Famous Women Singers

Over the years female singers have covered various genres in music. From folk-oriented melodies to the loud strains of rock-n-roll, their signature voices have influenced a new wave of musicians around the globe. Here are some of the famous women singers that have taken the world by storm.

Ella Fitzgerald
Known for her tonal quality and intricate phrasing, Ella Fitzgerald influenced the jazz scene. Born on April 25, 1917, this jazz vocalist known for her phenomenal vocal range, won 13 Grammys in her recording career that spanned an astonishing 59 years. Her trademark scat singing and improvisation that she showcased in her performances, have been instrumental in influencing hordes of musicians in the later years. She died on June 15, 1996.

Janis Joplin
A performer known for her gut-wrenching voice, Janis Joplin was an influential figure in the "hippie happy" 1960s. She hogged the limelight as the lead vocalist of Big Brother and the Holding Company, and later embarked on a solo career. Born on January 19, 1943, this "free spirited" individual started off singing folk and blues influenced songs. Although her personal life was plagued with heroin addiction and alcohol, her songs and dynamic approach towards music were a rage among the "flower power" generation. The album Pearl which was released in 1971 was the highest-selling album in her career. She died of a heroin overdose on October 4, 1970, at the tender age of 27 years.

Joan Baez
A folk singer known for her phenomenal vocal style and distinctive vibrato, Joan Baez, born on January 9, 1941, was a singer whose songs talked about social issues. She performed at the historic Woodstock music festival in front of a multitude of people. She is known worldwide for her song Diamonds & Rust. Although her long relationship with folk singer Bob Dylan was the talking point in the media circles, she was undeterred by the negative publicity. Her albums have been critically acclaimed and even today this activist continues to captivate audiences with her individual voice.

Aretha Franklin
Known as "The Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, born on March 25, 1942, has influenced a whole new breed of R&B, soul and gospel singers. Blessed with a heart-warming voice, Aretha has won twenty Grammy Awards in her career. She is the first female artist to be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her songs have been regularly invading the #1 position on the Billboard charts. In a career spanning over fifty years, she continues to enthrall audiences the world over.

Mariah Carey
A singer known for her impressive vocal range, Mariah Carey, born on March 27, 1970, took the world by storm with the 'whistle register' approach in her songs. One of the most successful artists of the 1990s, Mariah has won five Grammy Awards in her career. The first five singles she released topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, a feat achieved by by no other artist. Influenced by various genres of music, her album Daydream became one of the highest-selling albums in the world. Known for her repertoire of mushy ballads, Mariah continues to amaze crowds with her intricate vocal delivery.

The above-mentioned artists are a few individuals from an endless list of famous female singers, that have significantly contributed towards music. The charisma and flair exhibited by these famous women singers have influenced a bandwagon of teenage girls to take up singing professionally.