The 1970s was a golden era for music, with female folk singers creating some of the decade’s most memorable and influential songs.
These talented women attracted audiences with their mesmerizing voices and used their music as a powerful tool to address social and political issues.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 17 extraordinary female folk singers from the 70s whose timeless music continues to inspire generations.
From the iconic Joni Mitchell to the soulful Kate Wolf, these artists have left a tremendous mark on the folk music scene.
Join us as we explore their stunning stories and celebrate the enduring legacy of their music. Get ready to learn about some of the most incredible voices of the 70s folk music movement.
17 Most Iconic Female Folk Singers of The 70s
1. Joan Baez
Joan Baez was a prominent figure in the 1970s folk music scene, known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.
Her key songs from this decade include “Diamonds & Rust” and “Forever Young,” which showcase her ability to blend personal stories with political commentary.
Baez’s unwavering commitment to social activism and captivating performances made her an icon of the folk music world.
- Birthplace: Born in Staten Island, New York, in 1941.
- Years Active: 1959–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Diamonds & Rust,” “Forever Young.”
2. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s unique style, characterized by her unconventional guitar tunings and poetic lyrics, set her apart from other folk singers of the 70s.
Her famous tracks, such as “Big Yellow Taxi” and “A Case of You,” explored complex emotions and social issues with unparalleled depth.
Mitchell’s innovative approach to songwriting and her ability to blend folk, jazz, and pop elements helped shape folk music’s direction.
- Birthplace: Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada, 1943.
- Years Active: 1964–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano, dulcimer.
- Famous Songs: “Big Yellow Taxi,” “A Case of You.”
3. Judy Collins
Judy Collins released several notable albums in the 1970s, including “Whales & Nightingales” and “True Stories and Other Dreams.” Her clear soprano voice, interpretations of traditional folk songs, and compositions earned her widespread acclaim.
Collins’ success in both the folk and pop music scenes demonstrated her versatility as an artist.
- Birthplace: Born in Seattle, Washington, 1939.
- Years Active: 1959–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, piano, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Send in the Clowns,” “Both Sides Now.”
4. Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris’ signature sound, combining folk, country, and rock elements, was showcased in songs like “Boulder to Birmingham” and “One of These Days.”
Her collaborations with other artists, such as Gram Parsons and Dolly Parton, helped bridge the gap between folk and country music. Harris’ emotive vocals and skillful guitar playing made her a beloved figure in the folk community.
- Birthplace: Born in Birmingham, Alabama, 1947.
- Years Active: 1969–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Boulder to Birmingham,” “One of These Days.”
5. Carole King
Carole King’s 1971 album “Tapestry” was a massive success, featuring hit songs like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “It’s Too Late.”
Her heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies resonated with listeners and made her a key figure in the singer-songwriter movement. King’s music, which often blended folk, pop, and soul elements, left a lasting impact on the genre.
- Birthplace: Born in Manhattan, New York, 1942.
- Years Active: 1958–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, piano.
- Famous Songs: “You’ve Got a Friend,” “It’s Too Late.”
6. Carly Simon
Carly Simon’s 70s output included memorable songs like “You’re So Vain” and “Anticipation,” which showcased her clever lyricism and catchy melodies.
Her music often straddled the line between folk and pop, appealing to a wide audience. Simon’s confessional songwriting style and ability to craft relatable narratives made her a standout artist of the decade.
- Birthplace: Born in New York City, 1943.
- Years Active: 1964–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano.
- Famous Songs: “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation.”
7. Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt’s powerful voice and diverse musical range were evident in popular tracks like “You’re No Good” and “When Will I Be Loved.”
Her collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris helped create a new sound that blended elements of folk, country, and rock.
Ronstadt’s contributions to the folk-rock movement helped pave the way for future generations of female artists.
- Birthplace: Born in Tucson, Arizona, 1946.
- Years Active: 1967–2011.
- Instruments: Vocals.
- Famous Songs: “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved.”
8. Sandy Denny
Sandy Denny was a key figure in the British folk revival of the 70s, known for her haunting voice and poignant songwriting.
Her work with the band Fairport Convention and solo albums showcased her ability to interpret traditional folk songs and create compelling compositions.
Denny’s tragic death in 1978 cut short a promising career, but her legacy continues to inspire folk musicians today.
- Birthplace: Born in London, England, 1947.
- Years Active: 1967–1978.
- Instruments: Vocals, piano, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Who Knows Where the Time Goes,” “Solo.”
9. Janis Ian
Janis Ian’s songwriting often tackled difficult subjects like racism, sexism, and adolescent struggles. Her key songs, such as “At Seventeen” and “Society’s Child,” showcased her ability to create powerful social commentary through music.
