Many of us fondly remember the soulful melodies and powerful voices that defined the music of the 1960s and 1970s.

This blog post highlights the immense talent and lasting impact of extraordinary Black women singers from that era.

We will explore the lives and legacies of trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Nina Simone, who broke barriers and captivated audiences with their raw emotion and vocal prowess.

We will journey through the stories of these remarkable artists, from their chart-topping hits to their activism and influence on future generations. 

Remarkable Black Female Singers of The ’60s and 70s

In the 1960s, soul and R&B music, exploded onto the scene, capturing the hearts and minds of listeners everywhere.

These genres, deeply rooted in the African American experience, gave voice to a new social and cultural change era.

Soul and R&B provided a powerful platform for Black female vocalists to shine.

Artists like Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross commanded stages with raw, expressive performances that resonated profoundly with audiences.

Their music spoke to the Black community’s struggles, joys, and resilience.

The impact of these genres was seismic.

Soul and R&B topped the charts, crossing racial boundaries and bringing people together through the universal language of music.

The success of Black female artists in this era was a watershed moment, breaking down long-standing barriers and inspiring future generations.

Their influence still reverberates through the music industry today.

1. Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson was known as the “Queen of Gospel.”

Her powerful and soulful voice made her a central figure in gospel music.

Born in 1911 in New Orleans, she grew up singing in church choirs and became one of the most influential gospel singers ever.

Jackson’s music was deeply rooted in her faith, and she used her platform to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.

Her performances were characterized by their emotional depth and spiritual intensity, earning her a dedicated following and widespread acclaim.

• Famous songs: “Move On Up a Little Higher,” “How I Got Over,” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
• Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1927–1971

2. Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown, often called “Miss Rhythm,” was a pioneering R&B singer whose career spanned several decades.

Born 1928 in Portsmouth, Virginia, she began singing at a young age and signed with Atlantic Records in the late 1940s.

Brown’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence helped to shape the sound of R&B in the 1950s and ’60s.

She was known for her ability to convey deep emotion through her music, making her one of the most beloved singers of her time.

Brown’s contributions to music extended beyond her singing, as she fought for artists’ rights and better treatment in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Teardrops from My Eyes,” “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” “Lucky Lips”
• Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1948–2006

3. Shirley Bassey

Shirley Bassey, known for her powerful voice and dramatic delivery, became an international star in the 1960s and ’70s.

Born in 1937 in Cardiff, Wales, she began her career as a nightclub singer before achieving worldwide fame.

Bassey is perhaps best known for her work on the James Bond film soundtracks, where her strong, expressive voice brought the themes to life.

Her ability to convey emotion and commanding stage presence made her a favorite among audiences and critics.

• Famous songs: “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Big Spender”
• Awards: Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), BRIT Award for Best British Female Solo Artist
• Years Active: 1953–present

4. Mary Wells

Mary Wells, known as the “Queen of Motown,” was one of the label’s first big stars.

Born in 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, she signed with Motown Records at a young age and quickly became a sensation.

Wells’ smooth, soulful voice and girl-next-door charm made her a fan favorite.

Her collaborations with Smokey Robinson resulted in some of the most memorable hits of the early Motown era.

Wells’ music was crucial in establishing Motown as a dominant force in the music industry.

• Famous songs: “My Guy,” “You Beat Me to the Punch,” “Two Lovers”
• Awards: Grammy nomination, induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1960–1990

5. Martha Reeves

Martha Reeves was the dynamic lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, a group that became one of Motown’s most successful acts.

Born in 1941 in Eufaula, Alabama, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Reeves began her career as a secretary at Motown before stepping into the spotlight.

Her powerful, energetic voice and commanding stage presence helped to define the Motown sound.

Reeves and her group delivered a string of hits that became anthems of the ’60s, characterized by their infectious energy and danceable beats.

• Famous songs: “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run”
• Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1957–present

6. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was one of music’s most influential and acclaimed singers.

Born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin began her career singing gospel at her father’s church.

She signed with Columbia Records in 1960, but her move to Atlantic Records in 1967 catapulted her to fame.

Franklin’s powerful voice, emotional depth, and commanding presence made her a global icon.

Her music blended soul, gospel, and R&B, resonated with audiences, and left an indelible mark on the industry.

• Famous songs: “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools”
• Awards: 18 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1956–2018

7. Diana Ross

Diana Ross first rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes, one of the best-selling girl groups ever.

Born in 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, Ross’s career began with Motown Records in the early 1960s.

