The 90s was a golden era for female singers, with many talented artists leaving their mark on the music industry.
These women, from pop sensations to rock icons, captivated audiences with their powerful voices and unforgettable performances.
This blog post will take you on a nostalgic journey through the 1990s, spotlighting the female singing legends who defined the decade.
Get ready to discover the stories behind your favorite 90s hits and the women who made them famous.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about this iconic era in music, this post has something for everyone.
50 Iconic Female Voices of the 90’s
The 90s saw the rise of a new generation of female singers who reshaped the music landscape.
These remarkable artists captivated audiences with their incredible voices, undeniable talent, and distinct musical styles.
These women impacted the decade’s music scene, from the soulful ballads of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to pop sensations like Madonna and Britney Spears.
1. Mariah Carey
- Early Career: Signed with Columbia Records in 1988, released self-titled debut album in 1990
- Major Hits: “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” “One Sweet Day,” “Always Be My Baby”
- Awards and Recognition: 5 Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards, 14 Billboard Music Awards
2. Whitney Houston
- Early Career: Signed with Arista Records in 1983, released self-titled debut album in 1985
- Major Hits: “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Greatest Love of All”
- Awards and Recognition: 6 Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards
3. Celine Dion
- Early Career: Released debut French-language album in 1981, first English-language album in 1990
- Major Hits: “My Heart Will Go On,” “Because You Loved Me,” “The Power of Love”
- Awards and Recognition: 5 Grammy Awards, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 20 Juno Awards
4. Madonna
- Early Career: Signed with Sire Records in 1982, released self-titled debut album in 1983
- Major Hits: “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Vogue,” “Take a Bow”
- Awards and Recognition: 7 Grammy Awards, 20 MTV Video Music Awards, 4 Golden Globe Awards
5. Alanis Morissette
- Early Career: Released debut album “Alanis” in 1991, international breakthrough with “Jagged Little Pill” in 1995
- Major Hits: “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket”
- Awards and Recognition: 7 Grammy Awards, 16 Juno Awards, 3 MTV Video Music Awards
6. Toni Braxton
- Early Career: Signed with LaFace Records in 1991, released self-titled debut album in 1993
- Major Hits: “Un-Break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” “You’re Makin’ Me High”
- Awards and Recognition: 7 Grammy Awards, 9 Billboard Music Awards, 7 American Music Awards
7. Shania Twain
- Early Career: Signed with Mercury Nashville in 1993, released a self-titled debut album in 1993
- Major Hits: “You’re Still the One,” “From This Moment On,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
- Awards and Recognition: 5 Grammy Awards, 27 BMI Songwriter Awards, 4 American Music Awards
8. Jewel
- Early Career: Signed with Atlantic Records in 1994, released debut album “Pieces of You” in 1995
- Major Hits: “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “You Were Meant for Me,” “Foolish Games”
- Awards and Recognition: 4 Grammy Award nominations, 1 American Music Award, 1 Billboard Music Award
9. Sarah McLachlan
- Early Career: Signed with Nettwerk Records in 1988, released debut album “Touch” in 1988
- Major Hits: “Angel,” “Building a Mystery,” “I Will Remember You”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 8 Juno Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award
10. Sheryl Crow
- Early Career: Performed as a backup singer for Michael Jackson and Don Henley, released debut album “Tuesday Night Music Club” in 1993
- Major Hits: “All I Wanna Do,” “Strong Enough,” “If It Makes You Happy”
- Awards and Recognition: 9 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 1 Brit Award
11. Britney Spears
- Early Career: Signed with Jive Records in 1997, released debut album “…Baby One More Time” in 1999
- Major Hits: “…Baby One More Time,” “Oops!… I Did It Again,” “Toxic”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 7 Billboard Music Awards, 4 MTV Video Music Awards
12. Christina Aguilera
- Early Career: Signed with RCA Records in 1998, released self-titled debut album in 1999
- Major Hits: “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants,” “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)”
- Awards and Recognition: 5 Grammy Awards, 1 Latin Grammy Award, 4 MTV Video Music Awards
13. Lauryn Hill
- Early Career: Member of The Fugees, released solo debut album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1998
- Major Hits: “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” “Everything Is Everything”
- Awards and Recognition: 8 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Video Music Awards
14. Gwen Stefani
- Early Career: The lead singer of No Doubt, and released the band’s debut album in 1992
- Major Hits: “Don’t Speak,” “Just a Girl,” “Spiderwebs”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 4 MTV Video Music Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award
15. Fiona Apple
- Early Career: Signed with Work Group in 1995, released debut album “Tidal” in 1996
- Major Hits: “Criminal,” “Sleep to Dream,” “Shadowboxer”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 1 MTV Video Music Award, 3 Grammy Award nominations
16. LeAnn Rimes
- Early Career: Signed with Curb Records in 1996, released debut album “Blue” in 1996
- Major Hits: “Blue,” “How Do I Live,” “One Way Ticket (Because I Can),” “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Grammy Awards, 3 Academy of Country Music Awards, 1 Country Music Association Award
17. Patty Loveless
- Early Career: Signed with MCA Records in 1985, a breakthrough in the 90s with albums like “Only What I Feel” and “When Fallen Angels Fly.”
