20 Famous Female Singers of the 1970s

The 1970s was a decade of great change in the music industry, and female singers played a vital role in shaping the sound of the era. Some of the most famous female singers of the 1970s included Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, and Janis Joplin.

These women were known for their powerful voices, strong songwriting skills, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. They were also known for their ability to experiment with different genres of music, blending elements of rock, folk, and country to create a sound that was uniquely their own.

Carole King was one of the most successful songwriters of the decade, with hits like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “I Feel the Earth Move” that became instant classics. Linda Ronstadt was known for her soulful voice and eclectic musical style, and her albums like “Heart Like a Wheel” and “Simple Dreams” were huge commercial successes.

Joni Mitchell was a gifted songwriter and performer, known for her introspective lyrics and complex melodies. And Janis Joplin was a true force of nature, with a raw, powerful voice and a wild, free-spirited personality that captivated audiences around the world.

Together, these women helped to define the sound of the 1970s, and their music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

1. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Arizona in 1948. She rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the band Fleetwood Mac, and later achieved success as a solo artist. Nicks is known for her unique voice, poetic lyrics, and her distinct fashion style, which often incorporates flowing dresses, boots, and shawls.

Throughout her career, Nicks has produced numerous hit songs, both as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist, including “Dreams,” “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and “Edge of Seventeen.” Her music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life, and she is considered one of the most influential female musicians of all time.

In addition to her music career, Nicks is also known for her work as an actress and author, as well as her philanthropic work. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist.

Nicks’ impact on music and popular culture is immeasurable, and she continues to inspire and influence artists in various genres. Her unique voice and style have made her a beloved icon and her legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time is firmly established.

2. Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt is an American singer and songwriter who was born in Arizona in 1946. She is known for her powerful vocals and her ability to seamlessly blend elements of rock, pop, country, and folk music into her songs.

Ronstadt’s career took off in the 1970s with hits like “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “When Will I Be Loved.” Her music was characterized by her ability to interpret a wide range of songs and genres, and her ability to infuse her own unique style into each one.

In addition to her success as a singer, Ronstadt was also a talented producer who produced many of her own albums and worked with a variety of other artists throughout her career. She was known for her willingness to take risks and experiment with different styles of music, and her music continues to inspire new generations of musicians today.

Ronstadt has won numerous awards throughout her career, including 10 Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. Despite retiring from music in 2011 due to health issues, her influence on popular music is undeniable, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time.

3. Cher

Cher is an American singer, actress, and icon who has been entertaining audiences for more than six decades. Born in California in 1946, she began her career as a backup singer and later formed a duo with her husband, Sonny Bono. The duo, known as Sonny & Cher, became popular in the 1960s with hits like “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On.”

After the duo disbanded in the 1970s, Cher began a solo career that would make her one of the most successful and influential female artists of all time. Hits like “Believe,” “Strong Enough,” and “If I Could Turn Back Time” made her a pop culture icon, and her flamboyant fashion sense and fearless attitude made her a role model for generations of fans.

In addition to her music career, Cher has also enjoyed success as an actress, with roles in films like “Moonstruck,” “Mermaids,” and “The Witches of Eastwick.” She has won numerous awards for her work in both music and film, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Today, Cher remains a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry, and her influence on popular culture is immeasurable. Her music and performances continue to inspire and entertain fans around the world, and she is truly one of the most iconic and enduring figures in American music history.

4. Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist born in Tennessee in 1946. She is known for her distinct voice, flamboyant fashion sense, and her ability to connect with audiences through her music. Parton’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life, and she has produced numerous hit songs throughout her career.

Parton has released over 50 albums and has had over 25 singles reach number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, and three American Music Awards.

In addition to her music career, Parton is also known for her work as an actress, starring in films such as “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.” She is also a philanthropist, with her Dollywood Foundation providing educational assistance to children in her home state of Tennessee.

Parton’s impact on music and popular culture is significant, and she is considered one of the most successful and beloved country music artists of all time. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in the music industry and her tireless philanthropic work have made her a beloved icon and an inspiration to generations of fans around the world.

5. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actress who was born in Oklahoma in 1955. She is known for her powerful vocals, her ability to tell a story through her music, and her magnetic stage presence.

McEntire’s career took off in the 1980s with hits like “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” “How Blue,” and “Whoever’s in New England.” Her music was characterized by her ability to convey emotion and connect with her audience, and her songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and perseverance.

In addition to her success as a musician, McEntire has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films, television shows, and on Broadway. She was known for her natural acting ability and her ability to bring authenticity to her roles.

McEntire has won numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards. She has sold over 85 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her influence on country music can still be heard today, and she remains a beloved and iconic figure in the industry.

6. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Born in Tennessee in 1942, she began her music career as a gospel singer in her father’s church, and she quickly gained a reputation for her powerful voice and soulful style.

In the 1960s, Franklin signed with Atlantic Records and began a string of hits that would make her a superstar. Hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think” became instant classics, and her dynamic live performances made her a fan favorite.

Over the course of her career, Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards and sold more than 75 million records worldwide. She was known for her ability to infuse her music with emotion and passion, and her music was a powerful force for social change during the civil rights era.

In addition to her music career, Franklin was also known for her philanthropy and humanitarian work. She was a strong supporter of a number of causes, including HIV/AIDS research and children’s charities, and she worked tirelessly to promote equality and justice for all.

Today, Aretha Franklin’s legacy lives on through her music, which continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. She is truly one of the greatest singers of all time, and her impact on American music is immeasurable.

7. Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli is an American actress, singer, and dancer who was born in California in 1946. She is the daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli, and she grew up surrounded by Hollywood royalty.

Minnelli’s career took off in the 1960s with her role in the Broadway musical “Flora the Red Menace.” She went on to star in numerous other Broadway productions and films, including “Cabaret,” for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.

In addition to her success as an actress, Minnelli is also known for her powerful vocals and her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. Her music is characterized by her unique voice, her ability to convey emotion, and her theatrical flair.

Minnelli has won numerous awards throughout her career, including four Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and a Grammy Award. She has also been recognized for her humanitarian work and her advocacy for LGBT rights.

Despite facing numerous health challenges throughout her life, Minnelli remains a beloved and iconic figure in the entertainment industry, and her influence can still be heard and felt today.

8. Kate Bush

Kate Bush is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential artists of her generation. Born in London in 1958, she began her music career at a young age and quickly gained a reputation for her unique voice and experimental sound.

Bush’s music is characterized by its use of unconventional song structures, complex arrangements, and a wide range of musical styles and influences. She is known for her powerful vocals and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.

Her breakthrough album, “The Kick Inside,” was released in 1978 and featured hits like “Wuthering Heights” and “The Man with the Child in His Eyes.” Bush’s music continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with albums like “Hounds of Love,” “The Sensual World,” and “The Red Shoes” cementing her status as one of the most innovative and creative artists of her time.

In addition to her music career, Bush is also known for her work as a writer, dancer, and visual artist. She has won numerous awards for her music and her contributions to the arts, and her influence on contemporary music and culture is undeniable.

Today, Kate Bush remains a beloved and respected figure in the music industry, and her music continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

9. Barbara Streisand

Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker who has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry for more than six decades. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1942, Streisand began her career in the 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and on television.

Streisand’s music is known for its rich, expressive voice and her ability to convey deep emotions through her performances. She has released numerous albums throughout her career, including “The Barbra Streisand Album,” “Guilty,” and “Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway,” and has won multiple Grammy Awards for her work.

In addition to her music career, Streisand is also known for her work as an actress and filmmaker. She has appeared in numerous films over the years, including “Funny Girl,” “The Way We Were,” and “A Star is Born,” and has directed and produced a number of successful films, including “Yentl” and “The Prince of Tides.”

Throughout her career, Streisand has been a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, and her impact on popular culture has been immense. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and her music and performances continue to inspire and entertain fans around the world.

10. Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John is an English-Australian singer, actress, and entrepreneur who rose to fame in the 1970s with her hit song “I Honestly Love You.” Born in England in 1948, Newton-John grew up in Australia and began her music career at a young age, performing in local talent shows and on television.

