The 1950s and 1960s were pivotal decades in music history, particularly for black female singers who broke barriers and impacted various genres.
These talented women brought jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and gospel to the forefront, influencing their contemporaries and future generations.
Their powerful voices and emotive performances captured the struggles and triumphs of their time, contributing significantly to the cultural and social fabric of the era.
Beyond their musical achievements, many artists, such as Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson, played crucial roles in the Civil Rights Movement, using their platforms to advocate for change.
This article highlights 20 of the most influential black female singers from the ’50s and ’60s, showcasing their early careers, major hits, awards, and enduring legacy.
List of Black Female Singers of the ’50s and ’60s
1. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” began her career singing gospel at her father’s church before signing with Columbia Records in the early ’60s.
Her breakthrough came with Atlantic Records, where hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think” solidified her place in music history.
Franklin’s powerful voice and dynamic performances earned her numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards.
Her impact on the music industry is immense. She influenced countless artists across various genres and paved the way for future generations of female singers.
- Famous songs: “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think”
- Awards: 18 Grammy Awards, including the first eight awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
- Years Active: 1956–2018
2. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song,” was a prominent jazz singer who began her career in the mid-1930s.
Her pure tone, impeccable diction, and scat singing made her a favorite among jazz enthusiasts.
In the ’50s and ’60s, Fitzgerald’s collaborations with Louis Armstrong and her series of “Songbook” albums brought her widespread acclaim.
She won 13 Grammy Awards and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest jazz singers ever.
- Famous songs: “Summertime,” “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Cheek to Cheek”
- Awards: 13 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Years Active: 1934–1993
3. Nina Simone
Nina Simone, a classically trained pianist and singer, brought a unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical music to her work.
She began her career in the late ’50s, gaining fame with songs like “I Loves You, Porgy” and “My Baby Just Cares for Me.”
Simone’s music often reflected her activism and commitment to civil rights, making her a powerful voice for social change.
Her contributions to music and activism have left an enduring legacy.
- Famous songs: “Feeling Good,” “I Put a Spell on You,” “Mississippi Goddam”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1954–2003
4. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” was a jazz and blues singer with a deeply expressive voice and a unique style.
Her career began in the 1930s, but she continued to be influential into the ’50s with songs like “Strange Fruit,” a haunting protest against lynching.
Despite her struggles with addiction and legal issues, Holiday’s impact on music is profound, and she remains a pivotal figure in jazz and blues.
- Famous songs: “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” “Lover Man”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1933–1959
5. Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington, known as the “Queen of the Blues,” was a versatile singer who excelled in jazz, blues, and R&B.
Her powerful voice and emotional delivery made her a favorite in the ’50s and ’60s.
Washington’s hits like “What a Diff’rence a Day Made” and “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” showcased her range and talent.
She won a Grammy Award and influenced many future artists with her dynamic performances.
- Famous songs: “What a Diff’rence a Day Made,” “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes),” “This Bitter Earth”
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance
- Years Active: 1942–1963
6. Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson, the “Queen of Gospel,” brought gospel music to mainstream audiences with her powerful, soul-stirring voice.
Beginning her career in the 1920s, Jackson gained international fame in the ’50s and ’60s with her performances and recordings.
Her rendition of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement made her a significant cultural figure.
Jackson’s music continues to inspire and uplift listeners worldwide.
- Famous songs: “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” “Move On Up a Little Higher,” “How I Got Over”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1927–1971
7. Etta James
Etta James was a versatile singer whose work spanned R&B, blues, soul, and rock and roll.
She began her career in the mid-’50s and gained fame with hits like “At Last” and “Tell Mama.”
James’ powerful voice and passionate delivery made her a standout performer.
Despite personal struggles, her influence on music is undeniable, and she remains a celebrated figure in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” “I’d Rather Go Blind”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1954–2012
8. Ruth Brown
Ruth Brown, known as “Miss Rhythm,” was a pioneering R&B singer in the ’50s.
Her hits, like “Teardrops from My Eyes” and “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” helped shape the genre.
Brown’s powerful voice and dynamic performances earned her the “Queen of R&B.”
