The 1980s was a decade of musical creativity and innovation, especially for female artists who dominated the charts.
This era saw the rise of iconic singers across genres, from pop and rock to R&B and soul.
These talented women delivered unforgettable hits and influenced fashion, culture, and social movements.
From Madonna’s bold style and revolutionary music to Whitney Houston’s powerful vocals and emotional performances, these singers defined the sound of the 80s and set new standards in the music world.
Artists like Janet Jackson and Cyndi Lauper brought unique styles and voices that resonated globally, while others like Gloria Estefan and Sade introduced diverse influences to mainstream audiences.
This article celebrates influential female singers from the 80s, highlighting their early careers, major hits, awards, and lasting impact on the music industry.
List of Influential Female Singers
1. Madonna
Madonna, often called the “Queen of Pop,” became an icon in the 1980s with her bold style and groundbreaking music.
She revolutionized the music industry with hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl.” Her provocative image and her talent made her a trailblazer in pop culture.
Madonna’s influence extends beyond music, impacting worldwide fashion, film, and social issues.
- Famous songs: “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Papa Don’t Preach”
- Awards: 7 Grammy Awards, 20 MTV Video Music Awards
- Years Active: 1979–present
2. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was one of the most powerful and influential voices of the 1980s. Her debut album, released in 1985, produced hits like “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All.”
Houston’s incredible vocal range and emotional delivery made her a superstar and a role model for aspiring singers.
She dominated the charts and became known for her impressive live performances.
- Famous songs: “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
- Awards: 6 Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1977–2012
3. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper burst onto the music scene in the 1980s with her distinctive voice and quirky style. Her debut album “She’s So Unusual” featured iconic hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time.”
Lauper’s unique approach to pop music and fashion made her an enduring figure of the decade.
Her vibrant personality and innovative music videos made her a favorite among fans.
- Famous songs: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “True Colors”
- Awards: 1 Grammy Award, MTV Video Music Awards
- Years Active: 1980–present
4. Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson emerged as a pop and R&B powerhouse in the 1980s with her album “Control,” which included hits like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately.”
Jackson’s innovative music videos and choreography set new standards in the industry and solidified her as a leading artist.
Her ability to blend pop, R&B, and dance elements made her a standout performer.
- Famous songs: “Nasty,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Rhythm Nation”
- Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, 11 American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1973–present
5. Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar was a rock powerhouse in the 1980s, known for her powerful vocals and hit songs like “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield.”
Her blend of rock and pop earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Benatar’s fierce stage presence and energetic performances made her a favorite among rock fans.
- Famous songs: “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” “We Belong”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1972–present
6. Tina Turner
Tina Turner enjoyed a major career resurgence in the 1980s with her album “Private Dancer,” which included hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Private Dancer.”
Turner’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her one of the most influential artists of the decade.
Her journey from hardship to stardom inspired many.
- Famous songs: “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero”
- Awards: 8 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1957–2023
7. Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, was a defining figure in the new wave and punk scenes of the 1980s. Her unique voice and edgy style helped Blondie achieve hits like “Call Me” and “Heart of Glass.”
Harry’s influence extended beyond music, impacting fashion and pop culture. Her bold and daring persona made her an icon of the era.
- Famous songs: “Call Me,” “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture”
- Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1965–present
8. Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox, as part of the Eurythmics, brought a distinctive voice and style to the 1980s music scene. Hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again” showcased her powerful vocals and unique artistic vision.
Lennox’s striking appearance and emotive singing made her a standout performer.
- Famous songs: “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “Here Comes the Rain Again,” “Walking on Broken Glass”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, 1 Academy Award
- Years Active: 1976–present
9. Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde became an 80s pop icon with her hit single “Kids in America.” Her catchy songs and striking looks made her a prominent figure in the decade’s pop scene.
Wilde continued to produce hits throughout the 1980s, maintaining her popularity and influence in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “Kids in America,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “Cambodia”
- Awards: Brit Awards
- Years Active: 1980–present
10. Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle first gained fame as the lead singer of The Go-Go’s, one of the most successful female bands of the 1980s.
She later launched a successful solo career with hits like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.” Carlisle’s melodic voice and engaging personality made her a beloved figure in pop music.
- Famous songs: “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” “Mad About You,” “Circle in the Sand”
- Awards: American Music Awards, Grammy nominations
- Years Active: 1977–present
11. Sheena Easton
Sheena Easton achieved international fame in the 1980s with hits like “Morning Train (9 to 5)” and “For Your Eyes Only.”
Her versatile voice and ability to cross genres from pop to R&B made her a standout artist of the decade.
Easton’s glamorous image and strong vocal performances captivated audiences.
