black female singers of the '80sblack female singers of the '80s

The Supremes first number one hit was Where Did Our Love Go, which helped bridge the gap between blues music and the pop music of the time. However, there were a few groundbreaking female punk singers who managed to make a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of punk rock. The phenomenal black female singers on the list have the extraordinary ability to touch people worldwide with their voices. She has eight Grammy Awards (19862013), two Emmys, 14 World Music Awards, and much more. Here are some of the best but forgotten 80s female singers who deserve to be remembered for their contributions to pop music.

But they soon began to gain wider recognition, thanks in part to their appearances on various television shows. Next up, Teddy Pendergrass could have walked away from music entirely following the 1982 car crash that left him incapacitated from the chest down. What artists will you find on this list of the best black female soul singers? Etta James was the Jane of all trades with her ability to easily switch styles on the microphone. They have 12 hit singles on the Billboard 100. The new wave of female pop singers started experimenting with fusion genres such as neo-soul, new jack swing, g-funk and blue-eyed soul. | Essence The nine Black performers won our hearts with their 1980's hit songs. Laura has over 12 years experience teaching both classical and jazz saxophone and clarinet. Mariah Carey Mary J. Blige Toni Braxton Missy Elliot Brandy Aaliyah Vanessa Williams Monica Faith Evans Black Female R&B Singers of the 90s Not all of the best female R&B singers of the 90s were white. Third up, Whitney Houston, might have had a massively successful song in the 1990s, but her work in the 1980s is nothing to forget. He is an actor and director, known for Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985), Diff'rent Strokes (1978) and A Taste of Us (2004). The group changed its name to Salt-N-Pepa, and when Hanson left, they replaced her with Deidra Roper (DJ Spinderella), who was only 15. She was originally a member of the Supremes during the 60s, which is still considered the most accomplished female group ever. Rappers like N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys were making a name for themselves with their controversial lyrics and innovative beats. Though soul is often associated with the 60s and 70s, the genre continued to be popular in the 80s with artists like Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Marvin Gaye. Throughout the 80s, Ross received several American Music Awards, and in 1988, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For example, Tiffany was one of the first teen pop stars, and her debut album was a huge success. Spinderella left the group in 2019, leaving Salt-N-Pepa as a duo who still makes appearances. Geffen Records and Interscope Records have artists like Donna Summer and Whitney Houston to thank for helping them get off the ground. The similarities in Vesta and Chaka's tone and style are immediately. In 2001, the plane she was on returning to the US from the Bahamas crashed and killed everyone on board. Were sure youll enjoy their music as much as we do. They became celebrities in the UK and Europe and earned a nomination for the Brit Awards for the best breakthrough act. Keys got signed for a record label when she was 15, but that endeavor was unsuccessful, and she got another deal later with Arista Records. . LaDonna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 - May 17, 2012), widely known by her stage name Donna Summer, was an American singer, songwriter and actress. While Off The Wall was a late 70s release, Jacksons Shes Out Of My Life was a top-10 hit in 1980 and showed off his range. The black community has given the world many gifts, but one of the most important and influential is R&B music. When President Barack Obama was running for office, he used their song Yes We Can Can. Considered the inventor of punk-funk, he lived quite a rock-star life. Singer and talk show host Jennifer J.Hud Hudson placed seventh on the third season of American Idol in 2004. Throughout the 1980s, these women continued to produce new albums and tour extensively. Their next two singles hit the charts in the UK, making their first four UK singles all top 10 hits. As electronic music grew popular with . Aretha Franklin At age ten, Aretha Franklin began her music career singing in church, shortly after her mother's death. Khan has won ten Grammys, two of those when she was a member of Rufus. Shavar Ross. With unique voices, accolades, and notable achievements to prove their impact, here is our list of 19 of the greatest and most famous black female singers. Apart from solo artists, there were also a number of successful bands in the 80s that featured female lead singers. Kim released the last Mel and Kim single, a previously unreleased demo called Where Is Love, in 2018. This trio became