While the genre is often associated with African-American artists, several white female singers have significantly contributed to R&B, bringing their unique styles and talents to the forefront.
This article will explore 20 iconic white female R&B singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
From legendary pioneers to contemporary stars, these artists have each brought something special to the genre.
Join us as we celebrate the voices of Teena Marie, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and many more.
We will dive into their most memorable songs, highlight their achievements, and discuss their impact on R&B music.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, this list will offer something for everyone.”
Top R&B White Female Singers
1. Teena Marie
Teena Marie, often called the “Ivory Queen of Soul,” was an American singer-songwriter and producer known for her rich, soulful voice and distinctive style that blended R&B, funk, soul, and jazz.
She started her career with Motown Records and became known for her collaborations with Rick James, with whom she recorded the hit duet “Fire and Desire.”
Her solo hits include “Lovergirl,” “Square Biz,” and “Ooo La La La.”
Teena Marie was a powerful vocalist, talented multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter who broke barriers for white artists in the traditionally African-American genre of R&B.
- Famous songs: “Lovergirl,” “Square Biz,” “Ooh La La La”
- Awards: N/A
- Years Active: 1964–2010
2. Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield is a British singer-songwriter and actress who became famous in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her soulful voice and hit singles “All Around the World,” “This Is the Right Time,” and “Change.”
Her debut solo album, “Affection,” was a commercial success, earning her international acclaim and multiple awards.
Lisa’s music blends R&B, soul, and dance-pop elements, and she is known for her strong vocal performances and passionate delivery.
- Famous songs: “All Around the World,” “This Is the Right Time,” “Change”
- Awards: Brit Award, Ivor Novello Award
- Years Active: 1980–present
3. Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox, best known as the lead singer of the Eurythmics, has enjoyed a successful solo career with soulful tracks like “Why,” “Walking on Broken Glass,” and “No More I Love You’s.”
Her powerful, expressive voice and unique style have made her a standout artist in pop and R&B genres.
Annie’s music often addresses social and political issues, and she has been recognized for her contributions to music and activism.
- Famous songs: “Why,” “Walking on Broken Glass,” “No More I Love You’s”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, Golden Globe Award, Academy Award
- Years Active: 1976–present
4. Joss Stone
Joss Stone burst onto the music scene as a teenager with her debut album, “The Soul Sessions,” which featured her powerful renditions of classic soul songs.
Known for her strong, soulful voice and passionate performances, Joss has released several successful albums, including “Mind Body & Soul” and “Introducing Joss Stone.”
She has been praised for her ability to infuse contemporary R&B with a classic soul sound.
- Famous songs: “Fell in Love with a Boy,” “Right to Be Wrong,” “Super Duper Love”
- Awards: Grammy Award, Brit Awards
- Years Active: 2001–present
5. Duffy
Duffy gained international acclaim with her debut album “Rockferry,” which featured hits like “Mercy” and “Warwick Avenue.”
Her soulful voice and retro-inspired style stood out in the contemporary R&B and soul genres.
Despite her brief time in the spotlight, Duffy’s impact was significant, earning her numerous awards and a lasting fan base.
- Famous songs: “Mercy,” “Warwick Avenue,” “Stepping Stone”
- Awards: Grammy Award, Brit Awards
- Years Active: 2004–2011, 2015–present
6. Adele
Adele is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and deeply emotional songs.
Her debut album “19” and its follow-up “21” garnered critical and commercial success worldwide, with hits like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Hello.”
Adele’s music blends elements of R&B, soul, and pop, and her ability to convey raw emotion through her voice has made her one of the most acclaimed artists of her generation.
- Famous songs: “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” “Hello”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, Academy Award
- Years Active: 2006–present
7. Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s powerful voice and versatile singing style have made her a prominent figure in pop and R&B music.
She gained fame with her self-titled debut album, which included hits like “Genie in a Bottle” and “What a Girl Wants.”
Christina’s music often explores themes of empowerment and self-expression, and she has successfully blended pop with R&B throughout her career.
- Famous songs: “Genie in a Bottle,” “Beautiful,” “Fighter”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Award
- Years Active: 1993–present
8. Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s distinctive voice and deeply personal lyrics stood out in the R&B and soul genres.
Her albums “Frank” and “Back to Black” received critical acclaim, with hits like “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” and “Valerie.”
Amy’s raw, passionate singing style and unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B have left a lasting legacy in music.
- Famous songs: “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” “Valerie”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Brit Awards
- Years Active: 2002–2011
9. Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield, known for her hits in the 1960s like “Son of a Preacher Man,” was a pioneer for white female R&B singers, bringing a soulful sound to mainstream audiences.
Her rich, expressive voice and ability to convey deep emotion made her one of the most beloved singers of her time.
Dusty’s influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists.
- Famous songs: “Son of a Preacher Man,” “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” “I Only Want to Be with You”
- Awards: Brit Award, Grammy Hall of Fame
- Years Active: 1958–1995
10. Paloma Faith
Paloma Faith’s unique voice and eclectic style have earned her a place in modern R&B.
Hits like “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” and “Picking Up the Pieces” showcase her soulful delivery.
Her music blends soul, jazz, and pop elements.
She is known for her theatrical performances and strong visual style.
