The 1950s were a pivotal decade in the history of popular music, with the rise of rock and roll and the emergence of many talented female singers who helped shape the sound of the era. These women were known for their powerful voices, infectious melodies, and captivating performances, which helped them become some of the most iconic and influential figures in music history.
Many of these female singers were pioneers in their own right, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional gender roles in a male-dominated industry. They used their music to express themselves and connect with audiences, addressing issues such as love, heartbreak, and social justice through their lyrics.
Some of the most famous female singers of the 1950s included icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan, who brought jazz to the forefront of popular music. Others, like Patsy Cline, Wanda Jackson, and Connie Francis, helped pave the way for women in country music and rock and roll.
Their contributions to the world of music continue to be celebrated and honored to this day, as they inspired generations of artists to follow in their footsteps and paved the way for women in music to achieve unprecedented levels of success and recognition.
1. Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline was an American country music singer who is regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Born in 1932 in Virginia, Cline began singing at a young age and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing regularly on local radio stations. In 1954, she signed her first record deal with Four Star Records, and her career took off from there.
Cline’s music was characterized by her powerful voice and emotional performances. She had a string of hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Crazy,” and “I Fall to Pieces.” Her music crossed over into the pop charts, and she became a national sensation.
Tragically, Cline’s life was cut short when she died in a plane crash in 1963, at the age of 30. Despite her short career, her impact on country music was significant, and she remains a beloved figure in the genre. She was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973, and her music continues to inspire new generations of country music fans.
Cline’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in her footsteps, and her legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time is secure. Her music continues to resonate with audiences today, and her timeless songs are a testament to her talent and the enduring power of country music.
2. Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress, singer, and entertainer, known for her incredible talent, unique voice, and captivating performances. Born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Garland began her career in show business as a child, performing with her siblings in vaudeville shows.
Garland rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s as a star of MGM musicals, including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and “Easter Parade.” She was known for her powerful voice, emotional depth, and ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her performances.
Garland’s music career was just as successful as her film career. She had numerous hit songs, including “Over the Rainbow,” “The Trolley Song,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and she performed in sold-out concerts around the world. She won a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1997.
Garland’s life was marked by personal struggles, including addiction and financial problems, but her legacy as an entertainer and cultural icon has endured. Her performances in films and on stage continue to inspire new generations of artists, and her music remains beloved by fans around the world.
3. Doris Day
Doris Day was an American singer, actress, and animal welfare activist who became one of the most beloved and influential figures in popular culture during the mid-20th century. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1922, Day began her career as a big band singer, and went on to become one of the most successful recording artists of her time.
Day’s music was known for its sweet, wholesome quality, and her voice was admired for its purity and clarity. She had a string of hits throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Que Sera, Sera,” “Sentimental Journey,” and “Secret Love,” which earned her an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
In addition to her successful music career, Day was also a talented actress, starring in dozens of films throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Pillow Talk,” “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” and “Calamity Jane.” She was known for her natural acting style and her ability to convey warmth and sincerity on screen.
Day was also a passionate animal welfare activist, and used her platform to advocate for the rights of animals. She established the Doris Day Animal Foundation in 1978, which has since become one of the most respected animal welfare organizations in the world.
With her talent, charm, and dedication to helping others, Doris Day has become one of the most beloved and enduring figures in popular culture, and her music and films continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
4. Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1940s and remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for several decades. Born in 1920 in North Dakota, Lee began her career as a singer in the late 1930s, performing with big bands and jazz groups.
Lee’s smooth, sultry voice and sophisticated style made her a hit with audiences, and she quickly became known as one of the premier vocalists of the era. She had a string of hits in the 1940s and 1950s, including “Fever,” “Is That All There Is?,” and “He’s a Tramp” from the Disney film “Lady and the Tramp.”
In addition to her music career, Lee was also a talented songwriter and wrote several of her own songs, including “I Don’t Know Enough About You” and “It’s a Good Day.” She also had success as an actress, appearing in several films, including “The Jazz Singer” and “Pete Kelly’s Blues.”
Lee’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in her footsteps, and her legacy as one of the greatest jazz and popular music singers of all time is secure. Her music continues to inspire new generations of fans, and her distinctive voice and elegant style remain iconic.
5. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer known as the “First Lady of Song.” Born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, Fitzgerald began singing in church as a child and went on to become one of the most influential and celebrated musicians of the 20th century.