the beginning of one of the most popular Black female singing groups of the 80s. Even with this culture shift, her music remains some of the most popular dance jams ever made. It has influenced everything from rock and roll to hip hop, and it continues to be one of the most popular genres of music today. The group sang with Snoop Dogg on a track in 2006 that was certified Gold. And while short hair may not seem like a big deal now, it was pretty radical in the 80s. Im Dan and I run this website. How do you define hot? Madonna in particular, was considered to be one of the hottest female singers of the 80s. She is consistently cited as being in the top ten for the 100 greatest singers ever. Known as Lady Ella, Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz singer that earned the additional moniker as the Queen of Jazz. Janet Jackson is an icon in the music industry, not just for her music, but for her resilience through the ups and downs the industry puts women through. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. When you first think of Black actors, you probably think of Denzel Washington and Will Smith. Celebrity OTE - Spring Arts Guide Daniel Kaluuya Digital Cover Digital Cover Method Man. For this, she was nominated Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Jamesetta Hawkins, better known by her professional name Etta James, is one of the most versatile singers. After Rufus, Khan released her first album, Chaka, in 1978, and it featured one of her best-selling songs, Im Every Woman. Since then, she has wowed fans with music that crossed over into most music styles, including country, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and classical. There werent as many Black female singing groups of the 80s as in the two decades before, but the girl groups continued to make history and achieve success. Wonder also saw success in the 1980s with several duets and collaborations, including We Are The World and Thats What Friends Are For., Name another pop group with a legacy of spawning other great acts. Chapmans career began to fall off after she performed at Nelson Mandelas 70th birthday celebration. Multiple songs charted in the following years, and their single Best of My Love was certified platinum, winning them a Grammy for best R&B performance by a group. Aretha Franklin Barbara Streisand Linda Ronstadt Reba McEntire Cher Donna Summer Olivia Newton-John Carole King Black Female Singers of the 70s In an era that was still very much segregated, these black female singers were able to break through and make a name for themselves. For too long, popular novels like Fifty Shades of Grey have overlooked women of color. Tara Geter, Monica Bryce, and Terri Robinson were The Gyrlz, an R&B group that started as backup singers in the 1980s. Lets get started. They were true superstars in every sense of the word. Some of the British female singers who found success in the 80s include Annie Lennox, Bonnie Tyler, and Sade. An American producer discovered her and invited her to America to record demo tapes. If you've got a moment and want to dance to that perpetual 80s sound, cue up your favorites and get your toes tapping. History, Genres, Bands, Sub-genres & FAQs, Top 19 Rap Songs with Guitar in Them (Intros and Solos), 10 Motivation Tips for Musicians: Stay On Track While Being Creative, 15 Reasons Why Music Is Important To Us & Society, Bobby McFerrin (Song Dont Worry Be Happy), The Weather Girls (Song Its Raining Men). So even though these women may have only had one hit, their contributions should not be overlooked. Its Raining Men remains one of the most popular songs of the 1980s. One of the most unique music artist of all time, Stevie Wonder might have had a period of success in the late 1970s, but his commercial success ballooned in the 1980s. She eventually returned to her dancing roots, where she continued to make dance music for her loyal following. Wrapping Up For Our 80s Black Singers List, Is Rolling Stone's Best 200 Singers of ALL TIME Trash? She was a trendsetter in the world of fashion and her unique style helped to define the decade. Songbird Supreme Mariah Carey has one of the most intricate voices of all time. 1 Michael Jackson 1980 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 2 Prince 1980 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 3 Madonna 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1989 4 U2 1987 | 1988 | 1989 5 Bruce Springsteen 1980 | 1981 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 6 Run-D.M.C. Chaka Khan is one of the most iconic singers of the 60s and 70s, credited with bringing funk to the mainstream. Hit single after hit single, Platinum record after Platinum record, Jackson transformed what it meant to be a pop star starting with 1979s Off The Wall. Diana Ross has the most No. During her time with her ex-husband Ike Turner, Tina Turner was already a well-known singer, but Ikes abuse forced her to leave and focus on her family.

