The Best Female Vocalists Ever
Who are the greatest female vocalists ever? This list of the best female singers of all time, ranked by music fans and casual critics like you, includes all the famous female singers from Aretha Franklin and Stevie Nicks to Celine Dion and Mariah Carey (all great women in music who have topped the charts for decades, and perhaps landed them a Rolling Stone cover or two). Both solo singers and famous frontwomen in bands are among those on this list, as it is their voices to focus on here, not just their careers. From the celebrated divas of the old guard, to the most popular artists of today, this list aims to celebrate the women whose powerful songs and strong live presence have earned them their spot in history.
This list of the top female singers are both living, like Adele and Madonna, and long gone, like Nico and Amy Winehouse, though their albums and singles continue to sell to loyal and new audiences, be they American or located elsewhere in the world. Vote up those great female voices whom you think should be at the top of the list, and vote down those who you think come in a bit flat. Check out some of our other lists as well, including The Greatest Women in Music, 1980s to Today and The Best Singers of All Time.
An unrivaled vocal powerhouse, she forever etched her name in the annals of music history with her breathtaking range, magnificent tone, and ability to convey deep emotions through her singing. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, she was a beloved icon and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, using her incomparable vocal prowess to captivate audiences with unforgettable renditions of "I Will Always Love You," "Greatest Love of All," and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody."
Dubbed the "Queen of Soul" for her awe-inspiring talent and unmatched soulful voice, she effortlessly moved through different genres, from gospel and R&B to pop and jazz. Known for her powerful, emotive singing style, she belted out hits like "Respect," "Chain of Fools," and "A Natural Woman," which resonated deeply with listeners and cemented her status as an enduring cultural force. With 18 Grammy Awards and over 75 million records sold, there's no doubt that she was one of the most influential and celebrated female vocalists in history.
Nicknamed the "First Lady of Song," she was an extraordinary singer whose flawless pitch and impeccable diction earned her a place among the pantheon of jazz greats. With her smooth, silky voice and effortless scat singing, she delighted audiences and breathed fresh life into classics such as "Summertime," "How High the Moon," and "Cheek to Cheek." Throughout her illustrious career spanning over six decades, she amassed a total of 13 Grammy Awards and sold more than 40 million records, leaving behind an indelible imprint on the fabric of music.
As one half of the famed duo, she possessed a rich, warm voice that was simply mesmerizing. With her impressive vocal range and clear, honest tone, she infused heartfelt emotion into hit songs like "(They Long to Be) Close to You," "Superstar," and "We've Only Just Begun," making her an icon of 1970s pop music. Known for her emotive prowess and multilayered harmonies, she was considered one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
Displaying an uncanny ability to wring every ounce of emotion from a song, she remains a beacon in the history of country music. Her emotive voice, with its burnished, throaty quality and plaintive, heartfelt delivery, resonated deeply with listeners, giving life to classic hits like "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," and "Walkin' After Midnight." Despite her untimely death at the age of 30, she left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing generations of artists and selling millions of albums.
A force to be reckoned with, her earthy, soulful voice conveyed passion, strength, and vulnerability in equal measure. Best known for powerful ballads like "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind," she was a versatile artist who could effortlessly blend gospel, blues, R&B, and jazz, leaving her mark on each genre. Throughout her storied career, she won six Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and sold countless records, solidifying her position as one of the most revered vocalists of all time.