- Famous songs: “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” “Picking Up the Pieces,” “Stone Cold Sober”
- Awards: Brit Awards
- Years Active: 2007–present
11. Diana Krall
Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer known for her sultry voice and sophisticated interpretations of jazz and R&B standards.
Her music often blends jazz with elements of R&B, showcasing her versatility and deep emotional expression.
Diana’s successful albums, such as “The Look of Love” and “When I Look in Your Eyes,” have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, cementing her place as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz and R&B.
- Famous songs: “The Look of Love,” “Cry Me a River,” “Let’s Fall in Love”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Juno Awards
- Years Active: 1993–present
12. Megan Trainor
Megan Trainor is an American singer-songwriter known for blending pop and R&B music.
Her breakout hit “All About That Bass” brought her widespread recognition and showcased her retro style and soulful voice.
Megan’s music often features themes of self-empowerment and body positivity, and she has continued to produce hits that resonate with a broad audience.
- Famous songs: “All About That Bass,” “Lips Are Movin,” “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”
- Awards: Grammy Award, Billboard Music Awards
- Years Active: 2009–present
13. Macy Gray
Macy Gray is an American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive raspy voice and unique style.
She achieved international fame with her debut album “On How Life Is,” which included the hit single “I Try.”
Macy’s music combines R&B, soul, and funk elements, and her passionate delivery and unconventional style have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
- Famous songs: “I Try,” “Sweet Baby,” “Still”
- Awards: Grammy Award, MTV Video Music Award
- Years Active: 1990–present
14. Jessie J
Jessie J is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and dynamic performance style.
Her music spans pop, R&B, and soul, with hits like “Price Tag,” “Domino,” and “Bang Bang” showcasing her versatility.
Jessie J’s strong voice and emotional delivery have made her a prominent figure in contemporary R&B, earning her numerous awards and accolades.
- Famous songs: “Price Tag,” “Domino,” “Bang Bang”
- Awards: Brit Awards, MOBO Awards
- Years Active: 2005–present
15. Rita Ora
Rita Ora is a British singer and actress known for her energetic performances and soulful voice.
Her debut album “Ora” included hit singles like “R.I.P.” and “How We Do (Party),” establishing her as a rising star in the R&B and pop music scenes.
Rita’s music blends R&B with pop and dance elements, and her charismatic stage presence has earned her a strong following.
- Famous songs: “R.I.P.,” “How We Do (Party),” “Your Song”
- Awards: MTV Europe Music Awards, Brit Awards
- Years Active: 2008–present
16. Madonna
Madonna, known as the “Queen of Pop,” has also significantly contributed to R&B music throughout her career.
Tracks like “Justify My Love” and “Secret” showcase her ability to blend pop with R&B influences, highlighting her versatility as an artist.
Madonna’s impact on the music industry is profound, and her innovative approach to music and performance has influenced countless artists.
- Famous songs: “Like a Prayer,” “Vogue,” “Justify My Love”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards
- Years Active: 1979–present
17. Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox, known for her hits in the 1980s, blended pop and R&B into her music.
Her sultry voice and energetic performances made her a popular figure in the music scene.
Tracks like “Touch Me (I Want Your Body)” highlight her ability to deliver catchy and memorable songs.
Samantha’s contribution to R&B, though often overshadowed by her pop success, remains significant.
- Famous songs: “Touch Me (I Want Your Body),” “Naughty Girls (Need Love Too),” “I Wanna Have Some Fun”
- Awards: N/A
- Years Active: 1983–present
18. Sophie B. Hawkins
Sophie B. Hawkins is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and passionate delivery.
Her hit single “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” brought her into the spotlight, and her music often blends pop, rock, and R&B elements.
Sophie’s ability to convey deep emotion through her voice has earned her a dedicated fan base and critical recognition.
- Famous songs: “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover,” “As I Lay Me Down,” “Right Beside You”
- Awards: N/A
- Years Active: 1990–present
19. Nellie McKay
Nellie McKay is a British-American singer-songwriter known for her eclectic style and witty, often socially conscious lyrics.
Her music spans genres, including jazz, pop, and R&B, showcasing her versatility and unique voice.
Nellie’s ability to blend humor with deep emotional expression makes her a standout artist in the contemporary music scene.
- Famous songs: “The Dog Song,” “Clonie,” “I Wanna Get Married”
- Awards: Theatre World Award
- Years Active: 2002–present
20. Cyndi Lauper
While primarily known for her pop hits, Cyndi Lauper has incorporated R&B influences into her music, particularly in tracks like “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”
Her distinctive voice and expressive delivery have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.
Cyndi’s ability to cross genres and enduring impact on popular music has earned her a lasting legacy.
- Famous songs: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “True Colors”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Tony Award, Emmy Award
- Years Active: 1977–present
Conclusion
Whitney Houston redefined R&B with her powerful vocals and crossover pop appeal.
Toni Braxton brought emotional vulnerability and honesty to contemporary R&B.
Teena Marie was a trailblazer who helped shape modern R&B’s sound.
Joss Stone showcased bluesy vocals and genre-blending artistry.
These 20 iconic white female artists left an indelible mark on R&B music.
Their unique talents earned respect and adoration while expanding the genre’s boundaries.
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