The 1980s was a decade of cultural and musical revolution, and female singers played a significant role in shaping the pop music landscape of the time. With their bold style, strong vocals, and catchy hooks, female artists broke through gender barriers and created a new wave of pop and rock music. From Madonna to Whitney Houston, from Tina Turner to Cyndi Lauper, the 1980s was a decade of iconic female singers who inspired generations of fans and musicians alike. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 famous female singers of the 1980s who left an indelible mark on the music industry. We will delve into their unique style, their most famous hits, and their influence on the development of pop, rock, and dance music. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the female artists who defined the sound of the 1980s.
1. Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and activist, who rose to fame as the lead singer of the Eurythmics in the 1980s. Known for her powerful voice, theatrical stage presence, and androgynous style, Lennox has been one of the most distinctive voices in popular music for over four decades. She has released several critically acclaimed solo albums, including “Diva” and “Medusa,” which showcase her ability to blend elements of rock, pop, and soul into a unique and captivating sound.
Aside from her music, Lennox is also known for her activism on behalf of various social and political causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s rights, and environmental issues. She has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2010 and has worked with numerous charities and organizations over the course of her career. In 2011, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her humanitarian work.
2. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work as the lead vocalist of Fleetwood Mac. With her distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, Nicks has been a major influence on the rock and pop music landscape since the 1970s. She has released several successful solo albums, including “Bella Donna” and “The Wild Heart,” which showcase her unique blend of rock, folk, and pop.
Nicks is also known for her iconic fashion sense, which combines elements of bohemian and gothic style. She has been a source of inspiration for many artists and fashion designers, and her distinctive look has become a hallmark of her music and persona.
In addition to her musical achievements, Nicks has also been recognized for her contributions to popular culture. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, both as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac. She has also won numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including several Grammy Awards and a BMI Icon Award.
3. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, and model, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Houston dominated the music charts in the 1980s and 1990s, with hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” She sold over 200 million records worldwide and won numerous awards throughout her career, including multiple Grammys, AMAs, and Billboard Awards.
Aside from her music, Houston was also a successful actress, with roles in films like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” She was a trailblazer for African American women in the entertainment industry, and her influence can still be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
4. Kate Bush
Kate Bush is an English singer-songwriter, known for her distinctive voice and innovative music. She emerged on the music scene in the late 1970s with her debut album, “The Kick Inside,” which featured the hit single “Wuthering Heights.” Bush’s music is characterized by its poetic lyrics, intricate arrangements, and use of unconventional instruments and sounds.
Throughout her career, Bush has maintained a fiercely independent artistic vision, often exploring themes of mythology, literature, and spirituality in her music. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Hounds of Love,” which is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Bush has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts, including a CBE in 2013 for services to music. Her unique style and singular voice have inspired countless musicians and artists over the years.
5. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer, who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Supremes in the 1960s. She went on to have a successful solo career, with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” and “I’m Coming Out.” Ross has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is considered one of the most successful female artists in music history.
Aside from her music, Ross has also had a successful acting career, with roles in films like “Lady Sings the Blues” and “The Wiz.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including several Grammys and a Tony Award. Ross is also a trailblazer for African American women in the entertainment industry, paving the way for many others to follow in her footsteps.
6. Madonna
Madonna is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in pop culture. Known for her provocative stage presence and constantly evolving image, Madonna has had a career spanning over four decades, with hits like “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” and “Vogue.” She has sold over 300 million records worldwide and is considered one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Aside from her music, Madonna has also made a name for herself as a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. She has pushed boundaries and challenged conventions through her music videos, live performances, and public persona. Madonna has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, supporting numerous charities and causes over the course of her career.
7. Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, who is known for her powerful voice and electrifying stage presence. She rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, with hits like “Proud Mary” and “River Deep, Mountain High.” After leaving the group, Turner embarked on a successful solo career, with hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” and “The Best.”
Turner’s music is characterized by its blend of rock, soul, and R&B, and her live performances are legendary for their energy and intensity. She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including several Grammys and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
8. Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “If You Love Me (Let Me Know),” “I Honestly Love You,” and “Physical.” She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is considered one of the most successful female artists in music history.
Aside from her music, Newton-John has also had a successful acting career, with roles in films like “Grease” and “Xanadu.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including several Grammys and an induction into the Australian Music Hall of Fame. Newton-John is also known for her philanthropic work, supporting numerous charities and causes, including cancer research and animal welfare.
9. Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur, who is known for her fusion of Latin, pop, and dance music. She rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine, with hits like “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and “1-2-3.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Estefan’s music reflects her Cuban heritage, and she has been a major force in popularizing Latin music in the United States. She has also been recognized for her humanitarian work, including her support for hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean and her advocacy for LGBT rights.
10. Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer, songwriter, and actress, who is known for her distinctive raspy voice and powerful ballads. She rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “It’s a Heartache.” She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and three Brit Awards.
Tyler’s music is characterized by its emotional intensity and her powerful vocals. She has been an influential figure in the development of female-fronted rock music, and her songs have become anthems for generations of fans.
11. Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an American rock singer, songwriter, and musician, who rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead singer of the band The Runaways. She went on to a successful solo career, with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Crimson and Clover.” She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has won numerous awards throughout her career.
Jett is known for her rebellious image and her pioneering role in the male-dominated world of rock music. She has been a major influence on the development of punk rock and has inspired countless female musicians to pursue their dreams. Jett has also been a passionate advocate for animal rights and is the founder of the Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Animal Rescue Foundation.
12. Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American rock singer, songwriter, and musician, who rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and “We Belong.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.
Benatar’s music is characterized by its powerful vocals and its blend of rock, pop, and new wave influences. She has been a major influence on the development of female-fronted rock music and has inspired generations of fans and musicians.
13. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde is an American-English singer, songwriter, and musician, who is best known as the lead singer of the band The Pretenders. She has written and performed hits like “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” and “Don’t Get Me Wrong.” She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has won numerous awards throughout her career.
Hynde’s music is characterized by her distinctive voice and her blend of rock, punk, and pop influences. She has been a major influence on the development of alternative rock and has inspired countless female musicians to pursue their dreams.
14. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, who rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
Lauper’s music is characterized by its colorful and eclectic style, which incorporates elements of pop, rock, new wave, and dance music. She has been a major influence on the development of female pop music and has inspired generations of fans and musicians. Lauper is also known for her advocacy work on behalf of the LGBT community, and she has been a passionate advocate for human rights throughout her career.
15. Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, who is best known as the lead singer of the band The Go-Go’s. She has also had a successful solo career, with hits like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” “Circle in the Sand,” and “I Get Weak.” She has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
Carlisle’s music is characterized by its catchy pop melodies and upbeat energy. She has been a major influence on the development of female-fronted pop and rock music, and has inspired countless musicians with her talent and style.
16. Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer, who rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Nasty,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” and “Control.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Jackson’s music is characterized by its blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, as well as her innovative music videos and choreography. She has been a major influence on the development of pop and R&B music, and has inspired countless female artists to pursue their dreams.
17. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, who is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music. She was known as the “Queen of Soul” and had hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think.” She won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Franklin’s music is characterized by its powerful vocals, its blend of soul, gospel, and R&B influences, and its socially conscious themes. She was a major influence on the development of soul and R&B music, and inspired generations of musicians with her talent and spirit.
18. Donna Summer
Donna Summer was an American singer, songwriter, and actress, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Love to Love You Baby,” “I Feel Love,” and “Last Dance.” She was known as the “Queen of Disco” and is considered one of the most successful and influential artists of the disco era. She won five Grammy Awards and sold over 130 million records worldwide.
Summer’s music is characterized by its infectious dance beats, sensual vocals, and disco and R&B influences. She was a major influence on the development of dance and disco music, and her music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
19. Cher
Cher is an American singer, actress, and television personality, who has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1960s. She has had hits like “I Got You Babe,” “Believe,” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards.
Cher’s music is characterized by its eclectic blend of pop, rock, and dance influences, as well as her distinctive voice and bold style. She has been a major influence on the development of pop and rock music, and has inspired countless artists with her talent and iconography.
20. Debbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, who rose to fame in the late 1980s with hits like “Only in My Dreams,” “Shake Your Love,” and “Lost in Your Eyes.” She was the youngest person ever to write, produce, and perform a number one hit, and she has sold over 16 million records worldwide.
Gibson’s music is characterized by its catchy pop melodies and upbeat energy, as well as her songwriting and producing skills. She was a major influence on the development of teen pop music, and her music continues to inspire young artists and fans alike.
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.
