Radio Facts:
Absolute Best Black Female Singers of All Time
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 transended 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?
Emily Mascarenhas-Bennett
Most of those women didn’t write songs in the 1960s. If they did, those BMI Writers and Publishers checks would be nuts today.
You should add soul/disco singer Loleatta Holloway. Her voice was crazy.
Anonymous
Where is the Donna Summer love!!!??? Amazing vocalist and really made dance music!
Boy Aloma
Disco don’t count
a2c
Donna could sing everythin so stop stereotypin on ere n will always be one of the greatest singers ever dahn our gaff.
Tonya Gipson
Jennifer Lopez is not Black and I can’t believe you could compile a list like this and not include Nina Simone. Have you lost your mind?
Marquitta Boyd
Tonya I agree 100% + more.
justlookin
I must see a different list than many here because JLo isn’t in the list I just saw.
Humberto Montalvo
Since JLo is Porto Rican she also has Black blood in her like most of us in the island as we are a mix of Spanish, Taino, and Black people. I also think she should not be on this list as one of the greatest.
Mike
Aretha wrote many songs and some of her own hits..”Think”, “Day Dreaming”, “Rock Steady”, “Since You Been Gone”, all sold well over a million copies each plus she wrote “Call Me” and “Dr. Feelgood”..
Lynn
I think Jennifer Hudson and Oleta Adams belong on that list somewhere, although I can’t deny that for the most part it’s a pretty good lineup.
Andre Michael Eggelletion
Great list… much respect to the wonderful singers you’ve listed; I just have to add a few you have overlooked: Ella Fitzgerald (the best female vocalist I’ve ever heard), Billie Holliday, and Sarah Vaughn. Not to mention Lena Horne, Shirley Bassey, Joesphine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Ethel Waters, Mahalia Jackson, and Pearl Bailey.
mario
this list is incomplete to me if Anita fuckin Baker aint on it re you crazy!!!!!!!!!! minnie ripperton, kim burrell, Sade, Shirley murdock definitely deserve honorable mentions and teena marie might be white but she aint no punk
Gail Gray
How could I forget Anita.
justlookin
I thought the same thing, where’s Anita. Also, I’d quickly swap Minnie Rippleton (The Original) for ego maniac Mariah Carry any day.
Mavis Staples, Ruth Brown, Etta James.
Laura Williams-May
Etta James “At Last” always gives me goosebumps……
Tammy Hurt
Who complied this list? I understand you wish to pay homage to a few legends, where is Mahalia Jackson or Tina Turner if that’s what you’re doing? I read a few comments about those writing their own material….I don’t think that’s what the writer is trying to convey because ‘singer’ is the key word! Are you considering record sales? If so, then Beyonce should be on there (even tho I don’t think she’s a contender but she has paid her dues)! Also HOW IN THE WORLD could you not include Lisa Fisher, Minni Ripperton, Angela Bofill and Heather Headly? When you say undeniable you mean undisputed or incapable of being denied…correct? Well I can dispute a few of your choices. When I think of a black female that sing….I think quality!
Pauly Allen
This sister knows her music. Go-head Tammy and say that, yes indeed. I do agree, and you must “blow/sang”!
Pauly
Also Paulys Copy Writing Business. Hit me up. You are “qualified” Tammy!
Tammy Hurt
Oh yeah and Jennifer Lopez? I’m still scratching my head about that one!
Anonymous
I agree.Jennnifer Lopez / J.Hoe you got to be kidding.. she’s a beautiful and talented woman but please!! The list was supposed to be Black women how the hell did Jenny from the block becomes the topic of conversation..
Jan
Angela Winbush, Angela Bofill, Randy Crawford, Sharon Bryant from Atlantic Starr. I never thought of Jennifer Lopez as a singer nor as blaci
kevRoss
Jennfer Lopez is the JOKE here folks
JKA
Here we go not reading and only looking at photo’s again lol. The J-Lo addition is a joke.
