Music fans often struggle to name the women who shaped 1950s music.
Many great female singers from this time don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Their voices and songs helped define an era, but their stories are sometimes forgotten.
This article will help you discover these talented artists who left their mark on the music world.
We’ll look at ten key female singers from the 1950s, exploring their unique styles and biggest hits.
You’ll learn about their impact on music and why they’re still important today.
By the end, you’ll have a new appreciation for these pioneering women who helped create the sound of a generation.
Get ready to expand your musical knowledge and find some new favorite songs.
Let’s bring these iconic voices back into the spotlight they deserve.
List of Iconic Singers of the 1950s
1. Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline was an American country music singer known for her rich, expressive voice and pioneering role in the genre.
She began her career in the mid-1950s and quickly rose to fame with her heartfelt ballads and crossover hits.
Despite her career being tragically cut short by a plane crash in 1963, Cline left an indelible mark on country music.
Her songs often portrayed themes of love and heartbreak, resonating with a wide audience.
Cline was one of the first country artists to successfully cross over into pop music, paving the way for future artists.
- Famous songs: “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces”
- Awards: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1952–1963
2. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song,” was an iconic jazz singer whose career spanned over six decades.
Starting in the 1930s, she gained widespread acclaim in the 1950s for her impeccable vocal technique, purity of tone, and scat singing.
Fitzgerald collaborated with many jazz greats and her interpretations of the Great American Songbook remain timeless.
Her work in the 1950s solidified her status as one of the greatest jazz singers ever, influencing countless artists across various genres.
- Famous songs: “Summertime,” “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Someone to Watch Over Me”
- Awards: 13 Grammy Awards, National Medal of Arts
- Years Active: 1934–1993
3. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” was an American jazz and blues singer whose unique voice and passionate delivery made her a legend.
Although her career took off in the 1930s, she recorded some of her most memorable work during the 1950s despite her personal struggles.
Holiday’s ability to convey deep emotion and her distinctive phrasing impacted the music world.
Her life and music are remembered for their raw portrayal of pain and beauty.
- Famous songs: “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” “Lover Man”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1933–1959
4. Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington was an American singer and pianist known as the “Queen of the Blues.”
She was a versatile performer who excelled in various genres, including blues, jazz, R&B, and pop.
Washington’s powerful voice and dynamic style made her one of the most influential female vocalists of the 1950s.
Her dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with her audience helped her achieve numerous hits and a lasting legacy in music history.
- Famous songs: “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” “This Bitter Earth,” “Unforgettable”
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording
- Years Active: 1942–1963
5. Connie Francis
Connie Francis was a prominent pop singer of the 1950s and 1960s, known for her sweet voice and girl-next-door image.
She began her career in the mid-1950s and quickly gained popularity with a string of hit singles.
Francis was one of the first female pop stars to achieve international fame, and her music continues to be celebrated for its nostalgic charm.
Her versatility allowed her to perform in multiple languages and styles, making her a beloved figure in the music industry.
- Famous songs: “Who’s Sorry Now,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar”
- Awards: Billboard’s Most Popular Female Vocalist
- Years Active: 1955–1974
6. Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan, nicknamed “Sassy” and “The Divine One,” was an American jazz singer known for her incredible vocal range and versatility.
She began her professional career in the 1940s and was one of the most respected jazz vocalists in the world by the 1950s.
Vaughan’s ability to blend jazz, pop, and classical influences set her apart from her contemporaries.
Her voice was characterized by its richness and flexibility, making her performances unforgettable.
- Famous songs: “Misty,” “Broken-Hearted Melody,” “Whatever Lola Wants”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, NEA Jazz Masters Award
- Years Active: 1942–1989
7. Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was an American jazz and pop singer, songwriter, and actress known for her sultry voice and sophisticated style.
She gained prominence in the 1940s and maintained her popularity through the 1950s with hits and memorable performances.
Lee’s career spanned six decades, and she was known for her ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining her unique sound.
Her music, film, and television contributions made her a versatile and enduring star.
- Famous songs: “Fever,” “Is That All There Is?,” “Why Don’t You Do Right?”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, ASCAP Pied Piper Award
- Years Active: 1941–1995
8. Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee, often referred to as “Little Miss Dynamite” for her powerful voice despite her petite stature, was a significant figure in the pop and rock and roll scenes of the 1950s and 1960s.
She began her recording career at a young age and quickly became a sensation with her energetic performances and hit songs.
Lee’s music crossed over to various genres, including country, rockabilly, and pop, making her one of the most versatile performers of her time.
- Famous songs: “I’m Sorry,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Sweet Nothin’s”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1956–present
9. Rosemary Clooney
Rosemary Clooney was an American singer and actress known for her warm, engaging voice and charming stage presence.
She rose to fame in the early 1950s with hit songs and successful film roles.
Clooney’s music career was marked by her ability to convey emotion and connect with her audience, making her one of the most beloved singers of her era.
Her timeless recordings continue to be enjoyed by new generations of listeners.
- Famous songs: “Come On-a My House,” “Hey There,” “Mambo Italiano”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Years Active: 1946–2002
10. Etta James
Etta James was an American singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.
She performed in various genres including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, and gospel.
James’s career took off in the late 1950s, and she became known for her emotionally charged performances and hit songs.
Her influence on the music industry is profound, and she is celebrated as one of the greatest female vocalists ever.
