Top 20 Best Female Singers of All Time.

The Epitome of Greatness

In the world of music there are many great female singers but only a few have risen to the level of greatness that these giants of American pop culture have. The women listed below have written some of the greatest songs ever and their voices have blown us away over the many decades. Here are some of my favorite female singers of all time. As reminder, I wanted to warn my readers that my list is based upon vocal power, range and uniqueness. Some of the artist's on my list may have had less success than others but their voices are just as great. I believe these women are the best singers in American history. Let me know what you think. Check out these amazing female singers.

#1 The Voice

Whitney Houston simply known as the voice was the greatest female singer of all time. The sheer power of her vocals was second to none. Mrs. Houston have inspired a generation of musical artists in her over two decades long career. These artists include Lady Gaga, Monica, Celine Dion and also Brandy to name a few.
The diva has sold more than 200 million albums and singles worldwide making her one of the best selling female artists in history. Some of her greatest hits include "How Will I know," "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (who loves me)", and powerhouse ballads such as "Run To You" and the "Greatest Love of All." Ms. Houston still holds the record for the top three greatest vocal performances in history which include her rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner", her remake of Dolly Parton country song "I Will Always Love" from the Bodyguard soundtrack and also "I Have Nothing" another successful single from the iconic soundtrack.
The pop icon was a global superstar. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, she remains the most awarded female artist in the history of popular music with more than 415 recognized awards. Her many accolades includes two Emmy's, six Grammy's, thirty Billboard Awards and twenty two American Music Awards just to name a few. There is no one who can out sing her. Though the pop queen vocals is said to be between 3 to 4 octaves in actual range, the power of her voice has reached between the G 3- G5 register which is among the highest in vocal power . The greatest vocal note is the G 7.
Ms. Houston was truly the greatest singer to ever live and this is why she is my number 1 pick for best female singer of all time. May she rest in peace.

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	The Bodyguard Amazon Price: $2.99 List Price: $5.97

Greatest female Singer of All Time

# 2 The Songbird

In my book, Mariah Carey is one of the best singers ever. She has more number one hits than any other female performer in history. Her record breaking 18 number one singles is tied for second best along side Elvis and only trails the Beatles 20 number one singles. Her voice has continued to inspire a generation of female performers which include Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Kelly Rowland to name a few. The diva's signature vocal style of whistling is just as great as her laundry list of hit records. Her many hit singles include "Honey", Fantasy, "Vision of Love", "My All" and "One Sweet Day" among numerous others. Ms. Carey also holds the record for the highest vocal range in music with her whistle register which is said to be between five to seven octaves.
The pop diva has sold over 265 million records worldwide making her one of the best selling musical artist's ever. Besides Madonna, no other musical act in history has past Mariah in album sales with the exception of Michael Jackson who sold around 392 million as solo artist, and the Beatles who have sold around 400 million as a vocal group. Though it is claimed that Elvis sold a billion records, no evidence has been proven to back up those claims. It is why I did not add his name here.
The reason I picked Mariah for the 2nd best female singer instead of first is because, I believe Whitney edges her out in vocal power and purity of tone. In my opinion Mariah has the highest range but Whitney has the most powerful voice that music has ever produced.

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Greatest songstress and female artist of all time 2nd best voice ever

# 3 Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin also known as the Queen of Soul has re-defined American popular music for more than four decades now. Her incredible voice, sound and style have inspired numerous R&B and contemporary artists. Aretha has sold more million selling singles than any other female artist in history. She has also won eighteen Grammy’s and two honorary Awards.
Ms. Franklin during her long career have amassed twenty number one singles on the Billboard R&B charts and two #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. She also had 10 albums on this chart to reach number one, which was cited to be the most by a female artist. But her achievements doesn't stop there. The queen of soul was also inducted into several musical halls of fame which include her becoming the first woman to be entered into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and in 2005, the second woman behind Madonna to be inducted into the UK Hall of Fame.
The music icon has been honored by several US presidents during her long career. In 1999, she received The National Medal of Arts Award from then president Bill Clinton and In 2005, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from president George W. Bush and was most recently selected in 09 to be a guest singer at the historic inauguration of the nation’s first black president Barack Obama.
Her many hits include Respect, "Chain of Fools," "Think," "You Make Me Feel like ( A Natural Woman)," "Rocksteady" and Dionne Warwick hit "I Say a Little Prayer" among many others.

