The Greatest Black Female Singers
These are the greatest Black female singers of all time, from Aretha and Whitney Houston to Mariah Carey and Sade, as ranked by music enthusiasts like you. The women featured here are standouts in a number of genres. Some famous Black female singers sing the blues while other top Black woman artists are pop superstars. Many of the best Black female singers have reached the top of the charts with their catchy tunes. They have careers that span the old guard of the '50s and '60s, on into the disco-dominated '70s and '80s, and through '90s, 2000s, and modern day. Many of the more recent entries on this list may have looked up to the older artists as legends when they were young girls, but today, they stand together as musical superstars. From legendary icons to new faces, this list features the most popular Black female singers ever.
What artist will you vote to the top of this list of the best Black female singers? Maybe you're one of the millions of Beyonce fans. The R&B singer's powerful voice and dynamic dance moves have earned her plenty of acclaim as one of the best Black singers, but listeners also love her for her way of redefining pop music with her innovative hits. Lauryn Hill's soulful vocals helped the singer take home five Grammy awards for her iconic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Other artists featured on this list include Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald, and Erykah Badu.
Do you have a favorite Black female singer? This list includes African American women as well as Black female vocalists from other countries. Vote up the very best Black female singers.
- 1Pop music, Dance-pop, Contemporary R&B
A legendary powerhouse vocalist who possessed an incredible range, control, and technical ability, she remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 200 million records sold worldwide. One of the most awarded singers ever, her powerful emotive delivery on songs like "I Will Always Love You" and "Greatest Love of All" solidified her as a global icon with timeless, unforgettable performances.
- 2Pop music, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
The undisputed "Queen of Soul," her powerful, emotionally charged voice coupled with her unique gospel-inspired style transformed popular music throughout her six-decade-long career. With hits such as "Respect" and "A Natural Woman," she not only achieved commercial success but was also an inspiration for countless artists across generations, becoming the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 3Rock music, Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll
A trailblazing pioneer of R&B and soul, her raw, emotive voice and powerful stage presence captivated audiences throughout her five decades in the industry. With hits like "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind," she became a critically acclaimed artist who pushed boundaries and fearlessly bared her soul through her music.
- 4Rhythm and blues, Soul music, Gospel music
A mesmerizing performer known as the "Empress of Soul," her smokey, sultry voice and timeless hits with the Pips like "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One of Us" secured her place in music history. Her remarkable vocal range, remarkable longevity, and incomparable stage presence have made her one of the most respected and revered names in the industry.
- 5Ballad, Swing music, Traditional pop music
The "First Lady of Song" and jazz icon, she not only possessed flawless vocal technique but also had impeccable diction and sophisticated phrasing that set her apart from other singers. Her improvisational scat singing and breathtaking renditions of standards like "Summertime" and "Misty" earned her 13 Grammy Awards and a lifetime of acclaim as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
- 6Torch song, Ballad, Swing music
A pioneering jazz legend whose distinct, emotive voice was characterized by its raw vulnerability and ability to convey complex emotions, she captivated listeners with her poignant storytelling through song. Her haunting renditions of classics like "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless the Child" immortalized her as a true artist who used her distinctive vocal style to break the boundaries of the music world.
