Singers and Vocalists

20 Female Singers with Deep Raspy Voices

Many aspiring singers struggle to achieve a gritty, passionate sound without straining their vocal cords.

But with the right techniques and practice, you can safely develop a powerful, raspy voice.

This guide will walk you through proven methods, from proper warm-ups to targeted exercises, to cultivate that sought-after raspy quality.

You’ll learn how to blend chest and head voice, incorporate controlled growling, and maintain vocal health while exploring this unique style.

Whether you’re inspired by icons like Janis Joplin or looking to add depth to your performances, these step-by-step instructions will help you unlock the expressive potential of a raspy singing voice.

Female Singers With Raspy Voices

This list showcases talented women known for their unique, gritty vocal styles.

From rock legends to modern pop stars, these singers use their raspy voices to add depth and emotion to their music, creating unforgettable performances that resonate with listeners.

1. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was a trailblazing rock and blues singer known for her raspy, expressive voice that resonated with the counterculture of the 1960s.

She became an iconic figure due to her raw performances and unique vocal style.

Her music inspires generations, keeping her legacy alive decades after her passing.

Years Active: 1962–1970
Date of Birth: January 19, 1943
Major Albums:Pearl, Cheap Thrills, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!
Major Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1995), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2005)

2. Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer best known for her distinctively husky voice and hit songs like “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

Her raspy vocals and powerful ballads have made her one of the standout voices in rock and pop music.

Her influence and chart-topping success have solidified her place in music history.

Years Active: 1975–present
Date of Birth: June 8, 1951
Major Albums:Faster Than the Speed of Night, The World Starts Tonight, Natural Force
Major Achievements: Brit Award nomination (1984), three Grammy Award nominations

3. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is a celebrated singer and songwriter recognized for her ethereal presence and husky vocals.

She gained fame with Fleetwood Mac and later began a successful solo career.

Her music, marked by her distinct voice, continues influencing artists across genres.

Years Active: 1966–present
Date of Birth: May 26, 1948
Major Albums:Rumours (with Fleetwood Mac), Bella Donna (solo), The Wild Heart (solo)
Major Achievements: Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, over 40 million solo records sold

4. Macy Gray

Macy Gray is an American singer-songwriter who became known for her distinctive raspy voice and unconventional approach to R&B and soul.

Her breakout hit “I Try” catapulted her to fame, and she has continued to release music with a unique sound.

Gray’s vocal style has set her apart from other artists in the industry.

Years Active: 1996–present
Date of Birth: September 6, 1967
Major Albums:On How Life Is, The Id, The Trouble with Being Myself
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (2001), five Grammy Award nominations

5. Kim Carnes

Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1980s with her raspy voice and the smash hit “Bette Davis Eyes.”

Her voice, characterized by its gritty, smoky tone, made her a distinct figure in pop music, and she remains a cherished artist from the era.

Years Active: 1962–present
Date of Birth: July 20, 1945
Major Albums:Mistaken Identity, Voyeur, Café Racers
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Song of the Year (1982), American Music Award winner

6. Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge is a Grammy-winning rock singer-songwriter whose deep, raspy voice has been a defining feature of her music.

Known for her powerful ballads and introspective lyrics, Etheridge has carved out a long-lasting career in the rock genre.

Her influence and vocal style have cemented her as a prominent figure in music.

Years Active: 1988–present
Date of Birth: May 29, 1961
Major Albums:Yes I Am, Your Little Secret, Breakdown
Major Achievements: Two Grammy Awards, Academy Award for Best Original Song (2007)

7. Beth Hart

Beth Hart is an American blues and rock singer known for her raw, emotional performances and gravelly voice.

She has earned a dedicated following through her powerful live performances and collaborations with artists such as Joe Bonamassa.

Hart’s music reflects deep emotion, delivered through her distinctive vocal style.

Years Active: 1993–present
Date of Birth: January 24, 1972
Major Albums:Bang Bang Boom Boom, My California, Leave the Light On
Major Achievements: Blues Music Award nomination, several chart-topping collaborations with Joe Bonamassa

8. Courtney Love

Courtney Love is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her gritty voice and tumultuous career in rock.

As the lead singer of Hole, her raspy vocals and raw energy left a lasting mark on alternative rock in the 1990s.

Her music continues to influence a new generation of musicians.

Years Active: 1982–present
Date of Birth: July 9, 1964
Major Albums:Live Through This (with Hole), Celebrity Skin (with Hole), America’s Sweetheart
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nomination, VH1’s “100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll” recognition

9. Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams is an American singer and songwriter recognized for her blend of country, blues, and folk.

Her raspy voice and heartfelt storytelling have earned her critical acclaim over a decades-long career.

Williams has been a significant figure in Americana music, with her voice playing a central role in her appeal.