Whats Love Got To Do With It, Proud Mary, and The Best are just a few of her insanely famous songs that not everyone knows but are taught in music schools across America as classics. In 1976, they sang as R&B singer Sylvesters backup duo Two Tons O Fun. She was one of the first women to find success in the genre and her unique style helped to pave the way for other female Alternative singers.

The genre has its roots in gospel and blues music. Top 80s Black Music, Final Thoughts. In 1976, they released their third album with new partner Columbia Records, which reached Gold certification. The song and the groups popularity continued throughout the 1980s, with more albums and several songs reaching the R&B and pop charts. Above all, they were proud of who they were and didnt let anyone stop them from being their true selves. Welcome to Hello Music Theory! Other notable female R&B singers of the decade include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, and Gladys Knight. Her next four albums set the stage for a slew of chart-topping singles.

However, the collaboration with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder gave her a massive hit with a message.

We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. What comes to your mind when you think of a blonde female singer from the 80s? Credited for redefining contemporary pop, R&B, and hip hop, she was also known as the Princess of R&B. We hope you enjoy this list of the best Black female singing groups that had major hits in the 1980s. The oldest of six children, Braxton's family had strict rules about engaging with popular culture. That album generated three Billboard-topping hits with How Will I Know? Greatest Love Of All, and Saving All My Love For You, which nabbed a Best Pop Vocal Performance Grammy for Houston. Their 1983 album Break Out propelled them into superstardom and earned them two Grammy Awards and four consecutive Top 100 singles in 1984, the peak of their career. Black women could be rock stars because Tina Turner said so. A truly gifted singer, Khan is also called the Queen of Funk for her role as lead singer in the 1970s funk band Rufus. Monica has had a successful career, selling over five million albums in the US. Her hit single with fellow singer Monica, The Boy Is Mine, is her greatest yet, topping charts in several countries, including the US. And by the end of the decade, they had become some of the most popular female folk singers in the world. But while big hair may have been the style of the time, there were a few brave women who decided to buck the trend and go for a shorter hairstyle. These women are known for their powerful vocal performances and their ability to connect with audiences. Possibly the queen of 80s pop, Ms. Houston is a legend and rightfully makes it onto every dance playlist. But that all changed with the introduction of Janet Jackson.

After releasing two relatively successful albums, her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), featured the hit single Umbrella. This song won Rihanna her first Grammy and launched her to global superstardom. Be it pop, rock, country, or R&B, these ladies knew how to belt out a tune and get the crowd going. Your email address will not be published. Female Pop Singers of the '90s. Based on Billboards listing, she is the youngest solo artist to have two consecutive #1 Billboard hits with Dont Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days) and Before You Walk Out of My Life.. Hudson released her self-titled first album in 2008, which sold more than one million copies globally. Often forgotten, but an incredible artist in the 80s, LaDonna Adrian Gaines, also known as Donna Summer, recorded some amazing hits that still play on the radio today. Some of his key singles included "A House is not a Hime," "Here and Now," and "Any Love.". And while most of the bands that emerged in the early days of Alternative were male, there were a few notable female singers. So far in Scotts career, she has won four Lady of Soul Awards, three Grammys, three Soul Train Music Awards, and numerous other nominations. Aaliyah was on her way to great stardom when her career and life was cut tragically short. They signed a recording contract in 1979 and released a self-titled debut album, Two Tons O Fun, in 1980. An icon of black music during this time, she rose to fame in 1974 with her band Rufus, who released hit singles such as "Tell Me Something Good" and "Ain't Nobody.". Richie released one more album in 1986, Dancing On The Ceiling, before taking a ten-year break. Singers like Duran Duran, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper dominated the charts with their catchy pop songs.

The Pittsburgh Pirates adopted the hometown girls hit We Are Family as their official anthem, with the crowds singing it at every game and the music used in their promotions.

While its an important talk to have, it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldnt say. Welcome to Hello Music Theory! I Miss You hit #5 on the Billboard Top 100 chart and remains their most popular song. She later embarked on a solo career and released several successful albums, including Out for Blood and Dancin on the Edge. The first choice here is hard to argue. In 1971, they signed a recording deal that didnt launch them into stardom, but Send Him Back became a Northern soul favorite in the UK and Europe. Braxton has received seven Grammys (19942015), nine Billboard Music Awards, and seven American Music Awards, and in 2011, she was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame. They performed on small tours and sang backup for well-known artists at the time like Boz Scaggs and Grace Slick. California-born sisters Bonnie and June Pointer started as Pointers, a Pair in 1969. While he is known for his singing, Luther Vandross was also an exceptional producer and worked with some of the biggest . Toni Braxton. But 1982s Thriller cemented Jacksons legacy. With 1988s Dont Be Cruel, Brown scored five top-10 hits on the Billboard charts, like the massively successful My Prerogative. Every Little Step, another hit off that album, scored him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Lastly, we have Ashanti Douglas. 70s Black albums were enjoyed in all sorts of places, including skating rinks, awards ceremonies, and soul train lines,, The 1990s introduced artists and sounds that helped define the times and made an impact felt even today. Turners success also crossed over into movies, where she co-starred alongside Mel Gibson in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. But through it all, there were many incredibly talented black singers who managed to find success no matter what genre they were singing. This legend is best known for leading the famous singing group The Supremes in the 1960s. The album did well but was decimated by the success of her second album titled Control. Each of these brought something unique to the table with Michael Jackson leading the pack as the biggest pop star of them all. Those hits included Super Freak and Give It To Me Baby in 1981both off the album Street Songs, with the former landing him a nomination for Grammys Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Adding to these tragedies, we also lost several Black celebrities in 2020. Her music also broke into European charts, and she became popular over there too. 1. Fitzgerald was the most recognized jazz singer in the country for nearly fifty years, selling over 40 million records. The first single she released with Columbia Records after signing on in 1960 hit number ten on the US R&B chart. Some of the biggest were Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner. Some of the most famous include Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. Wonders soundtrack for the film The Woman In Red was released in 1984 and produced his hit I Just Called To Say I Love You, which became a #1 hit. Kathy, Kim, Debbie, and Joni Sledge formed their group in 1971 while the oldest girls were still in high school. Every decade has its defining moments, and the 1980s was no different. After having her debut in 1934, she found national fame after releasing her version of A-Tisket, A-Tasket., She initially started with the Chick Webb Orchestra and took over the band after Webb died. But one thing is for sure: They all made a significant impact on the music industry, and their contributions should not be forgotten. Today, black female musicians like Doja Cat, Beyonce, and SZA inspire young women and have a hold on the music industry.