In the early 1970s, Newton-John signed with the record label MCA and released her debut album, “If Not for You,” which featured the hit single “I Honestly Love You.” The song became a chart-topping success, and Newton-John quickly became one of the most popular and successful female artists of the era.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Newton-John continued to release hit songs and albums, including “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “Physical,” and “Xanadu,” which she starred in alongside Gene Kelly. Her music was known for its pop and country influences, and her warm and expressive voice made her a fan favorite.

In addition to her music career, Newton-John has also had success as an actress, with roles in films like “Grease” and “Two of a Kind.” She is also a philanthropist and has worked to raise awareness and funds for a number of causes, including cancer research and environmental conservation.

Today, Olivia Newton-John remains a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry, and her music and performances continue to inspire and entertain fans around the world.

11. Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle is an American singer and actress who has been active in the music industry for over six decades. Born in Philadelphia in 1944, LaBelle began her music career in the early 1960s as the lead singer of the group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles.

In the 1970s, LaBelle embarked on a successful solo career, and released a string of hit albums and singles, including “Lady Marmalade,” which became a worldwide hit in 1975. LaBelle’s music is known for its soulful and powerful vocals, and her ability to blend elements of R&B, gospel, and rock music.

Throughout her career, LaBelle has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, including her advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness and support for the LGBT community.

In addition to her music career, LaBelle has also pursued acting, with roles in film and television productions. Today, Patti LaBelle remains a legendary figure in the music industry, and her music and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

12. Janis Ian

Janis Ian is an American singer-songwriter who was born in 1951. She is known for her distinctive voice, her poignant lyrics, and her ability to capture the spirit of the times in her music.

Ian’s career took off in the 1960s with hits like “Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking)” and “At Seventeen.” Her music was characterized by her ability to tackle complex and controversial issues, including race relations, sexual identity, and the pressures of teenage life.

In addition to her success as a musician, Ian has also been a strong advocate for social justice and political activism. She has been involved in numerous causes throughout her career, including the anti-war movement, the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and the fight against censorship in the arts.

Ian has won numerous awards throughout her career, including several Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s International Center. Her influence on the folk music scene can still be heard today, and she remains a respected and influential figure in the industry.

13. Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and painter born in Alberta in 1943. Her music is a unique blend of folk, pop, and jazz, and she is known for her poetic lyrics, intricate guitar playing, and distinct voice. Mitchell’s music often explores themes of love, relationships, and societal issues, and she has produced numerous hit songs throughout her career.

Mitchell has released over 20 albums, and her hits include “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Both Sides, Now,” and “Woodstock.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including nine Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Mitchell’s impact on music and popular culture is significant, and she is considered one of the most influential and innovative musicians of all time. Her unique approach to songwriting and her willingness to experiment with different styles and genres have influenced countless musicians and artists.

In addition to her music career, Mitchell is also an accomplished painter, and her artwork has been exhibited around the world. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in music and her lasting influence on popular culture continue to inspire and influence fans and musicians around the world.

14. Suzi Quatro

Suzi Quatro is an American singer, songwriter, and actress born in 1950 in Michigan. She is known for her powerful vocals, her distinctive bass guitar playing, and her energetic stage presence. Quatro’s music is a blend of rock, pop, and glam, and she was a pioneering figure in the male-dominated world of rock and roll.

Quatro has released over 15 albums throughout her career, and her hits include “Can the Can,” “48 Crash,” and “Devil Gate Drive.” She has also acted in numerous TV shows and movies, including the popular TV show “Happy Days.”

Quatro’s impact on music and popular culture is significant, and she is considered one of the most influential female rockers of all time. Her music and her persona challenged gender stereotypes in the music industry, and she paved the way for countless female rockers who came after her.

In addition to her music career, Quatro is also an accomplished author, radio presenter, and TV host. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in rock and roll, her lasting influence on popular culture, and her continued artistic output make her a revered and respected figure in the music industry.

15. Judy Collins

Judy Collins is an American folk singer and songwriter who was born in Seattle, Washington in 1939. She is known for her distinctive voice, her interpretations of classic folk songs, and her ability to write and perform her own original material.

