Sign up for daily content and exclusive offers you'll love! Not to mention, they also had the looks to match their stellar voices. Over a variety of musical genres from the past century, the voices of the women on this list have touched music lovers everywhere. Though he had been active since the late 1950s, Gaye found new success in the 1980s with the release of his album Midnight Love. The album spawned the hit single Sexual Healing, which became one of Gayes signature songs. But its important to remember that black Britons have been making music for centuries, and they have had a significant impact on the countrys music scene. Love the pastel eyeshadow! Richie released one more album in 1986, Dancing On The Ceiling, before taking a ten-year break. Shes won seven awards over the course of her career and produced five albums to date, not including compilations and singles. Each of these artists brought something unique to the table, with Madonna leading the pack as one of the most innovative and controversial performers of her time. The singer was born on the seventh of October, 1967, in a religious household. Other notable female R&B singers of the decade include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, and Gladys Knight. No one could touch Sheila Escovedo on the drums, and her makeup look was equally as dynamic: kohl-rimmed eyes, and brick red cheeks and lips. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, the Clara Ward Singers, etc. Nevertheless, she is an icon in the music industry and paved the way for many black female artists on this list. The following list breaks down 11 of the best black female singers of the 90s. Topping our list of the best 80s female singers, Tina Turner delivered some of the decade's biggest hits while also becoming one of the most-revered live performers on the planet. The singer was born on the seventh of October, 1967, in a religious household. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1998 and peaked at number 29 in the U.S. They're undoubtedly stunning, but today's music divas stand on the shoulders of gorgeous '80s glamazons like Whitney, Sade, Jody Watley and Miss Jackson (if you're nasty). The 80s pop scene was full of flamboyant stars who knew how to put on a show. 27. But the decade is also about the new sounds that came forward thanks to advances in technology, instruments, and production techniques. Lauper, in particular, was a pioneer in the world of Alternative music. But one thing is for sure: They all made a significant impact on the music industry, and their contributions should not be forgotten. These singers werent afraid to experiment with their sound, and they were often ahead of their time. Cyndi Lauper. Those that stayed went on to produce five albums in the span of a few short years. 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. Apart from music, Belinda is also a supporter of animal rights and LGBT rights, both very evident in her music campaigns and videos. Artists in this decade brought new life to the R&B, hip-hop, and pop genres and made way for artists in the same genres in the 2000s. Due to a nude photo scandal from before she was crowned, Williams struggled to get a legitimate foothold in Hollywood in the years that followed. In 1996, Braxtons second album, Secrets, broke the top ten on a variety of international charts and hit number two on the Billboard 200. July 15, 2020 12:30 PM. Billboard Hot 100 list, and number one on the U.S. Some of the biggest names include Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Barbara Mandrell. And some of the singers who emerged in the 80s are still relevant today. Every decade has its share of one-hit wonders, and the 80s were no exception. As a member of The Supremes, Diana Ross was one of the most well-known group members and branched out as a solo artist in the 1970s. Billboard 200. He based his platform of positivity and roll-up-your-sleeves attitude on this slogan, which carried him into the oval office. Unfortunately, when we hear the famous name Janet Jackson, many minds go to the catastrophe at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. If youre looking for a movie with a Black-centric theme and cast that will have you cracking up, Read More 15 Best Black Comedy Movies Of All TimeContinue. Tuned 1/2 step below standard tuning. Billboard 200. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time. After helping form the Motown genre, she eventually broke away from the group. This was the catalyst for a self-titled debut album which peaked at number one in the U.S. Annie Lennox 3. Desree (born Desire Annette Weekes on November 30th, 1968) was born in Croydon, London, to parents from British Guyana and Barbados. The women that got everyone excited in the early 80s, the Pointer Sisters, is a singing group from Oakland, California. As a child, she exhibited a great talent for music and dance and had a dream to become the African American Rockette. Other? The women featured here are standouts in a number of genres. However, sometimes, youre just in the mood to laugh. Iggy Azalea is a well-known rapper in the US. R&B has its roots in the blues, which was created by black Americans in the early 1900s. Iconci black female singers fromt the 60s, 70s, 2000s -- you name it. The songs featured themes of feminism and female sexuality, although it was generally considered a slump. At the age of 10, she had already won first place on the tv talent show Star Search, a win that led to her first recording contract with A&M Records. Dominating their respective fields, women were taking their careers into their own hands. The albums single Un-Break My Heart became a musical sensation. What would we have done without Ross Im Coming Out to kick off the decade, or The Pointer Sisters Jump (For My Love), to teach us that people should work for our affection. Some have faded into obscurity, while others have continued to make music but have never regained the level of success they once had. As a result, they attracted large audiences with their soulful music and engaging personalities. Even with this culture shift, her music remains some of the most popular dance jams ever made. Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, are an R&B, Grammy-nominated trio of black women from New York City. In the 1980s a new generation of women jazz musicians emerged who expanded their predecessors' push against the patriarchal boundaries of the jazz world. She was known as the Princess of R&B and the Queen of Urban Pop.. It was also a time when some of the most iconic and influential rappers emerged, including Eric B. Her subsequent album releases did not achieve the same popularity or recognition her initial project did. In the 1980s, Lionel Richie was already known to music fans, but it was his skills as a writer and producer that gave him the chance to do it alone. After all, the UK has always been a hotbed for musical talent. In the midst of the hard rock and hair metal crazes of the 80s, we often forget about the incredible male black singers who were making some of the best music of the decade. People like Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and Anita Baker were churning out hits and selling millions of records. This list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ). With her sultry almond eyes and flawless cheekbones, this angel-voiced, former teen model was one of the most lauded beauties of the 1980s. Today, the best black, Read More 9 Black Lifetime Movies, The Best On The ServiceContinue, The Sugarhill Gangs 1979 hit Rappers Delight was the first rap song to rank in the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. 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. Her sophomore album was released in 1995 and is credited for helping introduce R&B and hip-hop to the mainstream pop scene. She was the daughter of Sonja and Willie Norwood, a successful gospel singer. However, Turner launched what Billboard called one of the greatest comebacks in music history with 1984s Private Dancer. This legend is best known for leading the famous singing group The Supremes in the 1960s. These artists brought a new sound and a new perspective to the genre, which all together helped it become more mainstream. In 1981, he worked with Diana Ross to write and produce the duet Endless Love. The song became one of the best-selling singles and is considered the greatest duet of all time. Possibly the queen of 80s pop, Ms. Houston is a legend and rightfully makes it onto every dance playlist. Her race and ethnicity are often questioned as she is accused of appropriating Black culture or blackfishing. Today, Read More Is Iggy Azalea Black? Tracy Chapman has one of the most unique voices in music to this day and has touched almost all of us with her sincere lyrics and melodic crooning. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Her daring style and sexually-charged lyrics helped to redefine mainstream pop music, paving the way for later stars like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. Grimy Goods LA indie music blog,reviews,free concert tickets,mp3s . Updated on 06/26/19. On this edition of Night Lights we . Ruth B. makes singing look effortless, and that's why we love . Commercial success finally followed with 1982s 1999, which spawned several hit songs such as Little Red Corvette, Delirious, and of course, 1999.. Females in country music had been around since the genres inception, but they truly came into their own in the 80s. 12 Black Disney Movies, Both Cartoons & Real Acting, 61 Black Celebrities That Died In 2023; A Tribute To The Fallen, 30 Black YouTubers 2023; Male & Female Channels. Featuring a variety of genres that include jazz, soul, rock, blues, indie, hip hop, pop, r&b, experimental, and early "girl groups" -- this playlist features all the greatest influential black female singers. And by the late 80s, hip hop and rap were beginning to take over the charts. -- gained wide renown among both black and white audiences. 1985 rolled around, and Richie worked with Michael Jackson to write the charity tune We Are The World, raising millions for Africa. She furthered her fame as the star of Rodgers and Hammersteins television version of Cinderella, also starring Whitney Houston and Whoopi Goldberg. Their followings are massive, and their songs are on the radio every single day, but the road they walk on was paved by the beautiful black women of the 80s that dominated fashion and culture at the time. She has won a total of 20 awards and found additional success as an actress in movies like the Barbershop franchise. In 1998, she went on a world tour and performed sold-out shows throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. If you want to add some action and fear into your movie nights, you wont go wrong picking a film from this list. And in the 80s, there were a number of British female singers who found success in America. Toni Basil. Whitney Houston is easily one of he best Black female singers of the '80s, and arguably one of the most iconic singers of all time. 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. The platinum-haired Saturday Love singer brought a 1930s aesthetic to her look wavy bob, pale eyeshadow and bee-stung lips. Ross was eventually named the Female Artist of the Year in the mid-70s, and her career only grew from there. Famous African-American Singers between 1940 - 1980 Ray Charles (September 23 rd, 1930 - June 10 th, 2004) Awards and Recognition: 10 Grammy Awards won in his lifetime, record for the highest number of posthumous Grammy Awards, National Academy of Recording Art & Science Hall Award of Fame in 1972, NAACP Image Awards - Hall of Fame Award in 2004, Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the . 