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.
- Pop music, Dance-pop, Contemporary R&B
- Pop music, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
- Rhythm and blues, Soul music, Gospel music
- Ballad, Swing music, Traditional pop music
- Rock music, Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll
- Rock music, Dance-pop, Rhythm and blues
- Doo-wop, Girl group, Ballad
- Folk music, Rhythm and blues, Jazz
- Torch song, Ballad, Swing music
- Adult contemporary music, Quiet storm, Smooth jazz
- Disco, Pop music, Dance music
- Pop music, Traditional pop music, Vocal jazz
- Hip hop music, Alternative hip hop, Neo soul
- New Wave, Disco, Pop music
- Hip hop music, Adult contemporary music, Pop music
- Pop music, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
- R&B, Pop, Hip hop
- Pop music, Contemporary R&B, Soul music
- Adult contemporary music, Christian music, Pop music
- Hip hop music, Adult contemporary music, Disco
- Hip hop music, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues
- Pop, Contemporary R&B
- Hip hop music, Pop music, Neo soul
- Hip hop music, Pop music, Dance-pop
- Urban contemporary, Adult contemporary music, Pop music