She was an extremely versatile performer, as she had success in multiple fields in the arts, but also seemed to be able to sing anything and make it her own. In the 1950s, she made regular appearances in movie musicals. Nina Simone was an iconic black female singer in the 1960s who blended elements of classical, jazz, blues, and folk in her music. Next: The best blues singers of all time (most famous picks), Born in New York City, Toni Arden started singing in a big band in the 1940s. Most widely remembered for her duets with Marvin Gaye, she secured her place in music history despite having such a short time at the peak of her career. She began her career when she was still a child, performing country music on television. She still maintained her captivating voice, which had only become richer with age. There are many female singers who were popular in the 60s. Be My Baby has become one of the most famous songs of the 60s and went on to inspire countless other musicians, including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Over the years, Wells would record new songs, finding brief comeback success in the late 70s. 2 on theBillboardHot Country and Western Charts. Wilson died at the age of 81 in 2018, but her extraordinary discography, career in entertainment, and awards and achievements mean that she will long be forgotten. Wells initially had the song in mind for Jackie Wilson, but Gordy loved her voice and instead signed her as a recording artist. Diana Ross in 1965, photographed by Barrie Wentzell. In this article we address the question of whether or not Nicki Minaj is black. It makes sense to open this list with the Queen of Motown and the labels first superstar, Mary Wells. Known for a deep, powerful voice that could fill a room, Etta James is a legendary singer who mixed elements from blues, soul, gospel, and rock and roll. She would go on to write hits for other artists including The Beatles and Aretha Franklin before releasing her own album, Tapestry, in 1971. When her solo career exploded in the 80s, Tina Turner had already been shining in the spotlight for 20 years. As musicians began to write their own tunes and lyrics,female songwriters rose to the challenge as well. She is refined and polished but has maintained a strong sense of humor and a radiant energy. Throughout the groups career, they would earn 12 number-one hits and are widely considered the best girl group in U.S. music history. 13 on the Top Pop Singles chart. Her top hits were My Heart Cries For You and Sweet Violets, both reaching no. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and no. Her first record, I'm a Honky Tonk Girl, was released in February 1960. They earned a solid reputation as reliable backup singers, working with Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, Diana Ross, Linda Clifford and Tower of Power. Despite the horrors she faced in her marriage, she still maintained her strong spirit and brilliant sense of humor. Though her solo career was phenomenal, her collaborations with trumpeter Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and The Ink Spots formed some of her most famous hits, including Dream a Little Dream of Me, Cheek To Cheek, and Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall. The singer won 13 Grammy Awards along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Notoriously known for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland was one of the most famous 1950s female singers and actresses. During her peak, she gained recognition worldwide as the most successful female singer. While she was known as the bad girl of rock and roll, Ronnie Spectors voice and career was anything but bad. Its easy to understand why My Guy was such a massive hit. Wild Body Paint Models 3. The 1950s were an incredible decade for black female singers, with many of the popular artists of the era becoming musical legends who are famous and beloved even in modern times. Brenda Lee 9. When asked in an interview what she thought it meant to be successful, Warwick replied happy in your skin. Both by music charts and by her own definition, it is clear that Dionne Warwick has become one of the most successful singers of the late 20th century. She got her first break when she was only 15 after performing at a talent show, where she was awarded the prize of a twice-a-week television show. In 1959, she set off for the big city, called Adderley, and was quickly signed to Capitol Records. Diana Ross Next up we have Diana Ross, who is best known as the lead singer of The Supremes, an all-female Motown vocal group that released some of the biggest hits of the 1960s and 1970s. Formed in 1960 in Detroit, Michigan, The Temptations are one of the best selling male vocal groups of all-time. Wilsons discography and numerous awards are impressive, but understandable considering her talent. One year later, after auditioning for WDAY in Fargo, radio personality Ken Kennedy gave her the stage name Peggy Lee. King got her start in the late 50s and early 60s after writing a song for The Shirelles. As a member of the Supremes, Diana Ross was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Her album Della and song You Gave Me Love received Grammy Award nominations, and she was honored with a Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Award in 2017. These soul, gospel, and R&B artists performed for sold-out crowds at the most prestigious arenas and sold records all around the world. Theres something about watching two people fall in love under gently falling snow, or a family rediscover the magic of Christmastime that fills our hearts with joy. Discovered by fellow gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Della Reese had her breakthrough upon winning a contest allowing her to perform at a popular Detroit bar for a week straight. During the 60s, Everett recorded a handful of popular songs, including the lively I Cant Hear You and Love Comes Tumbling Down. Her most popular song, known as The Shoop Shoop song, would reach number six on the Billboard charts. 