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60 Best Black Female Singers of all Time

Originally published by Lydia in February 2023, Updated by Ruth in February 2024

You might have grown up singing along or listening to the music of the celebrated black female singers of all time. Without them, there could be a gap in the music industry. These female artists are talented with great artistry and the ability to sing different genres from blues, pop, jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, rumba, and many others. Most of them have grown to become notable singers, cementing their place in the music industry. These singers have produced chart-topping hit singles, albums, mixtapes, and collaborations that entertain their listeners be they old or young.

Here are the 60 best black female singers of all time.

1. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist dubbed 鈥淨ueen of Soul.鈥� She noticed her singing ability at a young age; at the age of 18, she was signed as a recording artist for Columbia Records and gained fame and commercial success in 1966. She is one of the best-selling music artists, with sales of over 75 million records. Some of her hits include Call Me, Don鈥檛 Play That Song, Rock Steady and Something He Can Feel. Throughout her career, Franklin received several awards, including 18 Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts. She was also the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2022, Rolling Stone ranked her number one on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Read more about Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Aretha Franklin

2. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston. Photo by PH2 Mark Kettenhofen-

Dubbed 鈥淭he Voice鈥�, Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. She is known to be the only artist who has had seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 from Where Do Broken Hearts Go and Saving All My Love for you.

Houston influenced many singers in popular music, and 2023, Rolling Stone ranked her second on their list of the greatest singer of all time. Additionally, her career was successful, receiving many awards, six Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, 28 Guinness World Records, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Also read Top 10 Interesting Facts About Whitney Houston

3. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey. Photo by Mcla_re03-Wikimedia

Nicknamed 鈥淪ongbird Supreme鈥� by Guinness World Records, Mariah Carey is an American singer known for her five-octave vocal range and songwriting, which helped her produce chart-topping singles and albums in the 90s. Carey is credited for inspiring and influencing several generations of pop and R&B artists and merging hip-hop with pop music through her crossover collaboration. she is among the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 220 million records sold worldwide. Some of her hit singles include Fantasy, Always Be My Baby and One Sweet Day.

Discover Top 10 Interesting Facts about Mariah Carey

4. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer with a sixty-years career, who found stability in musical success with the Chick Webb orchestra performing across the country. Due to her music career success, she was nicknamed Queen of Jazz, Lady Ella, and First Lady of Song. Some of her hit songs include It Don鈥檛 Mean a Thing, Cheek to Cheek, and Dream a Little Dream of Me.

She was awarded 14 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NAACP鈥檚 inaugural President鈥檚 Award, and the National Medal of Arts.

Check out 10 Remarkable facts about Ella Fitzgerald

5. Tina Turner

Tina Turner. Photo by Philip Spittle-

Born Anna Mae Bullock, Tina Turner is an American singer who became a powerhouse voice of soul music and was referred to as the 鈥淨ueen of Rock 鈥榥鈥� Roll鈥�. She rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tiner Turner Revenue. In the 1980s, her solo career rose, producing hits like What鈥檚 Love Got to Do With It, Typical Male, and Better Be Good to Me.

Tuner is among the best-selling artists, with sales of over 100 million records worldwide. She has also received 12 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors in 2015, and the Women of the Year Award.

Also read Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Tina Turner

6. Bessie Smith

One of the most recognizable American blue singer best known during the Jazz Age and nicknamed the 鈥淓mpress of the Blues.鈥� Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894 and began her successful recording career in 1923 with Columbia Records, but her career was cut short by a car crash that killed her.

In the 1930s, she was the most popular female blues singer, often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and a significant influence on fellow blues singers and jazz vocalists. In 1989, Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

7. Chaka khan

Born Yvette Maria Stevens, she is an American singer with a career that has spanned more than five decades, and she is often known as the 鈥淨ueen of Funk鈥�. She enjoyed fame and success as a member of the funk band Rufus and as a solo artist. Khan has sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide and was one of the first R&B artists to have a crossover hit, I Feel for You.

She achieved three gold singles, three gold albums, and one platinum and was ranked No. 17 in VH1鈥檚 original list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll.

