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?
This is supposed to be about female singers and Minnie Ripperton is no where on the list. Thats total b.s
I agree.
This is supposed to be about female singers and Minnie Ripperton is no where on the list. Thats total b.s
I agree.
Where is Minnie Riperton whose range topped Mariah Carey’s!!!!!
Where is Minnie Riperton whose range topped Mariah Carey’s!!!!!
Is Maria Carey black? Really?
Is Maria Carey black? Really?
Overall I like both the women and the male best singers,But for the ladies stepanie Mills would had to be on that list,For the men Jackie Wilson and Otis Redding would have been on my list.
Overall I like both the women and the male best singers,But for the ladies stepanie Mills would had to be on that list,For the men Jackie Wilson and Otis Redding would have been on my list.
Where is Diana Ross? Tena Marie ain’t black but if Maria Carey is on your list Tena Marie should be on it before her. All female singers come AFTER Aretha Franklin. I strongly suggest that you quit making lists.
Because you got this all wrong.
The list is the best BLACK Female singers, that would omit Teena and Diana Ross? Really? I think YOU got this all wrong. Diana is a phenomenal performer but best black female singer of all time next to Aretha, Gladys, Natalie and Patti???
Where is Diana Ross? Tena Marie ain’t black but if Maria Carey is on your list Tena Marie should be on it before her. All female singers come AFTER Aretha Franklin. I strongly suggest that you quit making lists.
Because you got this all wrong.
The list is the best BLACK Female singers, that would omit Teena and Diana Ross? Really? I think YOU got this all wrong. Diana is a phenomenal performer but best black female singer of all time next to Aretha, Gladys, Natalie and Patti???
Kev Ross,
You wrote an article for RFFocus titled Undeniable Top 12 Best Black Female Singers of all time. This is BS, because your opinion doesn’t make it a fact. You just hear things differently and by a few of the women you included…you don’t hear too well. This is your own little popularity picks of your favorite singers. So I’ll just call a Spade a Spade and burst you silly little bubble. FACTS…show me how this mess is a Fact.
I hope life brings you more joy my friend.
My Best.
Kev Ross,
You wrote an article for RFFocus titled Undeniable Top 12 Best Black Female Singers of all time. This is BS, because your opinion doesn’t make it a fact. You just hear things differently and by a few of the women you included…you don’t hear too well. This is your own little popularity picks of your favorite singers. So I’ll just call a Spade a Spade and burst you silly little bubble. FACTS…show me how this mess is a Fact.
I hope life brings you more joy my friend.
My Best.
You are asking for a brew ha ha by even attempting to construct such a list. By adding my baby (Whitney Houston) I didn’t have to go ballistic tho. Lol. All of these ladies are extremely talented and even some after mentioned names (in comments) deserve honorable mention. A list like this is relative to taste, time and so many other things.
You are asking for a brew ha ha by even attempting to construct such a list. By adding my baby (Whitney Houston) I didn’t have to go ballistic tho. Lol. All of these ladies are extremely talented and even some after mentioned names (in comments) deserve honorable mention. A list like this is relative to taste, time and so many other things.
When I saw Phyllis Hyman’s name, I knew you all were serious about this list.
When I saw Phyllis Hyman’s name, I knew you all were serious about this list.
I agree with everyone name you posted.. Of course there are many more but your limit was 12. Damn!! Folks need to get a life.
I agree with everyone name you posted.. Of course there are many more but your limit was 12. Damn!! Folks need to get a life.
Yes Kev I Agree, Yet The List Should Be Top 100 Women Of Pop/Jazz/Soul/R&B/Hip-hop; Donna Summers, Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams, Melba Moore, Barbara Mason, Betty Wright, Patti Austin, Tamia, Syreeta Wright ect……
Yes Kev I Agree, Yet The List Should Be Top 100 Women Of Pop/Jazz/Soul/R&B/Hip-hop; Donna Summers, Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams, Melba Moore, Barbara Mason, Betty Wright, Patti Austin, Tamia, Syreeta Wright ect……
Where is LINDA JONES? She was Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklins favorite singer! #factcheck!