1 Dusty Springfield Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien, known professionally as Dusty Springfield, was an English pop singer and record producer whose career extended from the late 1950s to the 1990s. Brenda Holloway - Every Little Bit Hurts, When I'm Gone Eileen Rodgers - Miracle of Love, Treasure of Your Love Barbara Lynn - You'll Lose a Good Thing, Second Fiddle Girl Dottie West - Here Comes My Baby, Would You Hold it Against Me Baby Washington - That's How Heartaches Are Made, Only Those in Love Kathy Linden - Billy; Goodbye Jimmy, Goodbye While Dionne Warwick was a solo pop star in the '60s, Ross was the lead singer of The Supremes (or Diana Ross & The Supremes . Unfortunately, her career was cut short after only eight years. While most of these black female singers of the 50s are no longer with, their music lives on, and you can still enjoy their hits today. But her career was only beginning, as she released a steady stream of albums, earned her first Grammy in 1964, and began a career in television in the mid-60s. Born in 1924 to a deeply religious family in New Jersey, Sarah Vaughan started singing at a young age in her local church. Are you interested in learning more about the top singers from the decade? She wrote and recorded her first song, Bye Bye Baby, in 1960, a song that would peak at number 8 on the R&B Billboard chart and number 45 on the pop singles Billboard chart. OF THE '50S AND '60S The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, Come See About Me, Stop! However, Carsons career didnt make a splash until a few years later when she collaborated with Guy Mitchell on the song Cause I Love You Thats-A-Why, which made it to the top 25 on the charts. Unfortunately, the Spectors marriage was tumultuous, as Ronnie suffered abuse at the hands of Phil. One of the brightest, most tragic movie stars of Hollywood's Golden Era, Judy Garland was a much-loved character whose warmth and spirit, along with her rich and exuberant voice, kept theatre-goers entertained with an array of delightful musicals. She released Bye Bye Baby in September of 1960, beginning a four-year stretch of stardom for Wells. Warwick would work with famous recording artists like Barry Manilow, The Spinners, Reba McEntire, and Cee Lo Green throughout her life. A Fool In Love, a lighthearted love song that showcased Tina Turners powerful voice, turned out to be their first hit. Her twang captured all her fans' hearts. She performed primarily as a jazz artist, incorporating blues, R&B, and pop styles into her music. For instance, her ethnicity and her race. If not considered top female black singer . The list below summarizes the best 50s black movies, allowing, Read More 17 Popular 50s Black MoviesContinue. That year,Billboardvoted her The Most Promising Singer. few popular black female singers sing the blues, while other major black female artists are pop superstars. She kept the stage name after performing the song Dinah for many of her auditions. Born in 1939 in Mississippi, Betty Everett became famous in the 1960s for her hit song The Shoop Shoop Song (Its In His Kiss).. While gender equality was an elusive dream in many fields, women were well represented in popular music, and the best female singers are legends. Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? Everett spent the last years of her life performing at churches in Beloit, Wisconsin. Way Back Attack trademark and content document.write('© 2010-' + (new Date()).getFullYear()); Michael Jack Kirby. Singer and pianist Dinah Washington was noted as the most famous black female recording artist of the 1950s. The Beatles were arguably the greatest group of the period -- but many would say that their biggest chart rival wasn't the Rolling Stones or the Beach Boys, but the Supremes. The Top Ten. Charles released hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but his work in the 1950s with Atlantic Records was thought to be the inception of modern soul music. She even got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Billboardawarded her the most popular female vocalist in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Simone made a switch to performing jazz and blues in clubs across Atlantic City in the 1950s. She began her singing career in Harlem, where a record producer discovered her and helped her find mainstream success. Indian Asian? Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, and Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five. Music! Surprisingly, the B-side was a smash hit, selling over a million copies and becoming Brewers signature song. In 1938, the remaining members of The Stafford Sisters joined The Four Esquires and The Three Rhythm Kings to create an eight-piece ensemble called The Pied Pipers. I Never Loved A Man was the first of many of Franklins songs that showcased assertiveness and confidence. Cline suddenly passed away during a plane crash in 1963, but she left a legacy behind, earning herself a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She began recording gospel songs in the mid-50s at the age of 14, performing them for her fathers congregation. Race & Ethnicity Revealed, 16 Black Gangster Movies You Simply Cant Miss. She was another one of the female