8. Diana Ross

Diana Ross is an American singer and actress who rose to fame as the lead singer of the group The Supremes. The group is one of the world鈥檚 best-selling girl groups of all time, with a total of twelve number-one hit singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 with hits like Baby Love, Where Did Our Love Go, and Love Child. In the 1970s, she started her solo career, which continued her musical success producing hits and record-setting worldwide concert tours. Some of her hit singles include Love Hangover, Touch Me in the Morning and Theme from Mahogany, along with prestigious awards such as Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

9. Donna Summer

Donna Summer. Photo outsourced from

Donna Summer was an American singer and songwriter born in Boston, Massachusetts. The counterculture of the 1960s influenced her music career; summer became the lead singer of a psychedelic rock group, Crow. She gained fame during the disco era of the 1970s and became known as the 鈥淨ueen of Disco鈥� while her music gained a global following. Some of her famous hits include No More Tears, Last Dance, Bad Girls, and MacArthur Park. Additionally, she amassed 32 chart singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 in her lifetime.

10. Etta James

Etta James was an American singer who received acclaim throughout her career that spanned six decades, with various genres including rock and roll, gospel, blues, R&B, jazz, and soul. James began her career in 1954 and gained fame with hits such as Tell Mama, The Wallflower, and Something鈥檚 Got a Hold on Me. Her deep, earthy voice bridged the gap between rhythm, blues, and rock and roll. Throughout her career, she received prestigious awards, including six Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1993.

Read more about 10 Little Known Facts about Etta James

11. Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight. Photo by CBS Television-

 Referred to as 鈥淓mpress of Soul鈥�, Gladys Knight is an American singer, actress, and songwriter. She recorded hits through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her family music group, Gladys Knight & the Pips. In 1987, she started her solo career, which was a huge success, with hit singles such as That鈥檚 What Friends Are For and Midnight Train to Georgia. Knight is a recipient of prestigious awards, including seven Grammy Awards and an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame along with the Pips.

12. Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson. Photo by Rich Esteban-

Born in a working-class African-American family, Janet began her music career performing as the Jackson 5 in the Chicago Gary area. Since then, she has become one of the best black female singers. Subsequently, she became a pop icon following the release of her third and fourth studio albums Control in 1986 and Rhythm Nation 1814 in 1989.

 She is one of the world鈥檚 best-selling music artists, with sales of over 100 million records. Additionally, she has been awarded five Grammy Awards, eight Guinness World Records, and an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

13. Rihanna

Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, she is a Barbadian singer who gained fame in the music scene after the release of her first two studio albums, Music of the Sun in 2005 and A Girl Like Me in 2006. Her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad(2007), raised her status in the music industry. The album had the top-charting single Umbrella, which earned her first Grammy Award.

Rihanna’s widespread influence in music has made her one of the best-selling female music artists of all time, with sales of over 250 million records worldwide. Apart from music, she is involved in humanitarian activities and businesses, including Fenty Beauty and fashion house Fenty.

14. Beyonce

Beyonce is one of the dominant black female singers. By age seven, she had performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child. In the late 1990s, Beyonce rose to fame as a member of the R&B girl group Destiny鈥檚 Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. After disbanding the group, she started her successful solo career, proven by record-breaking albums, chart-topping hits, and prestigious awards such as 32 Grammy Awards, 31 BET Awards, and 17 Soul Train Music Awards.

Some of her popular hits include If I Were a Boy, Irreplaceable and Single Ladies. Beyonce has sold over 200 million records worldwide.

15. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys. Photo by Keith HInkle-

Alicia keys began composing songs at the age of 12, and she was signed with Arista Records, where some of her best albums were recorded. Some of the albums include Song in A Minor, The Diary of Alicia Keys, and As I Am. Key’s career has been a success earning a 5x Platinum debut album, Songs in A Minor, top charting singles, and Grammy Awards. Keys continues to produce music and grace film stages.

