Absolute Best Black Female Singers of All Time
Digital and Radio Facts: Who Are the Top Black Female Singers of All Time? – Any way that you look at it black women singers have made an indelible mark on the history of soul music as everything from soul singers, to crossing over to pop music singers. Whatever genre you want to call it, R&B Music, race music, black music or pop music … black singers cannot be denied their own place in its history. These are the women who have taken the industry by storm since the inception of the music industry.
From the Blues to Jazz to R&B the riffs, scats, octaves, and emotion black women singers have mastered over the decades have without a doubt played an integral part in the music industry it’s a rich history. Like “Soul Food” we have, or at least HAD a plethora of Soul Music to choose from. \
Black female singers were there during the highs and the lows of our community from the ins and outs of love go through the Civil Rights movement.If we were to close the music history books today and list the best black female singers of all time is this list complete? Absolutely not, you would literally have to write a book on all the great black women in music, but these are our choices in who we think the top ones are. Do you agree or disagree? Well, you can be the judge. Click NEXT below to see the next singer we picked
Whitney Houston
Only a fool could deny the late Whitney Houston’s amazing talent. She had one of the most spectacular voices of the century and sold millions of albums and singles in a career that spanned 30 years. No list would be complete without including her as one of the best black female singers of all time.
Aretha Franklin
The late Aretha Franklin had etched her space in history as the undeniable Queen of Soul decades ago. As one of the pioneering black women in the best singing category, her career spanned more than 50 years.
Nancy Wilson
The late Nancy Wilson was always a bit underrated but she made up for it with her Jazz tinged sexy vocals that won fans worldwide and earned her space as a great singer of many genres, including jazz and soul. She was the epitome of class and elegance and one of the few black women on our list that transcended musical genres.
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick was the whitney houston of the 60s, teaming up with Burt Bacharach for some of the most memorable hits in the history of music like I Say a Little Prayer and Walk on By. She ranked high as one of the few black women on the pop charts in those days and her legacy continues to be one of the greatest black female singers of all time.
Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight has one of the most recognizable and BEST voices in R&B. She is still going strong today
Chaka Khan
chaka Khan has solidified her space as one of the premier singers in R&B history. Her range and interpretation is second to none.
Natalie Cole
Natalie Cole was a multi-dimensional singer that can do standards, soul, jazz and even Latin music. Her troubled past and her poor relationships fueled her talent to incredible heights. Out of all the women on the list, Natalie and Mariah Carey probably has the best range.
Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle was never meant to be a gracious and plastic singer off stage or on. She never had a problem rolling on the floor and kicking off her shoes to the delight of fans and singing her heart out.
Mariah Carey
Mariah is not a soul singer or a pop singer she is JUST a GREAT singer. Her unique ability to sing in the whistle register is only matched by Rachelle Ferrell … Mariah is probably the wealthiest woman on the list as she wrote MOST of her smash hits so she will have a great payday for life. Best Black Female Singers
Phyllis Hyman
Phyllis was so incredibly underrated and she deserved SO much more recognition for her amazing voice. ironically her music sounds just as good today as it did 20 years ago RIP.
Sarah Vaughn
Sarah Vaughn was so talented with such great range and wonderful jazzy style that there were times she could sing like a man and bridge a baritone key into a soprano with amazing ease. She was truly one of the best singers in the world.
BEST BLACK MALE SINGERS OF ALL TIME
Is there anything that can’t be said about the amazing Ella Fitzgerald?
Dianna Ross and Roberta Flack. These must be in the top 12. I can easily find two to shift out.
Dianna Ross and Roberta Flack. These must be in the top 12. I can easily find two to shift out.
This list is a joke, right?
I realize that these things are subjective, but no Ella, no Sarah, no Billie? And that’s just for starters. The only one on your list that even comes close is Natalie.
The person who put the list together must be about 25 years old. S/he needs to listen to music frome the true greats.
This list is a joke, right?
