Many music lovers find it hard to name more than a handful of iconic American female musicians.

This gap in knowledge doesn’t do justice to the incredible women who’ve shaped our music landscape.

Don’t worry – we’re here to change that.

This list will introduce you to 35 legendary American women who’ve made their mark in music.

We’ll take you through various genres and decades, showcasing artists who’ve broken barriers and inspired generations.

You’ll discover the diverse talents that have enriched American music, from soulful jazz singers to fierce rock stars, from country queens to pop princesses.

Prepare to expand your musical horizons and gain a new appreciation for these remarkable women.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a music enthusiast, this list will leave you in awe of their achievements.

List of Iconic American Female Musicians

1. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” revolutionized music with her powerful voice and deeply emotional performances.

Her career spanned several decades and made her an icon in American music history.

• Years Active: 1956–2017
  Date of Birth: March 25, 1942
• Major Albums: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Lady Soul, Amazing Grace
• Major Achievements: 18 Grammy Awards, first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987)

2. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was an American singer and actress widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists ever.

Her powerful voice and stage presence left an enduring pop and R&B music legacy.

• Years Active: 1977–2012
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1963
• Major Albums: Whitney Houston, The Bodyguard Soundtrack, My Love Is Your Love
• Major Achievements: 7-time Grammy Award winner, best-selling female artist of all time (over 200 million records sold)

3. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin, a force in the psychedelic rock movement, became a symbol of counterculture in the 1960s.

Known for her bluesy, raw voice, she had a short yet influential career.

• Years Active: 1962–1970
• Date of Birth: January 19, 1943
• Major Albums: Cheap Thrills, Pearl
• Major Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1995), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2005)

4. Tina Turner

Tina Turner is an American-born Swiss singer and actress who became one of the world’s best-selling artists with her dynamic stage presence and hit songs in the rock and pop genres.

• Years Active: 1957–2009
• Date of Birth: November 26, 1939
• Major Albums: Private Dancer, Break Every Rule, Foreign Affair
• Major Achievements: 12 Grammy Awards, known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”

5. Beyoncé

Beyoncé, one of the most influential musicians of her generation, has dominated the pop and R&B scenes with her unparalleled vocal talent and fierce performances.

• Years Active: 1997–present
• Date of Birth: September 4, 1981
• Major Albums: Dangerously in Love, Lemonade, Renaissance
• Major Achievements: 32 Grammy Awards (most awarded singer in Grammy history), 26 MTV Video Music Awards

6. Diana Ross

Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes before launching a successful solo career, becoming a major figure in both pop and R&B music.

• Years Active: 1959–present
• Date of Birth: March 26, 1944
• Major Albums: Diana Ross, Touch Me in the Morning, The Boss
• Major Achievements: Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award (2012), Kennedy Center Honors (2007)

7. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song,” was one of the most popular jazz singers in America.

She was celebrated for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, and improvisational ability.

• Years Active: 1934–1993
• Date of Birth: April 25, 1917
• Major Albums: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook, Ella and Louis, Ella in Berlin
• Major Achievements: 14 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992)

8. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time.

Her vibrant, expressive voice and unique phrasing defined a generation of vocalists in the jazz genre.

• Years Active: 1930–1959
• Date of Birth: April 7, 1915
• Major Albums: Lady in Satin, Billie Holiday Sings, Songs for Distingué Lovers
• Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1987), inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

9. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is an American singer-songwriter known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist.

Her ethereal voice and poetic lyrics have made her a defining figure in rock music.

• Years Active: 1966–present
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1948
• Major Albums: Bella Donna, The Wild Heart, Rumours (with Fleetwood Mac)
• Major Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist)

10. Cher

Cher is an iconic pop artist who has succeeded in music, television, and film.

She is known for her distinctive contralto voice and versatility across music genres.

• Years Active: 1963–present
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1946
• Major Albums: Believe, Heart of Stone, Cher
• Major Achievements: 1 Academy Award, 1 Grammy Award, 1 Emmy Award (EGOT winner)

11. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for blending R&B, soul, and classical piano influences.

She has become a prominent voice in contemporary music.

• Years Active: 1996–present
• Date of Birth: January 25, 1981
• Major Albums: Songs in A Minor, The Diary of Alicia Keys, Here
• Major Achievements: 15 Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Award Woman of the Year (2008)

12. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is an American singer and songwriter known for her five-octave vocal range and melismatic singing style.

She is one of the best-selling female artists of all time.

• Years Active: 1988–present
• Date of Birth: March 27, 1969
• Major Albums: Daydream, Music Box, The Emancipation of Mimi
• Major Achievements: 5 Grammy Awards, Guinness World Record holder for most number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100

13. Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a country music icon whose career spans over six decades.