Bo
What happened to Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Sade, Minnie Ripperton and Ella Fitzgerald should be in the top three. Its obvious the compiler of this list do not really pay attention to black female artist,,,,,Jennifer Lopez, why not Bonnie Raitt also.
Laura Williams-May
and Janis Ian….
Leilani
How could you leave the legendary Toni Braxton off the list I mean come on! I’m also shocked that Anita Baker was ignored as well SMH!
Phat Man
I get the Jennifer Lopez joke. I immediately knew something was wrong when I saw her name (LOL). I’ve read some of the suggestions that others have entered above and have to admit that many were good singers, but we are talking about the greatest of all time here, so being good is not good enough for this list. Here are some glaring omissions from your list. Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn raised the standard from everyone that preceded them, and set the standard for everyone that followed them. Dinah Washington is simply the most versatile singer ever (black, white, male or female). Check out some of her music and I’m sure you will agree. She could sing anything. Stephanie Mills would run several of your “top 12” off the stage. She would definitely be in any top 10 list I came up with. And While I’m not sure she would make my top 10 list (definitely my top 20), I would also have to mention Teena Marie. Now I know y’all will say she’s white, but she truely loved and fully embraced our culture and gave us some of the most soulful music of a generation. Because of this, many whites dispised her and refuse to give her her props. In many ways Teena was one of us, so i feel she deserves honorable mention.
Ron Simmons
Not to break your bubble but Teena Marie was white. Her influence on the music is called “blue eyed soul.” She died in 2010
Laura Williams-May
I think it was Duke Ellington who used to get a lot of flack for accepting white guys into his band, but he just said something like “If they got soul, they got soul”,,,,,Love it.
Of all dinah Washington is my very favorite.
I just can’t get down with the disco era plus divas except for a bit of Amy Winehart and early Adele, and both styled themselves after the 60’s divas…..you can hear it..
Phat Man
Ok, so I thought about this some more and realized that I forgot some others that definitely deserve consideration. Lauren Hill as both a singer and a songwriter needs to be atleast considered for any such list; maybe the top 20? Maysa Leak is in my opinion the greatest singer on the planet right now, she just can’t seem to get any airplay on these highly restrictive radio formats we have now. Adreana Evans, the best singer you probably have not heard of. She has the voice of an angel; seriously. I agree with the person who mentioned Angela Winbush. Also Angela Bofill. My gosh, how could I have forgotten ROBERTA FLACK? Definitely a top 10 consideration!!
Laura Williams-May
Thank you for introducing me to maysa. Yes and Roberta I remember so well.
the styling of most current divas seems to me to be lacking….
wonka
J Lo really!
RonRahn
In my book Phyllis Hyman should be # one. And I have a newly found love for Melba Moore she the Queen of dance funk and should have been placed some where below 7 on the list
Sandi
You must be kidding! Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Billy Holiday, Dakota Staton, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Nancy Wilson, Mahalia Jackson, Marion Anderson, Leontine Price, Shirley Bassey, Della Reese , Deniece Williams, Minnie Riperton and many more set the standard for all the singers on your ill conceived list. Many of the women I have listed are not simply among the best ” Black” female voices, but rather among the best voices of all time. Your list might be better labelled some of the top voices in the last 25 years, but it would still be lacking!
Laura Williams-May
right on, as we used to say. And don’t forget Anita Baker…….Dinah Washington is my all time favorite….Thank you for introducing to Dakota
Cat
Im not understanding why Jennifer Lopez is on this list not only is she not black she also is not one of the greatest singers, what about Minnie Riperton, Anita Baker,Sade Denise Williams and if you are going to stray from blacks you most definitely could not leave out that blue eyed soul sister Teena Marie.
Rob
Anita Baker, Sade, Toni Braxton, Angela Winbush, Regina Belle, Stephanie Mills, Shirley Murdock. They should be on this list
Quent
UNDENIABLE? ARE U KIDDING ME? I can agree with maybe half. Maybe! But what about Minnie Ripperton; Sarah Vaughn; Billy Holiday; Tamia;
Sule
First who is Rachelle Ferrell? and what does she do for a living?