I realize that these things are subjective, but no Ella, no Sarah, no Billie? And that’s just for starters. The only one on your list that even comes close is Natalie.
The person who put the list together must be about 25 years old. S/he needs to listen to music frome the true greats.
Sade? Really? I wouldn’t even call what she does singing. And while I like Natalie I don’t think her body of work earns her a place on a list like this.
And how does a list of the top 12 black female singers of all time not include Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday?
Sade? Really? I wouldn’t even call what she does singing. And while I like Natalie I don’t think her body of work earns her a place on a list like this.
And how does a list of the top 12 black female singers of all time not include Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday?
Oh yes, and jonscott williams is spot-on as well. Where is Lena Horne et. al.?
Oh yes, and jonscott williams is spot-on as well. Where is Lena Horne et. al.?
Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Sarah Vaughn . . .
Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Sarah Vaughn . . .
So very true! I think he HAS lost his mind.Even if Lopez WERE Black … she can’t sing her way out of a paper bag. Why don’t you add Britney Spears to the list … maybe SHE’S Black and maybe she can sing too. That makes about as much sense as J-Lo.
So very true! I think he HAS lost his mind.Even if Lopez WERE Black … she can’t sing her way out of a paper bag. Why don’t you add Britney Spears to the list … maybe SHE’S Black and maybe she can sing too. That makes about as much sense as J-Lo.
Thx for that comment! Mahalia Jackson is the Empress of Soul and one of the greatest voices (male or female) that EVER lived.
Gospel aside, have any of you listened to that voice. While GOD on high was busy running the Universe, he heard Mahalia’s singing and said “Stop everything, I hear my child’s voice and I cannot turn away”. That’s how bad Mahalia Jackson was.
Thx for that comment! Mahalia Jackson is the Empress of Soul and one of the greatest voices (male or female) that EVER lived.
Gospel aside, have any of you listened to that voice. While GOD on high was busy running the Universe, he heard Mahalia’s singing and said “Stop everything, I hear my child’s voice and I cannot turn away”. That’s how bad Mahalia Jackson was.
TAMMI TERRELL… need I say more???
TAMMI TERRELL… need I say more???
I am really late to this party, but have thought about and debated this topic for years. These are all great vocalists but some do not belong in the top 12, i.e. Anita Baker and Dionne Warwick. If we are talking about pure vocals then you need to add Diana Ross, Stephanie Mills, Yolanda Adams, Nancy Wilson and CeCe Winans. I’m just saying…. By the way, Gladys Knight is my QOS!!!
I am really late to this party, but have thought about and debated this topic for years. These are all great vocalists but some do not belong in the top 12, i.e. Anita Baker and Dionne Warwick. If we are talking about pure vocals then you need to add Diana Ross, Stephanie Mills, Yolanda Adams, Nancy Wilson and CeCe Winans. I’m just saying…. By the way, Gladys Knight is my QOS!!!
missing the greats – sarah, ella and nina
missing the greats – sarah, ella and nina
Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Leontyne Price have obviously been inadvertently omitted.
Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Leontyne Price have obviously been inadvertently omitted.
Not sure if others have mentioned these women, but please consider Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Ethel Waters, Betty Carter, and Sarah Vaughn from a more jazzy/soul background,
Marion Anderson, Leontyne Price, and Kathleen Battle from the classical world,
Jennifer Holiday, Melba Moore, and as of late Shirley Murdock from a musical theater background,
and Shirley Caesar, Kim Burrell, Yolanda Adams, Ce-Ce Winans, or any of the Clark Sisters from a more Gospel perspective if you want your list of black female vocalists to have credibility.
We’re talking about vocal ability and mastery of vocal craft as a songstress right?
Several on the list do belong, but many would fall off of a top 12-15 list if we’re being comprehensive about sistas with a special gift!
