20 of the Best 1970s Female Singers
The contributions of 1970s female singers were nothing short of extraordinary.
From soulful ballads to rock anthems, powerhouse vocalists left an indelible mark on the era. Even today, songs from these women continue to transcend time and inspire people across generations.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and celebrate the iconic female voices that defined the 1970s!
20 Popular 1970s Female Singers
Do you love songs from the 1970s? If so, here are some of this decade’s popular female musicians!
1. Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, widely recognized as one of the top female singers of the 70s, truly earned her title as the Queen of Soul during this decade. With her unmatched vocal power and emotional depth, she became a dominant force in the music industry.
Hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” not only captivated audiences but also solidified her status as one of the greatest female vocalists in history. Her influence and contributions to soul, R&B, and pop music left an enduring legacy that still resonates today.
2. Stevie Nicks: A Rock Goddess
Stevie Nicks, often regarded as one of the best female singers of the 70s, captivated audiences as the mystical frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac. Her unique, raspy voice and ethereal stage presence were key elements in the band’s massive success during this era.
Nicks contributed unforgettable hits like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide,” which showcased her distinctive vocal style and solidified her place as one of the most iconic female artists of the 1970s. Her influence in rock and pop music remains timeless.
3. Dolly Parton: The Country Icon
Dolly Parton, an American country music singer, left an indelible mark on the country music scene. She even ventured into pop music with grace!
Parton’s timeless music, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” continue to resonate across generations.
4. Carly Simon: A Voice of Emotion
Carly Simon, recognized as one of the best female singers of the 70s, captivated the music world with her expressive voice and deeply introspective lyrics. Her studio albums during this era catapulted her to stardom, and hits like “You’re So Vain” became defining anthems of the decade.
Simon’s undeniable talent and emotional storytelling made her a beloved and influential artist, leaving a lasting impact on the music scene of the 1970s.
5. Barbra Streisand: An Icon in Every Sense
Barbra Streisand, widely regarded as one of the top female singers of the 70s, is an iconic trailblazer for women in the music industry. With an impressive array of awards, including Oscars and Academy Awards, her influence on both music and popular culture is undeniable.
Streisand is best known for her timeless hit “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star is Born),” which solidified her place among the greatest artists of the era. Her remarkable talent and lasting legacy continue to inspire generations.
6. Donna Summer: The Queen of Disco
Donna Summer, known as the Queen of Disco, dominated the late 1970s music scene with her energetic and soulful voice.
Hits like “Hot Stuff” and “Last Dance” made her an international success. She was a driving force in the 70s club music culture!
7. Karen Carpenter: A Timeless Voice
Karen Carpenter had an incredible ability to touch the soul through her distinctive vocals.
Her contributions to folk and soul earned her a special place in the hearts of many. You may know Karen Carpenter for “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
8. Joni Mitchell: The Folk Poetess
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter that enchanted audiences with her poetic lyrics.
Her impact on the folk music scene was profound, and studio albums like “Blue” solidified her as a critical singer in the 1970s.
9. Bette Midler: The Divine Miss M
Bette Midler, with her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals, became a force to be reckoned with in the 1970s.
Her eclectic musical styles garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
10. Donna Fargo: Country’s Sweetheart
Donna Fargo is an American country music singer who made waves in the 1970s with her unique singing style.
Her hit single “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.” propelled her to country music stardom, marking the beginning of a successful career.
11. Joan Baez: Folk Icon
Joan Baez, an iconic figure in the folk scene, used her voice to advocate for social justice and civil rights movements.
Her introspective lyrics and powerful performances resonated with audiences. Songs like “Diamonds and Rust” made her a respected figure in music.
12. Gladys Knight: Soulful Sensation
Gladys Knight was the lead singer of Gladys Knight & The Pips. She showcased her soulful voice and harmony vocals in the 1970s.
Hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” cemented her status as an influential woman in the music industry.
13. Anne Murray: The Canadian Songbird
With her pure and captivating voice, Murray garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success. Her debut album showcased her versatility by blending pop and country influences.
Murray’s hit song “You Needed Me” even lasted 17 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100!
14. Joan Armatrading: The British Singer-Songwriter
Joan Armatrading, a British singer-songwriter, brought a unique blend of folk, rock, and jazz to the 1970s music scene.
Her powerful vocals and lyrics earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. You may know Armatrading for “Love and Affection.”
15. Etta James: The Blues and R&B Queen
Etta James, with her emotional intensity and distinctive voice, made a significant impact on the blues and R&B genres.
Despite her many setbacks in life, she garnered Grammy nominations for her 1973 Etta James debut album.
16. Ann Wilson: Heart’s Lead Vocalist
Ann Wilson, the lead vocalist of Heart, rocked the 1970s with her powerful voice and impactful performances.
Heart’s biggest-selling single, “Barracuda,” showcased her vocal prowess. It made her an influential woman in rock music!
17. Candi Staton: Soulful Gospel Queen
Candi Staton, known for her expressive voice, seamlessly blended soul and gospel influences in her music.
Hits like “Young Hearts Run Free” and “Stand By Your Man” solidified her status as a powerhouse vocalist in the 1970s.
18. Agnetha Fältskog: The Swedish Pop Sensation
Agnetha Fältskog, the lead singer of the legendary pop group ABBA, became a global sensation in the 1970s.
Known for her angelic voice, Fältskog contributed to the group’s international success with “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia.”
19. Roberta Flack: The Soulful Siren
Flack captivated audiences with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Her contributions to the music industry continue to resonate with people today, marking her as a timeless icon.
20. Tammy Wynette: The First Lady of Country Music
Last but not least, American singer Tammy Wynette was a dominant force in the country music industry during the 1970s.
Her classic song, “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” showcased her expressive voice and solidified her as the First Lady of Country Music.
Conclusion
These 1970s female singers not only shaped the decade but also laid the foundation for generations of artists to come.
If you found our list useful, consider also checking out the one-hit wonders of the 1970s!