15 Best Female Singers of All Time

In the illustrious tapestry of music history, there exists a constellation of remarkable talents, each possessing a unique ability to touch our hearts, evoke powerful emotions, and leave an indelible mark on the world. In this exploration of the “15 Best Female Singers of All Time,” we embark on a journey through the ages to celebrate the transcendent voices that have defined and redefined the landscape of popular music.

These extraordinary women have transcended mere vocal prowess; they have become cultural icons, trailblazers, and catalysts for change. From the sultry jazz clubs of the 20th century to the grand arenas of the modern era, their voices have spanned genres, languages, and generations, resonating with listeners across the globe.

In this curated list, we pay homage to the timeless classics, the chart-topping anthems, and the soul-stirring ballads that have solidified these artists’ places in music history. We delve into the stories behind the songs, the struggles and triumphs of these women, and the profound impact they’ve had on the art of singing.

Join us on this melodic odyssey as we explore the artistry, passion, and enduring legacy of the “15 Best Female Singers of All Time,” each a testament to the enduring power of music and the remarkable talents that have graced our ears and touched our souls.

1. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin! Known for her distinct, powerful vocal. Hailed as one of the greatest female singers ever! Let's explore this legendary artist's amazing journey.

Name: Janis Joplin

Born: January 19, 1943

Died: October 4, 1970 (aged 27)

Genre: Blues rock, psychedelic rock, soul

Janis's voice blended blues-rock, psychedelic rock and soul in a unique way. Her energetic performances moved audiences around the globe. She made an everlasting impact on the music industry.

A remarkable feat: Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" was in Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.

Moreover, if soulful country music had a queen, Patsy Cline would confidently take the crown!

2. Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline–a legendary female singer–takes her rightful place among the best singers of all time. Her captivating voice and heartfelt performances have been wowing audiences for decades. Let's uncover some interesting facts about this incredible artist.

Birth Name: Virginia Patterson Hensley

Genre: Country, Pop

Albums: "Patsy Cline", "Sentimentally Yours", "Showcase", and more!

Hits: "Crazy", "I Fall to Pieces", "Walkin' After Midnight", and many others.

Not just her amazing vocal range and control, Patsy Cline became an icon because of her ability to inject emotion into each word she sang. Her evergreen classics still move listeners of all ages, showing the immense power of her art.

Don't miss out on the raw talent and unmistakable charisma of Patsy Cline. Delve into her beautiful discography and let her soulful music ignite your emotions. Take a trip that honors one of the greatest female singers ever. Christina Aguilera's powerful voice can hit high notes better than a mosquito on steroids!

3. Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera, the talented singer, has earned third place in the list of best female singers of all time. Her powerful and emotional voice has enthralled people around the globe.

This exceptional artist has collected many awards and accolades. Her music career has lasted over two decades, and she has sold millions of albums throughout the world. Here are some noteworthy facts about Christina Aguilera:

Not only does Christina Aguilera have a remarkable singing range and the ability to express emotions through her music, but she is also renowned for her charitable work. She has donated to various causes and has been a champion for organizations that support women.

In 2008, Christina Aguilera opened up about how music helped her conquer personal difficulties and find peace. She spoke about how singing and connecting with her feelings became a form of emotional release. This openness and authenticity have resonated with her fans.

As we salute Christina Aguilera's achievements as one of the top female singers of all time, let's not forget her amazing talent and the impact she has made in the music world and beyond.

4. Diana Ross

Diana Ross is one of the greatest female singers of all time. Her captivating performances and talent have made her a beloved figure in the music industry. Let's take a look at her impressive list of achievements.

Name: Diana Ross

Genre: Pop, R&B

Achievements:

1. Winner of multiple Grammy Awards
2. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
3. Successful solo career after leaving The Supremes

Apart from her musical accolades, Diana Ross is renowned for her influential fashion sense and iconic stage presence. She has been an inspiration for many artists who have followed in her footsteps.

Did you know that Diana Ross started off as the lead singer of the popular girl group, The Supremes? Her powerful vocals and soulful performances earned her a special place in the music scene.

Diana Ross has released a plethora of timeless classics like "Upside Down," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "Endless Love." These tracks continue to be celebrated and adored by music lovers around the world.