Have you ever heard of Ella, Nancy, Billie, Sarah, Carmen, Sade, Mahalia, Marion Anderson or Leontine. You must live in cave and are to stupid to read your own Headline…undeniable, Black, of all time. Lopez? you must be related to here or something
justlookin
Umm Sule, you should really do some research. “Who is Rachelle Farrell?” You might as well have said who is George Duke, Pearl Bailey, Boostie Collins, KEM, or Anita Baker? Rachelle has been in the game a long time. She toured with the Duke and KEM, she did a duet with Will Downing, amongst making some of the best love, jazz, socially aware, and soul music in the past 20+ years.
But don’t mind me, I’m just a huge fan.
Laura Williams-May
Ah we all learn about the greats one at a time……that’s the joy of it. I just found 2 I didn’t know.
Frances
I totally agree with Sule. Where the hell is Ella, Sarah and Billie. In a list of the “best Black singers” of all time – how could they be missing??!! Someone didn’t do their homework.
Eileen
Oh yes, there is work to be done. As a classical trained vocalist, Black, and an ethnomusicologist, from the readings I have taken off the internet, it is time something is done about the lack of information. My work is to not only pay tribute to the Black singer but make sure that the “sound” they have created and is much emulated by almost every culture on the planet is preserved for all time and that the world knows (what some take for granted) who were the originators, and how it has impacted American music and culture, and is still a major force in the world today. Stay tuned, because I can prove it.
Joey
Ummm… Where’s Tina? Donna Summers? Etta James? Wow haha. And I didn’t know J-Lo was Black! lol…..
MS PATRICIA LAZENBY
No one has mentioned Leona Horn, Candi Staton, Dorothy Moore, Jill Scott, but Jennifer Lopez. You could’ve use Seline Deon, not to mention those great that never got their reconition.
I like to know who took the pole for the votes. Whom ever it was they was certainly off point with J -Lo .
Karla With a K
Chante Moore should definitely be on this list. It’s your list, but you know we take our music seriously. The #10 spot was no place for a”joke.”
andre
Any list of vocalists without Ella Fitzgerald is incomplete
Noor
This is not to take away from any of the names listed, but it is just not possible to do this sort of list without acknowledging Diana Ross.
Are you mad? Lopez? Really?
KK
DENIED!! J-Lo?? Seriously? Better than Tina Turner, Ella Fitzerald, Lena Horn, Billie Holiday?
Undeniably poor list.
MC ³
What an empty and pathetic list this is!! If the great and glorious Mahalia Jackson is going to be snubbed, then this whole list is garbage. Yeah, she may have been a gospel singer, but that shouldn’t ostracize her from being at the top of this list. If she would have broken her integrity, she would’ve buried every one of these singers. How DARE you try to bury her because of her integrity!!
R. T.
You lost me with Jennifer Lopez. We were all good up until then. SMH
ANDRE WILKINS
WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC, I MUST ADMIT THE 70’S TO THE EARLY 90’S IS WHERE THE REAL R&B WAS. NOT LIKE TODAY THIS MUSIC THEY CONSIDER R&B IS NOT R&B IT’S RHYTHIMIC SOUL…..I SAY THE BEST THAT EVER DID IT..PHYLLIS HYMAN, PATTIE LABELLE, STEPHANIE MILLS, MELBA MOORE…POWERFULL LADIES!!!!!!!!!!
Laura Williams-May
r and b yes but the classics of the 60s are stil in my heart……
Darryl Ennis
i have a problem with this… where is Nancy Wilson? i seen dionne, phyllis, natalie, even etta… WHERE IS NANCY WILSON IN THIS 12? THIS SHOULD BE REDONE OVER!
Darryl Ennis
NANCY WILSON HAS BEEN RECORDING SINCE 1960. EVEN THOUGH, SHE IS RETIRED NOW, YOU SHOULD GIVE HER DUE! SHE DESERVES IT!
