The 1990s was a golden era for country music, and female country singers played a crucial role in shaping the sound of the decade. From the honky-tonk sounds of Shania Twain to the soulful ballads of Trisha Yearwood, the female artists of the ’90s showcased a range of musical styles that captured the hearts of audiences around the world. In this article, we will take a look back at the top 20 famous female country singers of the 1990s who dominated the charts, won awards, and left a lasting impact on the country music genre. We will explore their unique styles, iconic songs, and important contributions to the industry. Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or simply curious about the artists who defined the decade, this list of female country singers is sure to inspire and entertain.
1. Shania Twain
Shania Twain is a Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with her unique blend of country and pop music. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Shania Twain’s music is known for its catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and upbeat tempo, and her performances are energetic and engaging. Her hits include “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, “You’re Still the One”, and “That Don’t Impress Me Much”.
Twain’s personal life has also been a source of inspiration for her music. She has overcome several challenges, including the death of her parents in a car accident, and her own battle with Lyme disease. Her resilience and determination have made her a role model for many fans.
2. Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks are an American country music group consisting of lead singer Natalie Maines and multi-instrumentalist sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison. They gained popularity in the late 1990s with their blend of bluegrass, country, and rock music. The group’s music often addresses social and political issues, such as war, women’s rights, and the environment.
The Dixie Chicks’ music has won numerous awards, including thirteen Grammy Awards, and their album “Wide Open Spaces” is one of the best-selling country albums of all time. The group has also been known for their activism and advocacy, particularly their outspoken criticism of the Iraq War in 2003, which sparked controversy and backlash from some fans and critics.
Overall, the Dixie Chicks have made a significant impact on the country music genre and beyond, with their powerful vocals, skilled instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics.
3. Lee Ann Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1990s with her debut album “Blue”. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold over 37 million records worldwide. Rimes’ music spans several genres, including country, pop, and rock, and she is known for her powerful vocals and emotional delivery. Hits such as “How Do I Live” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” have cemented her place in music history.
In addition to her music career, Rimes has also acted in several movies and TV shows. She has also been an advocate for several causes, including animal rights and youth mentoring programs.
4. Lee Ann Womack
Lee Ann Womack is an American country music singer and songwriter known for her traditional country sound and emotive vocals. She has won several awards, including six Country Music Association Awards and one Grammy Award. Womack’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
Her hit songs such as “I Hope You Dance” and “The Fool” are considered classics of the country music genre. Womack’s music is characterized by her powerful voice, her ability to tell a story through song, and her commitment to honoring the traditional sounds of country music.
5. Trisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood is an American country music singer, actress, and cookbook author. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold over 15 million records worldwide. Yearwood’s music is known for its soulful vocals and powerful storytelling. Hits such as “She’s in Love with the Boy” and “How Do I Live” have become classics of the country music genre.
Yearwood is also known for her cooking expertise, having published several cookbooks and hosted her own cooking show. She has also been an advocate for several causes, including hunger relief and animal welfare. Overall, Trisha Yearwood is a talented and multifaceted artist who has made a significant impact on the country music genre and beyond.
6. Terri Clark
Terri Clark is a Canadian country music singer and songwriter who has sold over five million albums worldwide. She has won several awards, including three Juno Awards and a Canadian Country Music Association Award. Clark’s music is characterized by her powerful voice, energetic performances, and ability to tell a story through song. Hits such as “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “Girls Lie Too” have become classics of the country music genre.
Clark has also been an advocate for several causes, including breast cancer awareness and animal welfare. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues.
7. She Daisy
SheDaisy is an American country music group consisting of sisters Kristyn, Kelsi, and Kassidy Osborn. They rose to fame in the late 1990s with their blend of country, pop, and rock music. The group’s music is characterized by their tight harmonies, skilled instrumentation, and catchy hooks. Hits such as “Little Good-Byes” and “I Will…But” have become favorites of country music fans.
SheDaisy has also been known for their philanthropy, including their work with the American Red Cross and their support of breast cancer research. The group’s music and activism have made them a beloved part of the country music community.
8. Faith Hill
Faith Hill is an American country music singer and songwriter who has sold over 40 million records worldwide. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades. Hill’s music is characterized by her powerful voice, emotional delivery, and ability to blend traditional country sounds with pop and rock influences. Hits such as “Breathe” and “This Kiss” have become classics of the country music genre.
Hill has also been an advocate for several causes, including adoption and education. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues. Overall, Faith Hill is a talented and influential artist who has left a lasting impact on the country music genre and beyond.
9. Jo Dee Messina
Jo Dee Messina is an American country music singer and songwriter who has sold over five million albums worldwide. She has won several awards, including one Grammy Award and several Country Music Association Awards. Messina’s music is characterized by her powerful vocals, upbeat tempo, and relatable lyrics. Hits such as “Bye Bye” and “Stand Beside Me” have become classics of the country music genre.
