only was Nina Simone an influential musician, but she was also known for her activism during the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, some of her most famous songs, like “Mississippi Goddam,” were direct responses to the racial inequality she witnessed.

11. Diana Ross

Diana Ross, first as a part of the Supremes and later as a solo artist, has significantly impacted the music industry. Her voice, image, and success paved the way for future African-American R&B and soul acts to gain mainstream recognition. Ross also had a successful acting career, establishing her as a pop culture icon. She is one of the most successful female music artists in history.

She has not only left a mark on the music industry but also the world of fashion. Her glamorous and extravagant outfits, both on and off stage, have made her a style icon. Many of her signature looks are still emulated by artists today, illustrating her lasting influence.

10. Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is one of the most critically acclaimed songwriters and performers of the late 20th century. Her folk and jazz-inflected songs are notable for their complex melodies and deeply personal lyrics. Mitchell’s album “Blue” is often cited as one of the best albums ever. Her influence extends across many genres, and many musicians have cited her as an influence.

9. Maria Callas

Maria Callas was an American-born Greek soprano regarded as one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. She combined an impressive bel canto technique with great dramatic gifts. Her musical and theatrical talents led her to be hailed as La Divina. Her interpretations of the roles she portrayed are still passionately admired and studied for their emotional intensity, integrity, and creativity.

8. Joan Baez

Joan Baez, a leading figure in the American folk music revival of the 1960s, is known for her clear soprano voice and activism. Her music, often carrying potent political and social commentary, has inspired numerous artists and activists. Baez’s dedication to nonviolent protest and her influence on the folk music scene has left a lasting legacy.

Joan Baez is fluent in Spanish and has released multiple albums in the language. Her cover of “Gracias a la Vida,” a popular folk song in Latin America, is particularly beloved and has helped her gain a substantial Spanish-speaking fanbase.

7. Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt, known for her powerful, expressive voice and versatility across genres, has been a prominent figure in rock and country music. She can make a song her own, whether it’s a rock ballad, a country tune, or an operatic aria. Her influence extends beyond music as she was a pioneering woman in the male-dominated rock industry of the ’70s.

6. Joan Jett

Joan Jett, known for her work with the Runaways and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, has been a trailblazer in rock music. Her aggressive, punk-infused hard rock sound and her raw, raspy vocals broke barriers for women in the male-dominated genre. Jett’s independence, toughness, and uncompromising attitude have made her a role model for many female rock musicians.

5. Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is a blues singer, songwriter, and slide guitar player who has significantly impacted the blues and rock music scenes. She’s renowned for her raw, expressive voice and her impressive guitar skills. Raitt’s influence can be seen in the works of countless musicians, particularly female guitarists and blues artists.

4. Aaliyah

Aaliyah, known as the “Princess of R&B,” was highly influential in developing contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop. Her smooth vocal style and innovative music production, which included a fusion of R&B, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music elements, have influenced many artists in these genres. Despite her untimely death, her impact on music is still felt today.

3. Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris has been a significant figure in country music, known for her poignant songwriting and crystalline voice. Her work has spanned many genres, including folk, country, pop, rock, and alternative. Harris’s influence is widely recognized, and her collaborations with numerous artists have cemented her status as a versatile and influential musician.

2. Chrissie Hynde

As the lead vocalist of the rock band The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde has become an icon in the punk and new wave genres. Her distinct, smoky vocal tone and poignant songwriting have influenced rock music. Hynde’s confident stage presence and longevity in the music industry have paved the way for many female rock musicians.

1. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her powerful voice and passionate delivery have become emblematic of soul music. Through her career, which spanned over six decades, she amassed numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards. She was also an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement and her music often carried messages of equality and respect.