The 1990s was a dynamic decade for music, particularly for black female singers who made significant contributions across various genres, including R&B, hip-hop, pop, and gospel.

These talented women not only dominated the charts but also influenced the sound and style of the decade, leaving a lasting legacy.

Their powerful voices, innovative sounds, and genre-defying artistry brought new dimensions to the music industry.

Many artists, such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige, became cultural icons, breaking barriers and empowering women worldwide.

Their music tackled themes of empowerment, love, resilience, and social issues, inspiring a generation and paving the way for future artists.

This article highlights influential black female singers from the ’90s, showcasing their early careers, major hits, awards, and impact on the music industry.

List of Black Female Singers of the 90s

1. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was one of the most iconic voices of the ’90s, known for her powerful vocals and emotional delivery.

She began her career in the mid-’80s but reached new heights in the ’90s with hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I’m Every Woman.”

Houston’s talent earned her numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards.

Her influence on pop and R&B music is undeniable, and she remains a benchmark for vocal excellence.

• Famous songs: “I Will Always Love You,” “I’m Every Woman,” “My Love Is Your Love”
• Awards: 6 Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards
• Years Active: 1985–2012

2. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey burst onto the music scene in 1990 with her debut album, showcasing her remarkable five-octave vocal range.

Known for her blend of pop, R&B, and soul, Carey’s hits like “Vision of Love” and “Hero” dominated the charts.

She earned multiple Grammy Awards and became one of the best-selling music artists ever.

Carey’s influence extends beyond her vocal prowess; she has also been a successful songwriter and producer.

• Famous songs: “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” “Fantasy”
• Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards
• Years Active: 1988–present

3. Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” emerged in the early ’90s with her debut album “What’s the 411?”

Blige’s raw, honest lyrics and soulful voice earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Hits like “Real Love” and “Family Affair” made her a household name.

Blige’s contributions to music have earned her multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy in R&B and hip-hop.

• Famous songs: “Real Love,” “Family Affair,” “No More Drama”
• Awards: 9 Grammy Awards, 4 American Music Awards
• Years Active: 1989–present

4. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson, a member of the famous Jackson family, achieved immense success in the ’90s with her innovative sound and elaborate stage shows.

Her albums “Rhythm Nation 1814” and “janet.” produced numerous hits and showcased her versatility as an artist.

Jackson’s influence on pop and R&B is significant, and she has been recognized with multiple awards, including Grammy Awards and American Music Awards.

• Famous songs: “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Together Again,” “If”
• Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards
• Years Active: 1973–present

5. Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton’s deep, sultry voice and emotive ballads made her one of the defining voices of the ’90s.

Her self-titled debut album and follow-up “Secrets” produced several hits, including “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High.”

Braxton’s success earned her multiple Grammy Awards and solidified her place in R&B history.

• Famous songs: “Un-Break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” “You’re Makin’ Me High”
• Awards: 7 Grammy Awards, 9 Billboard Music Awards
• Years Active: 1989–present

6. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill gained fame as a member of The Fugees before releasing her critically acclaimed solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1998.

The album blended hip-hop, R&B, and reggae, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards.

Hill’s influence on music and culture is profound, and she remains a celebrated figure in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” “Everything Is Everything”
• Awards: 8 Grammy Awards, 4 NAACP Image Awards
• Years Active: 1988–present

7. Aaliyah

Aaliyah was a rising star in the ’90s, known for her smooth vocals and innovative R&B sound.

She gained fame with hits like “Back & Forth” and “Are You That Somebody?”

Her influence on the music industry was significant, and her untimely death in 2001 left a lasting impact.

Fans and artists alike continue to celebrate Aaliyah’s contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “Back & Forth,” “Are You That Somebody?,” “One in a Million”
• Awards: 3 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Video Music Awards
• Years Active: 1991–2001

8. Brandy

Brandy Norwood, known mononymously as Brandy, became a prominent R&B singer in the ’90s with her self-titled debut album.

Hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “The Boy Is Mine” showcased her smooth voice and earned her critical acclaim.

Brandy’s success extended to acting, making her a multifaceted star in entertainment.

She remains an influential figure in R&B.

• Famous songs: “I Wanna Be Down,” “The Boy Is Mine,” “Have You Ever?”
• Awards: 1 Grammy Award, 7 Billboard Music Awards
• Years Active: 1993–present

9. Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, often called the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” emerged in the late ’90s with her debut album “Baduizm.”

Her unique blend of soul, R&B, jazz, and distinctive voice set her apart in the music industry.

Hits like “On & On” and “Tyrone” earned her critical acclaim and several Grammy Awards.

Badu’s influence on neo-soul and contemporary R&B is significant.