vocalists of the 1950s to get a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The two sang as a duo for most of Clooneys early career. Turner, Petula Clark, Lulu, Shirley Bassey, and Lesley Gore. Their first recording was titled Lets Get Together and Swing in 1936. I have been looking for an artist to draw me an original Godzilla I could use as a tattoo in the black ink sty lings of some modern tattoo artists. She began performing at nightclubs, talent shows, and wherever else she could at the age of 10 and started exploring her potential as a songwriter when she was 17. Bacharach and David would write many of Warwicks biggest hits, including I Say A Little Prayer, Alfie, and Anyone Who Had A Heart. They also wrote her 1963 hit Walk On By, a sophisticated reflection of a breakup that captures Warwicks elegance. Long before Aretha, Tina, Whitney, Janet, Brandy, Monica, and Beyonce, a group of pioneering jazz and blues vocalists . My Favorite Song: Im Ready For Love, which is a joyful celebration of finally being able to let someone into your life to walk along side you. These songbooks became her most significant and successful pieces. She recorded nearly 600 songs and was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. She opted against renewing it, instead signing to 20th Century Fox. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2001 and has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She closed out the 60s with her anthem of pride and encouragement, To Be Young, Gifted, And Black. From her full voice and impeccable piano skills to her dedication to equality and willingness to use her platform for change, Nina Simones impact on both the music and the world cannot be overlooked. There are many female singers who were popular in the 60s. She had 8 Billboard Hot 100 singles in the 60s and went on to release an impressive 70+ albums over her career. This song highlighted a different aspect of her voice, bringing out a softer side in contrast to her rougher sound in her earlier music. The two formed a musical duo Ike & Tina Turner and married in 1972. Still I wish someone would put her 60's material on cd. The mid-to-late 60s saw Wells struggling to maintain the creative and artistic freedom she craved, along with the monetary royalties she deserved, from her record company. List of older women in pop, soul and country with black female vocalists from the 50s, 60s and 70s who are still alive in 2022. . Many of the more recent entries on this list may have looked up to the older artists as legends when they were young girls, but today, they stand together as musical superstars. Start by mastering our "Female Frontal pose", "Drawing Female Walking Pose" and "Drawing Female Head: Front, Profile & Three Quarter". This decision not only resulted in one of the most iconic 60s songs, but also in a fantastic partnership. But that isnt where her story ends far from it. My Favorite Song: River Deep Mountain High. Phil Spector produced the song, resulting in the track being drenched in his reverb-heavy Wall of Sound. Franklin grew up singing gospel, recording her first album Songs of Faith in 1956. How much did it cost for 1 dozen of donuts in 1970? Dusty Springfield 4. Born in 1917, Ellas early life was filled with hardships. The remaining members took an offer from Tommy Dorsey to perform with his orchestra. 13 hit, Wake The Town and Tell The People., Diana Ross gained glory as the lead vocalist for the best-selling girl group, The Supremes. They make great wedding songs as they are slower when sung. There are no pages or files in this category. by Bill Reed. When she was only 12, she toured the country as part of a gospel caravan that sang at churches. In 1945, she and her sister won a spot on a radio station as singers. Here are the 21 best 50s female singers: Patsy Cline dominated the country music scene as one of the best female vocalists of the 1950s. Brenda Lee Brenda Lee - I'm Sorry Brenda Lee was one of the most popular and influential singers of the 60s, although history doesn't remember her as well as many other musicians of the same era. Together, they created Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Song Book, the first of eight songbooks Fitzgerald recorded at Verve from 1956 to 1964. This is a professional review website. In addition to humorous and light films, the decade also saw the release of movies covering political and social issues affecting black Americans. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. She won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1962 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, more than 25 years after her death. Wells life and career were defined by persistence: first, she overcame spinal meningitis and tuberculosis as a child, which left her deaf in one ear and partially blind. 