She later won a Tony Award for acting, demonstrating her versatility as an artist.
- Famous songs: “Teardrops from My Eyes,” “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” “5-10-15 Hours”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1948–2006
9. Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey, a Welsh singer of Nigerian descent, became famous for her powerful voice and dramatic delivery.
She gained international fame with her James Bond theme songs, including “Goldfinger.”
Bassey’s ability to convey emotion through singing made her a standout performer in the ’50s and ’60s.
Her impact on music and popular culture is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions.
- Famous songs: “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Big Spender”
- Awards: Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist, Grammy nominations
- Years Active: 1953–present
10. Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan, known as “Sassy” and “The Divine One,” was a jazz singer with an impressive vocal range and rich tone.
She began her career in the 1940s and became a prominent figure in the ’50s and ’60s.
Vaughan’s ability to interpret songs with deep emotion and technical skill made her one of the greatest jazz singers ever.
She won several Grammy Awards and remains a major influence in jazz.
- Famous songs: “Misty,” “Broken-Hearted Melody,” “Whatever Lola Wants”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Years Active: 1942–1990
11. Mary Wells
Mary Wells, the “Queen of Motown,” was a prominent figure in the ’60s music scene.
Her hit single “My Guy” became one of Motown’s first number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
Wells’ sweet, soulful voice and her ability to connect with audiences made her a key player in the success of Motown Records.
Her influence on the development of the Motown sound is significant.
- Famous songs: “My Guy,” “You Beat Me to the Punch,” “Two Lovers”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1960–1990
12. LaVern Baker
LaVern Baker was a dynamic R&B singer whose powerful voice and energetic performances made her a standout artist in the ’50s and ’60s.
Her hit singles “Tweedle Dee” and “Jim Dandy” significantly shaped the early R&B sound.
Baker’s influence extended beyond her music, breaking barriers for future generations of female artists in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “Tweedle Dee,” “Jim Dandy,” “I Cried a Tear”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1949–1991
13. Esther Phillips
Esther Phillips was a versatile singer known for her R&B, jazz, and blues work.
She gained fame in the ’50s with her hit “Release Me” and had a successful career into the ’60s.
Phillips’ dynamic voice and ability to cross genres made her a unique and influential artist.
Despite personal struggles, her music remains impactful and respected.
- Famous songs: “Release Me,” “And I Love Him,” “What a Difference a Day Makes.”
- Awards: Grammy nominations
- Years Active: 1948–1984
14. Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples, a member of The Staple Singers, was a powerful voice in gospel and soul music.
She began her career singing with her family group and gained fame with hits like “I’ll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself.”
Staples’ deep, soulful voice and commitment to civil rights made her an influential figure in music and social activism.
- Famous songs: “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” “Let’s Do It Again”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors
- Years Active: 1950–present
15. Martha Reeves
Martha Reeves, the lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, was a key figure in the Motown music scene of the ’60s.
Her powerful voice and energetic performances helped the group achieve hits like “Dancing in the Street” and “Heat Wave.”
Reeves’ contributions to the Motown sound were significant, and she remains a beloved figure in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1960–present
16. Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” began her career with The Pips in the late ’50s.
Her rich, powerful voice and passionate performances made her a standout artist in the ’60s.
Hits like “Every Beat of My Heart” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” showcased her talent.
Knight’s influence on soul and R&B is profound, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.
- Famous songs: “Every Beat of My Heart,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “If I Were Your Woman”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1952–present
17. Della Reese
Della Reese was a versatile performer known for her work in jazz, gospel, and pop music.
She gained fame in the ’50s with hits like “Don’t You Know?”
Reese’s smooth, powerful voice and ability to cross genres made her a unique and influential artist.
She later found success as an actress, demonstrating her wide-ranging talents.
- Famous songs: “Don’t You Know?,” “And That Reminds Me,” “Not One Minute More”
- Awards: Grammy nominations, Emmy nominations
- Years Active: 1944–2017
18. Bettye LaVette
Bettye LaVette, known for her soulful voice and passionate delivery, began her career in the early ’60s.
Her hit single “My Man—He’s a Loving Man” showcased her talent and earned her critical acclaim.