She is known for her remarkable songwriting and contributions to country and pop music.

• Years Active: 1956–present
• Date of Birth: January 19, 1946
• Major Albums: Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, Here You Come Again
• Major Achievements: 11 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors (2006), and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

14. Patti Smith

Patti Smith is a rock and punk icon known for blending poetry and music in her groundbreaking albums.

Often referred to as the “Godmother of Punk,” she has profoundly influenced punk rock and alternative music.

• Years Active: 1971–present
• Date of Birth: December 30, 1946
• Major Albums: Horses, Easter, Wave
• Major Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2007), National Book Award for her memoir Just Kids

15. Etta James

Etta James was a legendary singer whose work spanned the genres of blues, R&B, jazz, and gospel.

She is best known for her deep, powerful voice and passionate delivery.

• Years Active: 1954–2012
• Date of Birth: January 25, 1938
• Major Albums: At Last!, Tell Mama, The Second Time Around
• Major Achievements: 6 Grammy Awards, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993)

16. Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is a singer and actress who has achieved major success in music and film.

She is known for her powerful voice and versatility across multiple genres.

• Years Active: 1960–present
• Date of Birth: April 24, 1942
• Major Albums: Guilty, The Broadway Album, The Way We Were
• Major Achievements: 10 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors (2008)

17. Carole King

Carole King is one of American music’s most successful and celebrated songwriters.

She has written or co-written over 100 hit songs and remains a trailblazer in the singer-songwriter genre.

• Years Active: 1958–present
• Date of Birth: February 9, 1942
• Major Albums: Tapestry, Music, Writer
• Major Achievements: 4 Grammy Awards, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (as a songwriter and as a performer)

18. Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow is a singer-songwriter with commercial success across various genres, including pop, rock, and country.

Known for her guitar skills and raspy voice, Crow has a long-standing career in American music.

• Years Active: 1986–present
• Date of Birth: February 11, 1962
• Major Albums: Tuesday Night Music Club, Sheryl Crow, The Globe Sessions
• Major Achievements: 9 Grammy Awards, sold over 50 million albums worldwide

19. Bette Midler

Bette Midler is a singer, actress, and comedian known for her distinctive voice and theatrical performances.

Her career, spanning over five decades, has won accolades in both music and acting.

• Years Active: 1965–present
• Date of Birth: December 1, 1945
• Major Albums: The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, Some People’s Lives
• Major Achievements: 3 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards nominations, 3 Primetime Emmy Awards

20. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is an American pop icon known for her theatrical style, powerful voice, and groundbreaking performances.

She has pushed the boundaries of music and fashion while becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

• Years Active: 2001–present
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1986
• Major Albums: The Fame, Born This Way, Joanne
• Major Achievements: 13 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards, Academy Award for Best Original Song (Shallow)

21. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is a pop-rock artist who gained fame by winning the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002.

Known for her powerful voice and diverse catalog, she has become one of America’s most beloved singers.

• Years Active: 2002–present
• Date of Birth: April 24, 1982
• Major Albums: Breakaway, Stronger, Meaning of Life
• Major Achievements: 3 Grammy Awards, winner of American Idol (2002)

22. Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus began her career as a teen idol on Disney’s Hannah Montana and has since evolved into a pop star with many musical styles.

Known for her distinctive voice and daring performances, she has made her mark in pop culture.

• Years Active: 2001–present
• Date of Birth: November 23, 1992
• Major Albums: Bangerz, Younger Now, Plastic Hearts
• Major Achievements: MTV Best Artist of the Year (2013), numerous Billboard Music Awards

23. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is a country music superstar who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol in 2005.

Her vocal range and blend of country-pop styles have made her one of the most successful artists in country music.

• Years Active: 2005–present
• Date of Birth: March 10, 1983
• Major Albums: Some Hearts, Blown Away, Cry Pretty
• Major Achievements: 8 Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards

24. Katy Perry

Katy Perry is a pop artist known for her catchy hits, vibrant performances, and larger-than-life persona.

Her influence on modern pop music and culture has been significant since her breakthrough in the late 2000s.

• Years Active: 2001–present
• Date of Birth: October 25, 1984
• Major Albums: Teenage Dream, Prism, Witness
• Major Achievements: 5 American Music Awards, numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits, including record-tying 5 number-one singles from Teenage Dream

25. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is a global pop and country icon known for her songwriting prowess and narrative-driven lyrics.

She has consistently reinvented herself and remains one of the most influential artists in music today.