Read about Top 10 Little Known Facts about Alicia Keys

16. Mary J. Blige

Blige is an American singer who began her music career in 1988 and has experienced massive success. Her debut album, What鈥檚 the 411, released in 1992, is credited for introducing the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop culture. Blige has released 14 studio albums throughout her career, with four Billboard 200 number-one albums.

She is often called the 鈥淨ueen of R&B鈥� and 鈥淨ueen of Hip-hop Soul鈥�. Her musical success has made her win many prestigious awards, including four American Music Awards, nine Grammy Awards, and twelve NAACP Image Awards. Blige continues to grace the music industry with great music and performances.

17. Tracy Chapman

Born in 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio, Chapman is an American singer widely known for her hit singles Give Me One Reason and Fast Car. Her albums have received massive success, including the Tracy Chapman album, which became a commercial success after being certified 6x Platinum and receiving six Grammy Awards nominations. Chapman often performs at charity events, including amfAR, AIDS/LifeCycle, and Make Poverty History.

18. Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday. Photo outsourced from

Billie Holiday was an American jazz and swing musician known for her innovative influence on jazz music and pop singing. In the 1930s and 1940, she had mainstream success; in the 1950s, she performed at a sold-out concert. Some of her hit songs include Carelessly, God Bless the Child, and What a Little Moonlight Can Do. Throughout her career, she won awards such as four Grammy Awards, inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and Grammy Hall of Fame.

After her death, several films about her life were released, including The United States vs. Billie Holiday in 2021.

19. Sade Adu

Born as Helen Folasade Adu, she is a Nigerian-born British singer and the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award in 1986. She is one of history’s most successful British female artists and is recognized as an influence on contemporary music. In 1982, she formed her band, Sade, in 1983, the band released the album Diamond Life, which became one of the best-selling albums of the era and the best-selling debut by a British female vocalist. Some of the hits produced by Sade’s band include The Sweetest Taboo, Your Love Is King, and Never as Good as the First Time.

Sade’s music success was recognized in the UK with an award of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 and made Commander in the 2017 Birthday Honours.

Discover Top 10 Fun Facts about Sade

20. Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton. Photo by The Heart Truth-

Toni Braxton is an American R&B singer who began performing in the late 1980s in a music group called The Braxtons. In 1993, she released her self-titled debut studio album that reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 10 million copies worldwide. Braxton experienced continued success with albums like Secrets (1996), The Heat (2000), More Than a Woman (2002), Libra (2005), and Pulse Woman (2010).

She is one of the best-selling artists, with sales of over 70 million records worldwide. Her career was a success winning awards such as nine Billboard Music Awards, seven Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and others. Additionally, she was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2011 and, in 2017, honored with the Legend Award at the Soul Train Music Awards.

21. Ashanti

Born Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas, she is an American singer. Ashanti began her music career in 2001 and appeared in the 2001 The Fast and the Furious. In 2002, she released her debut album Ashanti, which sold over 505,000 copies throughout the U.S. in its first week of release. The album earned her many awards, including two American Music Awards, eight Billboard Music Awards, and a Grammy Award, and the album has since been certified triple platinum. Her music continues to top the chart and releasing single hits and albums.

22. Kelly Rowland

 Kelly Rowland is an American singer, television personality, and actress. In the late 1990s, she rose to fame as a member of Destiny鈥檚 Child, one of the world鈥檚 best-selling girl groups of all time. Even after leaving the group, her solo career has been a massive success with hit singles such as What a Feeling, Down for Whatever, and Commander. She has sold over 40 million records as a solo artist and earned several awards, including five Grammy Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, and one Billboard Music Award.

23. Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson. Photo by Fuzheado-

One of the legendary black female singers, she rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, placing seventh. In 2008, she released her self-titled debut studio album, certified Gold in the US and the UK, and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. Her music career has succeeded, becoming the youngest and second African-American woman to receive all four major American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT).

