Singers and Vocalists

61 Influential Black Female Soul Singers to Know

Black female soul singers have exceptionally impacted music, touching hearts and inspiring generations with their powerful voices and dynamic performances.

Many music lovers may want to explore this rich musical heritage but are unsure where to start.

This blog post offers a comprehensive guide to 61 influential Black female soul singers who have shaped the genre.

From legendary voices of the past to contemporary artists carrying the torch, we’ll introduce you to a diverse collection of talented women who have left their unforgettable mark on soul music.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a collection of artists to discover, each with their unique style and contribution to the soul music landscape.

Top Influential Black Female Soul Singers

1. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, often called the “Queen of Soul,” was a legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her powerful voice and hit songs made her a cultural icon, known for her significant influence on soul and popular music.

Birth Date: March 25, 1942
Major Albums:I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967), Lady Soul (1968), Amazing Grace (1972)
Major Achievements: First woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987), 18 Grammy Awards, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

2. Etta James

Etta James was a versatile singer known for her work in various genres, including blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel. She is most famous for her soulful ballads and her vocal power.

Birth Date: January 25, 1938
Major Albums:At Last! (1960), Tell Mama (1968)
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, six Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

3. Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a lead singer of The Supremes, one of Motown’s most successful acts. She later pursued a successful solo career and became a cultural and style icon.

Birth Date: March 26, 1944
Major Albums:Diana (1980), Touch Me in the Morning (1973)
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Golden Globe winner

4. Gladys Knight

Known as the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight gained fame with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, which produced hits that spanned generations.

Birth Date: May 28, 1944
Major Albums:Imagination (1973), Neither One of Us (1973)
Major Achievements: Seven Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

5. Tina Turner

Tina Turner, known for her electrifying stage presence and raspy voice, became a rock ‘n’ roll legend with an leading career spanning decades.

Birth Date: November 26, 1939
Major Albums:Private Dancer (1984), Break Every Rule (1986)
Major Achievements: Eight Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (twice)

6. Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle, known for her unique vocal range and dynamic performances, became one of the leading figures in soul and R&B music.

Birth Date: May 24, 1944
Major Albums:Patti LaBelle (1977), Winner in You (1986)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award winner, star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

7. Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack is known for her soulful ballads and smooth, jazzy vocals. Her hits often blend jazz, R&B, and pop influences.

Birth Date: February 10, 1937
Major Albums:First Take (1969), Killing Me Softly (1973)
Major Achievements: Four Grammy Awards, first artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year two consecutive times

8. Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, known as the “Queen of Funk,” is celebrated for her work both as a solo artist and the lead singer of Rufus.

Birth Date: March 23, 1953
Major Albums:I Feel for You (1984), Chaka (1978)
Major Achievements: Ten Grammy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

9. Anita Baker

Anita Baker is known for her sultry voice and significant contributions to the quiet storm and smooth jazz genres. Her music often explores themes of love and romance.

Birth Date: January 26, 1958
Major Albums:Rapture (1986), Giving You the Best That I Got (1988)
Major Achievements: Eight Grammy Awards, platinum-selling artist

10. Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples has been a force in both gospel and soul music for decades. As a member of The Staple Singers, she contributed to the soundtrack of the civil rights movement.

Birth Date: July 10, 1939
Major Albums:We’ll Never Turn Back (2007), One True Vine (2013)
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

11. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is a singer, rapper, and songwriter who gained fame as a member of The Fugees before launching a solo career that has earned her iconic status.

Birth Date: May 26, 1975
Major Albums:The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
Major Achievements: Eight Grammy Awards, first female rapper to win a Grammy for Album of the Year

12. Nina Simone

Nina Simone was a pianist, singer, and civil rights activist whose music blended jazz, blues, and folk, all underscored by social and political messages.

Birth Date: February 21, 1933
Major Albums:I Put a Spell on You (1965), Wild Is the Wind (1966)
Major Achievements: Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

13. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, also known as Lady Day, was a jazz and swing music singer who became one of the most influential voices in American music.

Birth Date: April 7, 1915
Major Albums:Lady in Satin (1958), Billie Holiday Sings (1952)
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

14. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a classically trained pianist and singer-songwriter known for blending R&B, soul, and jazz in her music. Her debut album made her a global sensation.

Birth Date: January 25, 1981
Major Albums:Songs in A Minor (2001), The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003)
Major Achievements: 15 Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Ambassador for Keep a Child Alive

15. Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” revolutionized the genre by blending traditional R&B with hip-hop influences, making her one of the most influential artists in modern music.

Birth Date: January 11, 1971
Major Albums:What’s the 411? (1992), My Life (1994)
Major Achievements: Nine Grammy Awards, Lifetime Achievement BET Award

16. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, leaving a lasting legacy in pop and soul music.

