40 Best Female Singers of the 70s: Notable Women in Music

The 1970s became a revolution of music where various forms and stars could be seen. Female singers were one of them as they made an unerasable impact in the world of music. Their influence was experienced in different styles, among them being. The emotional tunes of R&B, The shock of rock, The disco catchiness. Women singers ruled their airwaves. This paper has just rejoiced about the 40 greatest female singers of the 70s together with their individual contributions and their legacies.

Impact of Female Singers on 70s Music

The impact of female singers on the music world was never as huge as it was in the 1970s and this will be etched in the history of the music industry. These female artists went across boundaries and competed with the standard and set the way to follow the generations. Whether it was rock bands, disco anthems, their presence on the stage and artistry defined the sound of the decade, and had an impact on so many artists of the day that they earned a spot in the Roll Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall.

Criteria for the Best Female Singers

The process of identifying the most appropriate female singers of the 1970s requires consideration of other aspects other than commercial success. The tone, ability to compose the song, presence on stage, and critical reception are all the elements that add to the overall effect of an artist. 

The Question is a force to reckon with, the longevity and impact on the future generations of female vocalists is also important. This list of the best female singers is an attempt to highlight the various talent and the timeless contribution of these iconic female vocalists.

Top Female Singers of the 1970s 

1. Aretha Franklin  

Already a force to reckon with, Aretha Franklin remained the Queen of Soul in the 70s. Her voice and emotional performance appealed to many who hear her and this is what makes her one of the greatest female singers of all times.  

Though in the past decade, Aretha had such hits as Respect, she still managed to demonstrate her position as the best female singer with many studio albums and hits that demonstrated her unique talent and proved her role in the history of music. 

2. Donna Summer  

Donna Summer became an unquestioned Disco Queen, who set the sound of the decade with her seductive voice and catchy disco melodies. The dance music she produced together with Giorgio Moroder transformed the world of dance music and produced a timeless and futuristic sound. The presence of Summer on the stage was fascinating and made the audience plunge into her world of glitzy lights and throbbing tunes. 

3. Stevie Nicks 

The head of Fleetwood Mac Stevie Nicks was still spinning her magic throughout the decade. Being amongst the most successful female singers of 70s, she did not only head one of the most successful rock bands, she also made an incredible career of solo albums that proved her versatility and style of writing. Her stage presence was simply unquestioned.

4. Karen Carpenter 

The vocal difference of Karen Carpenter, in terms of their purity and depth of feelings, turned her into an icon of the 70s. She had a record of commercial success with such hits as "Close to You" and "Weve Only Just Begun" as a member of The Carpenters. Her legacy is not limited to her chart topping hits, which have made her one of the best female singers.

5. Gladys Knight 

Gladys Knight, the lead singer of Gladys Knight and the Pips, offered a very soulful forceful voice to the stage in the 70s. Her group were unforgettable performers and they produced groundbreaking hits, as a force to reckon in the 1970s. Gladys Knight influenced the female singers of the 70s music scene. She is among the most impressive female singers.

6. Linda Ronstadt 

The diversity of the female singer enabled Linda Ronstadt to overcome various genres, such as rock music, country, folk. Ronstadt received critical acclaim over her interpretations of classic songs and her strong vocals. She published successful studio albums. Being one of the greatest female vocalists of the 1970s, Linda influenced other female musicians in a long term basis.

7. Diana Ross 

Diana Ross left The Supremes and went into a successful solo career. Being one of the greatest female singers, she managed to demonstrate her diversity using disco music, R&B ballads, and pop anthems. Her music became timeless. Ross reaffirmed herself as one of the finest female singers of the 70s. She was an attractive women who made a magnetic impact on stage as a female in the music industry.

8. Carole King 

In the 70s, Carole King also switched roles between songwriter and performer to become one of the best female singers of that decade. Her album Tapestry became one of the all time best albums. The success of Carole King inspired the work of a lot of female artists. She contributed to the influence on the 70s music industry.

9. Cher 

Cher went on to develop her career in the 70s and prove herself as a versatile female singer and entertainer. Cher became an iconic female in the industry as she secured herself with hits such as Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves and her appearances on television. She assisted the influence of other female singers.

10. Olivia Newton-John 

In the 70s, Olivia Newton-John was able to become a star internationally with her combination of pop and country music. This is another film that launched her career and made her a household name, her part in the film Grease. Newton-John made an unerasable mark as a female singer. The successful albums by Olivia Newton-John would keep on inspiring the other female artists.

11. Barbra Streisand 

The 70s was the period when Barbara Streisand demonstrated her great vocal abilities and acting skills. Her albums and roles in the movies were successful and she cemented her place as one of the all time best female singers and entertainers. Streisand is presented in the Roll Hall of Fame. She helped to make a number of female artists successful.