Messina has also been an advocate for several causes, including cancer research and children’s welfare. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues.
10. Sara Evans
Sara Evans is an American country music singer and songwriter who has sold over eight million albums worldwide. She has won several awards, including one Country Music Association Award and one Academy of Country Music Award. Evans’ music is characterized by her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and traditional country sound. Hits such as “Born to Fly” and “Suds in the Bucket” have become favorites of country music fans.
Evans has also been an advocate for several causes, including breast cancer awareness and children’s welfare. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues.
11. Martina McBride
Martina McBride is an American country music singer and songwriter who has sold over 14 million albums worldwide. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades. McBride’s music is characterized by her powerful voice, emotional delivery, and commitment to storytelling. Hits such as “Independence Day” and “This One’s for the Girls” have become classics of the country music genre.
McBride has also been an advocate for several causes, including domestic violence awareness and hunger relief. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors. Overall, Martina McBride is a talented and influential artist who has left a lasting impact on the country music genre and beyond.
12. Chely Wright
Chely Wright is an American country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums and charted several singles on the country charts. She is known for her emotional delivery and honest songwriting. Hits such as “Single White Female” and “Shut Up and Drive” have become favorites of country music fans.
In addition to her music, Wright has also been an advocate for several causes, including LGBT rights and anti-bullying. She came out as a lesbian in 2010, becoming one of the first openly gay country music singers.
13. Mindy McCready
Mindy McCready was an American country music singer who released several albums and charted several singles on the country charts. She was known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery. Hits such as “Ten Thousand Angels” and “Guys Do It All the Time” have become classics of the country music genre.
Tragically, McCready struggled with personal demons throughout her life, including substance abuse and legal troubles. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 37.
14. Shelby Lynne
Shelby Lynne is an American country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums and won multiple awards, including one Grammy Award. Her music is characterized by her unique voice, poetic lyrics, and blend of country and rock influences. Hits such as “I Only Want to Be with You” and “Leavin'” have become favorites of country music fans.
Lynne has also been an advocate for several causes, including animal welfare and mental health awareness. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors. Overall, Shelby Lynne is a talented and influential artist who has left a lasting impact on the country music genre and beyond.
15. Mila Mason
Mila Mason is an American country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums and charted several singles on the country charts. Her music is characterized by her powerful voice, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics. Hits such as “Dark Horse” and “That’s Enough of That” have become favorites of country music fans.
Mason has also been an advocate for several causes, including breast cancer awareness and animal welfare. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues.
16. Reba Nell McEntire
Reba McEntire is an American country music singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman who has released several albums, won multiple awards, and had several successful ventures. Her music is characterized by her powerful voice, versatility, and ability to tell stories through song. Hits such as “Fancy” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” have become classics of the country music genre.
McEntire has also been an advocate for several causes, including hunger relief and education. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors.
17. Lisa Brokop
Lisa Brokop is a Canadian country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums and won multiple awards. Her music is characterized by her clear voice, emotional delivery, and blend of traditional and contemporary country influences. Hits such as “Give Me a Ring Sometime” and “Take That” have become favorites of country music fans.
Brokop has also been an advocate for several causes, including mental health awareness and youth empowerment. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors. Overall, Lisa Brokop is a talented and influential artist who has left a lasting impact on the country music genre and beyond.
18. Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter is an American singer-songwriter who has released several albums and won multiple awards, including five Grammy Awards. Her music is characterized by her introspective lyrics, unique voice, and blend of folk, country, and rock influences. Hits such as “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” and “Passionate Kisses” have become classics of the country music genre.
Carpenter has also been an advocate for several causes, including environmental conservation and LGBTQ rights. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors.
19. Kathy Mattea
Kathy Mattea is an American country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums and won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards. Her music is characterized by her warm voice, honest lyrics, and blend of traditional and contemporary country influences. Hits such as “Where’ve You Been” and “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” have become favorites of country music fans.
Mattea has also been an advocate for several causes, including environmental conservation and HIV/AIDS awareness. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors.
20. Suzy Bogguss
Suzy Bogguss is an American country music singer and songwriter who has released several albums and won multiple awards. Her music is characterized by her sweet voice, catchy melodies, and blend of traditional and contemporary country influences. Hits such as “Aces” and “Drive South” have become classics of the country music genre.
Bogguss has also been an advocate for several causes, including music education and breast cancer awareness. She has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for these important issues, and her philanthropic work has earned her several awards and honors. Overall, Suzy Bogguss is a talented and influential artist who has left a lasting impact on the country music genre and beyond.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