As a solo artist, she enjoyed continued success with a series of hits that showcased her versatile voice and glamorous style.

Ross’s influence extended beyond music; she became a fashion icon and a successful actress, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Lady Sings the Blues.”

• Famous songs: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down,” “I’m Coming Out”
• Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with The Supremes)
• Years Active: 1959–present

8. Nina Simone

Nina Simone, born in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, was a singer, pianist, and civil rights activist whose music spanned jazz, blues, classical, and folk.

Known for her distinctive voice and deeply emotional performances, Simone’s music often addressed social justice issues, making her a powerful voice in the civil rights movement.

Her ability to blend different musical genres and her fearless approach to addressing political and social issues in her music set her apart as an artist.

• Famous songs: “Feeling Good,” “I Put a Spell on You,” “Sinnerman”
• Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honorary doctorate from the Curtis Institute of Music
• Years Active: 1954–2003

9. Tina Turner

Tina Turner, known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” began her career as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.

Born in 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner rose to fame in the 1960s with energetic performances and a string of hits.

After separating from Ike Turner, she launched a successful solo career that cemented her status as a music legend.

Turner’s powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and resilience made her one of the most enduring and beloved performers in rock history.

• Famous songs: “Proud Mary,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer”
• Awards: 12 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (twice, both solo and with Ike Turner)
• Years Active: 1957–2023

10. Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight, often called the “Empress of Soul,” gained fame as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips.

Born in 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia, Knight’s smooth and powerful voice brought a unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop to the group’s music.

With a career spanning over six decades, Knight has remained a beloved figure in music, known for her emotive singing and classic hits that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

• Famous songs: “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us,” “If I Were Your Woman”
• Awards: 7 Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, BET Lifetime Achievement Award
• Years Active: 1952–present

11. Etta James

Etta James, born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California, was a powerful and versatile singer whose music spanned R&B, blues, soul, and jazz.

Known for her deep, earthy voice and emotive performances, James’s music captured the struggles and triumphs of love and life.

Her enduring influence and ability to convey profound emotion through her music made her one of the most respected and admired singers of her time.

• Famous songs: “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” “I’d Rather Go Blind”
• Awards: 6 Grammy Awards, 17 Blues Music Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1954–2012

12. Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick, born in 1940 in East Orange, New Jersey, is one of the most charted female vocalists of all time.

Her career took off in the early 1960s with a string of hits written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Warwick’s smooth, sophisticated voice and impeccable phrasing made her a favorite on the pop and R&B charts.

She is known for her elegant performances and timeless hits that enchant audiences.

• Famous songs: “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “That’s What Friends Are For”
• Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, NAACP Image Award
• Years Active: 1955–present

13. Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples, born in 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, is a gospel and soul singer who began her career with The Staple Singers.

Known for her rich, powerful voice, Staples played a significant role in the civil rights movement, using her music to inspire and uplift.

Her solo career has been equally impactful, blending gospel, soul, and blues into a unique sound that speaks to the heart and soul of her listeners.

• Famous songs: “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” “You Are Not Alone”
• Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with The Staple Singers)
• Years Active: 1950–present

14. Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack is renowned for her smooth, soulful voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music.

Born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she began her career as a classically trained pianist before transitioning to popular music.

Flack’s breakthrough came in the early ’70s with hits that showcased her delicate touch and emotional depth.

Her music often blends elements of jazz, soul, and pop, making her one of the most versatile and beloved artists of her time.

Flack’s songs are characterized by their introspective lyrics and her impeccable vocal delivery.

• Famous songs: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love”
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance
• Years Active: 1968–present

15. Carla Thomas

Carla Thomas, known as the “Queen of Memphis Soul,” was a defining voice of the Stax Records sound.

Born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, she began performing at a young age, often singing duets with her father, Rufus Thomas. Carla’s sweet yet powerful voice made her a standout artist in the ’60s and ’70s.

Her songs often featured a blend of soul, R&B, and pop influences, and she became one of the most successful female artists on the Stax label.

Thomas’ music is noted for its heartfelt delivery and soulful melodies.

• Famous songs: “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes),” “B-A-B-Y,” “Tramp” (with Otis Redding)
• Awards: Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation
• Years Active: 1960–present

16. Betty Wright

Betty Wright was a powerhouse vocalist known for her vibrant stage presence and ability to convey raw emotion through her music.

Born in 1953 in Miami, Florida, she began singing gospel music before moving into R&B and soul.

Wright’s breakout hit came in the early ’70s, and she quickly became known for her powerful voice and commanding performances.