- Famous songs: “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1954–2012
11. Jo Stafford
Jo Stafford was an American singer known for her smooth voice and versatility in various musical genres, including traditional pop and jazz.
She began her career with The Pied Pipers in the late 1930s before achieving solo success in the 1940s and 1950s.
Stafford’s ability to deliver ballads and upbeat tunes with equal proficiency made her a favorite among listeners.
She was also known for her comedic alter ego, Darlene Edwards, which she performed alongside her husband, Paul Weston.
- Famous songs: “You Belong to Me,” “Make Love to Me,” “Shrimp Boats”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Years Active: 1939–1975
12. Doris Day
Doris Day was an American singer, actress, and animal welfare activist.
She started her career as a big band singer in 1939, and her popularity soared in the 1950s with her wholesome image and clear voice.
Day’s music career was complemented by her success in film, where she became one of the biggest box office stars of the time.
Her cheerful and optimistic persona, both on-screen and in her music, made her an enduring icon.
- Famous songs: “Que Sera, Sera,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Secret Love”
- Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Years Active: 1939–2019
13. Julie London
Julie London was an American singer and actress known for her sultry, smoky voice.
She began her career in the mid-1950s and gained fame with her debut album, “Julie Is Her Name,” which featured the hit single “Cry Me a River.”
London was celebrated for her intimate vocal style and a popular figure in music and film.
Her performances were characterized by their emotional depth and understated elegance.
- Famous songs: “Cry Me a River,” “Blue Moon,” “Fly Me to the Moon”
- Awards: Gold Record for “Cry Me a River,” Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Years Active: 1955–1969
14. Patti Page
Patti Page was an American singer known for her smooth voice and innovative use of overdubbing.
She became one of the top female vocalists of the 1950s, with a string of hits that crossed over from country to pop.
Page’s ability to appeal to a wide audience made her one of the best-selling female artists of her time.
Her music continues to be celebrated for its classic, nostalgic appeal.
- Famous songs: “Tennessee Waltz,” “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window,” “Allegheny Moon”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Years Active: 1946–2012
15. Teresa Brewer
Teresa Brewer was an American singer known for her energetic performances and versatility in various musical styles, including pop, jazz, and country.
She began her career as a child performer in the late 1930s and achieved major success in the 1950s.
Brewer’s bubbly personality and catchy tunes made her a favorite on the radio and television.
Her music was characterized by its upbeat and lively nature.
- Famous songs: “Music! Music! Music!,” “Till I Waltz Again with You,” “Ricochet”
- Awards: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Years Active: 1936–1997
16. Kay Starr
Kay Starr was an American singer known for her powerful voice and ability to sing in various genres, including pop, jazz, and country.
She gained fame in the 1950s with a series of hits that showcased her versatility and vocal strength.
Starr’s music often blended elements of blues and jazz, making her a distinctive and memorable performer.
Her energetic performances and unique voice left a lasting impression on the music industry.
- Famous songs: “Wheel of Fortune,” “Rock and Roll Waltz,” “Side by Side”
- Awards: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Years Active: 1939–2016
17. Lena Horne
Lena Horne was an American singer, actress, and civil rights activist known for her smooth voice and elegance.
She began her career in the 1930s and became one of the most prominent African American performers of her time.
Horne’s music career flourished in the 1950s when she captivated audiences with her performances in nightclubs and on recordings.
Her contributions to music and her fight for racial equality made her a significant cultural figure.
- Famous songs: “Stormy Weather,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Love Me or Leave Me”
- Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Image Award
- Years Active: 1933–2000
18. Jaye P. Morgan’s
Jaye P. Morgan was an American singer and actress known for her smooth voice and charm.
She gained fame in the 1950s with pop hits and television appearances.
Morgan’s career was marked by her versatility and ability to perform in various entertainment mediums.
Her engaging personality and musical talent made her a popular figure during the 1950s.
- Famous songs: “That’s All I Want from You,” “The Longest Walk,” “Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries”
- Awards: N/A
- Years Active: 1952–2001
19. Gale Storm
Gale Storm was an American actress and singer who gained fame in the 1950s.
She was known for her cheerful personality and engaging voice.
Storm began her career in film and television before transitioning to a successful singing career.
Her music often featured a mix of pop and traditional tunes, making her a favorite among audiences of all ages.
- Famous songs: “I Hear You Knockin’,” “Teenage Prayer,” “Dark Moon”
- Awards: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Years Active: 1940–1989
20. Toni Arden
Toni Arden was an American traditional pop singer who gained popularity in the 1950s.
Known for her clear, expressive voice, Arden captivated audiences with her romantic ballads and heartfelt performances.
She began her career in the late 1940s and continued to charm listeners with her beautiful renditions of popular standards throughout the 1950s.
- Famous songs: “Padre,” “I Can Dream, Can’t I?,” “Too Young”
- Awards: N/A
- Years Active: 1947–1970
Conclusion
Music fans often struggle to name the women who shaped 1950s music.
Many great female singers from this time don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Their voices and songs helped define an era, but their stories are sometimes forgotten.
This article will help you discover these talented artists who left their mark on the music world.
We’ll look at ten key female singers from the 1950s, exploring their unique styles and biggest hits.
You’ll learn about their impact on music and why they’re still important today.
By the end, you’ll have a new appreciation for these pioneering women who helped create the sound of a generation.
Get ready to expand your musical knowledge and find some new favorite songs.
Let’s bring these iconic voices back into the spotlight they deserve.