In 2020, Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and in 2022, she began hosting a talk show titled 鈥淭he Jennifer Hudson Show.鈥�

Also read Top 10 Interesting Facts about Jennifer Hudson

24. Nina Simone

Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, she was an American singer whose music spanned styles like R&B, pop, classical, folk, jazz, blues, folk, and gospel. She began playing piano at a nightclub, which helped her launch her career as a jazz vocalist, and she recorded more than 40 albums between 1958 and 1974. Simone has inspired many musicians, and her music has been featured in soundtracks.

A statue in her honor was erected in 2010 on Trade Street in her native Tryon, North Carolina, and 2018 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

25. Anita Baker

Anita Baker is one of the most famous soulful ballads. She began her musical journey in the 1970s with the funk band Chapter 8 and rose to fame in the 1980s. She released her first solo album, The Songstress, in 1983. Baker has four platinum and two gold albums, winning several Grammy Awards.

26. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill. Photo by Lauryn Hill-

Hill is a singer and rapper and is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. She started as part of the hip-hop group The Fugees. After success with the group, she released her solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998, one of the best-selling albums ever. Hill is credited for breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rapping. She has won several awards, including three American Music Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and eight Grammy Awards.

Discover10 Best Female Rappers of All Times 

27. Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack grew up in a musical family, which greatly influenced her music career. She has produced single hits such as Killing Me Softly With His song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, The Closer I Get to You, and Where Is the Love. Flack has influenced contemporary R&B and interpreted songs by songwriters such as Leonard Cohen and the Beatles. Additionally, she was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years.

28. Patti LaBelle

Referred to as the 鈥淕odmother of Soul,鈥� LaBelle is an American R&B singer. She began her music journey in the 1960s as the singer of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, which released Lady Marmalade, a number-one hit. She began her solo career in the 1970s and enjoyed great success, with continued popularity from her 1990s albums.

LaBelle’s career has spanned seven decades selling more than 50 million records worldwide. She was honored in Philadelphia on July 2, 2019, with her street name 鈥淧atti LaBelle Way鈥� between Locust and Spruce Street.

29. Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole. Photo by dbking-

Known as the daughter of one American singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole, she rose to fame in the 1970s with the release of her debut album Inseparable (1975). In the 1990s, Cole sang traditional pop by her father, resulting in her biggest success, Unforgettable鈥� with Love, certified 7x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Throughout her career, Cole sold over 30 million records worldwide, received nine Grammy Awards, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2021, she was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

30. Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington is among the most popular black female singers of the 1950s. At the start, she was a jazz vocalist. She later performed and recorded in various styles, including traditional pop music, blues, and R&B. Throughout her career, she recorded 17 albums. In 1986, she was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1993.

31. Grace Jones

Grace Jones. Photo by Bruce-

Grace Jones is a singer and model born in Jamaica, but her family moved to Syracuse, New York, and she started her modeling career working for fashion houses like Kenzo and Yves St. Laurent. In 1977, she started a music career with diverse genres, including new wave, pop music, reggae, post-punk, and funk. Jones scored Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart with Slave to the Rhythm, Private Life, and I鈥檝e Seen That Face Before. With popular albums such as, Slave to the Rhythm, Warm Leatherette and Nightclubbing.

Jones has been mentioned as an inspiration for multiple artists, including Lady Gaga, Nile Rodgers, Rihanna, and Annie Lennox. She received the Order of Jamaica from the Jamaican government in June 2018. She continues to grace the music industry with outstanding performances and songs.

Discover 30 Most Famous Singers from the 80s

32. Aaliyah

Born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, she is credited for helping to redefine hip hop, contemporary R&B, and pop, dubbed 鈥淨ueen of Urban Pop鈥� and 鈥淧rincess of R&B鈥�. Her debut album Age Ain鈥檛 Nothing, but a Number sold three million copies in the U.S. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Aaliyah sold over 32 million albums worldwide.

Unfortunately, her career was cut short by an airplane crash which caused her death in 2001 at the age of 21.

33. Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu. Photo by Radiobums –

Her voice is often compared to jazz singer Billie Holiday and is recognized for her eccentric style. Badu music was influenced by soul, R&B, and hip hop, rising to fame in the late 1990s when she released her debut album Baduizm (1997), which was certified triple platinum by the RIAA and earned the nickname 鈥淨ueen of Neo Soul.鈥� Throughout her career, she has released five studio albums, one live album, and hit singles such as Cleva, Next Lifetime, and Otherside of the Game.

34. Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor is an American singer widely recognized from the disco era. Her hits of the 1970s and 1980s have had excellent career success since 1975. She has released 18 albums and slowly crossed over to Christian music from R&B.

35. Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick is an American singer and one of the most charted vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Hot 100. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and won many awards, including six Grammy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

 She is among the top artists of all time with hit songs like Don鈥檛 Make Me Over, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Walk on By, and Do You Know the Way to San Jose.

Read about 20 Best Female Singers of All Times

36. Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson. Photo by Dave Brinkman-

Mahalia Jackson was an American gospel singer with a career spanning 40 years, and she is best known as one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. She rose to prominence in 1947 with the release of Move On Up a Little Higher, selling two million copies and hitting the number two spot on Billboard Charts. Mahalia sold over 22 million records throughout her career.

37. Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz was one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century, and she mastered a wide variety of Afro-Cuban music styles, including rumba, guaracha, son, afro, and bolero. Cruz rose to prominence in Cuba in the 1950s as a singer of guarachas, and in the following decades, she became widely recognized as the 鈥淨ueen of Salsa鈥�. During her music career, she recorded 37 studio albums, several live albums, hit singles, and collaborations, earning her prestigious awards such as three Latin Grammy Awards and two Grammy Awards.

38. Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae. Photo by NASA/Bill Ingalls-

Eight Grammy Award nominee Janelle Monae is a singer, rapper, and actress recognized for her artistry and sound accompanied by science fiction concepts. Monae debuted with a conceptual EP, Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), which peaked at number two on the US Top Heatseekers chat, and in 2010 she released a full-length studio album, The ArchAndroid, a concept album and sequel to her first EP. She has released three studio albums, eighteen music videos, and four extended plays (Eps) throughout her career.

39. Lizzo

Born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, she can sing, dance, rap, and play the flute. She began recording hip-hop music in college, with her first major label EP, Coconut Oil, released in 2016. With the release of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You (2019), she attained mainstream success and gained popularity. Lizzo continues to grace the music scene with hits and charming performances. Well, her stage work is always unique and inspiring.

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40. Little Simz

Simz is a British rapper, singer, and actress. Her rap music was influenced by Lauryn Hill and drew jazz inspiration from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and John Coltrane. She gained fame with the independent release of her first three albums A Curious Tale of Trials + persons (2015), Stillness in Wonderland (2016), and Grey Area (2019). Her music will leave you empowered and entertained.

41. Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams. Photo by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-

Referred to as the 鈥淨ueen of Contemporary Gospel Music鈥�, Adams is a gospel singer, actress, and television personality. Throughout her career, she has released 11 studio albums, two live albums, and six compilation albums, with sales of over 10 million albums worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time.

She is the host of her nationally syndicated morning gospel show. Adams has won six Soul Train Music Awards, four Grammy Awards, Six NAACP Image Awards, an American Music Award, and sixteen Stellar Awards.

42. Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood. Photo by Mike D. Photography-

Born Brandy Rayana Norwood, she is a singer, actress, model, producer, and songwriter. She began singing as a backing vocalist for teen groups, and since then, she has had a successful music career producing top-charting music and winning prestigious awards, including an American Music Award and a Grammy Award. Brandy has sold over 40 million records worldwide and released seven studio albums and one compilation album. Some of her popular hits include What About us, Right Here and Put It Down.

Discover Top 10 Little-Known Facts about Brandy

43. India Arie

India Arie is an American singer and songwriter who has released six studio albums. She has sold over ten million records worldwide. Her 2010 debut album Acoustic Soul was certified double platinum by RIAA, platinum by Music Canada, and Gold by the British Phonographic Industry. Additionally, she has won four Grammy Awards.