Years Active: 1978–present
Date of Birth: January 26, 1953
Major Albums:Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Lucinda Williams, West
Major Achievements: Three Grammy Awards, Americana Lifetime Achievement Award

10. Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull is a British singer and actress whose career has spanned over five decades.

Known for her distinctive rasp that developed later in her career, Faithfull’s music delves deep into emotional themes, with her voice serving as the perfect vessel.

Her influence on rock and pop remains enduring.

Years Active: 1964–present
Date of Birth: December 29, 1946
Major Albums:Broken English, Strange Weather, Before the Poison
Major Achievements: Ivor Novello Award winner, recognized as a cultural icon of the 1960s

11. Sharleen Spiteri

Sharleen Spiteri is the lead vocalist of the Scottish band Texas.

She is known for her distinctive raspy voice, which adds depth and emotion to her performances.

With a career spanning decades, Spiteri’s vocals have been a defining feature of Texas’s success in both the UK and internationally.

Years Active: 1986–present
Date of Birth: November 7, 1967
Major Albums:White on Blonde, The Hush, Southside
Major Achievements: BRIT Award nomination, multiple platinum-selling albums with Texas

12. Linda Perry

Linda Perry is an American singer-songwriter and record producer best known for her role as the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes.

Her raspy vocals made songs like “What’s Up?” stand out, and she later transitioned into a successful career as a producer and songwriter for other major artists.

Years Active: 1989–present
Date of Birth: April 15, 1965
Major Albums:Bigger, Better, Faster, More! (with 4 Non Blondes)
Major Achievements: Songwriter for Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Gwen Stefani; Grammy Award nomination

13. Grace Slick

Grace Slick was the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane and later Jefferson Starship, playing a pivotal role in the psychedelic rock scene of the 1960s and ’70s.

Her deep, raspy voice became synonymous with an era of experimental music, and she remains an enduring figure in rock history.

Years Active: 1965–1990
Date of Birth: October 30, 1939
Major Albums:Surrealistic Pillow (with Jefferson Airplane), Blows Against the Empire (with Jefferson Starship), Dreams
Major Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1996)

14. Rodleen Getsic

Rodleen Getsic is an underground artist known for her raspy, haunting voice and involvement in experimental music projects.

Her vocal style is often raw and intense, contributing to her unique presence in niche musical genres.

Years Active: 1990s–present
Date of Birth: Unknown
Major Albums: Various underground and collaborative projects
Major Achievements: Cult following in experimental music circles, collaborative works with notable indie artists

15. Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer known for her deeply raspy voice, which has spanned genres.

As a member of the Staple Singers and a solo artist, she has had a profound impact on gospel, soul, and civil rights music and continues to inspire with her vocal power.

Years Active: 1950s–present
Date of Birth: July 10, 1939
Major Albums:We’ll Never Turn Back, One True Vine, Live in London
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors recipient

16. Sass Jordan

Sass Jordan is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter whose raspy voice has made her a prominent figure in the genre.

Known for her powerful vocal performances, she has achieved significant success in Canada and abroad and continues to flourish in her career.

Years Active: 1980s–present
Date of Birth: December 23, 1962
Major Albums:Racine, Tell Somebody, Rebel Moon Blues
Major Achievements: Juno Award winner, multi-platinum-selling artist

17. Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is a legendary American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter known for her raspy voice and skillful guitar work.

Over the years, she has become an influential figure in blues and rock music, with a career spanning several decades.

Years Active: 1971–present
Date of Birth: November 8, 1949
Major Albums:Nick of Time, Luck of the Draw, Slipstream
Major Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

18. Joan Osborne

Joan Osborne is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful and gritty voice, showcased in her breakout hit “One of Us.”

Her voice has remained the cornerstone of her music, blending rock, blues, and soul into her distinctive style.

Years Active: 1989–present
Date of Birth: July 8, 1962
Major Albums:Relish, Righteous Love, Love and Hate
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist (1996), multiple gold and platinum certifications

19. Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto, the lead singer of the band Gossip, is known for her powerful, raspy voice and high-energy performances.

Her unique voice helped define the band’s sound, contributing to its rise in the indie and punk scenes.

Ditto’s bold and distinctive vocal style makes her a standout figure in modern rock.

Years Active: 1999–present
Date of Birth: February 19, 1981
Major Albums:Standing in the Way of Control (with Gossip), Music for Men (with Gossip)
Major Achievements: NME Award for Best International Band (2007), solo success with critically acclaimed performances

20. Patti Smith

Patti Smith is an American singer, songwriter, and poet whose raspy, raw voice and politically charged lyrics have made her one of the most influential figures in punk rock.

Known as the “Godmother of Punk,” Smith’s music and activism have left an indelible mark on music and culture.

