Female 70s Singers: Celebrating the Icons of the Decade
Female 70s Singers: Celebrating the Icons of the Decade
A Transformative Era in Music
The 1970s marked a transformative era in music, giving rise to some of the most influential and iconic female singers of all time.
70s singers female
From the poetic storytelling of Joni Mitchell to the glamorous showmanship of Diana Ross, these remarkable artists not only defined the sound of the era but also broke new ground in the music industry.
Their contributions continue to resonate, inspiring generations of listeners and musicians worldwide.
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Genres
This decade was a time of innovation and exploration in music, with female artists leading the way
From country to disco, rock to folk, they fearlessly ventured into new genres and challenged traditional norms.
Female singers seventies
Their voices became anthems of empowerment, love, heartbreak, and social justice, echoing across generations and solidifying their status as cultural icons.
More than Just Singers: Cultural Icons and Pioneers
These legendary women were more than just singers—they were pioneers who shattered barriers and paved the way for future female artists.
Their groundbreaking achievements set new standards for talent and artistry, influencing not only music but also culture and society at large.
Timeless Impact and Enduring Legacy
As we reflect on the greatest female artists of the 1970s, it’s clear that their impact is timeless. Whether through unforgettable hits or bold personalities, they have left an indelible mark on music history.
Their legacies continue to inspire and entertain, proving that the sound of the 70s is truly unforgettable.
Who Stands Out as the Greatest?
So, who among these legends stands out as the greatest of the great?
It’s up to you to decide. Turn up the volume, revisit their discographies, and relive the magic of their music.
Honoring female 70’s singers: Top 15 Female Singers of the 70s
To honor these trailblazing voices, we’ve gathered a list of the 15 most famous female singers of the 1970s, celebrating their extraordinary talents and enduring legacies.
1. Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, known as the ‘Queen of Soul,’ had an influence that transcended her title.
With her powerful voice, exceptional songwriting, and piano-playing skills, she remains one of the most recognized female singers of any era.
Her career began in gospel music, singing in church, and by the late 50s and 60s, she had made her mark on the music world.
Aretha famously performed at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s memorial service in the 1960s. Over the years, she won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Performance eight times, from 1968 through 1975.
Her 1968 recording of “Respect” remains one of the most iconic songs of all time.
Throughout the 1970s, Aretha continued to release hit after hit, always staying connected to her gospel roots.
Her career spanned five decades, culminating in a performance at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
When she passed away in 2018, pop star Mary J. Blige eulogized her as a heavenly gift, inspiring countless women to sing.
2. Stevie Nicks: The Rock Legend
Stevie Nicks, a key member of Fleetwood Mac, rose to prominence in the 1970s.
The band’s self-titled 1975 album, followed by the 1977 “Rumours,” became chart-toppers, with “Rumours” holding the number one spot for over thirty weeks.
The album also earned a Grammy and an American Music Award.
Fleetwood Mac scored a major hit with “Dreams” in 1977, and the band had numerous top 20 singles during the decade.
Nicks’s distinctive voice and songwriting made her one of the most iconic female rock singers of all time, helping to solidify Fleetwood Mac’s place in music history.
3. Gladys Knight: The Empress of Soul
Gladys Knight, often recognized as the leading voice of the rhythm and blues group The Pips, became a standout solo artist in the 1970s.
The group released two successful albums in 1973 that made it to the top of the R&B charts and the Billboard 200.
With 31 singles during the decade, The Pips produced six top-ten hits, including the timeless “Midnight Train to Georgia,” which continues to be a classic.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, Gladys Knight remains an influential figure in music history.
4. Olivia Newton-John: The Pop Sensation
Olivia Newton-John found immense success in the 1970s, scoring five number-one hits and releasing two chart-topping albums, If You Love Me, Let Me Know (1974) and Have You Never Been Mellow (1975).
Her career took a major leap when she starred in the film Grease (1978), with the movie’s soundtrack becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Her duet with co-star John Travolta on tracks like “You’re the One That I Want” helped propel her to even greater fame, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
In addition to her musical success, Newton-John has made significant contributions as an activist for animal rights, environmentalism, and health awareness.
5. Dolly Parton: The Country Music Icon
Dolly Parton’s legacy is rooted in her country music career, but her talents span songwriting, acting, entrepreneurship, and activism.
With more than 3,000 compositions to her name and over 110 charted singles, Parton has achieved remarkable success, including 44 top-ten country albums, a record for any artist.
Her 1970s anthem, “9 to 5,” and the legendary song “I Will Always Love You” (famously covered by Whitney Houston) continue to be pivotal in her career.
Parton has earned eleven Grammy Awards and received fifty nominations. In addition to her music, she has made her mark in film with roles in Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5.
6. Barbra Streisand: The Multifaceted Superstar
Barbra Streisand was already an established actress by the 1970s, having won three Grammys for The Barbra Streisand Album.
Her hit single “The Way We Were” solidified her place as one of the most influential artists of the decade.