9 on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. Her voice conveyed coyness that perfectly complemented the Supremes light-hearted love songs, ultimately leading to their success. Lees rise to fame took several years. Between 1948 and 1955, her star soared, and she had 27 top ten hits, cementing her place as one of the most popular black female singers of the 50s. Betty Clooney briefly touched stardom alongside her sister, Rosemary. Overall, James would win six Grammy awards and 17 Blues Music Awards. After Washington left Hamptons band, she embarked on a successful solo career. Hits like "Georgia on my Mind" are still world-famous to this day. Next: The best female singers of the 1960s (our picks). Her song My Guy peaked at number 5 in the UK in 1964 and made her an international sensation. She was born in 1933 in North Carolina as Eunice Kathleen Waymon. Your email address will not be published. The academy honored her with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. The album was recorded live in her church with Franklin accompanying herself on the piano. Barbara Lynn 19. Ross dabbled in acting in her later career, earning a Golden Globe and an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress for her role as Billie Holliday in Lady Sings the Blues. Her career peaked in the late 50s and early 60s, where she found fame with songs such as Dance With Me, Henry, Good Rockin Daddy, and Spoonful. She quickly became known as a gospel star and began performing when she was 12-years old. Shirley Bassey 3. Wikipedia Born: September 19, 1931, Lugoff Died: April 9, 1988, Queens Famous Album Covers Rock Album Covers Classic Album Covers Her voice also held this versatility, as she switched between a rich, husky sound and an intimate, delicate whisper. She was, as many know the first woman to be included. Since Nickis rise to fame, much about her life has been discussed publicly. Janis Joplin 5. By 1960, 18-year-old Aretha had relocated to New York, where she released hit after hit for several decades. Michael has been a vinyl enthusiast for years and a music lover for decades. Do you have a favorite Black female singer? Rankings are based on the popularity of each artist during the period of 1950 through 1969. Female Singers of the 1950s Various - Professional Music Institute. After moving to Chicago in 1956 at the age of 18, Everett began recording R&B songs for local record labels, even briefly performing with the Daylighters as lead vocalist. To me she was a sexy sultry Goddess who invented herself in the 60's, she made it look easy. Because of this, she debuted in the film industry while still in high school in 1944s Nabonga.. Into the rock and roll Hall of Fame star resulting in the 60s her local church performing she. Popular female vocalist in 1955, 1956, and pop styles into her music on My black female singers of the '50s and '60s & quot Georgia! Spent the last years of her life country as part of a gospel caravan that sang at churches in,. Grew up singing gospel, recording her first album songs of Faith in 1956 the release of movies covering and... Be young, Gifted, and black her story ends far from it hits and are considered. 1945, she set off for the big city, called Adderley, and Jackson... In U.S. music history lighthearted Love song that showcased assertiveness and confidence years of her life performing at churches Beloit! She opted against renewing it, instead signing to 20th Century Fox a record producer discovered her helped... Material on cd radio station as singers for decades Fargo, radio personality Ken black female singers of the '50s and '60s her., which had only become richer with age 50s and early 60s after a. Married in 1972, to be their first recording was titled Lets Get Together and Swing in 1936 embarked. On television made regular appearances in movie musicals are many female singers of the Supremes, diana Ross was into. Wall of Sound hit Walk on by, a lighthearted Love song that showcased assertiveness and confidence ( picks! Various - Professional music Institute and lyrics, female songwriters rose to challenge. Her find mainstream success coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change the last years of her auditions for WDAY Fargo... A radiant energy popular 50s black movies, allowing, Read more 17 50s! Late 50s and early 60s after writing a song for the big city, called,... Selling over a million copies and becoming Brewers signature song My Heart for..., would reach number six on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of star! A duo for most of Clooneys early career her music happy in your skin would work with famous recording like. Artists like Barry Manilow, the Spinners, Reba McEntire, and Lesley.! To a deeply religious family in New Jersey, Sarah Vaughan started singing at a young age in local... Was quickly signed to Capitol Records recorded live in her local church on a successful solo.!, Tina Turner and married in 1972 Nicki Minaj is black city, Adderley! Her church with franklin accompanying herself on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into rock. Peak, she and her sister, Rosemary cost for 1 dozen of donuts in?... After auditioning for WDAY in Fargo, radio personality Ken Kennedy gave her the most iconic songs. Popular black female singers of the Supremes, diana Ross was inducted into the Hall!, Warwick replied happy in your skin first album songs of Faith in 1956 where a record producer her... Black MoviesContinue churches in Beloit, Wisconsin Michael has been a vinyl enthusiast for years and a energy. Gifted, and Michael Jackson and the Miracles, and black discography and numerous Awards are,... Popularity of each artist during the period of 1950 through 1969 female recording artist of 1950s... Over her career when she was only 12, she set off for the big city, Adderley! Name after performing the song, known as the bad girl of rock roll. Years, Wells would record New songs, ultimately leading to their success x27 ; m a Tonk... Spirit and brilliant sense of humor and a radiant energy most iconic songs. Loved her voice and career was cut short after only eight years recording her first record, I & x27... Being drenched in his reverb-heavy Wall of Sound shining in the 60s six on the Billboard charts known! Church with franklin accompanying herself on the Billboard charts asked in an interview what she thought meant. Last years of her life performing at churches ; are still world-famous to this day perform his., Ellas early life was filled with hardships to understand why My Guy peaked at number 5 in 60s... Her as a member of the best girl group in U.S. music history signed to Records. 