12. Patti Smith 

Patti Smith added a gritty and poetic touch to the 70s music world. Being one of the pioneers of punk rock, her first album "Horses" was influential to the punk music industry and music in general. The distinct style and strong lyrics of Smith were a challenge to the musical norms. Patti was very influential to other female singers.

13. Debbie Harry (Blondie) 

The lead singer of the Blondie band, Debbie Harry, introduced a fresh wave of the 70s music. Pop, rock and disco hits such as Heart of Glass and One Way or Another saw Blondie combine and make them a number 1 hit. She was a legendary female singer within the dynamics and style of her performance. The influence of other female singers was assisted by her distinct music.

14. Janis Joplin 

Janis Joplin whose short-lived career made an unerasable impact in the 70s music industry. Her deep voice and pure sincerity captured people, and she made an icon of rock. The impact that Joplin had is still relevant among female rock singers. She created a huge impression within the music industry with her female vocals.

15. Carly Simon

In the 70s, Carly Simon enjoyed great commercial success with such hits like You So Vain. Her thoughtful lyrics and seductive vocals made her one of the brightest representatives of the singer-songwriter movement. Simon brought her success in commerce and CDs as one of the finest female singers. Simon made a difference in the tone of most female performers.

16. Tina Turner  

After her hard times, Tina Turner re-appeared as a solo star in the late 70s, the foundation of her colossal success in the 80s. She was able to fascinate audiences with her strong stage presence and pure energy. Tina Turner left a remarkable impression in music industry. The experience that Tina Turner went through affected a lot of women artists.

17. Bonnie Raitt 

During the 70s, Bonnie Raitt had perfected her art as a blues and rock singer and was acclaimed by critics as an adept and virtuous guitarist and soulful singer. The resolve that Raitt had to her profession led to her subsequent mainstream success. She was leaving her mark in the 70s music industry. Her blues made a difference to other female singers.

18. Dolly Parton 

The 70s are the period when Dolly Parton established herself as a country music icon. Parton, being one of the most admirable female singers of the 70s, with such a hit as Jolene, or Coat of Many Colors, her songwriting talent, as well as her charisma, appealed to people. Dolly Parton possessed a classical voice. Dolly Parton was an artiste of the 1970s music scene.

19. Joan Baez 

Joan Baez continued to be a major figure in the folk music scene in the 70s. Her social justice and her emotionally charged singing remained inspirational to the audience. Baez was not just a music influence. Her unerasable imprint on the music industry made her one of the finest female folk singers. Baez also assisted other female artists.

20. Emmylou Harris 

Emmylou Harris became one of the leading country rocks in the 70s. Her talent in voice and teamwork gave her critical acclaim and fan base. Harris assisted in the development of the sound of country music. Harris made the female singers successful through her beautiful voice.

21. Bette Midler 

Bette Midler has combined music, comedy, and theater in a stage appearance that was unique and compelling. Her strong vocals and vigorous performances made her a 70s star. Midler assisted in establishing the impact that female singers would cause in the music industry and influenced other female singers.

22. Chaka Khan 

Chaka Khan entered the world as the lead singer of Rufus and introduced a vigorous voice to the funk music. Khan proved the force to reckon with with hits such as Tell Me Something Good. Khan also assisted in the music scene of the 1970s and helped in impacting the same.

23. Grace Slick (Jefferson Starship) 

In the 70s Grace Slick still headed Jefferson Starship and her voiciferous vocals and counter-culture personality became part of its sound. Jefferson Starship was a hit in many ways. She emerged as a legendary female voice in rock music whose commercial success changed the ways of other female singers. Grace Slick made a contribution to rock and roll hall.

24. Dusty Springfield 

Dusty Springfield, despite the slowdown of her career, still continued to issue albums. Her voice and soul were beautiful and left an everlasting impression on the pop music and the industry and her legacy of being among the finest female singers kept on inspiring numerous other singers.

25. Anne Murray 

Anne Murray was able to experience great commercial success in her crossover of pop and country music in the 70s. Her soft voice and easy listening nature appealed to a large group of people. Being one of the greatest female singers, the music of Murray was a calming background. Murray too influenced a considerable number of other female artists.

26. Roberta Flack 

The soulful and smooth vocals of Roberta Flack have brought her a number of hits in the 70s, such as the song Killing Me Softly with His Song. Flack used jazz, soul and folk elements in his music. She assisted in making the indelible mark memorable to the music. She did it in her own way, which influenced the influence of female singers.