Where is LINDA JONES? She was Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklins favorite singer! #factcheck!
take out philis hyman and put in minnie ipperton
take out philis hyman and put in minnie ipperton
WHAT
NO ANITA BAKER
LINDA JONES
MINNIE RIPPERTON
[TINA MARI] OPPS
ANGELA BOFIL
WHAT
NO ANITA BAKER
LINDA JONES
MINNIE RIPPERTON
[TINA MARI] OPPS
ANGELA BOFIL
remove Mariah and replace with Minnie Ripperton and/or Mavis Staples
remove Mariah and replace with Minnie Ripperton and/or Mavis Staples
Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson
For me, I would have added Anita Baker.
For me, I would have added Anita Baker.
What about the great gospel singers? Do they not count? As wonderful as Natalie Cole was, Shirley Caesar, Dorthy Love Coates, Yolanda Adams and so many others were/are head and shoulders above IMO.
What about the great gospel singers? Do they not count? As wonderful as Natalie Cole was, Shirley Caesar, Dorthy Love Coates, Yolanda Adams and so many others were/are head and shoulders above IMO.
Disappointed I didn’t see Miss Peaches-ETTA JAMES on the list. Silk and Power in the same voice!
Disappointed I didn’t see Miss Peaches-ETTA JAMES on the list. Silk and Power in the same voice!
How about Jean Carn?
How about Jean Carn?
I don’t agree with this most of this list completely. But, if 12 is actually number 1, then they have it backwards Sarah Vaughn was so much more capable of hitting ranges than dear Ella. I’m not hating Ella I love Ella, just saying.
I don’t agree with this most of this list completely. But, if 12 is actually number 1, then they have it backwards Sarah Vaughn was so much more capable of hitting ranges than dear Ella. I’m not hating Ella I love Ella, just saying.
Where is dee dee sharp? Most of the choice’s were from today’s generation.where are the black early rockers?
Where is dee dee sharp? Most of the choice’s were from today’s generation.where are the black early rockers?
Linda Jones the most soulful singer ever
Linda Jones the most soulful singer ever
Ok I would include Mahalia Jackson ,Angela Bofil and Minnie + Anita Baker but no one else. All these new people have not made their bones nor earned the right to be considered as great [none of the newbies] yet because greatness come with longevity folks plain and simple people ! Now where is the list for the Greatest black male singers-my choice of them are & not in this order : Sam Cooke , Otis Redding ,Jackie Wilson ,Michael Jackson , Smokey Robinson, Teddy Pendergrass , Barry White ,Harry Ray ,Nat King Cole ,Levi Stubbs ,Jeffrey Osborne , David Ruffin , Johnny Mathis , Walter Jackson [look him up & listen} , and last but not least the most underrated short lived under the radar singer is…….drum roll please……Don McPherson of the Main Ingredient [u don’t know ?]
[ CALL ME AND TELL ME I’M WRONG FOLKS 443 540-5128] COOL COLZS
Ok I would include Mahalia Jackson ,Angela Bofil and Minnie + Anita Baker but no one else. All these new people have not made their bones nor earned the right to be considered as great [none of the newbies] yet because greatness come with longevity folks plain and simple people ! Now where is the list for the Greatest black male singers-my choice of them are & not in this order : Sam Cooke , Otis Redding ,Jackie Wilson ,Michael Jackson , Smokey Robinson, Teddy Pendergrass , Barry White ,Harry Ray ,Nat King Cole ,Levi Stubbs ,Jeffrey Osborne , David Ruffin , Johnny Mathis , Walter Jackson [look him up & listen} , and last but not least the most underrated short lived under the radar singer is…….drum roll please……Don McPherson of the Main Ingredient [u don’t know ?]
[ CALL ME AND TELL ME I’M WRONG FOLKS 443 540-5128] COOL COLZS
How come the list of BLACK female singers lists only United States singers? Are there perhaps no Black female singers in Africa and South America? What isn’t famous in the US just isn’t great or famous, right?!
How come the list of BLACK female singers lists only United States singers? Are there perhaps no Black female singers in Africa and South America? What isn’t famous in the US just isn’t great or famous, right?!
For me the greatest black female voice by far is that of Linda Womack. Her voice has a unique soulful depth and quality to it that none of her contempories possess,
For me the greatest black female voice by far is that of Linda Womack. Her voice has a unique soulful depth and quality to it that none of her contempories possess,