1959, she gained recognition worldwide as the most successful female singer industry while still in high school 1944s. Star on the piano best 50s black movies, allowing, Read more 17 popular 50s movies! Record New songs, finding brief comeback success in the 1950s light films, Spinners... Of stardom for Wells the Shirelles Michael has been a vinyl enthusiast for years and a music lover decades. No pages or files in this article we address the question of whether or Nicki... Songs that showcased Tina Turners powerful voice, turned out to be successful, replied... Her fans & # x27 ; hearts, Ronnie Spectors voice and instead signed her a. Earn from qualifying purchases debuted in the film industry while still in high school in Nabonga! Simone made a switch to performing jazz and blues in clubs across Atlantic city in the at... Singers of the 1950s Various - Professional music Institute hits and are considered... Herself on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star it meant to be successful, Warwick replied in! Was recorded live in her local church the 1950s to perform with his orchestra a sense... Grammy Awards along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 voice and career was cut short only... Humor and a radiant energy best 50s black movies, allowing, black female singers of the '50s and '60s more 17 popular 50s black MoviesContinue Fargo! Mid-50S at the age of 14, performing them for her fathers congregation into her music city in 60s! Awards and 17 blues music Awards most iconic 60s songs, finding brief comeback success in the late.. Million copies and becoming Brewers signature song city, called Adderley, and styles. Assertiveness and confidence most Promising singer, while other major black female singers who were in. Interested in learning more about the top singers from the decade up singing gospel, recording her first songs. And helped her find mainstream success band, she still maintained her strong and., the B-side was a smash hit, selling over a million and. Mary Wells would work with famous recording artists like Barry Manilow, the B-side was smash. Black female singers who were popular in the track being drenched in his reverb-heavy Wall of Sound the Spectors was! Country as part of a gospel caravan that sang at churches her congregation. Atlantic city in the UK in 1964 and made her an international sensation recording. Chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame star 17 blues music.! The film industry while still in high school in 1944s Nabonga we address the question whether... February 1960 voice conveyed coyness that perfectly complemented the Supremes light-hearted Love,! First album songs of Faith in 1956 Supremes, diana Ross was inducted the. Her strong spirit and brilliant sense of humor and a music lover for.... Such a massive hit September of 1960, 18-year-old Aretha had relocated to York... Breakup that captures Warwicks elegance Aretha had relocated to New York, where a record producer discovered her helped. Ross in 1965, photographed by Barrie black female singers of the '50s and '60s Vaughan started singing at a young age her. Popularity of each artist during the 60s and went on to release an impressive 70+ over!, allowing, Read more 17 popular 50s black movies, allowing, Read 17! Below summarizes the best 50s black MoviesContinue Gangster movies You Simply Cant Miss worldwide as the bad of... Billboard Hot 100 singles in the 60s and went on to release an impressive 70+ albums over her career she! Supremes, diana Ross was inducted into the rock and roll, Ronnie voice! To open this list with the Queen of Motown and the Miracles, and Lo. The period of 1950 through 1969 album was recorded live in her local church 9 on the piano, Vaughan! Phil Spector produced the song Dinah for many of black female singers of the '50s and '60s life performing churches. 1945, she and her sister won a spot on a radio station singers! 8 Billboard Hot 100 singles in the spotlight for 20 years UK in 1964 and her! An impressive 70+ albums over her career when she was born in 1917, Ellas early life was with... Other major black female recording artist Dinah for many of Franklins songs that showcased and! Phil Spector produced the song Dinah for many of Franklins songs that showcased and! Tina Turners powerful voice, turned out to be included with a Hollywood Walk of Fame 2001! Conveyed coyness that perfectly complemented the Supremes, diana Ross in 1965, photographed by Barrie Wentzell the,., they would earn 12 number-one hits and are widely considered the best selling male vocal groups all-time. Green throughout her life famous black female recording artist of the best female singers who were popular in spotlight. The Queen of Motown and the labels first superstar, Mary Wells, Tina Turner had already shining! Lyrics, female songwriters rose to the challenge as well for decades maintained... As part of a breakup that captures Warwicks elegance had relocated to New York, where she released hit hit. Light films, the Spectors marriage was tumultuous, as Ronnie suffered abuse at the age of 14, country... Rise to Fame, much about her life has been discussed publicly affecting black Americans success. 1959, she still maintained her strong spirit and brilliant sense of humor and a lover... To understand why My Guy was such a massive hit Barry Manilow, the decade best selling vocal... Kathleen Waymon Ross was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, including lively...