- Major Hits: “Blame It on Your Heart,” “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am,” “Lonely Too Long”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Grammy Awards, 4 Academy of Country Music Awards, 5 Country Music Association Awards
18. Jo Dee Messina
- Early Career: Signed with Curb Records in 1996, released self-titled debut album in 1996
- Major Hits: “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “I’m Alright,” “Bye Bye,” “Stand Beside Me”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Academy of Country Music Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award
19. Terri Clark
- Early Career: Signed with Mercury Records in 1995, released self-titled debut album in 1995
- Major Hits: “Better Things to Do,” “When Boy Meets Girl,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Girls Lie Too”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Canadian Country Music Association Award, 3 Academy of Country Music Award nominations
20. Dixie Chicks
- Early Career: Formed in 1989, signed with Monument Records in 1997, released major-label debut “Wide Open Spaces” in 1998
- Major Hits: “Wide Open Spaces,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” “Goodbye Earl,” “Landslide”
- Awards and Recognition: 13 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards
21. Deana Carter
- Early Career: Signed with Capitol Records in 1994, released debut album “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” in 1996
- Major Hits: “Strawberry Wine,” “We Danced Anyway,” “How Do I Get There,” “You and Tequila” (with Kenny Chesney)
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Country Music Association Awards, 2 Academy of Country Music Awards
22. Avril Lavigne
- Early Career: Signed with Arista Records in 2000, released debut album “Let Go” in 2002
- Major Hits: “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “I’m with You,” “My Happy Ending”
- Awards and Recognition: 8 Grammy Award nominations, 7 Juno Awards, 4 MTV Video Music Awards
23. P!nk
- Early Career: Signed with LaFace Records in 1995, released debut album “Can’t Take Me Home” in 2000
- Major Hits: “There You Go,” “Most Girls,” “Get the Party Started,” “Just Like a Pill”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 7 MTV Video Music Awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards
24. Jennifer Lopez
- Early Career: Signed with Work Group in 1998, released debut album “On the 6” in 1999
- Major Hits: “If You Had My Love,” “Waiting for Tonight,” “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Grammy Award nominations, 3 American Music Awards, 4 MTV Video Music Awards
25. Shakira
- Early Career: Released debut album “Magia” in 1991, international breakthrough with “Laundry Service” in 2001
- Major Hits: “Whenever, Wherever,” “Underneath Your Clothes,” “Hips Don’t Lie”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 12 Latin Grammy Awards, 7 Billboard Music Awards
26. Mindy McCready
- Early Career: Signed with BNA Records in 1995, released debut album “Ten Thousand Angels” in 1996
- Major Hits: “Guys Do It All the Time,” “A Girl’s Gotta Do (What a Girl’s Gotta Do),” “Maybe He’ll Notice Her Now”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Academy of Country Music Award, 1 Country Music Association Award nomination
27. Liz Phair
- Early Career: Released debut album “Exile in Guyville” in 1993
- Major Hits: “Never Said,” “Supernova,” “Why Can’t I?”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Grammy Award nominations, 1 BRIT Award nomination
28. Meredith Brooks
- Early Career: Released debut album “See It Through My Eyes” in 1986, breakthrough with “Blurring the Edges” in 1997
- Major Hits: “Bitch,” “What Would Happen”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award nomination, 1 American Music Award nomination
29. Joan Osborne
- Early Career: Released debut album “Soul Show: Live at Delta 88” in 1991, breakthrough with “Relish” in 1995
- Major Hits: “One of Us,” “St. Teresa,” “Right Hand Man”
- Awards and Recognition: 7 Grammy Award nominations, 1 Billboard Music Award
30. Paula Cole
- Early Career: Released debut album “Harbinger” in 1994, breakthrough with “This Fire” in 1996
- Major Hits: “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” “I Don’t Want to Wait,” “Me”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 7 Grammy Award nominations, 1 Billboard Music Award
31. Mary J. Blige
- Early Career: Signed with Uptown Records in 1989, released debut album “What’s the 411?” in 1992
- Major Hits: “Real Love,” “Be Without You,” “Family Affair,” “No More Drama”
- Awards and Recognition: 9 Grammy Awards, 4 American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards
32. Sara Evans
- Early Career: Signed with RCA Nashville in 1996, released debut album “Three Chords and the Truth” in 1997