By 1980, Streisand had sold more albums than anyone except Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Her resume includes Broadway successes, acting roles, and collaborations with the world’s most famous artists.
Streisand’s impact on both music and film has left an indelible mark.
7. Joni Mitchell: The Poet of the 70s
Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell found success in the 1970s with her poetic lyrics and unique folk-rock style.
After winning her first Grammy in 1970, she released her seminal album Court and Spark in 1974, which topped the charts.
Mitchell went on to release eight albums throughout the decade, winning seven Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2000s.
With songs that have stood the test of time, she remains a revered figure in music, influencing generations of songwriters and musicians.
8. Patti Smith: The Punk Poet
Patti Smith made an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1970s. While the era saw the rise of disco and synthesized pop, Smith remained true to her raw, solo performances.
Known as a singer and songwriter, she also gained recognition as a poet and author, playing her music with a distinctive style.
Although she didn’t achieve the mainstream success of some of her contemporaries, Smith’s influence was undeniable.
Her song “Because the Night” became her most commercially successful hit, peaking at number 13 on the charts. The track’s lasting legacy is evident, with artists like Bruce Springsteen, 10,000 Maniacs, and Tori Amos recording their versions.
Smith even performed the song alongside Springsteen during U2’s 25th anniversary celebration at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
9. Donna Summer: The Queen of Disco
Donna Summer became one of the defining voices of the disco era, blending R&B, soul, and dance music to create timeless hits.
Selling over 130 million records worldwide, Summer earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
During the 1970s, she delivered a string of chart-topping singles, including the disco anthem “Hot Stuff,” along with influential tracks like “Bad Girls” and “Macarthur Park.”
Her album Bad Girls topped the Billboard charts, and she continued her success with five other albums, all of which secured spots in the top 30.
10. Linda Ronstadt: The Versatile Superstar
Linda Ronstadt achieved unparalleled success in the 1970s, releasing eight studio albums and 27 singles.
Her powerful voice and ability to cross musical genres helped her make a lasting impact on pop, rock, and country music.
Ronstadt’s 1974 hit “You’re No Good” topped the Billboard charts, and other singles like “Simple Dreams” and “Heart Like a Wheel” also soared to number one.
Over the course of her career, she has earned ten Grammy Awards and has sold millions of records worldwide. In 2014, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
11. Carly Simon: The Singer-Songwriter Sensation
Carly Simon began her solo career in the early 1970s after performing with her sister Lucy in the group The Simon Sisters.
Her self-titled debut album in 1971 earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist, and she soon became one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of the decade.
Simon’s second album, Anticipation, and her third, No Secrets, further solidified her commercial success.
Her song “You’re So Vain” became an anthem, and her 1975 compilation album went triple platinum.
Simon’s work continues to resonate, with at least 15 albums to her name and a long list of successful collaborations.
12. Carole King: The Singer-Songwriter Icon
Carole King is perhaps best known to modern audiences through the Broadway musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which showcases her impressive song catalog and life story.
Though King began her career in the late 1950s, the 1970s marked her peak.
Her album was a massive success, staying on the charts for six years and featuring the iconic song “You’ve Got a Friend.” King’s influence as a singer, songwriter, and composer has continued to shape music, and even her least commercially successful records of the 1970s went gold.
13. Bonnie Raitt: The Guitar Trailblazer
Bonnie Raitt was a pioneering force in the music world, particularly known for her skillful electric guitar playing and bottleneck slide technique.
While she initially performed in small clubs and struggled to gain commercial success, her talent was undeniable, and her early albums earned critical acclaim.
Throughout the 1970s, Raitt released several albums, continually refining her craft.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that she saw the commercial success she deserved, but her contributions to blues and rock have left a lasting legacy.
14. Cher: The Timeless Entertainer
Cher was already an established star by the time the 1970s rolled around, having achieved success with her husband Sonny Bono on the chart-topping hit “I Got You Babe.”
The song helped launch a variety show, which ran for three years and earned an Emmy nomination.
In the 1970s, Cher embarked on a solo career, producing a string of successful songs and starring in her TV show.
Throughout her career, she has had multiple comebacks, especially in the early 2000s, and has also enjoyed acting success.
Cher’s versatility has made her a pop culture icon for decades.
15. Diana Ross: The Supremes to Solo Stardom
Diana Ross, who had already made a name for herself as the lead singer of The Supremes in the 1960s, continued her solo success into the 1970s.
Her breakout hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” marked the beginning of a highly successful solo career.
Ross also took on acting, starring in the 1972 biopic Lady Sings the Blues, where she portrayed Billie Holiday and earned an Academy Award nomination.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her contributions to music and culture.
70’s Female Singers: Honoring the Pioneers of 1970s Music
The women of the 1970s were truly pioneers, breaking boundaries and shaping the musical landscape of their time.
Their accomplishments continue to inspire modern artists, with many of today’s stars standing on the shoulders of the remarkable women featured on this list.