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3rd best female voice in music

# 4 Folk Legend Royal Janis

The great Janis Joplin has been called one of the greatest voices of American music and an icon of her generation. She was once the dubbed the Queen of Rock and Roll and the Queen of Psychedelic Soul. Her singing style has been compared to that of the great Aretha Franklin. Over the many years her popularity has become more and more prominent. Though she was a tragic figure who died way before her time, her musical legacy has continued to inspire numerous female artists.
Time Magazine described Janis as “…probably the most powerful singer to emerge from the white rock movement” (wikipedia.com).
She is best known for her hits Try, Cry baby, Piece of My Heart, Summertime, and Mercedes Benz. Her voice is unbelievable great and so was her distinctive style of music.

The Greatest Folk Singer Ever

#5 Queen of Rock N Roll

Ana Mae Bullock famously known as Tina Turner is widely recognized as the Queen of Rock n Roll. She has sold more concert tickets than any other live performer in history. Tina's album sales to date have surpassed 180 million making her one of the most successful female artists of all time. She was also inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
In her successful career, she has won eight Grammy's and numerous other awards. Two of her monster hits "Proud Mary" and "River Deep -Mountain High" was entered into the Grammy Music Hall of Fame.

the one and only Tina Turner

# 6 The Great Patti

Patti Labelle born Patricia Louise Holte- Edwards is an American award winning singer and actress. Her musical career spans five decades. The diva has shaped popular culture now for nearly half of a century. Known for her distinct voice, she has continued to inspire numerous performers of today's musical landscape.
Ms. Labelle was also an inductee into the Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame and has been given the Songwriters Hall of Fame Sammy Cahn Life Time Achievement Award for her longevity in the musical industry. Ms. Patti is best known for her powerful voice and great stage performances. Her many hits singles include "Lady Marmalade", "New Attitude", "On my Own" and "Stir Up" to name a few.

# 7 Jazz and Soul Legend

Etta James is one of greatest R&B and jazz singers in history and was once considered one of the most overlooked musical performers, though in recent years the tide has finally turned. Ms. James has been inducted into many musical halls of fame which include the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame 1993, Blues Hall of Fame 2001 and the Grammy Music Hall of Fame 1999 and 2008 respectively.
With her powerful voice and distinct sound, she has inspired numerous musical acts which include the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Diana Ross, Rob Stewart and Joss Stone to name a few. In her over four decades long career, she has won six Grammy's and 17 Blues Music Awards.
Some of her greatest hits include "Something Got a Hold on Me," "At Last," "The fool that I am and "All I do is Cry."

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The Greatest Blues Singer in Music History

# 8 Pop Diva

Christina Aguilera has been called one of the greatest singers of this generation. She has also sold over 50 million records worldwide making her one of the best selling female artists of the new millenium. She is one of the youngest artists to have appeared on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Greatest Singers of all Time.
Ms. Aguilera in recent years was awarded her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and have won numerous awards in her over a decade long career. Her hit singles include "Beautiful," "Come on Over," and "Genie in a Bottle" to name a few. The pop superstar have inspired many young musical performers. It is why I have named her my number 8th pick for best female singer of all time.

Greatest Female Voice of this Generation

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# 9 The Voice of an Angel

Celine Dion is an Canadian and french singer. The diva first rose to fame in the early 1990s. She is one of the most successful female artists in history with albums sales surpassing 200 million. In her two decades long career, she has amassed a string of hit records and has won numerous awards. Her major hits include "Because You Love Me," "My Heart Will Go On" from the Titanic movie soundtrack, and "I am Your Angel" to name a few. Her voice has such a beautiful tone to it that is often referred to as the voice of angel by her fans. She continues to dazzle audiences with her great ballads and beautiful music. The pop superstar is one of the most accomplished female singers in history.
Celine has won an Oscar and multiple Grammy's Awards in her great career. She was also listed on Blender Magazine Greatest Singers of All Time list.

