Voices straight out of heaven, more melodious than the harmonica, is the truest gift some people have and in the world of music, this has been the case for many female vocalists, as they have truly made history with their incredible talent and unforgettable songs.
From Whitney Houston’s legendary “I Will Always Love You” to Mariah Carey’s powerful “Hero,” these artists have not only sung but have also crafted emotions, becoming sources of inspiration for artists everywhere.
Join us as we celebrate their unparalleled legacy and vocal brilliance. Here’s a list of the top 50 best female vocalists of all time—let’s explore their magic!
Best Female Vocalists of All Time
Here we mention the 50 best female vocalists of all time.
1. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” revolutionized the music industry with her powerful, emotive voice and gospel-rooted delivery. Her contributions to soul and R&B music are unparalleled. Her signature song, “Respect,” remains the most influential in history, beyond the top charts and records, the song is still about civil rights and feminism.
2. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston mesmerized the world with her incredible vocal range and emotional depth, influencing generations of singers. It seems like nothing’s changed, till now, her songs have made us groove like no other. Her impeccable voice and pop hits dominated the charts. Her heart touching songs include, “I Will Always Love You”, “ I wanna Dance with Somebody”, “ I Have Nothing,” and many more.
3. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey, known for her five-octave range and whistle register, transformed pop and R&B music with her melismatic singing style and timeless hits. Her best of the bests are “Hero” “Fantasy,” and “Emotions“ The songs still make it to the curated playlists until now.
4. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, the “First Lady of Song,” enchanted jazz lovers with her impeccable diction, versatile voice, and scat singing, leaving an indelible mark on jazz music. Her famous songs “Summertime”, “Misty”, “ I Got Rhythm” have been a timeless choice for many.
5. Celine Dion
Celine Dion captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful, precise vocals and dynamic range, becoming a pop icon and one of the best-selling artists. As you must have heard of her song “My Heart Will Go On”, check out her other masterpieces like, “Think Twice”, “Falling into you”, “Its all coming back to me”.
6. Etta James
Etta James, with her raw, emotional voice, bridged blues, R&B, and soul, creating timeless classics that resonate deeply. “At Last”, “Something’s Got a Hold On Me”, “A Sunday Kind of Love”—her”contralto voice, tinged with a raspy tone, touched millions to the core.
7. Adele
Adele’s rich, soulful voice and emotive performances have redefined contemporary pop and soul music, earning her critical and commercial success. She has truly proven to be a blessing to the ears of her audience, bringing out the emotions of thousands with a strong presence on stage. Listening to her songs, “Rolling in the Deep”, “ Hello”, “Easy on me” and “Some Like You, you”‘ll realize the power she holds in her voice.
8. Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s powerful voice and versatility have made her a standout in pop and R&B, earning her acclaim and numerous hits. She’s known for her iconic pop culture presence and soprano voice with an amazing grasp of high notes. and not to mention her songs “Beautiful”, “Genie in a Bottle”, “What a Girl Wants,” and more.
9. Diana Ross
Diana Ross’s magical voice and captivating stage presence helped define Motown and pop music, leaving an enduring legacy. She has inspired countless artists over the years by being the leader of The Supremes, later going solo on her journey to become a sensation. Her famous songs are “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Love Hangover”, “Endless Love”.
10. Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline’s emotive voice and pioneering spirit made her a trailblazer in country music, influencing countless artists. Famous song: “Crazy.” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces”
11. Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin’s raw, powerful voice and emotionally charged performances revolutionized rock and blues, transforming the nascent genre and creating unforgettable music. She poured her heart and soul on stage, and her audience responded very well. Songs that she’s known for are “Piece of My Heart”, “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Cry Baby.”
12. Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s deep, expressive voice and unique style made her a standout in soul and jazz, leaving a lasting impact. She has had one of the best-selling albums in the century, named the best new artist back in 2008 by the Grammys. Check out her famous song, “Back to Black.” “Rehab,” “Valerie”.
13. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s distinctive phrasing and emotional expression made her a jazz and blues legend, influencing many singers, even though she had never received formal training on music or singing. She became the first black woman to play in a white band after receiving an invitation from Artie Shaw. Some of her fabulous songs include “Strange Fruit.” “God Bless the Child,” “Summertime”
14. Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s rich, soulful voice and powerful performances made her an icon in jazz, blues, and civil rights activism. Her journey to music wasn’t an easy one, but she still made it to being one of the best. Here are some famous songs by her: “Feeling Good,” “Sinnerman,” and “I Put a Spell on You”.
15. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s pure, emotive voice and poetic songwriting have left a profound influence on folk and rock music. Her voice is known for its clarity and emotional depth, effortlessly conveying the nuances of her introspective lyrics. Mitchell’s ability to blend folk, jazz, and pop influences has made her a trailblazer in music. Her famous songs are “A Case of You,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Big Yellow Taxi.”
16. Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter’s warm, velvety voice and emotional delivery made her a beloved pop and soft rock icon. Known for her impeccable vocal control and heartfelt performances, Carpenter’s voice resonates with a timeless quality that captivates audiences. Her rich tones and emotive phrasing brought depth to every song she sang. Some of her incredible songs, “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Close to You,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.”
17. Carole King
Carole King’s soulful voice and groundbreaking songwriting have made her a revered figure in pop and rock music. King’s voice is characterized by honesty and warmth, perfectly complementing her introspective and deeply personal lyrics.
Her ability to capture universal emotions in her songs has earned her widespread acclaim. Some of her melodious deliveries include “You’ve Got a Friend,” “It’s Too Late,” “So FarGladys Knight,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us,” and “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.”
18. Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is celebrated for her distinctive, clear voice and exceptional songwriting skills, which have established her as a country music legend and cultural icon. Her ability to tell stories through music resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Some of her famous songs include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
19. Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey is known for her powerful voice and dramatic performances, which have made her a standout in pop and film music. Her iconic songs include “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Big Spender.” Bassey’s career spans several decades, during which she has received various accolades, including Grammy Awards and recognition for her contributions to music and film.
20. Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox is acclaimed for her versatile, soulful voice and unique style, which have cemented her status as a pop and rock icon. Famous for hits such as “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “Here Comes the Rain Again,” and “Why,” Lennox has received multiple Grammy Awards and accolades for her solo career and work with the Eurythmics. She is also known for her activism and humanitarian efforts.
21. Maria Callas
Maria Callas is revered as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, known for her powerful, dramatic voice and impeccable technique. Her performances in operas like “Casta Diva” have left an indelible mark on the opera world. Callas received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to classical music and opera performance.
22. Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt’s versatile voice and genre-spanning career have made her a beloved figure in rock, country, and pop music. Known for songs such as “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “When Will I Be Loved,” Ronstadt has earned multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades. Her influence extends beyond music, as she has also been recognized for her contributions to cultural and artistic diversity.
23. Cher
Cher’s distinctive voice and enduring presence have made her a pop and rock icon with a career spanning several decades. Hits like “Believe,” “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” showcase her versatility and lasting impact on popular music. Cher has received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, and a Grammy Legend Award, for her significant contributions to music and entertainment.
24. Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt’s soulful voice and masterful guitar playing have made her a blues and rock legend. Her voice carries a warmth and depth that resonate with listeners. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Famous songs: “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” “Something to Talk About,” and “Love Sneakin’ Up on You.”
25. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s powerful, soulful voice and groundbreaking work in hip-hop and R&B have made her a revered artist. Her voice is a perfect blend of raw emotion and technical skill. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Famous songs: “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” and “Everything Is Everything.”
26. Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan’s rich, expressive voice and impeccable technique made her a jazz icon. Known for her incredible range and control, she has won several Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame. Famous songs: “Misty,” “Broken-Hearted Melody,” and “Send in the Clowns.”
27. Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s ethereal voice and innovative style have made her a unique and influential figure in art rock. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful and versatile. She has been nominated for numerous awards and has received the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Famous songs: “Wuthering Heights,” “Running Up That Hill,” and “Hounds of Love.”
28. Tina Turner
Tina Turner’s powerful, gritty voice and electrifying performances made her a rock and soul legend. Her voice is characterized by its raw energy and strength. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Famous songs: “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary,” and “Simply the Best.”
29. Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris’s crystalline voice and heartfelt performances have made her a beloved figure in country and folk music. Her voice is pure and emotive. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Famous songs: “Boulder to Birmingham,” “Together Again,” “Pancho and Lefty.”
30. PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey’s dynamic, intense voice and innovative music have made her a standout in alternative rock. Her voice is powerful and versatile, capable of expressing deep emotion. She has won the Mercury Prize twice, among other accolades. Famous songs: “Down by the Water,” “Rid of Me,” and “Good Fortune.”