Birth Date: August 9, 1963
Major Albums:Whitney Houston (1985), The Bodyguard (1992)
Major Achievements: Six Grammy Awards, 200 million records sold worldwide, first artist to have seven consecutive No. 1 singles

17. Sade Adu

Sade Adu, the lead vocalist of the band Sade, is known for her sultry voice and sophisticated blend of soul, jazz, and pop, which made her an international star.

Birth Date: January 16, 1959
Major Albums:Diamond Life (1984), Love Deluxe (1992)
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, four Grammy Awards

18. Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her eclectic blend of soul, R&B, and pop, futuristic aesthetic, and socially conscious lyrics.

Birth Date: December 1, 1985
Major Albums:The ArchAndroid (2010), Dirty Computer (2018)
Major Achievements: Eight Grammy nominations, Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award

19. Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood is an R&B singer and actress who became famous in the 1990s with her distinctive voice and hit albums, making her a staple of the genre.

Birth Date: February 11, 1979
Major Albums:Brandy (1994), Never Say Never (1998)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal, star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

20. Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton, known for her deep contralto voice, became one of the best-selling female artists of the 90s with her heartfelt ballads and soulful tunes.

Birth Date: October 7, 1967
Major Albums:Toni Braxton (1993), Secrets (1996)
Major Achievements: Seven Grammy Awards, multiple platinum-certified albums

21. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson, sister of Michael Jackson, built a successful career as a pop and R&B artist, becoming a cultural icon known for her music, dance, and visual innovation.

Birth Date: May 16, 1966
Major Albums:Control (1986), Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
Major Achievements: Five Grammy Awards, MTV Video Vanguard Award, sold over 100 million records

22. Macy Gray

Macy Gray is known for her unique raspy voice and fusion of soul, jazz, and R&B, which garnered her international fame with her breakout hit in the late 90s.

Birth Date: September 6, 1967
Major Albums:On How Life Is (1999), The Id (2001)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, BRIT Award

23. India Arie

India Arie is a neo-soul and R&B singer-songwriter known for her empowering lyrics, acoustic sound, soul, jazz, and blues blending.

Birth Date: October 3, 1975
Major Albums:Acoustic Soul (2001), Voyage to India (2002)
Major Achievements: Four Grammy Awards, NAACP Image Awards

24. Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles, the younger sister of Beyoncé, has carved out her own path in the music industry with her experimental approach to R&B and soul, along with powerful themes in her music.

Birth Date: June 24, 1986
Major Albums:A Seat at the Table (2016), When I Get Home (2019)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, BET Award

25. Angie Stone

Angie Stone is a prominent neo-soul singer and songwriter known for her rich voice and influence on soul music’s evolution in the 90s and 2000s.

Birth Date: December 18, 1961
Major Albums:Black Diamond (1999), Mahogany Soul (2001)
Major Achievements: Grammy nominations, Soul Train Music Awards

26. Leela James

Leela James is a singer known for her deep, gritty voice and blending of old-school soul with contemporary R&B. Her music is often compared to the classic soul sounds of the ’60s and ’70s.

Birth Date: June 2, 1983
Major Albums:A Change Is Gonna Come (2005), My Soul (2010)
Major Achievements: NAACP Image Award nomination, BET Award nomination

27. Tamia Hill

Tamia Hill is a Canadian singer known for her smooth voice and her work in R&B, hip-hop, and soul genres. She has consistently released chart-topping hits since the 1990s.

Birth Date: May 9, 1975
Major Albums:Tamia (1998), Beautiful Surprise (2012)
Major Achievements: Grammy nominations, multiple Billboard Music Award nominations

28. Ledisi Anibade Young

Ledisi is a powerful vocalist whose music blends jazz, R&B, and gospel. She is known for her expressive live performances and commanding voice.

Birth Date: March 28, 1972
Major Albums:Lost & Found (2007), Turn Me Loose (2009)
Major Achievements: 13 Grammy nominations, NAACP Image Award

29. Estelle Swaray

Estelle is a British singer-songwriter known for her blend of soul, reggae, and hip-hop. She gained international recognition with her hit collaboration with Kanye West.

Birth Date: January 18, 1980
Major Albums:Shine (2008), All of Me (2012)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, MOBO Award

30. Lalah Hathaway

Lalah Hathaway, daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway, is known for her smooth, soulful voice and fusion of R&B, jazz, and soul music.

Birth Date: December 16, 1968
Major Albums:Lalah Hathaway (1990), Where It All Begins (2011)
Major Achievements: Five Grammy Awards, Soul Train Music Award

31. Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae is a British singer-songwriter known for her soothing voice and blend of soul, jazz, and pop. She gained fame with her breakout single “Put Your Records On.”