Collins’ career took off in the 1960s with hits like “Both Sides, Now,” “Someday Soon,” and “Send in the Clowns.” Her music was characterized by her crystal-clear vocals, her poetic lyrics, and her ability to capture the spirit of the times in her songs.

In addition to her success as a musician, Collins has also been a strong advocate for social justice and political activism. She has been involved in numerous causes throughout her career, including the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the environmental movement.

Collins has won numerous awards throughout her career, including several Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. Her influence on the folk music scene can still be heard today, and she remains a beloved and respected figure in the industry.

16. Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer known for her distinctive raspy voice and powerful performances. Born in 1951, Tyler began her music career in the 1970s, and achieved international success in the 1980s with a string of hit songs.

Tyler’s breakout hit was the song “It’s a Heartache,” which reached the top of the charts in several countries in 1978. She continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1980s, including “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Tyler’s music is known for its emotional depth and her ability to convey intense feelings through her performances. Her distinctive voice and her dynamic stage presence have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.

Throughout her career, Tyler has continued to release albums and perform around the world, and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Her music and performances continue to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.

17. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer born in 1917 in Virginia. She was known for her remarkable vocal range, her ability to scat sing, and her ability to bring a unique and emotional interpretation to any song she performed. Her career spanned over five decades, and she was one of the most popular and influential jazz singers of all time.

Fitzgerald’s music was a mix of jazz, swing, and pop, and she recorded over 200 albums throughout her career. Her hits include “Summertime,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” She collaborated with numerous other musicians and artists throughout her career, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra.

Fitzgerald’s impact on music and popular culture is immeasurable, and she is considered one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including 14 Grammy Awards, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.

Fitzgerald’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the music industry, her unique and influential vocal style, and her ability to connect with audiences through her music, continue to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

18. Donna Fargo

Donna Fargo is an American country music singer and songwriter who was born in North Carolina in 1945. She is known for her upbeat, catchy songs and her unique style that blended elements of traditional country with pop music.

Fargo’s career took off in the 1970s with hits like “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA,” “Funny Face,” and “You Can’t Be a Beacon (If Your Light Don’t Shine).” Her music was characterized by her ability to write lyrics that were both humorous and heartfelt, and her songs often dealt with themes of love, optimism, and the joys of everyday life.

In addition to her success as a singer, Fargo was also a talented songwriter who wrote many of her own songs and worked with a variety of other artists throughout her career. She was known for her ability to capture the spirit of the times in her music and her ability to connect with her audience through her lyrics.

Fargo has won numerous awards throughout her career, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1973. Despite stepping away from the spotlight in the 1980s to focus on her family and her health, her music continues to inspire and delight fans today.

19. Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the 1970s with her soulful, emotive voice and her ability to blend elements of jazz, R&B, and pop music. Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack began playing piano at a young age and studied music throughout her childhood.

In the late 1960s, Flack signed with Atlantic Records and released her debut album, “First Take,” which featured the hit song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” The song became a huge success, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973, and catapulted Flack to stardom.

Throughout the 1970s, Flack continued to release hit albums and singles, including “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” which won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974, and “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” which reached the top of the charts in 1975.

Flack’s music is known for its emotional depth and her ability to convey deep feelings through her performances. Her unique voice and her ability to blend elements of different genres have made her a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.

Today, Roberta Flack remains an iconic figure in the music industry, and her music and performances continue to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.

20. Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter was an American singer and drummer born in 1950 in Connecticut. She was part of the duo The Carpenters, alongside her brother Richard Carpenter. Karen was known for her exceptional voice, which was both warm and powerful, and her ability to bring out the emotion in any song. Her drumming skills were also impressive and helped shape the duo’s unique sound.

The Carpenters’ music was a mix of pop, rock, and soft rock, and they were especially popular in the 1970s. Their music often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and longing, and their hits include “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.”

Karen’s impact on music is significant, and she is considered one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Her music continues to be celebrated and loved by fans around the world, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists.

Sadly, Karen passed away in 1983 at the age of 32 due to complications from an eating disorder. Her untimely death was a shock to the music world, and her legacy as a talented musician and beloved icon remains secure.