Kirk Abernathy
Minnie and Phyllis should be a lot closer to #1 (although maybe they are not in a particular order?) . And no mention of Deniece Williams or Angela Bofill???!! Angela winbush is also one of the very best and wait!!! Jean Carn should absolutely be on that list. If you go see her live (even today) you’ll know why. She could go toe to toe with ANY of those mentioned.
SouthernGirl59
J.Lo?????? I had no idea she was BLACK!!!! Really? Does she know she is black? You left out JEAN CARNE and REGINA BELLE!
[email protected]
Omg ….it gotta be a joke MIKI HOWARD is not on the list!
tony smith
This list is STUPID. Sarah, Ella, Nancy not on the list = invalid list. And Dionne — she’s good but seriously? Same with Natalie. I’d replace those two easily.
tony smith
Oh, and Stephanie Mills!
DJ Kool Emdee
With my music experience, along with being involved in the music industry and extensive record collection, my top 12 would be much different from this. I have already started compiling a list of the greatest 300 black women vocalists. My list is based totally on skills and range. Nothing to do with sales or popularity. The #1 spots should have gone to either Minnie Riperton or Ella Fitzgerald. Their vocal skills are simply unmatched.
That singer from here in Houston, that’s ‘married’ to the rapper, is not even in my top 5,000. Wait! She’s not on my list at all. [maniacal laughing] I just stumbled across this, looking for something else.
Carrie
Yeah, J-Lo was a mistake here. She’s Puerto Rican and many PRs are of a wide array of races and mixed race, so I checked out her parents to be sure and they don’t look mixed or black. However, I don’t know her family descent so I can’t say. Plus, you can’t assume that just because someone is Latino/a that they aren’t black. We can be both. My issue is that she isn’t that great of a singer in my opinion. Not to say she isn’t good, her talent just isn’t comparable to the other singers on the list. So it’s a mistake. I would prefer to see Tina Turner on the list. There are others that could also be on the list, but it’s 12, so everybody can’t be on the list.
John
The Person who should be included on this list is LINDA JONES She sang (Hypnotized … and Not On The Outside) This lady had the best vocal control of any woman . Listen to these songs on Youtube and then tell me who can match her voice. …NO ONE .
Sean C
Minnie riperton best ever!!!! Hands down
kevin
Diana Ross.
jonscott williams
Hard to take a list like this seriously when you leave out Ella Fitzgerald, Lady Day, Nina Simone, Lena Horn, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRea, Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson while including Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez (no offense but WTF!?!?)
missy
Haha…just because Jennifer Lopez thinks she’s black doesn’t make her black.
Haha…just because Jennifer Lopez thinks she can sing doesn’t mean she can sing.
Haha…just because Jennifer Lopez sang a few half-assed songs in the last decade doesn’t mean she is an “undeniable top female singer of all time.”
Whoever created was either joking, confused, or stupid…I’m gonna go with the latter. The fact that “All-Time” is hyphenated in the title speaks volumes to this person’s intelligence and education. Haha
Pamela
I agree with John. Linda Jones was one of the best singers ever!! She definitely should be on any list of best or favorite African American female singers.
Beverly
How can you forget Stephanie Mills and Regina Bell?
Tem Kuda
She’s good. But top 12?
Tem Kuda
Dianna Ross and Roberta Flack. These must be in the top 12. I can easily find two to shift out.
Jayjay6
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.
Dan
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?
Dan
Oh yes, and jonscott williams is spot-on as well. Where is Lena Horne et. al.?
Flitcraft
Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Sarah Vaughn . . .
Devin
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.
Angie-Gaye
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.
Erniet Preston
TAMMI TERRELL… need I say more???
Anonymous
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!!!
Anonymous
missing the greats – sarah, ella and nina
Anonymous
Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Leontyne Price have obviously been inadvertently omitted.
Anonymous
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!
Jimmie
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.
Paul Baylis
Where the heck is Roberta Flack? Who compiled this dud list.
syl
mariah carey? black female singers…. Mariah Freaking Carey?!!!!
