Not to mention, they also had a killer sense of style. -- gained wide renown among both black and white audiences. Without these incredible ladies, I shudder to think about where music would be today. The album, released in 1988, catapulted to number one in the United States and the U.K. thanks to its single Fast Car. Her initial album earned her three Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, Best Contemporary Folk Album, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performer. She was nominated for numerous posthumous awards and won the Billboard-AURN Top R&B/Hip-Hop Female Artist in 2003. 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. Commercial success finally followed with 1982s 1999, which spawned several hit songs such as Little Red Corvette, Delirious, and of course, 1999.. Top Black Female Singers of the 80s, Final Thoughts. In 2001 she recorded the 1975 hit Lady Marmalade with singers Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, and Pink. Brenda Fassie was a South African dancer, singer, songwriter, and activist. Powerhouses like Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi took over the airwaves with their loud and aggressive music. Diana Ross 6. The feature essentially kickstarted Trina's rap career, leading to a record deal with Slip-n-Slide Records with distribution from Atlantic Records. It is hard to argue with the legacy these artists have created for themselvesit shows in modern music. 2. The Jones Girls were the Jones sisters. 1. Toni Braxton was a 90s music sensation. 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 platinum-haired Saturday Love singer brought a 1930s aesthetic to her look wavy bob, pale eyeshadow and bee-stung lips. 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. Figures like Sylvester, Grace Jones, and Little Richard were some of the first openly gay celebrities and their music helped break down many barriers. Heaven Is a Place on Earth. They appeared on Sesame Street and the Grand Ole Opry and went on to win a Grammy, just to give you an idea of their range. Tina Turner is a legend in the music industry and made way for young black female artists to rise to their success today. Whitney Houston officially stepped onto the music scene when she was only 22 releasing her first four albums between 1985 and 1992, reigning over the 80s. We always giggle to ourselves when we hear teens proclaim that there's never been a hotter Black singer than Beyonce, or Rihanna, or Keri Hilson. Her first breakthrough came in the form of a role in the movie The Pick Up Artist in 1987. She won her first Grammy Award in 1998 for the collaborative single Ghetto Superstar with rapper Ol Dirty Bastard which was a number one hit in countries all over the world. 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. Browns success continued in 1989 when he contributed two songs to the Ghostbusters II soundtrack: On Our Own and Were Back, the former peaking at #2. New Edition had several hits at the start of the decade with Candy Girl, Cool It Now, and Mr. So, in honor of these amazing women, weve put together a list of the 100+ best female singers of the 80s. As a child, she exhibited a great talent for music and dance and had a dream to become the African American Rockette. Not to mention, they were also able to transcend the boundaries of music and find success in other areas such as film and television. 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. But that all changed with the introduction of Janet Jackson. In the Eighties, Janet Jackson was definitely in Control with her strong, basic makeup and jet black curls. To celebrate their contribution to this decade, in this post, weve put together a list of 15 of the greatest and most famous black singers of the 1980s. 0:00. From Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, these artists dominated the charts and inspired millions with their unique sounds. There is no performer quite as compelling as the jazz singer. These women, listed in no particular order, have cemented their place in music history. And who knows, maybe youll discover a new favorite singer from the past. She also provided two songs on the movies soundtrack, including the hit We Dont Need Another Hero (Thunderdome).. After all, without these female singers, the 80s just wouldnt be the same. Among the most successful Black country singers of the 1980s were Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, and Tina Turner. These women helped to shape the sound of R&B music, and their influence can still be heard in todays music. Annie Lennox People were captivated by Annie Lennox from the first second she pounded the desk in the "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" video. Her work was expressive and creative and paved the way for future 90s black female singers. 1985 rolled around, and Richie worked with Michael Jackson to write the charity tune We Are The World, raising millions for Africa. These women were not only talented, but they were also physically attractive. Some of these singers include Debby Boone, Toni Basil, and Tiffany. Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald - Cheek To Cheek (Live) Aaliyah began her quest for fame on the tv show Star Search when she was 11 years old, signing a contract with Jive Records a year later. Belinda Carlisle. Vandross also worked with other artists during the decade, including his favorite artist, Dionne Warwick (more on her in a moment). In her short life, Aaliyah left a major imprint on the music industry as a whole, as well as on the pop, R&B, and hip hop genres. 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. June is Black Music Month! Born Eve Jeffers to Julie and Jerry Jeffers, Eve lived in West Philadelphia until her parents divorce when she was 12. The first choice here is hard to argue. The 70s are a great decade to look to for music. Here are twelve Black Disney movies you can watch on Disney Plus right now. Copy. 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 ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. There is a long list of forgotten female singers from the 80s. Despite the obstacles they faced, these singers managed to break down barriers and achieve commercial success. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3fd76e9916ca9ed221113da4c016ebd" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. 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. Other notable female R&B singers of the decade include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, and Gladys Knight. And while it was obviously dominated by male bands, there were a few groundbreaking female metal singers who made their mark on the genre. But 1982s Thriller cemented Jacksons legacy. She studied theater and music at Syracuse, and during this time, was crowned Miss New York in 1983. So we're dedicating today's article to the best 80s female singers. Shanice Lorraine Wilson was born on May the 14th, 1973. However, Turner launched what Billboard called one of the greatest comebacks in music history with 1984s Private Dancer. Those that stayed went on to produce five albums in the span of a few short years. Rappers like N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys were making a name for themselves with their controversial lyrics and innovative beats. 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. And for these singers, their only weapon was their music. The songs featured themes of feminism and female sexuality, although it was generally considered a slump. Turners success also crossed over into movies, where she co-starred alongside Mel Gibson in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. Some of the biggest were Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner. Updated on 06/26/19. James also succeeded as a producer, helping to create hits such as Eddie Murphys Party All The Time.. Her powerful vocals coupled with her thoughtful lyrics made her a well-respected artist. Her debut album was released in September 1999, which sold over 2 million copies and went certified as Double Platinum. 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. These are singers who had a few hits but never quite made it to the top. Today, well talk about some of these amazing rappers. With the help of her brother, the baby of the Jackson family released her self-titled debut album in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, these women continued to produce new albums and tour extensively. 1984s Love Language spawned a hit with Hold Me. Pendergrass received rave reviews for his appearance at the 1985 Live Aid concerthis first live performance since the crash. 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. The Equals (late-1960s) Long. Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, Mega Jovon Ruth Pete, better known as Megan Thee Stallion is next on the list. Come get a plate of goodness! Nevertheless, she is an icon in the music industry and paved the way for many black female artists on this list. They were the total package and as a result they became some of the biggest stars of the decade. She released her first album Discovery when she was only 14. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn as Aaliyah Dana Houghton in 1979. Her most recent album is from 2019, but the singer currently has no plans to stop making music. The industry owes a lot to the black artists since they are the ones who shaped and created the trends we see today. But despite their limited success, these women made a significant impact on the music industry. Some of the British female singers who found success in the 80s include Annie Lennox, Bonnie Tyler, and Sade. Welcome to Hello Music Theory! Besides being highly talented, black British singers have also been at the forefront of social and political change. Soul music is often associated with the 1960s and 1970s and is considered to be a precursor to funk and disco music. She released some of her best-selling albums during that decade, including Whos Zoomin Who and Aretha. She also earned her first Gold record in 1982 with the album Jump To It., Luther Vandross was another soul singer who found success in the 80s. She has won a total of 20 awards and found additional success as an actress in movies like the Barbershop franchise. All these women had successful careers in the 80s, but none of them were able to replicate their one-hit-wonder success. Frankie Beverly. Dominating their respective fields, women were taking their careers into their own hands. In fact, there were many blonde women who found success in the music industry during the decade. Considered the inventor of punk-funk, he lived quite a rock-star life. And although some of these artists are now retired, they continue to be remembered as some of the most talented and successful country singers of all time. In honor of Black History Month, Grimy Goods is highlighting the most influential black female singers and musicians of all time. It earned her two Grammy Award nominations for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Artist, four Soul Train Music Awards, and the New York Childrens Choice Awards. Control was nominated for three Grammy Awards and nine American Music Awards and won two of the AMAs. The fact that many of the biggest stars of the 80s came from the UK is no surprise. And while we cant name every single great black rapper from the 80s, we would be remiss if we didnt at least mention a few of the pioneers who paved the way for the rest. Mary Jane Blige was born the 11th of January 1971, to the Bronx, New York. The 70s saw a lot of black singers and musicians rise to fame. Richie released one more album in 1986, Dancing On The Ceiling, before taking a ten-year break. Braxton would go on to have successful albums throughout the early 2000s. So even though these women may have only had one hit, their contributions should not be overlooked. But I have a lot of music and will send it to you if I have it. She rose to fame in the 80s with hits such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time.". White? She began touring with a Latin funk band called Pride in the late 70s and early 80s. These women were able to adapt their sound to the changing times and they found success with a new generation of disco fans. It featured emotionally raw and poignant lyrics that exposed Bliges pain and strenuous relationship at the time. Let us go down our list of famous 80s female singersin no particular order. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHutZXREZ0E, Madonna Crazy For You (Official Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHutZXREZ0E), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxUSsFXYo4, Dolly Parton 9 To 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxUSsFXYo4), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU, Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsattyYh8Ig, Lee Aaron Hands On (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsattyYh8Ig), Twisted Sister ( Were Not Gonna Take It ), Joan Jett (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts). Now that you have the list, go ahead and give these singers a listen. So if youre a fan of R&B music, then you owe a debt of gratitude to these female singers. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, the Clara Ward Singers, etc. On this edition of Night Lights we . Pendergrass was also nominated Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song. The following are some of the most notable Black celebrities that died in 2022. White? Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Contemporary artists count many of these singers to be among their influences. During her solo career, she produced many hits, including I Still Believe and Endless Love, which continue to crush the souls of romantics worldwide. As mentioned in Wikipedia the 80s is considered the golden age of hip hop. Ross was eventually named the Female Artist of the Year in the mid-70s, and her career only grew from there. Best 80s Female Singers - Top 80s Women Music Hits - playlist by Redlist Playlists | Spotify Home Search Your Library Create Playlist Privacy Center Privacy Policy Cookies Cookies Preview of Spotify Sign up to get unlimited songs and podcasts with occasional ads. The album did well but was decimated by the success of her second album titled Control. She charted seven consecutive number-one Billboard Hot 100 hits, including "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go." See the instructions for more information. This platinum-selling single from the girl group peaked at #1 on the Hot 100 and beat out Backstreet Boys' "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" in Billboard's list of most popular songs of 1998. 1. 15 Black Artists Who Died Too Young 1. Every day we're serving Black women deeply. When it comes to music, the 1990s were a decade filled with popular hits from diverse musical genres. In her early 20s, her boyfriend mailed off her demo tape to Sony Music, and she was quickly signed on in 1991. She continued to create music and release albums even as she dabbled in the world of musical theater. Its not a hidden secret that the 80s were all about big hair. Pearls's A Singer (8), Sunshine After The Rain (10), Lilac Wine (16), Don't Cry Out Loud (12) in 1978. It is a sound that is steeped in pain and struggle, but also in hope and joy. If youre thinking of Madonna, then youre on the right track. This was especially true in the 1980s, when many black Britons were fighting for equality and against racism. They later went on hiatus for a short while so that three of the members could form Bell Biv Devoeanother classic R&B and hip-hop group that saw success in the early 1990s. But they weren't the only ones making waves in the industry. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Albino? Perhaps known best for her solo hit Mickey, Antonia Christina Basilotta (known professionally as Toni Basil) became an instant chart-topper with one of the 80s most catchy songs. Since its launch in 1984, the channel has garnered millions of viewers each week who tune in to see powerful women rule the screen. 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. 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. Ma helped write, record, and produce her sophomore album Fear of Flying in 1999. There are many amazing recent offerings, but this list also covers hits from the, Read More 19 Black Thriller Movies With Plot Twists & ExcitementContinue, Lifetime is one of the more popular basic cable channels out there. Unfortunately, she often makes headlines for the wrong reasons. They pushed through the turbulence with the release of 1988s Heart Break, which gave the group five more hits. While Houston did not have her self-titled debut album released until 1985, that albums songs launched her career like a rocket. So, to celebrate their contributions, we've compiled a list of the best black singers of the 80s. But through it all, there were many incredibly talented black singers who managed to find success no matter what genre they were singing. The following list breaks down 11 of the best black female singers of the 90s. Other? Here are some more. Here are the Best Female Singers of the 1980s. Her smooth R&B music and thoughtful lyrics brought her critical acclaim and public popularity that endured for decades. Last updated on January 11th, 2023 at 07:38 pm. 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. In celebration of Black Music Month, MadameNoire compiled a list of 15 black women in music who managed to become some of the most popular solo acts in music ever! These women were able to take their talents to the next level and find commercial success in the States. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When D. Boon of American underground rock legends the Minutemen was thrown from the van in which he was riding as the result of an auto accident, the world lost one of unique American singers and guitarists and one of rock's most intelligent, forceful personalities. But regardless of their current situation, these singers all made great music in the 1980s and deserve to be remembered. Her father was a Nigerian-born economics teacher, and her mother was an English nurse. Despite her career beginning in the 50s when she was just a teen, Tinas solo career didnt take off until 1983, when she recorded a cover of Al Greenes Lets Stay Together, which became an immediate hit and had people wanting more. 70's & 80's R&B group best know for their lead Vocalist and band's melodic jazz-funk fusion cycopations. 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