• Famous songs: “On & On,” “Tyrone,” “Bag Lady”
• Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, 3 Soul Train Music Awards
• Years Active: 1994–present

10. Monica

Monica Denise Arnold, known simply as Monica, gained fame in the mid-’90s with her debut album “Miss Thang.”

Her powerful voice and mature sound at a young age set her apart.

Hits like “Don’t Take It Personal” and “The First Night” made her a prominent figure in R&B.

Monica’s influence in the genre continues, and she remains a beloved artist.

• Famous songs: “Don’t Take It Personal,” “The First Night,” “Angel of Mine”
• Awards: 1 Grammy Award, 1 Billboard Music Award
• Years Active: 1993–present

11. Faith Evans

Faith Evans, known for her smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics, released her debut album, Faith, in the ’90s.

Hits like “Soon as I Get Home” and “Love Like This” showcased her talent.

Evans’ influence extended beyond music. Through her marriage to The Notorious B.I.G., she was also a key figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene.

She continues to be a respected artist in R&B and hip-hop.

• Famous songs: “Soon as I Get Home,” “Love Like This,” “I’ll Be Missing You”
• Awards: 1 Grammy Award, 2 MTV Video Music Awards
• Years Active: 1994–present

12. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott, a groundbreaking rapper, singer, and producer, revolutionized hip-hop and R&B in the ’90s.

Her debut album, “Supa Dupa Fly,” introduced her innovative sound and unique style.

Hits like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Hot Boyz” showcased her versatility.

Elliott’s influence on music and fashion is profound, and she has earned numerous awards for her contributions.

• Famous songs: “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Hot Boyz,” “Sock It 2 Me”
• Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, 7 MTV Video Music Awards
• Years Active: 1991–present

13. Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, the “Queen of Funk,” continued her successful career into the ’90s.

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances made her a standout artist.

Hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody” remained popular throughout the decade.

Khan’s influence on funk, R&B, and pop is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “Through the Fire”
• Awards: 10 Grammy Awards, 1 BET Lifetime Achievement Award
• Years Active: 1970–present

14. Sade

Sade Adu, the lead vocalist of the band Sade, brought a smooth and sophisticated sound to the ’90s music scene.

Her deep, sultry voice and the band’s unique jazz, R&B, and soul blend made them stand out.

Hits like “No Ordinary Love” and “By Your Side” showcased their distinctive style.

Sade’s influence on contemporary R&B and smooth jazz is profound.

• Famous songs: “No Ordinary Love,” “By Your Side,” “Smooth Operator”
• Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, 1 Brit Award
• Years Active: 1983–present

15. Sunshine Anderson

Sunshine Anderson gained fame in the early 2000s with her debut album “Your Woman” and hits like “Heard It All Before.”

Her smooth voice and passionate performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Anderson’s influence on contemporary music is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to the industry.

• Famous songs: “Heard It All Before,” “Lunch or Dinner,” “Force of Nature”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 2001–present

16. Angie Stone

Angie Stone, a prominent figure in the neo-soul movement, gained fame in the late ’90s with her debut solo album “Black Diamond.”

Her rich, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics set her apart.

Hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” showcased her talent and earned her critical acclaim.

Stone’s influence on neo-soul and contemporary R&B is significant.

• Famous songs: “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” “Brotha,” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”
• Awards: 3 Soul Train Music Awards, Grammy nominations
• Years Active: 1979–present

17. En Vogue

En Vogue, one of the most successful girl groups of the ’90s, brought a blend of R&B, pop, and soul to the music scene.

Known for their tight harmonies and powerful voices, the group’s hits, such as “Don’t Let Go (Love)” and “Free Your Mind,” dominated the charts.

En Vogue’s influence on female groups and R&B is significant, and it remains an iconic act.

• Famous songs: “Don’t Let Go (Love),” “Free Your Mind,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)”
• Awards: 7 MTV Video Music Awards, 3 Soul Train Music Awards
• Years Active: 1989–present

18. TLC

TLC was one of the most successful girl groups of the ’90s, known for their innovative sound and style.

The trio’s blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop produced numerous hits like “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs.”

TLC’s influence on music and fashion is profound, and they have earned numerous awards for their contributions to the industry.

• Famous songs: “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Creep”
• Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, 5 MTV Video Music Awards
• Years Active: 1990–present

19. Kelly Price

Kelly Price gained recognition in the ’90s for her powerful voice and emotive ballads.

Her debut album “Soul of a Woman” featured the hit “Friend of Mine,” which showcased her vocal talent.

Price’s influence in R&B and gospel music is significant, and she continues to be a respected artist in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Friend of Mine,” “As We Lay,” “He Proposed”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 Soul Train Music Award
• Years Active: 1992–present

20. Deborah Cox

Deborah Cox gained fame in the ’90s with her debut album and hits like “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.”