- Famous songs: “Morning Train (9 to 5),” “For Your Eyes Only,” “Strut”
- Awards: 2 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1980–present
12. Gloria Estefan
As the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine, Gloria Estefan brought Latin music into the mainstream with hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”
Estefan’s vibrant performances and catchy tunes made her a significant figure in 80s music.
Her ability to blend Latin rhythms with pop elements expanded her appeal globally.
- Famous songs: “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Anything for You”
- Awards: 3 Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1975–present
13. Sade
Sade, fronted by singer Sade Adu, brought a smooth, soulful sound to the 1980s music scene.
Hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King” showcased her unique voice and elegant style, making Sade one of the decade’s most enduring acts.
Her cool, sophisticated image and emotive delivery resonated with a wide audience.
- Famous songs: “Smooth Operator,” “Your Love Is King,” “The Sweetest Taboo”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1982–present
14. Joan Jett
Joan Jett, known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” made a huge impact in the 1980s with her hit “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Her raw, powerful style and rebellious persona inspired countless young musicians and solidified her place in rock history.
Jett’s uncompromising attitude and energetic performances made her a role model for aspiring rockers.
- Famous songs: “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover”
- Awards: Grammy nominations, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1975–present
15. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks, both as a member of Fleetwood Mac and a solo artist, was a defining voice of the 1980s. Her ethereal voice and mystical persona captivated audiences.
Hits like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stand Back” remain iconic. Nick’s songwriting talent and distinctive style have made her a timeless figure in music.
- Famous songs: “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”
- Awards: 2 Grammy Awards (with Fleetwood Mac), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1966–present
16. Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John enjoyed continued success in the 1980s with hits like “Physical” and “Magic.”
Her wholesome image and versatile voice made her one of the most beloved artists of the decade.
Newton-John’s ability to adapt to different musical styles, from pop to country, kept her career vibrant and successful.
- Famous songs: “Physical,” “Magic,” “Xanadu”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1963–2022
17. Debbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson became a teen pop sensation in the late 1980s with hits like “Only in My Dreams” and “Foolish Beat.”
As one of the youngest artists to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, Gibson’s success paved the way for future teen pop stars.
Her catchy songs and youthful energy made her a favorite among young fans.
- Famous songs: “Only in My Dreams,” “Foolish Beat,” “Lost in Your Eyes”
- Awards: American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards
- Years Active: 1986–present
18. Tiffany
Tiffany became a pop sensation in the late 1980s with her cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
Her debut album produced multiple hits, and her mall tour performances became legendary.
Tiffany’s girl-next-door charm and catchy pop songs endeared her to a wide audience, making her a significant figure in 80s pop music.
- Famous songs: “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Could’ve Been,” “I Saw Him Standing There”
- Awards: Billboard Music Awards
- Years Active: 1981–present
19. Kim Carnes
Kim Carnes achieved major success in the 1980s with her raspy voice and the hit single “Bette Davis Eyes.”
The song became one of the best-selling singles of the decade and earned her multiple awards.
Carnes’s unique voice and compelling storytelling set her apart in the pop and rock scenes.
- Famous songs: “Bette Davis Eyes,” “More Love,” “Crazy in the Night”
- Awards: 2 Grammy Awards, American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1962–present
20. Chrissie Hynde
As the lead singer of The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde brought a tough yet vulnerable edge to rock music in the 1980s.
Hits like “Brass in Pocket” and “Back on the Chain Gang” showcased her distinctive voice and songwriting talent.
Hynde’s cool, rebellious image and strong presence made her a standout figure in rock.
- Famous songs: “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand by You”
- Awards: Grammy nominations, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1975–present
21. Jody Watley
Jody Watley emerged as a leading figure in the dance-pop scene of the 1980s.
As a former member of the group Shalamar, Watley launched a successful solo career with hits like “Looking for a New Love” and “Real Love.”
Her dynamic performances and trendsetting style made her a significant influence in pop music.
- Famous songs: “Looking for a New Love,” “Real Love,” “Don’t You Want Me”
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best New Artist
- Years Active: 1977–present
22. Taylor Dayne
Taylor Dayne became a pop sensation in the late 1980s with her powerful voice and hit singles like “Tell It to My Heart” and “Love Will Lead You Back.”
Her energetic performances and distinctive voice made her a standout artist in the pop and dance music scenes.
- Famous songs: “Tell It to My Heart,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Prove Your Love”
- Awards: American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1985–present
23. Kim Deal
Kim Deal, best known as the bassist and co-vocalist for the alternative rock band Pixies, made significant contributions to the music scene in the 1980s.
Her work with the Pixies on albums like “Surfer Rosa” and “Doolittle” influenced the development of alternative rock and grunge music.