44. Nancy Wilson

Nancy Wilson. Photo outsourced from

Nancy Wilson was an American singer and actress best known for her singles Guess Who I Saw Today and (You Don鈥檛 Know鈥� How Glad I Am. Her career spanned over five decades, releasing music of different genres, including jazz, blues, soul, pop, and R&B. Throughout her career, Wilson recorded more than 70 albums and won three Grammy Awards.

45. Deniece Williams

 Born June Deniece Chandler, she is an American singer. She is widely recognized for her two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, Too Much, Too Little, Too Late and Let鈥檚 Hear It for the Boy, and other songs like Free Silly and It鈥檚 Gonna Take a Miracle. She has won four Grammy Awards, and the BBC described her as one of the great soul voices.

46. CeCe Winans

 CeCe Winans is an American gospel singer. Winans rose to fame as a member of the duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. In 1995, she started her solo career with the Album Alone in His Presence, which sold over a million copies. 

She is considered one of the greatest gospel artists of all time, with sales of over 19 million. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards, including 7 NAACP Image Awards, 15 Grammy Awards, 16 Stellar Awards, and 31 GMA Dove Awards. she is considered one of the most awarded gospel artists of all time.

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47. Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples. Photo by Jalylah Burrell-

Mavin Staples is an American gospel and rhythm and blues singer. She gained fame as a member of her family band The Staple Singers, and later began her solo journey. In 1969, she released her self-titled debut solo album, and through the decade, she has released solo albums collaborating with other artists such as Aretha Franklin and David Byrne. She has won several Grammy awards, and as a soloist, Staples received the inaugural Rock Hall Honors Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

48. Monica

Born Monica Denise Arnold, she can sing, rap, and act. At the age of 10, she began performing and became part of a traveling gospel choir. She rose to fame in 1993 after she signed with Rowdy Records and two years later released her debut album Miss Thang. 

Monica is recognized as one of the most successful urban R&B female vocalists to start a career in the mid to late 1990s, and she has sold 5.3 million albums in the United States. Some of her hits include The Boy Is Mine, So Gone, The First Night, Like This and Like That, and Angel of Mine.

Also read 40 Most Talented RnB Singers

49. Mary Wells

Mary Wells. Photo by James Kriegsmann-

In the early 1960s, she helped define the emerging sound of Motown and was recognized as the 鈥淨ueen of Motown鈥�. Together with other artists, she was part of the charge in black music onto radio stations and record shelves of mainstream America. She produced a string of hits such as My Guy, Two Lovers, You Beat Me to the Punch, and The One Who Really Loves You. In 2017 she was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

50. LaVern Baker

She was an American R&B singer who had hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s. Twenty of her songs made the R&B charts between 1955 and 1965. Some of her most successful records include, Tweedle Dee (1955), Jim Dandy (1956), and I Cried a Tea (1958).

In 1991, Baker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over the years, Elvis Presley recorded eight Baker songs

51. Jill Scott

Jill Scott stands as a powerhouse in the realm of contemporary R&B and soul, recognized for her distinctive voice, poignant lyricism, and captivating stage presence. Born in Philadelphia, Scott’s debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, released in 2000, catapulted her to stardom. 

Known for her emotive and sultry vocals, Scott seamlessly blends jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences into a unique sonic tapestry. Her lyrical prowess delves into themes of love, womanhood, and social consciousness, resonating with a diverse audience. Beyond her music career, Jill Scott has also made her mark as an actress, further showcasing her multifaceted talents and contributing to the cultural landscape.

52. Minnie Riperton

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Minnie Riperton, often celebrated for her ethereal and extraordinary vocal range, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her timeless hit Lovin’ You, released in 1975, showcased her ability to effortlessly reach the highest octaves, earning her the nickname The Queen of the Whistle register. 

Minnie’s influence extends far beyond her chart-topping success, as she paved the way for future generations of female vocalists. Tragically passing away at a young age, her legacy endures through her impactful contributions to soul, R&B, and pop music.

53. Shirley Bassey

Dame Shirley Bassey, with a career spanning several decades, is an iconic Welsh singer known for her powerful and dramatic voice. Renowned for her association with James Bond theme songs, including Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker, Bassey’s commanding vocals and theatrical flair have made her a legend in the music industry. 

