Singers and Vocalists

Country Queens of 1980s: Female Singers That Shaped a Decade

Step into the 1980s, when country music was changed forever by a group of strong female artists.

This ten-year period was important for its well-known sounds and for the women who took the stage with their mighty voices, meaningful words, and performances that can’t be forgotten.

From Dolly Parton’s famous charm to Reba McEntire’s passionate energy, these women didn’t just perform the songs—they made history with them.

Come along as we honor the “Country Queens of the 1980s,” whose music reached beyond small-town America to impact fans’ lives worldwide.

Get ready to be moved by the stories, the popular songs, and the incredible strength of these famous women who influenced a decade and created a lasting impact in music.

Country Queens of the 1980s

Many talented women in country music made a big impact in the 1980s. They changed the genre in important ways and inspired many artists who came after them.

Here is a list of 15 amazing women who inspired generations after them.

1. Dolly Parton

Career highlights: Released successful albums “9 to 5 and Odd Jobs,” “Heartbreak Express,” and “White Limozeen.” Starred in films “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.”
Significant songs and awards: “9 to 5” topped the charts, won a Grammy, and received an Academy Award nomination.
Influence on future generations: Inspired artists across genres with songwriting, unique voice, and charisma. Paved the way for country artists to explore different entertainment avenues.

2. Reba McEntire

Career highlights: Achieved commercial success with albums “Just a Little Love,” “My Kind of Country,” and “Reba McEntire’s Greatest Hits.”
Significant songs and awards: “Whoever’s in New England,” “Little Rock,” and “Cathy’s Clown” were among her biggest hits.
Influence on future generations: Known for powerful vocals and emotional delivery, bringing depth and authenticity to country music.

3. Emmylou Harris

Career highlights: Successfully crossed over from folk to country music with albums “Roses in the Snow” and “Evangeline.”
Significant songs and awards: Collaborated with various artists and received critical praise for her work.
Influence on future generations: Recognized as one of the most influential female country artists, known for her unique blend of country, folk, and rock.

4. Rosanne Cash

Career highlights: Achieved commercial success with albums “Seven Year Ache” and “King’s Record Shop.”
Significant songs and awards: “Seven Year Ache,” “Blue Moon with Heartache,” and “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” showcased her songwriting skills.
Influence on future generations: Known for introspective and personal songwriting, bringing depth to country music storytelling.

5. Loretta Lynn

Career highlights: Released hit albums “Lookin’ Good” and “Just a Woman.”
Significant songs and awards: Continued to address women’s issues and share personal experiences through her music.
Influence on future generations: Regarded as one of the most important figures in country music history, known for groundbreaking songs and influence.

6. Barbara Mandrell

Career highlights: Hosted variety show “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters,” showcasing musical and entertainment skills.
Significant songs and awards: “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” “Till You’re Gone,” and “One of a Kind Pair of Fools” were among her biggest hits. She won CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1980 and 1981.
Influence on future generations: Paved the way for country artists to expand into television and entertainment.

7. Tanya Tucker

Career highlights: Experienced a career revival with albums “Girls Like Me” and “Strong Enough to Bend.”
Significant songs and awards: Embraced a more contemporary sound while maintaining country roots.
Influence on future generations: Known for powerful voice and rebellious image, bringing a new edge to country music.

8. Patty Loveless

Career highlights: Released self-titled debut album in 1986, featuring hits “Lonely Days, Lonely Nights” and “I Did.”
Significant songs and awards: Helped popularize the neotraditional country sound, emphasizing a return to the genre’s roots.
Influence on future generations: Known for emotive vocals and heartfelt performances.

9. Kathy Mattea

Career highlights: Achieved commercial success with albums “Walk the Way the Wind Blows” and “Untasted Honey.”
Significant songs and awards: Addressed social and environmental issues in her music, setting her apart from other country artists.
Influence on future generations: Incorporated folk and acoustic elements into her country sound.

10. The Judds (Naomi and Wynonna)

Career highlights: Achieved success with hits “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Girls’ Night Out.”
Significant songs and awards: Known for tight harmonies and emotional performances.
Influence on future generations: Paved the way for other family acts in country music.

11. Juice Newton

Career highlights: Achieved success with crossover hits “Angel of the Morning” and “Queen of Hearts.”
Significant songs and awards: Won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Break It to Me Gently” in 1982.
Influence on future generations: Known for bridging the gap between country and pop music.

12. Janie Fricke

Career highlights: Transitioned from background vocalist to solo artist in the 1980s.
Significant songs and awards: “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby,” “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy,” and “He’s a Heartache (Looking for a Place to Happen)” were among her biggest hits.
Influence on future generations: Known for smooth, easy-listening vocal style, appealing to a wide audience.

13. Crystal Gayle

Career highlights: Maintained popularity with hits “If You Ever Change Your Mind” and “Talking in Your Sleep.”
Significant songs and awards: Known for long hair and soft, smooth vocals appealing to country and pop audiences.
Influence on future generations: Helped popularize a polished, easy-listening style of country music.

14. Tammy Wynette

Career highlights: Continued to release successful music despite personal challenges.
Significant songs and awards: “Another Chance,” “You and Me,” and “Justified and Ancient” (with The KLF) were among her notable 1980s releases.
Influence on future generations: Regarded as one of the most influential female country artists, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances.

15. Sylvia

Career highlights: “Nobody” was a major crossover hit, reaching #1 on the country charts and #15 on the pop charts.
Significant songs and awards: Helped popularize a polished, pop-influenced sound in country music.
Influence on future generations: Paved the way for other female solo artists to succeed in the genre.

Summing Up

As we finish our look at the country queens of the 1980s, it’s clear that these groundbreaking women did more than shape a decade—they made a path for future generations in music.

The harmonies of The Judds, the wide appeal of Juice Newton, and Kathy Mattea’s honest stories added variety and richness to country music.

Their impact went beyond popular songs; they encouraged a spirit of creativity and strength that still inspires people today.

The impact of these iconic women lasts, influencing new artists and capturing audiences with timeless messages of power, determination, and being true to oneself.

Their music remains a guiding light for young singers and a beloved memory for dedicated fans, reaching across time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Were the Famous Female Country Singers in The 80s?

Some famous female country singers in the 1980s were Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless, and The Judds.

What Female Country Singer Turned Pop?

Juice Newton, known for country hits, achieved pop success with crossover songs like “Angel of the Morning” and “Queen of Hearts” in the 1980s.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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