- Famous songs: “Gigantic,” “Here Comes Your Man,” “Where Is My Mind?”
- Awards: Grammy nominations (with Pixies)
- Years Active: 1986–present
24. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge rose to fame in the late 1980s with her raspy voice and confessional songwriting.
Her debut album produced hits like “Bring Me Some Water,” establishing her as a powerful voice in rock music.
Etheridge’s passionate performances and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights made her influential.
- Famous songs: “Bring Me Some Water,” “Like the Way I Do,” “No Souvenirs”
- Awards: 2 Grammy Awards, Academy Award
- Years Active: 1985–present
25. Lisa Lisa
Lisa Lisa, the lead vocalist for Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, brought freestyle and Latin pop to the mainstream in the 1980s.
Hits like “Head to Toe” and “Lost in Emotion” made the group prominent in the dance-pop scene.
Lisa Lisa’s energetic performances and catchy tunes resonated with a wide audience.
- Famous songs: “Head to Toe,” “Lost in Emotion,” “I Wonder If I Take You Home”
- Awards: Billboard Music Awards
- Years Active: 1984–present
26. Bananarama
Bananarama, a British female pop trio, achieved international success in the 1980s with their catchy hits and playful image.
Songs like “Cruel Summer” and “Venus” showcased their fun, energetic style. The group’s harmonies and danceable tracks made them a staple of 80s pop music.
- Famous songs: “Cruel Summer,” “Venus,” “I Heard a Rumour”
- Awards: Brit Awards
- Years Active: 1979–present
27. Nena
A German singer, Nena, became an international sensation in the 1980s with her hit single “99 Luftballons.”
The song’s anti-war message and catchy melody made it a worldwide hit.
Nena’s distinctive voice and new-wave style made her prominent in 80s music.
- Famous songs: “99 Luftballons,” “Leuchtturm,” “Nur geträumt”
- Awards: Echo Awards, Bravo Otto Awards
- Years Active: 1979–present
28. Kate Bush
Kate Bush was known for her unique voice, artistic vision, and innovative music videos.
Her 1980s hits like “Running Up That Hill” and “Babooshka” showcased her eclectic style and storytelling ability.
Bush’s influence extended beyond music, impacting visual art and performance.
- Famous songs: “Running Up That Hill,” “Babooshka,” “Cloudbusting”
- Awards: Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards
- Years Active: 1978–present
29. Sheila E.
Sheila E., a talented percussionist and singer, gained fame in the 1980s with her collaborations with Prince and her solo hits like “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.”
Her dynamic drumming and energetic performances made her a standout artist in the pop and funk scenes.
- Famous songs: “The Glamorous Life,” “A Love Bizarre,” “Holly Rock”
- Awards: Grammy nominations
- Years Active: 1976–present
30. Sinéad O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor emerged as a powerful voice in the late 1980s with her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra.”
Her unique voice and emotional intensity made songs like “Mandinka” and “Troy” unforgettable.
O’Connor’s fearless approach to music and activism made her an influential figure.
- Famous songs: “Mandinka,” “Troy,” “Nothing Compares 2 U”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Brit Awards
- Years Active: 1986–present
31. Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield became known in the late 1980s for her soulful voice and hits like “All Around the World.”
Her blend of R&B, soul, and pop made her a standout artist.
Stansfield’s emotive performances and smooth vocals captivated audiences around the globe.
- Famous songs: “All Around the World,” “This Is the Right Time,” “All Woman”
- Awards: Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards
- Years Active: 1980–present
32. Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman gained acclaim in the late 1980s with her self-titled debut album, which included hits like “Fast Car” and “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution.”
Her poignant lyrics and acoustic sound resonated with a wide audience, making her a significant voice in folk and rock music.
- Famous songs: “Fast Car,” “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution,” “Baby Can I Hold You”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1986–present
33. Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee Jones, known for her eclectic style and unique voice, gained fame in the late 1970s and continued her success into the 1980s.
Her album “Pirates” and hits like “Chuck E.’s in Love” showcased her blend of jazz, pop, and rock influences.
- Famous songs: “Chuck E.’s in Love,” “We Belong Together,” “Young Blood”
- Awards: 2 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1978–present
34. Juice Newton
Juice Newton was a prominent country-pop singer in the 1980s, known for hits like “Queen of Hearts” and “Angel of the Morning.”
Her blend of country, pop, and rock earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
- Famous songs: “Queen of Hearts,” “Angel of the Morning,” “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1975–present
35. Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan achieved major success in the 1980s with her powerful voice and hit single “Gloria.”
Her energetic performances and emotive ballads made her a significant figure in pop music.