The album was a commercial success, and it featured Fallin, which was a #1 hit on the Billboard 100. The fact that many of the biggest stars of the 80s came from the UK is no surprise. Or is it someone who is talented and successful? She now resides in California where she works as a session and live performer. From the start of her career to present, she has garnered 5 Grammy Awards (19912006), 15 Billboard Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, and many more. After two more albums, they disbanded in 1988. New Edition had several hits at the start of the decade with Candy Girl, Cool It Now, and Mr. They rose to stardom via their ability to blend into any genre with ease. Samoan? But the decade is also about the new sounds that came forward thanks to advances in technology, instruments, and production techniques. Her music was popular in America, but she also managed to break through in the European music market and had significant success over there as well. Figures like Sylvester, Grace Jones, and Little Richard were some of the first openly gay celebrities and their music helped break down many barriers. She rose to prominence in 1985 with the release of her debut album, Whitney Houston. Control gave the world Nasty, What Have You Done for Me Lately, and When I Think of Youthree of a record-setting five singles that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Black horror movies have been enjoying a rise in popularity with so many young and ambitious directors focusing on Black casts and stories that speak to the Black experience in America. The early part of the decade was all about synthesizers and new wave music. From 1991 to Armsteads 2004 death, she and her daughter Dynelle Rhodes recorded and performed as The Weather Girls. Their music was raw and edgy, and their lyrics were as expressive and provocative as any male punk singer. Vandross also worked with other artists during the decade, including his favorite artist, Dionne Warwick (more on her in a moment). Powerhouses like Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi took over the airwaves with their loud and aggressive music. However, it was also a time when African American singers were topping the charts with their soulful sounds. This singer became a star after signing to the Murder Inc. record label in 2002. Telephone Man..

Another hit came the following year with Part-Time Lover in the album In Square Circle, which also landed him the Best R&B Vocal Performance Grammy. The best 80s pop songs. Their 1996 single Sexuality (If You Take Your Love) became a Billboard hit, but they disbanded again in 1997. Across all these musical styles, a handful of singers have reached the pinnacle of excellence in the industry. As mentioned in Wikipedia the 80s is considered the golden age of hip hop. This was especially true in the 1980s, when many black Britons were fighting for equality and against racism. Other hot female singers of the 80s include Cindy Lauper, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston. She has landed 15 Grammys in her career and countless other awards as well. Pendergrass was also nominated Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song. She was a skillful gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, soul, as well as rock and roll singer. April 5, 2022 By uDiscover Team Illustration by Kelsee Thomas Take a look at any 80s pop star and you immediately recognize that these artists were simply different. The group recorded many songs that people still listen to today, but Diana Ross always had extra star power. But Madonna was not the only blonde female singer in the 80s. This genre was called Alternative.. One of her most popular songs where her contralto voice gets showcased is her hit single Un-Break My Heart (1996), which was #1 for 11 weeks on the Billboard 100. 7. It was also a time when some of the most iconic and influential rappers emerged, including Eric B. These women were not only incredibly talented, but they were also very beautiful. June died in 2006, but Anita and Ruth, with Ruths daughter Issa and granddaughter Sadako, performed until 2015, when Anita retired, leaving the group a trio again. If there was one thing the 80s pop scene lacked, it was diversity. Even though the 80s was a time when racism was still very prevalent, there were many black artists who created some of the most iconic songs and albums that are still remembered today. She is best known for her songs Give Me A Reason and Fast Car, which come off her debut album. Still, his success during that decade did not end there. Unfortunately, when we hear the famous name Janet Jackson, many minds go to the catastrophe at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. Not to mention, they were also able to transcend the boundaries of music and find success in other areas such as film and television. It was the post-Civil Rights era, and everybody felt the spirit of experimentation and individuality. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time. And when it comes to the 1970s, black women have no doubt performed amazing songs and recorded memorable albumsbe it for labels like Stax, Philadelphia International Records, or Motown. Imagine a world without Janet Jackson or Whitney Houston. Having made their mark on the world, these women continue to be iconic and leave us with some of the best songs of the century. When thinking of the singers from the 1980s, its hard not to think of some of the black artists who helped define the decade. Many people are often mistaken though about The Rocks race, ethnicity and background.

Does your Instagram timeline need some fashion inspiration? Although todays punk scene is not as male-dominated as it was in the 80s, these female singers continue to be an inspiration to punk rockers all over the world. Pat Benatar.