- Major Hits: “No Place That Far,” “Born to Fly,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Academy of Country Music Award, 2 Country Music Association Award nominations
33. Erykah Badu
- Early Career: Released debut album “Baduizm” in 1997
- Major Hits: “On & On,” “Next Lifetime,” “Bag Lady,” “Window Seat”
- Awards and Recognition: 4 Grammy Awards, 3 BET Awards, 2 Soul Train Music Awards
34. Aaliyah
- Early Career: Signed with Blackground Records in 1993, released debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number” in 1994
- Major Hits: “Back & Forth,” “One in a Million,” “Try Again,” “Are You That Somebody?”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Video Music Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award
35. Jill Scott
- Early Career: Released debut album “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1” in 2000
- Major Hits: “A Long Walk,” “The Way,” “Golden,” “So in Love”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 3 BET Awards, 1 Soul Train Music Award
36. Macy Gray
- Early Career: Released debut album “On How Life Is” in 1999
- Major Hits: “I Try,” “Still,” “Sweet Baby,” “Beauty in the World”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 2 MTV Video Music Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award
37. Angie Stone
- Early Career: Member of Vertical Hold, released solo debut album “Black Diamond” in 1999
- Major Hits: “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” “Brotha”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 1 Grammy Award nomination
38. Chely Wright
- Early Career: Signed with Mercury Records in 1994, released debut album “Woman in the Moon” in 1994
- Major Hits: “Shut Up and Drive,” “Single White Female,” “It Was,” “Bumper of My SUV”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Academy of Country Music Award, 2 Country Music Association Award nominations
39. Faith Evans
- Early Career: Signed with Bad Boy Records in 1994, released debut album “Faith” in 1995
- Major Hits: “You Used to Love Me,” “Soon as I Get Home,” “Love Like This,” “All Night Long”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 1 MTV Video Music Award
40. Brandy
- Early Career: Signed with Atlantic Records in 1993, released self-titled debut album in 1994
- Major Hits: “I Wanna Be Down,” “Baby,” “The Boy Is Mine,” “Have You Ever?”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 4 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards
41. Monica
- Early Career: Signed with Rowdy Records in 1993, released debut album “Miss Thang” in 1995
- Major Hits: “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days),” “Before You Walk Out of My Life,” “The Boy Is Mine,” “Angel of Mine”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 2 Billboard Music Awards, 1 BET Award
42. SWV (Sisters With Voices)
- Early Career: Signed with RCA Records in 1991, released debut album “It’s About Time” in 1992
- Major Hits: “Weak,” “Right Here/Human Nature,” “I’m So into You,” “You’re the One”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Billboard Music Award, 1 Grammy Award nomination
43. En Vogue
- Early Career: Signed with Atlantic Records in 1989, released debut album “Born to Sing” in 1990
- Major Hits: “Hold On,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Free Your Mind,” “Don’t Let Go (Love)”
- Awards and Recognition: 7 MTV Video Music Awards, 5 Soul Train Music Awards, 4 Grammy Award nominations
44. Xscape
- Early Career: Signed with So So Def Recordings in 1991, released debut album “Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha” in 1993
- Major Hits: “Just Kickin’ It,” “Understanding,” “Who Can I Run To,” “The Arms of the One Who Loves You”
- Awards and Recognition: 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 1 Grammy Award nomination
45. Total
- Early Career: Signed with Bad Boy Records in 1994, released debut album “Total” in 1996
- Major Hits: “Can’t You See,” “Kissing You,” “Trippin’,” “Sitting Home”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Soul Train Music Award, 1 Grammy Award nomination
46. Lee Ann Womack
- Early Career: Signed with Decca Records in 1996, released self-titled debut album in 1997
- Major Hits: “I Hope You Dance,” “The Fool,” “A Little Past Little Rock,” “I’ll Think of a Reason Later”
- Awards and Recognition: 1 Grammy Award, 6 Country Music Association Awards, 5 Academy of Country Music Awards
47. Faith Hill
- Early Career: Signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1993, released debut album “Take Me as I Am” in 1993
- Major Hits: “Wild One,” “Breathe,” “This Kiss,” “The Way You Love Me”
- Awards and Recognition: 5 Grammy Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, 6 American Music Awards
48. Reba McEntire
- Early Career: Signed with Mercury Records in 1975, a breakthrough in the 90s with albums like “Rumor Has It” and “It’s Your Call.”