Despite periods of commercial struggle, LaVette’s influence on soul and R&B is significant, and she remains a respected and beloved figure in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “My Man—He’s a Loving Man,” “Let Me Down Easy,” “Doin’ the Best That I Can”
- Awards: Grammy nominations, Blues Music Awards
- Years Active: 1962–present
19. Irma Thomas
Irma Thomas, known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” gained fame in the ’60s with her powerful voice and passionate performances.
Her hit singles “Time Is on My Side” and “Wish Someone Would Care” showcased her talent.
Thomas’ influence on soul and R&B is significant, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music.
- Famous songs: “Time Is on My Side,” “Wish Someone Would Care,” “Ruler of My Heart”
- Awards: Grammy Award, Blues Music Awards
- Years Active: 1959–present
20. Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters was a pioneering jazz and blues singer whose career began in the 1920s and continued into the ’50s and ’60s.
Her powerful voice and dynamic performances made her a standout artist.
Waters’ influence on jazz and blues is profound, and she remains a significant figure in music history.
- Famous songs: “Stormy Weather,” “Am I Blue?,” “Dinah”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Emmy nominations
- Years Active: 1917–1977
Impact of Black Female Singers in the ’50s and ’60s
The black female singers of the 1950s and 1960s played an essential role in shaping the music industry.
Their contributions went far beyond their hit songs, influencing the development of various genres and breaking down significant social and cultural barriers.
Here’s a look at their impact through different aspects:
1. Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers
During the 1950s and 1960s, America underwent significant social changes, particularly regarding civil rights.
Black female singers like Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Mahalia Jackson used their platforms to challenge racial and gender stereotypes.
They broke barriers in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry by achieving mainstream success.
Their presence and success paved the way for future generations of black female artists, showing that talent could transcend racial and gender limitations.
2. Influencing Musical Genres
These artists were instrumental in shaping various musical genres, including jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and gospel.
For instance, Ella Fitzgerald’s scat singing and vocal improvisation set new standards in jazz.
At the same time, Dinah Washington’s crossover appeal helped popularize blues, and R&B. Artists like Nina Simone and Etta James brought depth and emotion to their performances, influencing the development of soul music.
Their innovative approaches to music expanded the boundaries of these genres, creating a richer, more diverse musical landscape.
3. Social and Political Influence
Many black female singers of the ’50s and ’60s were not just entertainers but also activists.
Nina Simone’s music, for example, often addressed civil rights and social justice issues, making her a powerful voice for change.
Mahalia Jackson’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and her performances at key events, such as the March on Washington, underscored the connection between music and social activism.
Their work highlighted the struggles and aspirations of the African American community, using music as a tool for political and social commentary.
4. Inspiring Future Generations
The influence of these pioneering women extends far beyond their lifetimes.
Contemporary artists across various genres continue to draw inspiration from their music and journeys.
Singers like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson have cited these trailblazers as major career influences.
The legacy of these women is evident in the continued presence of powerful, passionate singing and socially conscious music in today’s industry.
5. Cultural Legacy
The cultural impact of these black female singers is immense.
They brought African American culture into the mainstream and helped shape American culture as a whole.
Songs like “Respect” by Aretha Franklin and “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday became anthems that resonated with broader societal movements.
Their music provided a soundtrack to the era’s social changes and continues to be relevant in discussions about race, gender, and equality.
The black female singers of the ’50s and ’60s were not just performers; they were trailblazers and icons who used their voices to make lasting contributions to music and society.
Their impact is still felt today as they inspire new generations of artists and listeners with their timeless music and powerful messages.
Final Thoughts
The black female singers of the 1950s and 1960s broke racial and gender barriers, shaping jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and gospel.
Their powerful voices and performances brought African American culture into the mainstream, enriching the musical landscape.
Many, like Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson, were activists who used their music to address social issues, contributing to the Civil Rights Movement.
Their legacy inspires contemporary artists and resonates globally.
These pioneering women defined their era’s sound and left an indelible mark on music history, proving that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.
Celebrating their contributions highlights their music’s timeless power and enduring impact on society.