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Cox’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” “We Can’t Be Friends,” “Sentimental”
• Awards: 3 Juno Awards, 1 Soul Train Music Award
• Years Active: 1995–present

21. Tweet

Tweet, known for her smooth voice and unique style, gained fame in the early 2000s with her debut album “Southern Hummingbird.”

Hits like “Oops (Oh My)” showcased her talent and earned her critical acclaim.

Tweet’s influence on contemporary R&B is significant, and she continues to be a respected artist in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Oops (Oh My),” “Call Me,” “Smoking Cigarettes”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 1994–present

22. Tamia

Tamia gained recognition in the ’90s with her debut album and hits like “You Put a Move on My Heart.”

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Tamia’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “You Put a Move on My Heart,” “So Into You,” “Stranger in My House”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 Soul Train Music Award
• Years Active: 1994–present

23. Mya

Mya gained fame in the late ’90s with her debut album and hits like “It’s All About Me.”

Her smooth voice and versatile performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Mya’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “It’s All About Me,” “Case of the Ex,” “My Love Is Like…Wo”
• Awards: 1 Grammy Award, 2 MTV Video Music Awards
• Years Active: 1996–present

24. Teena Marie

Teena Marie, the “Ivory Queen of Soul,” continued her successful career into the ’90s.

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances made her a standout artist. Hits like “Lovergirl” and “Square Biz” remained popular throughout the decade.

Marie’s influence on funk, R&B, and pop is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “Lovergirl,” “Square Biz,” “Ooo La La La”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 BET Lifetime Achievement Award
• Years Active: 1979–2010

25. Chante Moore

Chante Moore gained recognition in the ’90s with her debut album and hits like “Love’s Taken Over.”

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Moore’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “Love’s Taken Over,” “Chante’s Got a Man,” “It’s Alright”
• Awards: 1 NAACP Image Award, Grammy nominations
• Years Active: 1991–present

26. Brownstone

Brownstone, an R&B group formed in the early ’90s, gained fame with their debut album, “From the Bottom Up.”

Hits like “If You Love Me” showcased their tight harmonies and powerful voices.

Brownstone’s influence on the genre is significant, and it remains a respected act in R&B.

• Famous songs: “If You Love Me,” “Grapevyne,” “I Can’t Tell You Why”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 Billboard Music Award
• Years Active: 1994–present

27. Adina Howard

Adina Howard gained fame in the mid-’90s with her debut album “Do You Wanna Ride?” and hits like “Freak Like Me.”

Her bold lyrics and powerful voice set her apart in the R&B scene.

Howard’s influence on contemporary R&B is significant, and she continues to be a respected artist in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Freak Like Me,” “T-Shirt & Panties,” “My Up and Down”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 1994–present

28. Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell Ndegeocello, known for her blend of funk, soul, and jazz, gained recognition in the ’90s with her debut album “Plantation Lullabies.”

Hits like “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night)” showcased her unique style and talent.

Ndegeocello’s influence on contemporary music is significant, and she continues to be a respected artist in the industry.

• Famous songs: “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night),” “Leviticus: Faggot,” “Beautiful”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 Soul Train Music Award
• Years Active: 1992–present

29. Dionne Farris

Dionne Farris gained fame in the mid-’90s with her debut solo album “Wild Seed – Wild Flower” and hits like “I Know.”

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Farris’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “I Know,” “Hopeless,” “Passion”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 Billboard Music Award
• Years Active: 1992–present

30. Jade

Jade, an R&B group formed in the early ’90s, gained fame with their debut album “Jade to the Max.”

Hits like “Don’t Walk Away” showcased their tight harmonies and powerful voices.

Jade’s influence on the genre is significant, and they remain a respected act in R&B.

• Famous songs: “Don’t Walk Away,” “I Wanna Love You,” “Every Day of the Week”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 1991–present

31. Shanice

Shanice gained fame in the early ’90s with her debut album “Discovery” and hits like “I Love Your Smile.”

Her smooth voice and versatile performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Shanice’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “I Love Your Smile,” “Silent Prayer,” “When I Close My Eyes”
• Awards: Grammy nominations, 1 Soul Train Music Award
• Years Active: 1984–present

32. Sybil

Sybil gained fame in the late ’80s and continued her success into the ’90s with hits like “Don’t Make Me Over.”

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances set her apart in the R&B and dance scenes.

Sybil’s influence on contemporary music is significant, and she continues to be a respected artist in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Walk On By,” “The Love I Lost”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 1986–present

33. Lalah Hathaway

Lalah Hathaway, daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway, gained fame in the early ’90s with her debut album.