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. The following are some of the most notable Black celebrities that died in 2022. Soul music is a genre that originated in the African American community in the United States in the late 1950s. We hope you enjoyed reading the post as much as we enjoyed writing it for you. Her brother, Michael Jackson, dominated the charts, but Janet was no slouch during the 80s either. So even though these women may have only had one hit, their contributions should not be overlooked. Whether they were topping the charts or fighting for social justice, these singers used their talents to make a positive impact on the world. Geared toward women, the channel features movies and shows that have women in leading roles. Summing Up Our List OF Famous Black 80s Singers, 10 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Musicians From Nebraska, 13 Of The Most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago, 13 Of The Best Songs About Storms Of All Time, 20 Of The Best Songs About Days Of The Week, 10 Of The Best Online Harmonica Lessons And Courses In 2023. Not one to rest on his laurels, Jackson followed up with Bad in 1987another massive success that proved he was more than just the most successful member of the Jackson 5. Other hot female singers of the 80s include Cindy Lauper, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston. Artists like Whitney Houston and Tina Turner topped the charts, set the trends, and built the foundation of powerful black women in music. Third up, Whitney Houston, might have had a massively successful song in the 1990s, but her work in the 1980s is nothing to forget. They pushed through the turbulence with the release of 1988s Heart Break, which gave the group five more hits. Its hard to imagine, right? See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover. Gloria Estefan Dina Carroll Betty Boo Paula Abdul Jennifer Rush Gabrielle Tina Arena Cathy Dennis Martika Donna Lewis 80s Female R&B Singers Imagine a world without Janet Jackson or Whitney Houston. 7 Pioneering Black Female Jazz And Blues Singers Who Made Music History. Top 10 Best Female Rock Singers of the '80s and '90s Ann Wilson (Heart) Tina Turner Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) Bonnie Tyler Tori Amos Annie Lennox (Eurythmics) Cyndi Lauper Joan Jett (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts) Alanis Morissette Grace Slick (Starship/Jefferson Starship) How It All Began for Women in Rock Music 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. She made history for being the first black performer to appear as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. These days, shes inspired everyone from Rihanna to Lady Gaga. Kate Bush 4. This list is based on. Cyndi Lauper is one of the most iconic female pop singers of all time. Here are some of the best but forgotten 80s female singers who deserve to be remembered for their contributions to pop music. The disco era of the 1970s was all about glitter, glamour, and big hair. But regardless of their current situation, these singers all made great music in the 1980s and deserve to be remembered. Its not a hidden secret that the 80s were all about big hair. They were the total package and as a result they became some of the biggest stars of the decade. The black community has given the world many gifts, but one of the most important and influential is R&B music. Chapmans career began to fall off after she performed at Nelson Mandelas 70th birthday celebration. See the instructions for more information. Her follow-up album in 2001 was also a big success. Setting aside highly mainstream R&B artists of the '80s that enjoyed at least as much success on Billboard's pop charts as on the niche R&B charts ( Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston are the most obvious examples), the decade still harbored numerous important purveyors . When thinking of the singers from the 1980s, its hard not to think of some of the black artists who helped define the decade. 0:00. Billboard 200. Whats more is that they all continued to have success in the years following the 80s, which is a testament to their talent and staying power. Is Iggy Azalea Black? With their powerful voices and moving lyrics, they were able to inspire change and bring attention to the struggles of black Britons. Contemporary artists count many of these singers to be among their influences. The following list breaks down 11 of the best black female singers of the 90s. After all, without these female singers, the 80s just wouldnt be the same. Lauper has released six studio albums over her career, and she has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards. These women helped to define the sound of R&B music and paved the way for later stars like Beyonce and Rihanna. Albino? So, there you have it folks, a complete list of the hottest female singers of the 80s. Pearls's A Singer (8), Sunshine After The Rain (10), Lilac Wine (16), Don't Cry Out Loud (12) in 1978. But I have a lot of music and will send it to you if I have it. Let us go down our list of famous 80s female singersin no particular order. The success of this album led to collaborations with other famous 90s and early-2000s performers like Nas, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, and Faith Evans. Throughout her illustrious career, Williams has found success as a singer, actress, and fashion designer. Though some of them are not with us anymore, their music continues to inspire millions. 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