Birth Date: February 26, 1979
Major Albums:Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), The Sea (2010)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, multiple BRIT Awards

32. Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, often called the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” is known for her energetic style and deeply spiritual, socially conscious lyrics.

Birth Date: February 26, 1971
Major Albums:Baduizm (1997), Mama’s Gun (2000)
Major Achievements: Four Grammy Awards, NAACP Image Awards

33. Oleta Adams

Oleta Adams is a powerful vocalist who blends gospel, jazz, and soul influences in her music. She gained widespread fame with her rendition of “Get Here.”

Birth Date: May 4, 1953
Major Albums:Circle of One (1990), Come Walk with Me (1997)
Major Achievements: Four Grammy nominations, Soul Train Music Award

34. Deniece Williams

Deniece Williams is a singer-songwriter with a four-octave range, known for her work in gospel, soul, and R&B. Her powerful ballads and upbeat hits have earned her acclaim across multiple genres.

Birth Date: June 3, 1951
Major Albums:This Is Niecy (1976), Let’s Hear It for the Boy (1984)
Major Achievements: Four Grammy Awards, multiple No. 1 hits on the R&B charts

35. Betty Wright

Betty Wright was a powerful soul and R&B singer. She was best known for her range and her ability to deliver raw, emotive performances. She became one of the most influential voices in soul music.

Birth Date: December 21, 1953
Major Albums:Danger, High Voltage (1974), Mother Wit (1987)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, multiple Top 10 R&B hits

36. Sharon Jones

Sharon Jones was a powerful soul and funk singer who led the band Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Her music revived the classic 60s and 70s soul sound with modern flair.

Birth Date: May 4, 1956
Major Albums:Naturally (2005), 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, credited with sparking a revival of funk and soul

37. Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton is best known for her five-octave vocal range and the hit song “Lovin’ You.” She became a pioneering figure in soul and R&B music.

Birth Date: November 8, 1947
Major Albums:Perfect Angel (1974), Adventures in Paradise (1975)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominee, known for influencing future generations of soul singers

38. Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown was one of the pioneering figures of R&B and rock and roll, often credited with helping to shape Atlantic Records into a major label.

Birth Date: January 12, 1928
Major Albums:Miss Rhythm (1959), Ruth Brown ’65 (1965)
Major Achievements: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

39. Beverley Knight

Beverley Knight is a British soul singer and songwriter known for her rich voice and dynamic performances. She has been called one of the greatest British soul artists of her time.

Birth Date: March 22, 1973
Major Albums:Who I Am (2002), Music City Soul (2007)
Major Achievements: Multiple MOBO Awards, appointed an MBE for services to music

40. Jody Watley

Jody Watley, a former member of Shalamar, rose to fame in the 80s as a solo artist with her blend of R&B, dance, and pop music.

Birth Date: January 30, 1959
Major Albums:Jody Watley (1987), Larger Than Life (1989)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best New Artist, Billboard Music Awards

41. Joyce Sims

Joyce Sims is best known for her classic 80s dance and R&B hits, blending soulful melodies with electronic production.

Birth Date: August 6, 1959
Major Albums:Come Into My Life (1987)
Major Achievements: Billboard Dance Chart hits, international acclaim in the UK and Europe

42. Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole, daughter of Nat King Cole, was a versatile singer who found success in R&B, pop, and jazz. She earned critical acclaim for her soulful voice.

Birth Date: February 6, 1950
Major Albums:Unforgettable… with Love (1991), Inseparable (1975)
Major Achievements: Nine Grammy Awards, sold over 30 million records worldwide

43. Toni Green

Toni Green is a Memphis-born soul singer with a rich, inspiring voice. She is known for her powerful live performances and recordings rooted in Southern soul traditions.

Birth Date: April 8, 1959
Major Albums:Mixed Emotions (1997), Memphis Made (2007)
Major Achievements: Renowned live performer, collaborated with legendary soul artists

44. Kim Burrell

Kim Burrell is a gospel and jazz singer known for her complex vocal runs and deep emotional expression, influencing many contemporary gospel artists.

Birth Date: August 26, 1972
Major Albums:Everlasting Life (1998), No Ways Tired (2009)
Major Achievements: Stellar Award winner, BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award

45. Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams is a gospel singer known for her inspiring and soulful performances, often blending contemporary R&B with traditional gospel.

Birth Date: August 27, 1961
Major Albums:Mountain High… Valley Low (1999), Believe (2001)
Major Achievements: Five Grammy Awards, 16 Stellar Awards, Dove Award winner

46. Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is a singer and actress known for her powerful voice and her rise to fame following her appearance on American Idol. She has found success in both music and film.

Birth Date: September 12, 1981
Major Albums:Jennifer Hudson (2008), I Remember Me (2011)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award winner, Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress

47. Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues,” was one of the most influential blues singers of the early 20th century, blending jazz and blues in her powerful performances.