Ian’s honest and introspective lyrics resonated with listeners, earning her a dedicated following in the folk community.
- Birthplace: Born in New York City, 1951.
- Years Active: 1965–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano.
- Famous Songs: “At Seventeen,” “Society’s Child.”
10. Laura Nyro
Laura Nyro’s unique songwriting style blended folk, soul, and jazz elements, creating a sound that was distinctly her own.
Notable tracks like “Stoned Soul Picnic” and “Wedding Bell Blues” showcased her complex compositions and passionate vocals. Nyro’s innovative approach to music influenced countless artists who followed in her footsteps.
- Birthplace: Born in The Bronx, New York, 1947.
- Years Active: 1966–1997.
- Instruments: Vocals, piano.
- Famous Songs: “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues.”
11. Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s music often addressed issues facing Native American communities and broader social and political themes.
Songs like “Universal Soldier” and “Now That the Buffalo’s Gone” became anthems of the anti-war and Native American rights movements. Sainte-Marie’s powerful voice and uncompromising activism made her a trailblazer in folk and Native American music.
- Birthplace: Born in Qu’Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1941.
- Years Active: 1963–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar, mouth bow.
- Famous Songs: “Universal Soldier,” “Now That the Buffalo’s Gone.”
12. Melanie Safka
Melanie Safka, known simply as Melanie, was recognized for her memorable songs and energetic performance style. Her hits, like “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” showcased her ability to craft catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.
Melanie’s music, which often straddled the line between folk and pop, helped introduce folk-influenced sounds to a wider audience.
- Birthplace: Born in Astoria, New York, 1947.
- Years Active: 1967–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Brand New Key,” “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).”
13. Vashti Bunyan
Vashti Bunyan’s 1970 album “Just Another Diamond Day” was a landmark release in the psych-folk genre. Key tracks like “Diamond Day” and “Rose Hip November” showcased her delicate vocals and ethereal songwriting.
Although the album was initially overlooked, it gained a cult following and inspired a new generation of folk artists.
- Birthplace: Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, 1945.
- Years Active: 1965–1970, 2000–present.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Diamond Day,” “Rose Hip November.”
14. Anne Murray
Anne Murray’s music found success in both the folk and country genres. Popular songs like “Snowbird” and “You Needed Me” demonstrated her smooth vocals and ability to craft relatable narratives.
Murray’s crossover appeal helped introduce folk music to a broader audience and paved the way for future artists who blended genres.
- Birthplace: Born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1945.
- Years Active: 1967–2008.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Snowbird,” “You Needed Me.”
15. Kate Wolf
Kate Wolf was known for her signature storytelling style and ability to create vivid characters and emotions through her music.
Songs like “Across the Great Divide” and “Give Yourself to Love” showcased her gentle vocals and poignant lyrics. Although her career was cut short by her untimely death in 1986, Wolf’s legacy inspires folk musicians today.
- Birthplace: Born in San Francisco, California, 1942.
- Years Active: 1976–1986.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Across the Great Divide,” “Give Yourself to Love.”
16. Judee Sill
Judee Sill’s music blended folk, country, and baroque pop elements, creating a unique sound that set her apart from her contemporaries.
Notable songs like “Jesus Was a Cross Maker” and “The Kiss” showcased her complex compositions and introspective lyrics. Sill’s music often explored spiritual themes and personal struggles, leaving a lasting impact on the folk genre.
- Birthplace: Born in Oakland, California, 1944.
- Years Active: 1969–1979.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar, piano.
- Famous Songs: “Jesus Was a Cross Maker,” “The Kiss.”
17. Jean Ritchie
Jean Ritchie was a key figure in preserving and popularizing Appalachian folk music.
Her renditions of traditional songs and original compositions helped bring the rich history of Appalachian music to a wider audience.
Ritchie’s contributions to the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as her ongoing influence in the 1970s, solidified her place as a legend of American folk music.
- Birthplace: Born in Viper, Kentucky, 1922.
- Years Active: 1948–2015.
- Instruments: Vocals, Appalachian dulcimer, guitar.
- Famous Songs: “Black Is the Color,” “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore.”
Wrapping It Up
As we end our expedition through the 70s folk music scene, it’s clear that these 17 remarkable female artists have left a long-lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
From Sandy Denny’s haunting melodies to Buffy Sainte-Marie’s powerful social commentary, each singer brought a unique perspective and style to the genre.
As we look back on the contributions of these incredible women, we are reminded of the importance of using our voices to create a better world.
May their legacy inspire new generations of artists to pick up a guitar, speak their truth, and sing from the heart.