Fitzgerald’s career spanned six decades, during which she recorded over 200 albums and performed in front of millions of fans around the world. She was known for her distinctive voice, impeccable phrasing, and ability to improvise and scat sing. She worked with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of her time, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie.
Fitzgerald’s recordings have become jazz standards, and her renditions of songs like “Summertime,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me” are still beloved by fans around the world. She won 14 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
In addition to her music career, Fitzgerald was also a philanthropist, and she worked to support numerous charities and causes throughout her life. Her legacy as a trailblazing musician and cultural icon continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
6. Connie Francis
Connie Francis is an American pop singer, actress, and songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1938, Francis began her career as a child performer, and went on to become one of the most successful and influential female artists of her time.
Francis’ music was known for its catchy melodies and her powerful, emotional vocals. She had a string of hits throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Who’s Sorry Now?,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and “Where the Boys Are.” She also recorded songs in several different languages, including Italian, Spanish, and German, which helped her gain an international following.
In addition to her music career, Francis also appeared in several films throughout the 1960s, including “Where the Boys Are” and “Follow the Boys.” She was known for her natural acting ability and her ability to convey a sense of warmth and sincerity on screen.
Despite facing personal challenges and setbacks throughout her career, including a traumatic assault in the 1970s, Francis has remained a beloved and influential figure in popular music. Her music continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, and her legacy as a pioneering female artist continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.
7. Patti Page
Patti Page was an American singer and songwriter who became one of the most popular and successful female artists of the 1950s and early 1960s. Born Clara Ann Fowler in Oklahoma in 1927, Page began her career as a radio performer before signing with Mercury Records in 1947.
Page’s music was known for its warm, comforting quality and her rich, expressive vocals. She had a string of hits throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Tennessee Waltz,” “(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window?,” and “All My Love (Bolero).” Her music was embraced by audiences around the world, and she sold millions of records throughout her career.
In addition to her successful music career, Page also appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Elmer Gantry” and “The Patti Page Show.” She was known for her natural acting ability and her ability to convey a sense of warmth and sincerity on screen.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout her career, including the rise of rock and roll and changing tastes in popular music, Page remained a beloved and influential figure in popular music. Her music continues to be celebrated and honored to this day, and her legacy as a pioneering female artist continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
8. Mindy Carson
Mindy Carson was an American pop and jazz singer known for her sweet, melodic voice and smooth vocal style. Born on July 16, 1927, in New York City, Carson began her music career as a teenager, performing with local bands and making her first recordings in the early 1940s.
Carson rose to fame in the 1950s with a string of hit songs, including “Candy and Cake,” “My Foolish Heart,” and “Wake the Town and Tell the People.” She was known for her distinctive vocal tone and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her performances.
Carson’s music career spanned several decades, during which she recorded dozens of albums and worked with some of the most prominent musicians of her time. She was a regular on television variety shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and she continued to perform in concerts and shows well into the 1970s.
Despite her success, Carson remained relatively private and reserved throughout her life, and she retired from the music industry in the 1980s to focus on her family. Her legacy as a talented and respected singer continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
9. Dianna Ross
Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer who rose to fame as the lead singer of the legendary Motown group, The Supremes. Born in 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, Ross began her career as a member of The Supremes in the early 1960s.
With Ross as their lead vocalist, The Supremes became one of the most successful girl groups of all time, with hits like “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Ross eventually left the group in 1970 to pursue a solo career, and she went on to achieve great success as a solo artist.
Ross’s solo career produced a string of hit songs, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” and “Love Hangover.” She also pursued a successful acting career, appearing in several films, including “Lady Sings the Blues” and “The Wiz.”
Ross’s influence on popular music is undeniable, and her status as a cultural icon is well-deserved. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped pave the way for other female artists, and her music continues to inspire and entertain audiences today. With numerous awards and accolades to her name, Ross remains one of the most beloved and influential singers of all time.
10. Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds was born in Texas in 1932 and began her career as a teenager in the late 1940s. She quickly rose to fame as a talented actress, starring in a number of successful films throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Tammy and the Bachelor,” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” She was also a talented singer and dancer, and her performances in musicals like “Singin’ in the Rain” showcased her unique blend of charm, humor, and showmanship.
Reynolds was known for her natural acting ability and her ability to convey a sense of warmth and sincerity on screen. She was also a dedicated humanitarian, and worked tirelessly to support charitable causes throughout her life.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout her career, including a tumultuous marriage to singer Eddie Fisher and financial difficulties later in life, Reynolds remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture. Her performances continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, and her legacy as a pioneering female artist and humanitarian continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.
11. Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington was an American jazz and blues singer known for her powerful, soulful voice and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. Born on August 29, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Washington began her music career as a teenager, performing in local clubs and making her first recordings in the early 1940s.
Washington rose to fame in the 1950s with a string of hit songs, including “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” “Unforgettable,” and “Mad About the Boy.” She was known for her ability to move seamlessly between jazz, blues, and pop music, and she worked with some of the most prominent musicians of her time, including Quincy Jones, Clark Terry, and Cannonball Adderley.
Washington’s music career was cut short by her untimely death in 1963, but her legacy as a trailblazing singer and performer lives on. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and her recordings continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Her music remains an enduring testament to her talent, passion, and commitment to her art.
12. Toni Arden
Toni Arden was an American singer who rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s. Born in New York City in 1924, Arden began her singing career as a teenager, performing with local bands and on radio programs.
Arden’s smooth, velvety voice and emotive style made her a hit with audiences, and she became known for her interpretations of popular ballads and love songs. She had several hits in the 1950s, including “Padre,” “I Can Dream, Can’t I?,” and “Too Young.”
In addition to her music career, Arden also appeared on television and in films, including the musical comedy “Skirts Ahoy!” in 1952. She was a regular performer on programs like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Perry Como Show.”
Arden’s influence on popular music may not be as well-known as some of her contemporaries, but her talent and impact on the music of her era cannot be overlooked. Her rich, expressive voice and heartfelt performances continue to inspire new generations of fans and singers, and her legacy as a gifted performer and interpreter of classic songs is secure. Arden passed away in 2012, but her music remains a beloved part of the American songbook.
13. Jo Stafford
Jo Stafford was an American pop and jazz singer known for her smooth, velvety voice and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her music. Born on November 12, 1917, in Coalinga, California, Stafford began her music career in the 1930s, performing with local bands and making her first recordings in the early 1940s.
Stafford rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s with a string of hit songs, including “You Belong to Me,” “Shrimp Boats,” and “Make Love to Me.” She was known for her distinctive vocal tone and her ability to connect with audiences through her performances.
Stafford’s music career spanned several decades, during which she recorded dozens of albums and worked with some of the most prominent musicians of her time. She was a regular on radio and television programs, including “The Jo Stafford Show,” and she continued to perform in concerts and shows well into the 1970s.
Despite her success, Stafford remained relatively private and reserved throughout her life, and she retired from the music industry in the 1970s to focus on her family. Her legacy as a talented and respected singer continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
14. Kay Starr
Kay Starr was an American singer who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s as a popular jazz and pop vocalist. Born in Oklahoma in 1922, Starr began her career singing with various bands before landing a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1948.
Starr’s versatile voice and ability to sing in a variety of styles made her a hit with audiences, and she had a string of hits throughout the 1950s, including “Wheel of Fortune,” “Side by Side,” and “The Rock and Roll Waltz.” She was also known for her collaborations with jazz musicians like Benny Goodman and Count Basie.
In addition to her success as a recording artist, Starr also appeared on television and in films, including the musical comedy “A Song Is Born” in 1948. She continued to perform and record throughout the following decades, earning accolades for her work as a jazz and pop singer.
Starr’s influence on popular music is significant, and her impact on the music of her era continues to be felt today. Her expressive voice and dynamic stage presence helped pave the way for other female artists, and her music remains a beloved part of the American songbook. Starr passed away in 2016, but her legacy as a gifted vocalist and trailblazer in the music industry lives on.
15. Rosemary Clooney
Rosemary Clooney was an American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1950s and remained a beloved and influential figure in popular music for several decades. Born in Kentucky in 1928, Clooney began her career as a radio performer before signing with Columbia Records in 1949.
Clooney’s music was known for its sophisticated, jazz-influenced style and her rich, expressive vocals. She had a string of hits throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “Come On-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano,” and “This Ole House.” Her music was embraced by audiences around the world, and she sold millions of records throughout her career.
In addition to her successful music career, Clooney also appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 60s, including “White Christmas” and “The Rosemary Clooney Show.” She was known for her natural acting ability and her ability to convey a sense of warmth and sincerity on screen.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout her career, including struggles with depression and addiction, Clooney remained a beloved and influential figure in popular music. Her music continues to be celebrated and honored to this day, and her legacy as a pioneering female artist continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
16. Betty Clooney
Betty Clooney was an American pop and jazz singer known for her smooth, melodious voice and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her music. Born on April 26, 1931, in Maysville, Kentucky, Clooney began her music career in the 1950s, performing with local bands and making her first recordings in the early 1950s.