Her versatility spans across genres, from jazz to pop, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with both emotional ballads and upbeat anthems. Beyond her musical achievements, Shirley Bassey’s charismatic stage presence has solidified her status as one of the most enduring and influential voices in the history of popular music.

54. Solange

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Solange Knowles, a trailblazer in her own right, has carved a distinct niche in the music industry with her genre-defying sound and uncompromising artistry. Embracing themes of Black identity, womanhood, and empowerment, Solange’s critically acclaimed album A Seat at the Table, 2016 garnered widespread acclaim. 

Her fusion of R&B, funk, and neo-soul, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics, positions her as a cultural force challenging conventional norms. Solange’s impact extends beyond music, as she has become a prominent voice advocating for social justice and inclusivity in the arts, reinforcing her role as an influential artist with a profound impact on contemporary culture.

55. Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan, often referred to as The Divine One, left an indelible mark on jazz and vocal music with her extraordinary voice and improvisational prowess. A true jazz icon, Vaughan’s career spanned over five decades, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and the admiration of fellow musicians. Her ability to effortlessly navigate vocal registers, from sultry lows to soaring highs, set her apart as a vocal virtuoso. 

Vaughan’s interpretations of jazz standards and her collaborations with legends like Duke Ellington and Count Basie solidified her legacy as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Beyond her technical brilliance, Sarah Vaughan’s emotional depth and artistry continue to influence generations of vocalists, making her an enduring figure in the annals of jazz history.

56. SZA

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SZA, born Sol谩na Imani Rowe, has emerged as a trailblazing figure in contemporary R&B and neo-soul. Her debut studio album, Ctrl, 2017, catapulted her to stardom, earning critical acclaim for its honest exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and vulnerability. 

SZA’s distinctive voice, characterized by its soulful and emotive quality, combined with her poetic songwriting, sets her apart as a unique and influential voice in the music industry. Beyond her musical prowess, SZA’s impact extends to her role as a cultural influencer, challenging beauty standards and promoting self-empowerment.

57. India.Arie

India.Arie, known for her soulful and introspective music, has made significant contributions to the neo-soul genre. With hits like Video and Brown Skin, she garnered widespread acclaim for her empowering lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. India.Arie’s work often delves into themes of self-love, spirituality, and social consciousness. Her authenticity and commitment to positive storytelling have solidified her status as a respected artist, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and leaving an enduring impact on the neo-soul movement.

58. Bettye LaVette

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Bettye LaVette, with a career spanning over six decades, is a soul and blues powerhouse known for her emotionally charged performances. Despite facing challenges and fluctuations in her career, LaVette’s resilience and raw vocal delivery have garnered renewed recognition in recent years. 

Her interpretative skills, particularly in reimagining classic songs, showcase a depth of artistry that resonates with audiences. Bettye LaVette’s contributions to soul and blues, coupled with her captivating stage presence, have secured her a revered place among legendary voices in American music.

59. Regina Belle

Regina Belle celebrated for her velvety voice and emotive delivery, is a prominent figure in R&B and gospel music. Her breakout hit, Baby Come to Me, propelled her into the limelight, and subsequent successes like A Whole New World, a duet with Peabo Bryson for Disney’s Aladdin solidified her crossover appeal. 

Beyond her chart-topping achievements, Regina Belle’s gospel albums have showcased her spiritual depth and vocal versatility. Belle’s enduring career and commitment to diverse musical expressions underscore her influence in shaping the landscape of contemporary R&B.

60. Melba Moore

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Melba Moore, a Tony Award-winning actress and R&B singer has left an indelible mark on both the music and theater worlds. With a voice that effortlessly transitions from soulful ballads to disco anthems, Moore achieved success with hits like Love’s Comin’ At Ya and This Is It. 

Her achievements extend beyond the recording studio, with notable contributions to Broadway and television. Melba Moore’s ability to infuse emotion into her performances and her dynamic range have established her as a multifaceted talent, earning her a lasting place in the realms of R&B and entertainment.