Years Active: 1971–present
Date of Birth: December 30, 1946
Major Albums:Horses, Easter, Dream of Life
Major Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (2007), multiple Grammy nominations, National Book Award winner

Understanding a Raspy Voice for Female Vocalists

A raspy singing voice is a unique and captivating vocal quality that many female singers aspire to master.

What Is a Raspy Voice?

A raspy voice is marked by a rough, gravelly sound that can convey both power and tenderness in singing.

It’s a vocal texture that adds depth and character to performances, making songs more emotionally engaging.

Raspiness in singing can stem from various factors:

Vocal use patterns, such as frequent singing without proper rest
Singing techniques that put extra stress on the vocal cords
Health issues like throat irritation or colds
Lifestyle choices, including not drinking enough water

Many female vocalists find that a raspy voice helps them:

Express intense emotions in their music
Create a unique vocal identity
Connect with listeners on a deeper level

Think of singers like Janis Joplin, whose raw, raspy tone became her signature sound, or Stevie Nicks, whose husky voice adds mystery to her performances.

Is a Raspy Voice Right for You?

Before working on a raspy voice, consider:

Your vocal health and limits
The type of music you typically sing
How comfortable you feel using this technique

Remember, your voice is special. A raspy tone should enhance, not replace, your natural vocal qualities.

Techniques for Female Singers to Develop a Raspy Voice

Developing a raspy voice requires careful practice and attention to vocal health. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Proper Warm-Up Techniques for Female Vocalists

Warming up is vital for protecting your voice, especially when working on raspy techniques:

Start with gentle humming exercises
Practice lip trills to relax your vocal cords
Use sirening (sliding between pitches) to improve flexibility

Take your time with these warm-ups.

They prepare your voice for more intense work and help prevent strain.

Step 2: Mastering Vocal Fry

Vocal fry is a technique that can add a raspy quality to your singing:

Begin by making a low, creaky sound
Practice moving from vocal fry into your regular singing voice
Use this technique sparingly to avoid overstraining

For female singers, focusing on the lower part of your range when practicing vocal fry can be particularly effective.

Step 3: Controlled Growling Technique for Female Singers

Controlled growling can add grit to your voice:

Start by making a gentle growling sound in your speaking voice
Gradually incorporate this into your singing, focusing on short phrases
Pay attention to your throat – if you feel discomfort, stop and rest

Female singers should be extra cautious with growling techniques, as they can be harder on higher-pitched voices.

Always prioritize vocal health over achieving a specific sound.

How Female Singers Should Sing with a Raspy Voice

Let’s explore how to blend different vocal registers, use proper breathing techniques, and apply raspy effects safely.

Finding the Balance Between Chest and Head Voice

Blending chest and head voice is key for a smooth, raspy sound:

Practice moving between your lower (chest) and higher (head) registers
Work on creating a seamless transition to avoid sudden changes in tone
Experiment with adding a slight rasp at different points in your range

Singing with Diaphragmatic Support

Proper breath support is crucial for maintaining a raspy voice without strain:

Focus on breathing from your diaphragm, not your chest
Try exercises like the “hissing cat” to improve breath control
Use this support to add power to your raspy notes

Using Vocal Fry and Growls Safely

Incorporate these techniques carefully:

Start with short phrases when adding vocal fry or growls
Listen to your body – if you feel discomfort, take a break
Use these effects sparingly, especially in longer performances

Experimenting with Emotional Expression

Raspiness can add depth to your emotional delivery:

Think about the feeling you want to convey in each song
Use raspy effects to highlight key emotional moments
Practice expressing different emotions through your raspy voice

Remember, the goal is to enhance your unique voice, not to copy someone else’s sound. Take time to find the right balance that works for you and your music.

Maintaining Vocal Health for Raspy Voice as a Female Singer

Developing a raspy voice is exciting, but it’s crucial to prioritize your vocal health.

Keeping your voice healthy starts with proper care:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before singing
Give your voice time to recover after intense singing sessions
Practice breathing exercises to strengthen your diaphragm
Focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed while breathing
Use your breath to support your voice, especially during raspy passages
Stop singing if you experience pain or discomfort
Be aware of changes in your voice, like hoarseness that lasts more than a day
Don’t push your voice too hard, especially when you’re tired or ill

Remember, a healthy voice is the foundation for any singing style.

By caring for your vocal cords, you can explore raspy techniques safely and sustainably.

Conclusion

From Janis Joplin’s raw power to Macy Gray’s soulful tones, these 20 female singers showcase the incredible range and emotional depth that a raspy voice can bring to music.

Each artist has used her unique vocal texture to create unforgettable performances and leave a lasting impact on the industry.

These women prove that a raspy voice isn’t just a sound—it’s a powerful tool for expressing intense emotions and connecting with listeners on a deeper level.

Their success spans decades and genres, inspiring countless aspiring singers.

Whether you’re a rock, blues, pop, or soul fan, there’s a raspy-voiced artist here to attract you.

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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