Clooney rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with a string of hit songs, including “Tenderly,” “Blue Skies,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” She was known for her distinctive vocal tone and her ability to connect with audiences through her performances.
Clooney’s music career spanned several decades, during which she recorded several albums and worked with some of the most prominent musicians of her time. She was a regular on radio and television programs, including “The Betty Clooney Show,” and she continued to perform in concerts and shows well into the 1970s.
Despite her success, Clooney remained relatively private and reserved throughout her life, and she retired from the music industry in the 1970s to focus on her family. Her legacy as a talented and respected singer.
17. Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore was an American singer, actress, and television personality who rose to fame in the 1940s and remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture for several decades. Born in Tennessee in 1916, Shore began her career as a singer on radio programs in the 1930s, and signed with RCA Records in 1940.
Shore’s music was known for its warm, soothing quality and her gentle, expressive vocals. She had a string of hits throughout the 1940s and 50s, including “Buttons and Bows,” “I’ll Walk Alone,” and “Love and Marriage.” Her music was embraced by audiences around the world, and she sold millions of records throughout her career.
In addition to her successful music career, Shore also appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1940s and 50s, including “Till the Clouds Roll By” and “The Dinah Shore Chevy Show.” She was known for her natural acting ability and her ability to convey a sense of warmth and sincerity on screen.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges throughout her career, including a tumultuous marriage to actor George Montgomery, Shore remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture. Her music and performances continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, and her legacy as a pioneering female artist continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.
18. Julie London
Julie London was an American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s as a popular jazz and pop vocalist. Born in Santa Rosa, California in 1926, London began her career as an actress, appearing in films like “Nabonga” and “Task Force” before turning her attention to music.
London’s sultry voice and understated style made her a hit with audiences, and she had several chart-topping hits throughout the 1950s, including “Cry Me a River,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” and “I’m in the Mood for Love.” She also collaborated with jazz greats like Barney Kessel and Bud Shank.
In addition to her success as a recording artist, London also appeared on television, including a starring role on the popular series “Emergency!” in the 1970s. She continued to perform and record throughout the following decades, earning acclaim for her work as a jazz and pop singer.
London’s influence on popular music is significant, and her impact on the music of her era continues to be felt today. Her unique vocal style and sophisticated delivery helped pave the way for other female artists, and her music remains a beloved part of the American songbook. London passed away in 2000, but her legacy as a gifted vocalist and trailblazer in the music industry lives on.
19. Teresa Brewer
Teresa Brewer was an American singer who rose to fame in the 1950s as a popular pop and jazz vocalist. Born in Toledo, Ohio in 1931, Brewer began her career singing with local bands before signing a recording contract with Coral Records in 1949.
Brewer’s upbeat, cheerful style and powerful voice made her a hit with audiences, and she had several chart-topping hits throughout the 1950s, including “Music! Music! Music!,” “Till I Waltz Again with You,” and “A Sweet Old Fashioned Girl.” She also collaborated with jazz musicians like Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
In addition to her success as a recording artist, Brewer also appeared on television and in films, including the musical comedy “Those Redheads from Seattle” in 1953. She continued to perform and record throughout the following decades, earning acclaim for her work as a jazz and pop singer.
Brewer’s influence on popular music is significant, and her impact on the music of her era continues to be felt today. Her joyful, upbeat style and powerful voice helped pave the way for other female artists, and her music remains a beloved part of the American songbook. Brewer passed away in 2007, but her legacy as a gifted vocalist and trailblazer in the music industry lives on.
20. Della Reese
Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s as a popular jazz and gospel vocalist. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1931, Reese began her career singing with gospel groups before signing a recording contract with Jubilee Records in 1953.
Reese’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a hit with audiences, and she had several chart-topping hits throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including “And That Reminds Me,” “Don’t You Know?,” and “The Most Beautiful Words.” She was also known for her collaborations with jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
In addition to her success as a recording artist, Reese also appeared in several films and television shows, including a starring role in the popular series “Touched by an Angel” in the 1990s. She was also ordained as a minister in the 1980s and continued to work as a pastor throughout her life.
Reese’s influence on popular music is significant, and her impact on the music of her era continues to be felt today. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped pave the way for other female artists, and her music remains a beloved part of the American songbook. Reese passed away in 2017, but her legacy as a gifted vocalist, actress, and minister lives on.
Edward Tomlin 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.