If you haven't had the chance to experience Diana Ross's incomparable talent and voice, you're missing out on a truly unforgettable musical journey. Don't let this opportunity slip away. Lose yourself in the magical world Diana Ross creates with each performance.

5. Etta James

Etta James: a legendary singer who left an unforgettable mark on the music industry. Born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, she quickly found her love for music.

At a young age, she sang in church choirs and talent shows and later became one of the greatest female singers of all time. Her unique blend of Rhythm and Blues (R&B), Soul, and Blues created a sound that captivated listeners.

Her powerful, emotive voice was so impressive that it moved audiences to tears. During a live performance of "I'd Rather Go Blind" in 1963, the crowd was left in awe. Etta James was a true icon!

Despite personal struggles, her passion for music never wavered. She released critically acclaimed albums and continued to inspire aspiring musicians around the world. Her indelible mark on the music industry will never be forgotten.

6. Adele

Adele is a renowned force in the music industry. Here are five points that highlight her unique talent and success:

• Award-Winning Music: Adele has won multiple Grammys and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Her captivating vocals and lyrics have earned her critical acclaim.
• Record-Breaking Hits: Adele's chart-toppers, such as "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," have become beloved anthems of heartache and resilience.
• Vocal Range: Adele has the power to soar into high notes and deliver rich low tones. Her vocal range allows her to tackle various genres with ease.
• Sold-Out Concerts: Adele's live performances are renowned for their authenticity and intimacy. She creates a magical atmosphere in sold-out arenas worldwide.
• Inspiring Resilience: Adele's music reflects her own life experiences of heartbreak and growth. She has become a symbol of strength for many individuals.

Adele has also contributed significantly to charitable causes. Plus, she gained recognition through social media platforms like MySpace. This Cinderella-story shows how digital platforms can help an artist's career.

Judy Garland's vocals will have you skipping straight to the top of the music charts!

7. Judy Garland

Judy Garland – an iconic singer, known for her mesmerizing talent and unforgettable performances. Her career spanned over four decades, leaving a long-lasting mark on the music industry.

To honor her remarkable contribution, let's take a closer look at Judy Garland's achievements and highlights:

Judy Garland was truly unique. Besides her singing, she was a great actress and dancer too. Her voice had an amazing mix of fragility and strength that mesmerized people all around the globe.

Pro Tip: To truly appreciate Judy Garland's talent, watch some of her film performances. See her versatility as a performer!

Step aside, Beyoncé! Ella Fitzgerald is here with her soulful jazz melodies to warm our hearts and remind us that talent has no limits!

8. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, the eighth artist on our list, is legendary. Known as the "First Lady of Song," her talent and voice captivated people for decades. Let's look at some fascinating details about her.

Birth Name: Ella Jane Fitzgerald.

Born: April 25, 1917.

Place of Birth: Newport News, Virginia.

Genres: Jazz, swing.

Instruments: Vocals.

Years Active: 1934-1993.

Awards and Honors: 14 Grammy Awards.

Notable Achievements: Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Ella was known for her scat singing and improvisation. Her style was unique, resembling musical instruments. To appreciate her talents, listen to her live performances. She connected with audiences, conveying emotions through her music.

Ella Fitzgerald's impact still lives on today. Her contributions to jazz and swing have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of musicians.

Billie Holiday: the woman who could make even the happiest song sound like a soul-crushing breakup.

9. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, commonly known as Lady Day, was an incredible singer whose legacy in the jazz world will never be forgotten. Let us explore some of the fascinating facts about her life and career.

Eleanora Fagan Gough was her birth name. She was born on April 7th, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her genre was jazz and her signature song was "Strange Fruit". In 1973, she was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for her extraordinary achievements.

Despite the hardships she overcame, Billie Holiday managed to mesmerize listeners with her passionate singing and unconventional jazz style. Her unique phrasing and soulful interpretations made her stand out among other musicians of the time.

One of the most iconic moments of her career was her recording of "Strange Fruit" in 1939. This heartfelt song addressing racism and lynching was one of her most renowned performances and cemented her status as a courageous artist who used music to speak up on social issues.

10. Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand has made an unforgettable impact on the music world. Her captivating voice has captivated audiences for years. Let's explore some interesting facts about this legendary artist.