Her music often dealt with themes of love and empowerment, resonating with audiences across generations.

Wright also played a significant role behind the scenes as a producer and mentor to younger artists.

• Famous songs: “Clean Up Woman,” “Tonight Is the Night,” “No Pain, (No Gain)”
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
• Years Active: 1966–2020

17. Esther Phillips

Esther Phillips was a versatile singer whose career spanned various genres, including R&B, jazz, soul, and country.

Born in 1935 in Galveston, Texas, she began performing as a child and gained early fame as Little Esther.

Phillips’ distinctive voice and emotional delivery made her a beloved figure in the music world.

Her ability to adapt to different musical styles set her apart from many of her contemporaries.

Despite facing personal struggles, Phillips continued to produce memorable music that resonated with audiences.

• Famous songs: “Release Me,” “What a Difference a Day Makes,” “Home Is Where the Hatred Is”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Vocal Performance
• Years Active: 1948–1984

18. Millie Jackson

Millie Jackson is known for her powerful voice and frank, often humorous approach to singing about love and relationships.

Born in 1944 in Thomson, Georgia, she began her music career in the late ’60s.

Jackson’s bold and brassy style set her apart from many of her peers.

She is noted for her ability to blend soul, funk, and R&B into her music, creating a unique and compelling sound.

Jackson’s performances often featured spoken word segments, adding a personal and intimate touch to her songs.

• Famous songs: “It Hurts So Good,” “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right),” “Ask Me What You Want”
• Awards: Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation
• Years Active: 1964–present

19. Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas, known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” has been a beloved figure in the soul and R&B music scenes for decades.

Born in 1941 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, she began singing at a young age and recorded her first hit in the early ’60s.

Thomas’ rich, emotive voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music have made her a favorite among fans.

Her songs often reflect the spirit and culture of New Orleans, blending soul, R&B, and gospel influences.

• Famous songs: “Time Is on My Side,” “Wish Someone Would Care,” “It’s Raining”
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album
• Years Active: 1959–present

20. Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton was an American singer-songwriter best known for her five-octave vocal range and her 1975 single “Lovin’ You.”

Born in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, Riperton began her music career as a backup singer for various artists before achieving solo success.

Her unique voice and ability to hit high, whistle-register notes set her apart in the music industry.

Riperton’s music, a blend of soul, R&B, and pop, continues influencing artists today.

Her career was tragically cut short when she passed away from breast cancer at the age of 31.

• Famous songs: “Lovin’ You,” “Inside My Love,” “Memory Lane”
• Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1962–1979

21. Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens in 1953, is known as the “Queen of Funk.”

Her career began with the band Rufus, where her powerful voice and stage presence quickly gained attention.

Khan’s solo career took off in the late ’70s, and she has since become one of the most influential singers in funk, R&B, and soul music.

Her distinctive voice and dynamic performances have earned her numerous accolades and a devoted fanbase.

• Famous songs: “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “Through the Fire”
• Awards: 10 Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1970–present

22. Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle, born Patricia Louise Holte in 1944, is a legendary singer known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery.

She began her career as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles before achieving solo success in the ’70s and ’80s.

LaBelle’s music spans several genres, including R&B, soul, and pop.

Her enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.

• Famous songs: “Lady Marmalade,” “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude”
• Awards: Grammy Award, BET Lifetime Achievement Award
• Years Active: 1959–present

23. Thelma Houston

Thelma Houston, born in 1946 in Leland, Mississippi, is best known for her disco classic “Don’t Leave Me This Way.”

She began her career singing gospel before transitioning to soul and pop music.

Houston’s powerful voice and dynamic performances helped her become a standout artist in the ’70s disco scene.

Her music continues to be celebrated, and she remains an influential figure.

• Famous songs: “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” “You Used to Hold Me So Tight,” “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning”
• Awards: Grammy Award
• Years Active: 1966–present

24. Denise LaSalle

Denise LaSalle, born Ora Denise Allen in 1939, was a prominent blues and R&B singer-songwriter known for her sassy, outspoken style.

Her music often addressed themes of love, relationships, and personal empowerment.

LaSalle’s distinctive voice and candid lyrics resonated with audiences, making her one of the most respected blues singers of her time.

Her contributions to music extended beyond her own recordings, as she also wrote songs for other artists.

• Famous songs: “Trapped by a Thing Called Love,” “Now Run and Tell That,” “Man Sized Job”
• Awards: Blues Music Award, induction into the Blues Hall of Fame
• Years Active: 1967–2018

25. Fontella Bass

Fontella Bass, born in 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri, was a singer known for her powerful voice and hit single “Rescue Me.”