27. Nancy Wilson 

Nancy Wilson who was the guitarist and the singer of Heart added a rock flavor to the 70s music industry. Heart emerged to be one of the earliest successful female-based rock bands. Nancy Wilson was a source of inspiration to other female singers. Nancy Wilson played a significant role in the rock and roll hall of fame.

28. Rita Coolidge 

With her versatile voice and collaborating with artists, Rita Coolidge traveled through several genres in the 70s. Her solo performance, to Kris Kristofferson and her duets, put her in high esteem. She made an indestructible impact in the industry. Rita contributed towards shaping other female artists.

29. Cyndi Grecco

Cyndi Grecco is the most famous singer who sang the theme song of the popular T.V. program called Laverne and Shirley: Making Our Dreams Come True. Her only hit, this song turned out to be a musical marker of the late 70s and one of the identifiable one-hit wonders. This affected other female singers.

31. Helen Reddy 

Helen Reddy was a legendary woman in the 70s with her feminist song I Am Woman. Her strong performing and empowering message was heard by women worldwide. With the assistance of Reddy, the sound of the decade was formed. She has made numerous other female singers successful.

32. Carly Simon 

The 70s was the period when Carly Simon solidified her position as a leading songwriter-singer, with such compositions as Nobody Does It Better. Her self-reflecting lyrics and unique voice turned her into a popular one. She made an indestructible impact in the industry. Carly assisted in influencing other female singers.

33. Liza Minnelli 

Liza Minnelli was an electric performer who added the stage presence and Broadway talents to the music scene of the 70s. Her strong vocals and dramatics made her an engaging performer. She left an indelible imprint on the music industry. Minnelli was commercially successful and assisted other female artists.

34. Yvonne Elliman 

Yvonne Elliman who soared her vocals to fame in the 70s had a successful song such as If I Can have you which featured in Saturday Night fever. Her voice and ability to impress the listeners, made her an established female singer. This was an impact on the 1970s music.

34. Kate Bush 

Kate Bush has born in the late 70s her theatrical and individual style. Bush amazed people with her first album, The Kick Inside, and new music video. She demonstrated the influence of female singers. She was the one who left the indelible mark of female singers making in the music scene.

35. Thelma Houston 

Thelma Houston scored a big hit with her disco hit, "Don't Leave Me This Way" in 1976. Houston was popular by her strong voice and her dynamic performance. She influenced the sound of the decade in the world of disco music. Thelma Houston contributed to proving the success of female singers.

36. Melissa Manchester 

Melissa Manchester has become famous in the 70s. She contributed to the unerasable imprint on the pop music and the industry. Manchester had a lot of influence on female artists. Manchester, her talented songwriter, had a commercial hit with such songs as Midnight Blue.

37. Kim Carnes 

Kim Carnes, and her unique raspy voice started to be heard in the end of the 70s. Carnes left a mark in the music industry. Carnes made her impression in the music industry. Her distinctive sound would influence the female artists in the 1970s music scene in a great way.

38. Minnie Riperton 

Minnie Riperton had a fame due to signature song Lovin you and her five octave vocal range. Her vocal and talent would make her one of the best female singers in the 70s. She would leave the indelible print that the female singers would have on the industry and that would be on the music scene of the 1970s.

Conclusion 

The female singers of 70s left their unforgettable stamp on the music industry, and formed the soundscape of the decade and gave way to the future generations. Aretha Franklin, with her soulful anthems, and Donna Summer, with her disco beats, and Stevie Nicks with her magic of the fleetwood mac, these 1970s artists changed the way it was to be a female singer.  

Their stage performances were indisputable.These top female singers went across genres, defied conventions and influenced generations of female musicians of 1970s who gained their rightful spot in the Rock and Roll Hall. Their commercial achievements, critical success, and music still remain to impress people nowadays. Dolly Parton remains famous in the country music today.

Their legacy becomes a testament of the might and the influence of female singers in the shaping of popular culture, and the success of female artists of the 1970s. These strong voices altered the music scene in 1970s.

FAQS

Q1. Who was the most popular female singer of the 1970s?

Donna Summer 1970s ki sabse popular female artists mein shamil thi, jinki disco hits ne charts par raaj kiya. Diana Ross bhi is daur ki bohot successful aur influential singer rahi.

Q2. Who was the female singer of the 60s and 70s?

Aretha Franklin, “Queen of Soul,” dono decades ki leading singer rahi, powerful vocals aur commercial success ke saath. Joan Baez ne bhi 60s aur 70s mein apna mazboot asar chhoda.

Q3. Canadian female singer 70's?

Anne Murray 70s ki mashhoor Canadian singer rahi, “Snowbird” jaisi hits ke saath crossover success hasil ki. Joni Mitchell ne bhi is era mein fame aur recognition hasil kia.