- Major Hits: “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Does He Love You”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards
49. Martina McBride
- Early Career: Signed with RCA Nashville in 1991, released debut album “The Time Has Come” in 1992
- Major Hits: “Independence Day,” “A Broken Wing,” “Blessed,” “This One’s for the Girls”
- Awards and Recognition: 14 Grammy Award nominations, 6 Academy of Country Music Awards, 6 Country Music Association Awards
50. Trisha Yearwood
- Early Career: Signed with MCA Records in 1990, released self-titled debut album in 1991
- Major Hits: “She’s in Love with the Boy,” Walkaway Joe,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” “How Do I Live”
- Awards and Recognition: 3 Grammy Awards, 3 Academy of Country Music Awards, 3 Country Music Association Awards
Shaping the Music Industry
The female singers of the 90s played a crucial role in shaping the music industry and breaking barriers.
They challenged traditional norms and paved the way for future generations of artists.
These women became symbols of empowerment and self-expression, inspiring fans worldwide to embrace their individuality and speak their truth.
From Madonna’s unapologetic boldness to Alanis Morissette’s raw emotional honesty, these artists demonstrated that women could be powerful forces in the music industry, commanding attention and respect with their talent and creativity.
Influence on Subsequent Musicians
The impact of the iconic female singers of the 90s continues reverberating through the music industry today.
Their innovative approaches to music, fearless self-expression, and unwavering confidence have inspired countless artists who followed in their footsteps.
Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Adele are just a few examples of contemporary artists who have cited the influence of 90s female singers on their music and personas.
The legacy of these trailblazing women can be seen in the bold, confident, and genre-bending music of today’s female artists.
Enduring Legacy of 90s Female Singers
The music of the 90s continues to evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and reverence among fans who grew up during that era.
The enduring popularity of 90s music, particularly the contributions of female singers, is a testament to its lasting impact on popular culture.
Songs like “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, and “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette remain beloved classics, enjoyed by both original fans and new generations discovering their timeless appeal.
The ongoing celebration of 90s music through revivals, remixes, and covers further demonstrates the enduring legacy of these female artists.
Cultural and Musical Contributions
Female singers’ cultural and musical contributions in the 90s extend far beyond their chart-topping hits.
These artists used their platforms to address social and personal issues, giving voice to the experiences and struggles of women everywhere.
From Tori Amos’s haunting exploration of trauma and healing to Lauryn Hill’s powerful commentary on race and identity, these singers fearlessly tackled complex themes through their music.
They inspired a generation of listeners to confront their challenges and find strength in self-expression.
The courage and vulnerability displayed by these artists continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding them of the transformative power of music.
Conclusion
These women left an indelible mark on the music industry, from the rise of iconic voices like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to pop and rock sensations like Madonna and Alanis Morissette.
The resurgence of R&B and soul saw artists like Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill taking the genre to new heights, while country music witnessed the emergence of powerful storytellers like Shania Twain and Faith Hill.
The contributions of these remarkable women extend far beyond their music, as they became symbols of empowerment and inspired generations of fans.
As we look back on this incredible era, it’s clear that the impact of these female singers will continue to resonate for years to come.