31. Grace Jones
Grace Jones’s deep, androgynous voice and avant-garde style have made her a unique figure in pop and dance music. Her voice is bold and distinctive. She has received several awards, including the Q Idol Award. Famous songs: “Slave to the Rhythm,” “Pull Up to the Bumper,” and “I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango).”
32. Tori Amos
Tori Amos’s ethereal voice and emotionally charged performances have made her a standout in alternative rock. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful and expressive. She has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has a strong cult following. Famous songs: “Cornflake Girl,” “Silent All These Years,” “Crucify.”
33. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s distinctive voice and vibrant personality have made her a pop icon. Her voice is quirky, powerful, and instantly recognizable. She has won Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards, showcasing her versatile talent. Famous songs: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.”
34. Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield’s soulful voice and emotive delivery made her a pop-and-soul legend. Her voice is rich, smooth, and deeply expressive. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award. Famous songs: “Son of a Preacher Man,” “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” and “I Only Want to Be with You.”
35. Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s smooth, soulful voice and timeless hits have made her a revered figure in R&B. Her voice is gentle, soothing, and filled with emotion. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. Famous songs: “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
36. Sade
Sade’s smooth, sultry voice and timeless elegance have made her a beloved figure in soul and jazz. Her voice is smooth, mellow, and deeply soothing. She has won several Grammy Awards and has a dedicated global fanbase. Famous songs: “Smooth Operator,” “The Sweetest Taboo,” “By Your Side.”
37. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s versatile voice and bold performances have made her a pop icon and cultural phenomenon. Her voice is powerful and versatile, capable of handling various genres. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Famous songs: “Bad Romance,” “Poker Face,” “Shallow.”
38. Joan Baez
Joan Baez’s pure, clear voice and activism have made her a folk music legend. Her voice is pristine and angelic, with a strong emotional presence. She has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Famous songs: “Diamonds & Rust,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
39. Carly Simon
Carly Simon’s warm, expressive voice and introspective songwriting have made her a beloved figure in pop and rock. Her voice is rich, soothing, and full of emotion. She has won several Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe. Famous songs: “You’re So Vain,” “Nobody Does It Better,” and “Anticipation.”
40. Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige’s powerful voice and heartfelt performances have made her the queen of hip-hop soul. Her voice is raw, emotional, and deeply resonant. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been nominated for several Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Famous songs: “Family Affair,” “Be Without You,” and “Real Love.”
41. Madonna
Madonna’s versatile voice and constant reinvention have made her the “Queen of Pop” with a lasting impact on music and culture. Her voice is dynamic and adaptable to various musical styles. She has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Famous songs: “Like a Prayer,” “Like a Virgin,” “Vogue.”
42. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde’s distinctive voice and rock sensibility have made her a standout in punk and new wave. Her voice is strong, edgy, and filled with attitude. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Pretenders. Famous songs: “Brass in Pocket,” “I’ll Stand by You,” “Back on the Chain Gang.”
43. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks’s mystical voice and poetic lyrics have made her a rock icon and the “Queen of Rock and Roll.” Her voice is unique, raspy, and deeply emotional. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once as a member of Fleetwood Mac and once as a solo artist. Famous songs: “Edge of Seventeen,” “Landslide,” and “Stand Back.”
44. Aaliyah
Aaliyah’s smooth, emotive voice and innovative style made her a standout in R&B and pop, leaving a lasting legacy. Her voice is soft, sultry, and effortlessly cool. She has won numerous awards, including several American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Famous songs: “Try Again,” “Are You That Somebody,” “Rock the Boat.”
45. Joan Jett
Joan Jett’s gritty voice and rebellious spirit have made her a rock and roll icon. Her voice is raw, powerful, and full of attitude. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Famous songs: “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘n Roll,” “Crimson and Clover.”
46. Loreena McKennitt
Loreena McKennitt’s ethereal voice and Celtic-inspired music have made her a unique figure in world music. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly. She has won numerous awards, including Juno Awards. Famous songs: “The Mummers’ Dance,” “The Mystic’s Dream,” and “Dante’s Prayer.”
Takeaways
After all these years, their voices linger relentlessly in our minds, a testament to what they rightfully deserve. Let’s keep grooving, vibe-ing, and allowing these celestial voices to move us. Their hard work has earned them a place here, reigning over our hearts for eternity.