Her rich, soulful voice and passionate performances set her apart in the R&B scene.

Hathaway’s influence on the genre is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.

• Famous songs: “Heaven Knows,” “Baby Don’t Cry,” “Forever, For Always, For Love”
• Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, 1 NAACP Image Award
• Years Active: 1989–present

34. Zhane

Zhane, an R&B duo formed in the early ’90s, gained fame with their debut album “Pronounced Jah-Nay.”

Hits like “Hey Mr. D.J.” showcased their smooth harmonies and unique style.

Zhane’s influence on contemporary R&B is significant, and it remains a respected act in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Hey Mr. D.J.,” “Groove Thang,” “Sending My Love”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 1993–1999

35. Joi

Joi, known for her innovative blend of funk, soul, and rock, gained recognition in the mid-’90s with her debut album “The Pendulum Vibe.”

Hits like “Sunshine & the Rain” showcased her unique style and talent.

Joi’s influence on contemporary music is significant, and she continues to be a respected artist in the industry.

• Famous songs: “Sunshine & the Rain,” “Ghetto Superstar,” “Lick”
• Awards: Soul Train Music Award nominations
• Years Active: 1994–present

36. Heather Headley

Heather Headley gained fame in the early 2000s with her debut album “This Is Who I Am” and hits like “He Is.”

Her powerful voice and dynamic performances set her apart in the R&B and gospel scenes.

Headley’s influence on contemporary music is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to the industry.

• Famous songs: “He Is,” “In My Mind,” “I Wish I Wasn’t”
• Awards: 1 Grammy Award, 1 Tony Award
• Years Active: 1997–present

37. Kelis

Kelis gained fame in the late ’90s with her debut album “Kaleidoscope” and hits like “Caught Out There.”

Her unique style and bold lyrics set her apart in the R&B and hip-hop scenes.

Kelis’s influence on contemporary music is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to the industry.

• Famous songs: “Caught Out There,” “Milkshake,” “Bossy”
• Awards: 1 Brit Award, Grammy nominations
• Years Active: 1997–present

Impact of Black Female Singers in the ’90s

The black female singers of the 1990s had profoundly impacted the music industry and beyond.

Their contributions spanned various genres, from R&B and hip-hop to pop and gospel, leaving an indelible mark on music and culture.

Here’s a look at their impact through different aspects:

1. Redefining Genre Boundaries

In the ’90s, black female singers pushed the boundaries of traditional music genres.

Artists like Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott seamlessly blended hip-hop and R&B, creating a new sound that resonated with a broad audience.

This fusion expanded the appeal of these genres and paved the way for future artists to experiment with genre-blending, influencing the evolution of contemporary music.

2. Empowering Women and Breaking Barriers

These singers played a crucial role in empowering women within and outside the music industry—icons like Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson addressed themes of empowerment, independence, and resilience in their music, inspiring a generation of women to embrace their strength and individuality.

Their success also broke significant barriers, proving that black women could achieve mainstream success and command respect in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

3. Cultural Influence and Fashion Trends

Black female singers of the ’90s were not only musical trendsetters but also cultural icons.

Artists like TLC and Aaliyah influenced fashion trends with their unique styles, from Aaliyah’s signature baggy pants and crop tops to TLC’s bold and eclectic outfits.

Their influence extended beyond music, shaping the fashion and cultural landscape of the ’90s and leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today’s trends.

4. Social and Political Impact

Many of these artists used their platforms to address social and political issues, contributing to broader cultural conversations.

Lauryn Hill, for instance, tackled themes of race, identity, and societal expectations in her music, sparking important dialogues.

Additionally, artists like Whitney Houston and Erykah Badu highlighted the importance of self-love and cultural pride, promoting positive representations of black identity and heritage.

5. Legacy and Inspiration for Future Generations

The legacy of ’90s black female singers continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Their groundbreaking work and unique sounds have influenced contemporary artists across various genres.

Singers like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys have cited these ’90s icons as major influences in their careers, carrying forward their pioneering spirit and musical innovation.

The black female singers of the ’90s were more than just performers; they were trailblazers and icons who reshaped the music industry and left an enduring impact on culture and society.

Their contributions continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of music to inspire, empower, and bring about change.

Final Thoughts

The black female singers of the 1990s were pivotal in shaping the music landscape of the decade and beyond.

Their innovative sounds, powerful voices, and genre-defying artistry brought new dimensions to R&B, hip-hop, pop, and gospel.

These artists not only achieved remarkable commercial success but also broke barriers, empowering women and inspiring future generations.

They became cultural icons, influencing fashion, social issues, and the broader cultural dialogue.

The legacy of these trailblazing women continues to resonate, highlighting their music’s transformative power and enduring impact on the music industry and society.