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# 10 Powerhouse Fantasia

Fantasia Barrino is American born R&B singer and Broadway actress. She first rose to fame on the third season of American idol in 2004. She is one of the most amazing singers in today's R&B world. Over the past few years she has released a string of R&B hits which include "Bittersweet," "Free Yourself," "Truth is," and the #1 Billboard Hot 100 single "I believe." Her appearance in the Broadway play the Color Purple led to record breaking ticket sells. Though Fantasia haven't had the success of many of the other female performers on my list, she is definitely one of the greatest singers that I have ever heard.

Today's Best Voice in R&B Music

# 11 Queen of Disco

Donna Summer is arguably the most prolific musical artist in American history. She is the first and only musical act to release 3 double number one albums on the Billboard charts. She was also the first female to have four #1 singles on the Billboard charts within a one year period. In her two decades long career, she have amassed five Grammy's, six American Music Awards and numerous other accolades. Donna still holds the record for the first female artist to have a #1 single and #1 album on the Billboard charts at the same time. During her amazing run in the music business, she has had 89 singles, 32 compilations albums, 17 studio albums and 2 live CD's to her credit. Her many hits include "She Works Hard For the Money," "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff," "No More Tears" and "On the Radio" to name a few.
Mrs. Summer is certainly one of the greatest female singers of all time. It is why I placed her here on my list of the best female singers in music.

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# 12 The Great Barbra Streisand

After much thought, I decided to make some changes and include the great Barbra Streisand to my list of the top 15 best female singers of all time. Ms. Streisand although not one of my favorites singers definitely belongs on my list so, I have added her here. Barbra has sold over 140 million records worldwide and is considered the most successful female artist in the United States with more than 71 million records sold to date. She holds the record for the most top ten singles in Billboard history with 32 in her five decades long career. She is also one of the few female artists to have won an Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award. Her many hits include "Woman in Love," "What Kind of Fool," "You Bring Me Flowers" among many others. Barbra Streisand is an American Icon and treasure so it's only right that I make her part of my list of the Top 15 Best Female Singers of All Time.

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# 13 The Queen of Pop

What can one not say about the woman simply known as Madonna. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, she is the most successful female artist in the history of music with more than 300 million albums sold. Her distinct voice and musical style has shaped popular culture for more than two decades now. Though she is not considered a powerhouse singer, her unique sound and artistry makes her one of the greatest artist's ever. What can we not love about the great Madonna. If this countdown was simply about talent, Madonna would have been my number one pick but since it is about the voice first, I had to make her my number 13 pick for greatest female singer.

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Greatest Female Pop Artist

# 14 British Superstar Amy

Amy Winehouse was a British singer who first rose to international fame in 2006 with her monster hits "Rehab" and "You Know I Am No Good." She went on to win numerous awards and other accolades. Her voice is very unique and edgy and so is her style. Though she was a young singer who died tragically last year, she will forever be remembered for her unforgettable hit records and amazing voice. Her distinctive jazz sound was truly a treasure.

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# 15 Dream Girl

The beautiful Beyonce Giselle Knowles is one of the most talented stars of her generation. She first rose to fame as the lead singer of the all girl group Destiny's Child who later became the best selling female vocal group of all time. Mrs. Knowles have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has won more than 15 Grammys in her amazing career.
In 2009, she was ranked by Forbes Magazine as the number one most powerful and influential musician in the world.This diva has received over 200 recognized awards in her ten years in music. It is why she is my 15th and final pick for best female singer of all time.

Greatest Female Artist of this Generation

Update

I have decided to once again make some changes to my list of the top 15 best singers of all time. After hearing from all of you, I honestly feel that I have left out some really great notable singers so I have decided to add them below. I have also decided to change my list from a top 15 one to a top twenty list instead . Unfortunately, I am unable to change my polling results to include these amazing women that I have just added so, I would like to urge all of my readers to vote in an extra poll that I have included below. You can also still vote in the original poll. I haven’t closed it yet. As always I look forward to hearing from you. Please leave your comments below.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teena_Marie

#16 The Amazing Teena Marie

Mary Christine Brockert better known as Teena Marie was one of the greatest singers ever. Her distinct rich and soulful voice defined the 1980s era of American popular music. Known for her powerful vocals and amazing song writing skills, she became one of the most celebrated voices in R&B despite being of Italian, Irish, Portuguese and Native American decent. African Americans embraced her unique and iconic sound of rhythm and blues music. With hits such as “Square Biz”, “I Need Your Lovin”, and “Lovergirl” among numerous others, Teena became the most successful white solo act in Motown history. Her label mate Rick James further enabled the young songstress in her early years to cross over to black audiences. The two were very close up until his death in 2004. She past away just 6 years later in December of 2010.
Teena will forever be remembered for her distinct talent, unforgettable voice and numerous hit records.