Birth Date: April 15, 1894
Major Albums:Empress of the Blues (1923)
Major Achievements: Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

48. Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington was a jazz and blues singer known for her versatility, transitioning seamlessly between blues, jazz, and pop, and becoming one of the most popular female singers of her time.

Birth Date: August 29, 1924
Major Albums:What a Diff’rence a Day Makes! (1959), Dinah Jams (1954)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award winner, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

49. Martha Reeves

Martha Reeves, the lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, was a key figure in Motown’s success during the 60s, with iconic hits that helped shape the sound of the era.

Birth Date: July 18, 1941
Major Albums:Dance Party (1965), Watchout! (1966)
Major Achievements: Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

50. Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette is a soul singer with a rich, emotional voice, known for her ability to breathe new life into classic songs, blending soul, blues, and rock in her performances.

Birth Date: January 29, 1946
Major Albums:I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise (2005), Scene of the Crime (2007)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, W.C. Handy Award for Soul/Blues Female Artist of the Year

51. Florence Ballard

Florence Ballard was a founding member of The Supremes, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, with a voice that helped define the Motown sound.

Birth Date: June 30, 1943
Major Albums:Meet the Supremes (1962), Where Did Our Love Go (1964)
Major Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

52. Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick is a legendary soul and pop singer, known for her collaborations with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and her smooth, expressive voice.

Birth Date: December 12, 1940
Major Albums:Dionne (1979), Heartbreaker (1982)
Major Achievements: Six Grammy Awards, over 75 million records sold worldwide

53. Candi Staton

Candi Staton is a legendary soul and gospel singer known for her rich voice and blending of genres. Her biggest hits spanned soul, disco, and gospel, earning her acclaim across decades.

Birth Date: March 13, 1940
Major Albums:I’m Just a Prisoner (1970), Young Hearts Run Free (1976)
Major Achievements: Four Grammy nominations, inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame

54. Lizz Wright

Lizz Wright is a jazz and soul singer with a deep, expressive voice, known for her fusion of jazz, gospel, and R&B. Her music often explores themes of love, faith, and personal growth.

Birth Date: January 22, 1980
Major Albums:Salt (2003), Freedom & Surrender (2015)
Major Achievements: Nominated for BET Jazz Award, critical acclaim for her blend of jazz and soul

55. Heather Headley

Heather Headley is a Trinidadian-American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice and Broadway success. She has had success in both the R&B and gospel genres.

Birth Date: October 5, 1974
Major Albums:This Is Who I Am (2002), Audience of One (2009)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award, Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical

56. Rachelle Ferrell

Rochelle Ferrell is a jazz, R&B, and gospel singer known for her incredible six-octave vocal range. She is celebrated for her unique phrasing and emotive performances.

Birth Date: May 13, 1960
Major Albums:Rachelle Ferrell (1992), Individuality (Can I Be Me?) (2000)
Major Achievements: Critical acclaim for her vocal talent, influence on contemporary jazz and R&B

58. Shirley Brown

Shirley Brown is a classic soul singer, best known for her hit “Woman to Woman,” which became one of the defining tracks of 70s soul music.

Birth Date: January 6, 1947
Major Albums:Woman to Woman (1974), Fire & Ice (1991)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominee, iconic status in Southern soul music

59. Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, known as the “Queen of the Blues,” was a Chicago blues singer whose powerful voice and commanding stage presence made her one of the most celebrated blues performers.

Birth Date: September 28, 1928
Major Albums:I Got What It Takes (1975), Old School (2007)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, 29 Blues Music Awards

60. Miki Howard

Miki Howard is an R&B and jazz singer known for her expressive voice and hit songs in the 80s and 90s. Her music often blends elements of jazz and R&B with deeply personal lyrics.

Birth Date: September 30, 1960
Major Albums:Come Share My Love (1986), Love Confessions (1987)
Major Achievements: Grammy Award nominations, several Top 10 R&B hits

61. Aaliyah Haughton

Aaliyah was an influential R&B and pop singer who revolutionized the genre with her unique blend of sultry vocals, futuristic production, and trend-setting style.

Birth Date: January 16, 1979
Major Albums:One in a Million (1996), Aaliyah (2001)
Major Achievements: Posthumous Grammy Award nominations, Billboard Music Award, credited with redefining R&B in the late 90s

Wrapping It Up

These remarkable women have not only shaped soul music but have also influenced countless other artists and genres.

Their voices have moved audiences, broken barriers, and told important stories through song.

We encourage you to dive deeper into the discographies of these artists. Listen to their albums, watch their performances, and read about their lives and impacts.

Soul music is a living, breathing art form, and these women continue to inspire new generations of singers and songwriters.

What’s your next step? Perhaps create a playlist featuring these artists or share your favorite discoveries with friends.

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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