Christa
Please remove Mariah Carey !!!! She cannot complete with these legendary women….Tina Turner, Roberta Flack..Diana Ross..Donna Summer…etc..
Phyllis Venkataya
This holiday season I sure miss Whitney Houston with a Christmas Singing Gospel special. Love you Ms. Houston.
Blen
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
Steve
Betty Carter….Sarah, Ella, Diana Ross, Whitney…so many
Anonymous
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.
.
thabo mothoa
How could we not mention randy crawford
thabo mothoa
The list is incomplete without the marvellous Patti Austin,she is probably one of the finest voices ever
Anonymous
Nina Simoooooone !!!!!!!!!
Ra-Reason
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.
nikki
Stephanie Mills off the list. That’s crazy#!!
Stef
This is supposed to be about female singers and Minnie Ripperton is no where on the list. Thats total b.s
Anthony Dickerson
I agree.
mslyn
Where is Minnie Riperton whose range topped Mariah Carey’s!!!!!
Anonymous
Is Maria Carey black? Really?
Anthony Dickerson
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.
Charles P. Edwards III
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.
KevRoss
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???
Poindexter
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.
KevRoss
I hope life brings you more joy my friend.
My Best.
Reginald Dawson
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.
Anonymous
When I saw Phyllis Hyman’s name, I knew you all were serious about this list.
Leslie Warner
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.
Cornelius Gardner
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……
Earth Tones
Where is LINDA JONES? She was Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklins favorite singer! #factcheck!
Jerry Campbell
take out philis hyman and put in minnie ipperton
WAINWRIGHT
WHAT
NO ANITA BAKER
LINDA JONES
MINNIE RIPPERTON
[TINA MARI] OPPS
ANGELA BOFIL
DaManDL
remove Mariah and replace with Minnie Ripperton and/or Mavis Staples
RL Gates
Mahalia Jackson
The Menace At Hand
For me, I would have added Anita Baker.
Helen
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.
Virgil Baldon, Jr.
Disappointed I didn’t see Miss Peaches-ETTA JAMES on the list. Silk and Power in the same voice!
hugh
How about Jean Carn?
Robert
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.
Matthew
Where is dee dee sharp? Most of the choice’s were from today’s generation.where are the black early rockers?
Anonymous
Linda Jones the most soulful singer ever
COZY COOL COLZ
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
E. Hurner
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?!
Graham Ruttet
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,
Boy Aloma
A joke to place Whitney before Chaka and Aretha. Whitney is not on my list because I do not care much for pop.
Anonymous
I realize that all the singers mentioned in the comments, the asking/wondering why they aren’t included and I agree with the fact that all that are mentioned are extremely talented, however the list is naming the 12 best of all times, it should have been titled “12 of the best” which would give the understanding that there are many more but these are the 12 we’ve narrowed it down to which was extremely difficult. I recognize the difference in “sanging” and having the ability to sing, and in “my opinion” the only name that should not be on that list is Mariah Carey, who though she has a pretty voice is not qualified as one of the 12 best black females singers of all time, try to appreciate the difference and the list will make more sense. I would have put Stephanie Mills before Mariah Carey or even Angela Winbush. All I’m giving is my opinion and you know what they say about that, so please keep the hate…
Louvernia Scott
J.Low should not be on list. What happened to Theola kilgard, Kim weston, the channels oh it soooooooooo many. List very incomplete
Cds
List is bogus without Diana Ross, just saying
Jackie Gillespie
I think this list is right on target, except for Mariah Carey. I would put Minnie Riperton in her spot. I think while many singers are good, are they unique? How do they stand out?
Anonymous
Mahalia Jackson, “Dame” Shirley Bassey and Jennifer Hudson are conspicuously absent.
Leo Pusateri
I think Della Reese should certainly deserve honorable mention, if not placed in the top list. She could really belt it out.
Lillian
you NEVER heard of Beyoncé ??!!!!
NTG
Why Diana Ross not on this list?
ROBERT
Not one mention of Diane Ross, what planet were.you raised on ?
Edmond Gehr
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