Growing up in a musical family, Bass began singing in church before transitioning to secular music.

Her style blended gospel, soul, and R&B, and she became a prominent figure in the ’60s music scene.

Despite facing challenges in the industry, Bass’s music has endured, and “Rescue Me” remains a timeless classic.

• Famous songs: “Rescue Me,” “Recovery,” “You’ll Never Know”
• Awards: Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award
• Years Active: 1961–2006

26. Dee Dee Warwick

Dee Dee Warwick, born Delia Mae Warrick in 1942, was a soul singer known for her emotive voice and close harmonies with her sister, Dionne Warwick.

Dee’s music career began in the late ’50s, and she found success with several hits in the ’60s and ’70s.

Despite not achieving the same fame as her sister, Dee Dee’s contributions to soul music were significant, and she remains a respected figure in the genre.

• Famous songs: “I Want to Be with You,” “Foolish Fool,” “She Didn’t Know (She Kept on Talking)”
• Awards: Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award
• Years Active: 1960–2008

27. Cissy Houston

Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard in 1933, is a renowned gospel and soul singer and the mother of Whitney Houston.

She began her career singing backup for major artists before launching a solo career.

Cissy’s powerful voice and gospel roots have made her a respected figure in the music industry.

Her influence extends beyond her own recordings, as she played a significant role in shaping the careers of other artists, including her daughter.

• Famous songs: “Think It Over,” “Warning-Danger,” “Midnight Train to Georgia” (background vocals)
• Awards: Grammy Award
• Years Active: 1956–present

28. Ann Peebles

Ann Peebles, born in 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, is a singer and songwriter known for her deep, soulful voice and passionate performances.

Her music often explores themes of love and heartache, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Peebles’ blend of soul, R&B, and blues has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Her contributions to the Memphis soul scene are particularly notable.

• Famous songs: “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down,” “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home”
• Awards: Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award
• Years Active: 1969–2012

29. Barbara Lynn

Barbara Lynn, born Barbara Lynn Ozen in 1942, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her distinctive voice and soulful blues sound.

Lynn’s music often features themes of love and empowerment, and she is one of the few female artists of her time to play lead guitar.

Her innovative style and heartfelt lyrics have made her a beloved figure in the blues and soul genres.

• Famous songs: “You’ll Lose a Good Thing,” “You Don’t Have to Go,” “Oh Baby (We Got a Good Thing Goin’)”
• Awards: Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award
• Years Active: 1962–present

30. Jean Knight

Jean Knight, born in 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is best known for her hit single “Mr. Big Stuff,” which became a defining song of the ’70s soul era.

Knight’s strong, sassy vocals and infectious energy made her a standout artist in the soul and R&B genres.

Despite facing challenges in her career, Knight’s music has remained popular, and she continues to perform and inspire new generations of artists.

• Famous songs: “Mr. Big Stuff,” “You Think You’re Hot Stuff,” “Carry On”
• Awards: Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award
• Years Active: 1965–present

Influence and Legacy: Black Female Singers of The ’60s and 70s

The extraordinary Black women singers of the 1960s and 1970s left an indelible mark on music and society.

• Their powerful voices and poignant lyrics reflected the experiences, hopes, and resilience of a community striving for equality and justice.
• These artists’ cultural impact extended far beyond the stage.
• They used their platforms to address social issues, inspire activism, and promote pride in Black identity.
• Their music became the soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement, providing solace, strength, and a rallying cry for change.
• Perhaps most significantly, these trailblazing women paved the way for future generations of artists.
• Their courage in confronting adversity and unwavering commitment to their craft opened doors for countless others to follow.
• Today’s musicians, across genres, owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneers who refused to be silenced or diminished.
• The lasting legacy of these extraordinary women endures.

Their timeless hits continue to uplift and unite people worldwide, a testament to the transformative power of their art and their enduring place in music history.

Conclusion

In an era of immense social change, the extraordinary Black women singers of the 1960s and 1970s used their powerful voices to inspire and unite.

Their music transcended genres, becoming the soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement and a source of pride for the African American community.

Legends like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Nina Simone left an indelible mark, paving the way for future artists to express themselves fearlessly.

So what’s next? These trailblazing women opened doors, but more work remains to ensure equal opportunity in the music industry and beyond.

Their stories remind us to celebrate diverse voices and perspectives continually.

Join the conversation. Reflect on how these artists’ impact still resonates today, and share your experiences in the comments below.