Source: http://img.mp3lyrics.com/art/0a2fbc3a.jpg

#17 Rock Queen Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt is one of the most versatile singers in music history. She first rose to fame as a member of the Folk rock group the Stone Poneys. She launched a solo career in 1969 and became one of the most sucessful female rock musican of the 1970s era. Known as the first Lady of Rock, she has gone on to define the genre. She has also been successful in other styles of music as well. Her debut solo album Hands Sown....Home Grown was hailed as the first alternative country album by a female. She has released numerous successful albums in her long career and has won 11 Grammys awards. Linda has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is considered the highest paid female rock musician in the world. Her many hits include "You're No Good", "Blue Bayou" "When Will I be Loved" and the duet with Aaron Neville "Don't Know Much" to name a few. The diva was recently inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

Source: http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Phot...

#18 Pop Goddess Cher

Cher career spans five decades. She is one of the greatest artist music has ever produced. The diva first began her career singing along side her husband Sony. Together they were known as the pop duo Sony and Cher. The two sold more than 80 million records together as a group. After their split, she went solo and has become one of the greatest female singers in history. To date the woman simply known as the Goddess of pop has sold more than 100 million records as a solo artist and holds the record for the most successful tour of all time (Her 2005 Farewell Tour). " She is the only artist in history to reach number 1 on the Billboard charts in each of the past six decades" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cher. Cher also still holds the record for the longest hit making career span (33 years). She has also won an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and three Golden Globe awards in her amazing career. No other female artist have won such a distinct variety of awards. Her many hits include "Believe", "If I Could Turn Back Time", "Heart of Stone" and "Love hurts" to name a few. As a pop and television icon, Cher continues to defy the boundaries of style, music, film and pop culture.

44 year old Toni Braxton kissing her autistic son Diezel outside of the Wendy William show April 2, 2012.

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Toni+Braxton/Toni+Bra...

#19 R&B Legend Toni

Toni Braxton first hit it big with the release of her self titled studio album Toni Braxton in the early 1990s. The album spawned several hit singles such as "Another Sad Love Song", "Breath Again", "You Mean the World to Me" among many other successful songs.
The R&B superstar first studio album to date has sold more than 8 million copies in United States and over ten million worldwide. Her second studio album Secrets gave the diva her first number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with the mega smash single "Unbreak My Heart". The song became the most successful record in Billboard history behind Whitney Houston's mega hit I Will Alawys love you. Other successful songs from the iconic album includes "You're Makin Me High", "Let it Flow" and "How Could An Angel Break my Heart". Her second studio album have also sold more than 8 million copies in United States and more than 15 million worldwide.
After a long hiatus, motherhood and a public battle with the disease Lupus, she returned to music again in 2000 this time with her third studio album The Heat. This album also spawned many hit records such as "He wasn't Man Enough" "Spanish Guitar" and "Just Be A Man About It" to name a few. In her long career in music, Ms. Braxton has sold over 40 million records and has won six Grammy Awards. On September 18, 2011 of last year the mega star was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Source: http://allstar-talent.com/info/wp-content/uploads/...

#20 Pop Queen Janet

Janet Jackson is one of the most famous women in the world and also one the most successful female entertainers all time. Like Madonna, she has dominated the pop landscape for more than two decades now. Although she is not known for her voice, her unique artistry, legacy and influence on popular music has made her one the greatest female artists ever. Ms. Jackson have sold more than 150 million records worldwide and have inspired a generation of female singers from Britney Spears to Ciara, Janet has left a tremendous mark on pop culture. Her many hits include “Control,” “Rhythm Nation,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and “If” among numerous other successful singles.
In her long career, she has won over 300 recognized awards which include 33 Billboard Awards (The most in Billboard history) 15 American music Awards, 1 Emmy, Six Grammy’s and numerous other international Awards. In 1990, Janet was honored with her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside her famous older brother Michael Jackson. As pop culture icon it’s only right that I include her on my list of the top 20 best female singers of all time.