Not sure if others have mentioned these women, but please consider Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Ethel Waters, Betty Carter, and Sarah Vaughn from a more jazzy/soul background,
Marion Anderson, Leontyne Price, and Kathleen Battle from the classical world,
Jennifer Holiday, Melba Moore, and as of late Shirley Murdock from a musical theater background,
and Shirley Caesar, Kim Burrell, Yolanda Adams, Ce-Ce Winans, or any of the Clark Sisters from a more Gospel perspective if you want your list of black female vocalists to have credibility.
We’re talking about vocal ability and mastery of vocal craft as a songstress right?
Several on the list do belong, but many would fall off of a top 12-15 list if we’re being comprehensive about sistas with a special gift!
Donna Summer should have been on this list. She’s, probably, the most versatile female vocalist out of the ones that did make the list. She also, probably, conquered more genres as well. But, of course, any list is a matter of personal opinion. Donna Summer would, indeed, be on my personal list.
Donna Summer should have been on this list. She’s, probably, the most versatile female vocalist out of the ones that did make the list. She also, probably, conquered more genres as well. But, of course, any list is a matter of personal opinion. Donna Summer would, indeed, be on my personal list.
Where the heck is Roberta Flack? Who compiled this dud list.
Where the heck is Roberta Flack? Who compiled this dud list.
mariah carey? black female singers…. Mariah Freaking Carey?!!!!
mariah carey? black female singers…. Mariah Freaking Carey?!!!!
Please remove Mariah Carey !!!! She cannot complete with these legendary women….Tina Turner, Roberta Flack..Diana Ross..Donna Summer…etc..
Please remove Mariah Carey !!!! She cannot complete with these legendary women….Tina Turner, Roberta Flack..Diana Ross..Donna Summer…etc..
This holiday season I sure miss Whitney Houston with a Christmas Singing Gospel special. Love you Ms. Houston.
This holiday season I sure miss Whitney Houston with a Christmas Singing Gospel special. Love you Ms. Houston.
None of y’all know me but just download Rihanna’s discography and them tell me if u still wanna put Jennifer Lopez on this list
None of y’all know me but just download Rihanna’s discography and them tell me if u still wanna put Jennifer Lopez on this list
Betty Carter….Sarah, Ella, Diana Ross, Whitney…so many
Betty Carter….Sarah, Ella, Diana Ross, Whitney…so many
If not considered top female black singer, she had to be one of the very hottest, sexiest & incredibly physically fit female singers who really captivated audiences. I am a 60 yr old female that envied her stamina , energy & voice. Loved the power & feeling in her songs. Tina Turner & Cher, what gorgeous powerful women & no matter what age. Just to have the legs let alone the looks! Not sure if someone else already mentioned Tina.
Karen in Lake Co., Calif.
.
If not considered top female black singer, she had to be one of the very hottest, sexiest & incredibly physically fit female singers who really captivated audiences. I am a 60 yr old female that envied her stamina , energy & voice. Loved the power & feeling in her songs. Tina Turner & Cher, what gorgeous powerful women & no matter what age. Just to have the legs let alone the looks! Not sure if someone else already mentioned Tina.
Karen in Lake Co., Calif.
.
How could we not mention randy crawford
How could we not mention randy crawford
The list is incomplete without the marvellous Patti Austin,she is probably one of the finest voices ever
The list is incomplete without the marvellous Patti Austin,she is probably one of the finest voices ever
Nina Simoooooone !!!!!!!!!
Nina Simoooooone !!!!!!!!!
What happened to Kathleen Battle, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday. It’s foolhardy to attempt to place a 10 limit on such a huge set. It’s even more foolhardy and even contemptuous to limit it to one type of singer as if black female singers only sing R & B.
What happened to Kathleen Battle, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday. It’s foolhardy to attempt to place a 10 limit on such a huge set. It’s even more foolhardy and even contemptuous to limit it to one type of singer as if black female singers only sing R & B.
Stephanie Mills off the list. That’s crazy#!!
Stephanie Mills off the list. That’s crazy#!!