• Years Active: 2006–present
• Date of Birth: December 13, 1989
• Major Albums: Fearless, 1989, Folklore
• Major Achievements: 12 Grammy Awards, the only artist to win Album of the Year three times at the Grammys

26. Lizzo

Lizzo is a singer, rapper, and flutist known for her body-positive messages, bold personality, and empowering lyrics.

She gained widespread fame with her breakout album Cuz I Love You.

• Years Active: 2010–present
• Date of Birth: April 27, 1988
• Major Albums: Cuz I Love You, Special
• Major Achievements: 4 Grammy Awards, TIME’s Entertainer of the Year (2019)

27. Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish is a genre-defying artist who gained fame in her teens for her unique blend of electropop, dark lyrics, and whispery vocal style.

She became a global sensation with her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

• Years Active: 2015–present
• Date of Birth: December 18, 2001
• Major Albums: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, Happier Than Ever
• Major Achievements: 7 Grammy Awards, youngest artist to sweep all four major Grammy categories in a single night

28. Joan Baez

Joan Baez is an American folk singer, songwriter, and activist known for her involvement in civil rights and anti-war movements.

Her haunting voice and guitar work defined 1960s folk music.

• Years Active: 1958–2019
• Date of Birth: January 9, 1941
• Major Albums: Joan Baez, Diamonds & Rust, Any Day Now
• Major Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2017), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)

29. Courtney Love

Courtney Love is a singer and actress who was the frontwoman of the rock band Hole.

Known for her raw energy and unapologetic style, she played a key role in the 1990s grunge movement.

• Years Active: 1989–present
• Date of Birth: July 9, 1964
• Major Albums: Live Through This (with Hole), Celebrity Skin
• Major Achievements: Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), one of the most significant female figures in the 1990s rock scene

30. Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani is a pop and rock singer known for her work as the lead vocalist of No Doubt and her successful solo career.

She is admired for her distinctive voice, eclectic style, and ability to blend pop, ska, and punk.

• Years Active: 1986–present
• Date of Birth: October 3, 1969
• Major Albums: Tragic Kingdom (with No Doubt), Love. Angel. Music. Baby., This Is What the Truth Feels Like
• Major Achievements: 3 Grammy Awards, sold over 30 million albums worldwide

31. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a pop superstar known for her four-octave vocal range and unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences. She has become one of the defining voices in contemporary music.

• Years Active: 2008–present
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1993
• Major Albums: Sweetener, Thank U, Next, Positions
• Major Achievements: 2 Grammy Awards, over 90 billion streams globally, Billboard Woman of the Year (2018)

32. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is a rapper, singer, and producer known for her innovative approach to hip-hop and R&B.

With a career that spans over two decades, she has broken barriers for women in hip-hop.

• Years Active: 1991–present
• Date of Birth: July 1, 1971
• Major Albums: Supa Dupa Fly, Miss E… So Addictive, Under Construction
• Major Achievements: 4 Grammy Awards, first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019)

33. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is a singer, rapper, and songwriter best known for her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Her fusion of hip-hop, soul, and reggae has left an enduring legacy in American music.

• Years Active: 1988–present
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1975
• Major Albums: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, MTV Unplugged No. 2.0
• Major Achievements: 8 Grammy Awards, the first hip-hop artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys

34. Tori Amos

Tori Amos is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for her emotionally intense music and complex arrangements.

With her unique blend of piano-driven alternative rock, she has developed a dedicated following.

• Years Active: 1986–present
• Date of Birth: August 22, 1963
• Major Albums: Little Earthquakes, Under the Pink, Boys for Pele
• Major Achievements: 8 Grammy Award nominations, ranked among VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Music

35. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is a country music legend who has influenced country music and pop culture.

She is also an accomplished actress with a career that has spanned over four decades.

• Years Active: 1975–present
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1955
• Major Albums: Rumor Has It, For My Broken Heart, Reba Duets
• Major Achievements: 3 Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee (2011)

Conclusion

These 35 standout American female musicians have made a lasting impression on the music world.

From Aretha Franklin’s moving performances to Taylor Swift’s skilled songwriting, each artist has overcome obstacles and motivated many others.

Their wide-ranging skills cover different styles and periods, showing the rich variety of American music.

These women have created lasting songs and cleared paths for future artists to express themselves freely.

Their influence reaches beyond music, affecting social matters and cultural shifts.

As we honor their accomplishments, let’s remember that this list shows only a small portion of the talent available.

Many more skilled women in American music deserve to be known.

So, keep searching, enjoying, and backing female musicians who continue to shape the music we love.