Absolute Best Black Female Singers of All Time
Who are the Top Black Female Singers in the history of music?
Top Black Female Singers – Anyway that you look at it black women have made an indelible mark on the history of soul music, and soul singers, R&B Music and R&B singers, race music, black music, black female singers cannot be denied.
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 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.
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. Top Black Female Singers
Aretha Franklin
The late Aretha Franklin had etched her space in history as the undeniable Queen of Soul. Her career had 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.
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. Top Black Female Singers
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.
Ella Fitzgerald
Is there anything that can’t be said about the amazing Ella Fitzgerald?
128 comments
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.
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.?
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.
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???
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
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!
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.
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..
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
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.
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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
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.
Stephanie Mills off the list. That’s crazy#!!
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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……
Where is LINDA JONES? She was Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklins favorite singer! #factcheck!
take out philis hyman and put in minnie ipperton
WHAT
NO ANITA BAKER
LINDA JONES
MINNIE RIPPERTON
OPPS
ANGELA BOFIL
remove Mariah and replace with Minnie Ripperton and/or Mavis Staples
Mahalia Jackson
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.
Disappointed I didn’t see Miss Peaches-ETTA JAMES on the list. Silk and Power in the same voice!
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.
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
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 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
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?!
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,