Branigan’s ability to convey deep emotion through her singing resonated with many fans.
- Famous songs: “Gloria,” “Self Control,” “Solitaire”
- Awards: Grammy nominations
- Years Active: 1972–2004
36. Martika
Martika became a pop sensation in the late 1980s with her hit single “Toy Soldiers.”
Her debut album produced several hits, establishing her as a significant figure in pop music.
Martika’s youthful energy and catchy songs made her a favorite among young fans.
- Famous songs: “Toy Soldiers,” “More Than You Know,” “I Feel the Earth Move”
- Awards: American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1982–present
37. Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox transitioned from modeling to a successful music career in the 1980s with hits like “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).”
Her bold image and catchy pop songs made her prominent in 80s pop music.
Fox’s energetic performances and playful persona resonated with a wide audience.
- Famous songs: “Touch Me (I Want Your Body),” “Naughty Girls (Need Love Too),” “I Wanna Have Some Fun”
- Awards: Brit Awards
- Years Active: 1983–present
38. Exposé
Exposé, an American girl group, rose to fame in the late 1980s with its dance-pop hits.
Songs like “Point of No Return” and “Seasons Change” showcased its harmonious vocals and catchy melodies.
The group’s energetic performances and relatable lyrics made it a favorite among pop music fans.
- Famous songs: “Point of No Return,” “Seasons Change,” “Come Go with Me”
- Awards: American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1984–present
39. Alannah Myles
Alannah Myles gained fame in the late 1980s with her hit single “Black Velvet.” Her bluesy voice and rock influence made her a standout artist.
Myles’s dynamic performances and distinctive sound resonated with rock and pop audiences alike.
- Famous songs: “Black Velvet,” “Love Is,” “Still Got This Thing”
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance
- Years Active: 1989–present
40. Enya
Enya, an Irish singer known for her ethereal voice and New Age music, gained international success in the late 1980s with her album “Watermark” and the hit single “Orinoco Flow.”
Her unique blend of Celtic, classical, and ambient music set her apart in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “Orinoco Flow,” “Caribbean Blue,” “Only Time”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
- Years Active: 1980–present
41. Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler, known for her raspy voice and powerful ballads, achieved major success in the 1980s with hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”
Her dramatic style and passionate delivery made her a standout figure in rock and pop music.
- Famous songs: “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “It’s a Heartache”
- Awards: Grammy nominations, Brit Awards
- Years Active: 1975–present
42. Belinda
Belinda, a Mexican-American singer, gained fame in the 1980s with her Latin pop hits. Her youthful energy and catchy songs made her a favorite among Latin music fans.
Belinda’s vibrant performances and crossover appeal helped her achieve international success.
- Famous songs: “Egoísta,” “Lo Siento,” “Bella Traición”
- Awards: Latin Grammy nominations, Billboard Latin Music Awards
- Years Active: 1981–present
43. Sheila
Sheila, a French pop singer, gained international fame in the 1980s with her hit single “Spacer.”
Her blend of disco and pop made her a significant figure in European music. Sheila’s energetic performances and catchy tunes resonated with a wide audience.
- Famous songs: “Spacer,” “Love Me Baby,” “Singin’ in the Rain”
- Awards: Victoires de la Musique
- Years Active: 1962–present
44. Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John enjoyed continued success in the 1980s with hits like “Physical” and “Magic.”
Her wholesome image and versatile voice made her one of the most beloved artists of the decade.
Newton-John’s ability to adapt to different musical styles, from pop to country, kept her career vibrant and successful.
- Famous songs: “Physical,” “Magic,” “Xanadu”
- Awards: 4 Grammy Awards, American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1963–2022
45. Debbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson became a teen pop sensation in the late 1980s with hits like “Only in My Dreams” and “Foolish Beat.”
As one of the youngest artists to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, Gibson’s success paved the way for future teen pop stars.
Her catchy songs and youthful energy made her a favorite among young fans.
- Famous songs: “Only in My Dreams,” “Foolish Beat,” “Lost in Your Eyes”
- Awards: American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards
- Years Active: 1986–present
Final Thoughts
The 1980s was a transformative decade for music, marked by the incredible contributions of female artists who shaped the sound and culture of the era.
These 45 girl singers brought diverse styles and voices to the forefront, from Madonna’s pioneering pop and Whitney Houston’s soulful ballads to Janet Jackson’s innovative R&B and Cyndi Lauper’s quirky charm.
Their music provided the soundtrack to a generation that pushed boundaries and challenged norms.
These women broke barriers, influenced fashion, and became role models for aspiring artists worldwide.
Their powerful performances, memorable hits, and lasting legacies inspire and resonate with audiences today.