Apart from her singing talent, Barbra Streisand is also an incredible actress and filmmaker. She has won multiple awards, such as two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award. Streisand's incredible ability to succeed in different creative areas is remarkable.

Here's an interesting story to show off Streisand's passion. When recording one of her albums, she kept trying multiple takes to make sure it was perfect. The producer thought it was odd but after listening to the final product, he understood why – it was beautiful.

Barbra Streisand has moved people across the world with her music and acting. Her dedication to excellence has earned her the title of one of the greatest female singers of all time. Even Beyonce, the Queen B, must bow down to Streisand's amazing vocals that make even the most amateur music lover feel like they're in formation.

11. Beyonce

Beyonce is an absolute powerhouse in the music industry! Her incredible talent and mesmerizing voice have made her one of the most iconic artists of this era.

A great way to show off her accomplishments is through a visual chart. This table will include her chart-topping albums, such as "Dangerously in Love" and "Lemonade," along with her many awards, like Grammy wins and Billboard chart records.

Beyonce is also an amazing songwriter and actress. She's written hit songs for herself and other artists, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. On top of that, she's had memorable roles in movies like "Dreamgirls" and "Cadillac Records."

It all began when she was a young girl singing with Destiny's Child, a group that went on to become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Beyonce has kept the momentum going as a solo artist, inspiring millions of fans with her inspiring music and electrifying live performances!

12. Celine Dion

Ranked 12th among the all-time best female singers, Celine Dion is a Canadian artist famed for her wide vocal range and captivating stage presence. She has earned accolades and a devoted fan base with her talent and dedication.

Birth Name: Céline Marie Claudette Dion

Date of Birth: March 30, 1968

Nationality: Canadian

Genre: Pop, Adult Contemporary, Classical

Notable Works: "My Heart Will Go On," "The Power of Love," "Because You Loved Me"

Celine Dion is also recognized for her philanthropic activities. In 2003, she created the "Céline Dion Foundation" to support vulnerable kids and their families worldwide.

Fun Fact: Celine Dion holds the record for the best-selling French album with her album "D'eux," which sold over ten million copies globally. (Source: Guinness World Records)

Mariah Carey can hit a high note so powerful it can shatter glass, making all her exes replace their windows!

13. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, an iconic vocalist, is ranked 13th on the list of best female singers ever. Her range and powerful voice have captivated people worldwide throughout her career.

Her Birth Name is Mariah Carey and she is known for her genres of R&B, Pop, and Soul. She has sold over 200 million albums worldwide and has won 18 American Music Awards, 5 Grammys, and more.

Apart from her vocal talents, Carey also has a great songwriting ability. She writes catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

To get the most out of Mariah Carey's music, pay attention to her vocal delivery. She transitions between registers with ease and adds melismatic embellishments that show off her control and artistry.

Whitney Houston, a voice that can break glass, hearts, and karaoke enthusiasts alike, is one to remember.

14. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female singers ever, had a voice that captivated audiences. Her range and talent made her a star in the music industry for over two decades. Her birth name was Whitney Elizabeth Houston and she was born on August 9, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Her genres included R&B, pop, soul, and gospel.

Despite personal struggles in later life, Whitney's impact on the music industry was immense. She had an extraordinary vocal ability and expressive delivery that moved millions. Her talent crossed genres, from R&B to pop, soul to gospel.

An example of Whitney's incredible presence was her performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. Her rendition was so powerful that it became iconic and united a divided nation in a time of war.

Whitney Houston will always be remembered as a pioneer in music history. Her legacy continues through her timeless hits and her influence on aspiring singers. She was a voice so powerful, she could shatter glass – and eardrums – with just one note.

15. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, a legendary female vocalist, takes the #15 spot on the list. Let's dive into her amazing story and understand why she deserves this honor!

Aretha Franklin's discography and accolades are impressive. Moreover, her singing was full of emotion and touched many hearts across the globe. She revolutionized the soul genre with her passionate songs.

One captivating story portrays her drive for excellence – during the recording of "Respect," she re-recorded certain parts until they were perfect. This is a testament to her artistic integrity and her commitment to delivering outstanding music.

Aretha Franklin's legacy remains an inspiration for singers striving for greatness. Her impact on music is indelible, and she's truly one of the greatest female singers of all time.

Samuel Moore

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.