A hardcore country traditionalist, Jean Shepard (1933-2016) played bass in an all-woman band called The Melody Ranch Girls before setting out on a solo career. 1 solo single). She has been a major influence on artists, such as Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, and Dottie West. Emmylou Harris 14. Debby Boone is an American singer, actress, and author. Arden transferred to Decca Records in the mid-1950s. As a result, Franti has inspired and motivated fans, critics and fellow songwriters to action through his work. 25 Best 60s Female Singers (1960s Female Singers) - MG - Music Her tear-stained voice carried so much emotional weight that three of her songs were featured in the soundtrack of the 1970 film, Five Easy Pieces. Earle's brand of country-folk protest music sets him apart from his peers. WebTop 100 Country Female Artists. By the time Berry Gordy Jr.sMotown Records was in full swing, Martha & The Vandellas signed on releasing hit after hit with songs like Dancing in the Street, Heat Wave, Come and Get These Memories, Jimmy Mack, Nowhere to Run, Im Ready for Love, and Bless You. The Chiffons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Under the Influence, America's Sweetheart, Good Girls, Different for Girls, Wild Love are some of her other popular songs. Carrie Underwood welcomed Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Jimmie Allen on stage for duets. Well, no -- but was there a male Aretha Franklin? Judy Collins was one of the artists instrumental in the peace movement of the 1960s. She also had a solo career, but it was far less prominent than her sisters. It's still remarkable that Ben Harper hasn't blown up any bigger than he is. His songs are deeply personal narratives about life, and they've been performed by countless other artists. Hits: Please Mr. Postman, Beechwood 4-5789, Dont Mess With Bill, Playboy. Well known as the First Lady of Rock and Roll, Connie Francis was a pop singer, actress, and one of the best female singers in the 1950s. Most might gravitate towards Elvis Presley or Chuck Berry, who laid the foundation for rock and roll during that time. Mainly known for her pop and country music, Patti Page topped the charts as one of the best 1950s female singers. 100 Top Male Singers Of The '50s, '60s, And '70s Who Changed Dave Carter was inarguably one of the best songwriters the contemporary folk scene as known in some time. After their split, Jim Ed went on to a long and successful solo career, and Maxine recorded one album. 7. After winning a talent contest when she was only 15, she began to perform in clubs. Dylan's songwriting has spanned every nook and cranny of Americana, from the blues to folk to rock and roll, and his influence has been felt through every strain of American music. In 1945, her career took flight with a scat recording of Flying Home. When she reached a point of stagnation with her music, she turned to a new manager, Norman Ganz, who developed Verve records around her. First lionized as a teen rock 'n' roll star, Brenda Lee (b. Cuts by Carl Smith would follow. Doris Day was an established singer and actress. Also a philanthropist, Judd joined hands with Habitat for Humanity and helped raise more than $90 million to aid victims of natural disasters. He's a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Nina Simone 1. Already a member? 9 on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. Hank Williams & Drifting Cowboys - Honky Tonkin' 3. Her first chart record, Dumb Blonde, was released in 1967 and she joined the Opry in 1969. His own Red House Records has produced a number of successful artists like Eliza Gilkyson and others. The academy also inducted the songs Unforgettable, Teach Me Tonight, and What A Diffrence A Day Makes! into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Next: The best blues singers of all time (most famous picks), Born in New York City, Toni Arden started singing in a big band in the 1940s. Female Country Singers of the 60's - Rate Your Music She gained fame with her 1957 release And That Reminds Me, which sold millions and made the Top 20 pop hits chart. She recorded nearly 600 songs and was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Olivia Newton-John's breathy voice and stunning beauty made her one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s. Opry House Kelsea Ballerini will appear on Saturday Night Live this Saturday. Top 10 Female Singers Of The '50s, '60s, And '70s. However, this isn't just about country music. Holly Near's staunch activism and feminist political protest songs have earned her a place among the greatest American folk singers of all time. Dierks Bentley's 28-city musical journey will run from June through August. Although they started out as more of a bluegrass group, Nickel Creek evolved, over the course of their 20 years, into more of a generalized folk group. The music of the Carter Family helped inspire folks like Bob Dylan. Laura Nyro 17. Vote for Your Favourite Female Country Singers, (Pop Icon & One of the Best-Selling Musicians of All Time), (Singer-Songwriter and Actress, Primarily Known for Her Work in Country Music), (Singer Known for Her Album 'Come On Over'), (Country Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Hits You Ain't Woman Enough' and 'Fist City'), (One of the Most Popular Female Country Vocal Artists of the Late 20th Century), (Country Singer-Songwriter Best Known for Her Albums: Kerosene, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and 'Platinum), (One of the Most Influential Vocalists of the 20th Century), (American Music Artist Who is Known as the First Lady of Country Music), (Filmmaker, Podcaster and Former Actress Best Known for Her Role as Sam Puckett in the Nickelodeon Sitcom iCarly), (One of the Best-selling Artists, Who Starred in the Musical 'Grease'), (Country Singer, Five-Time Grammy Award-Winner), (Pop Artist who Has the Most US Billboard 200 Top-5 Albums in the 21st Century by a Female), (Country Music Singer Who Topped the Charts at age 13 for Her Single Blue), Country singer Kacey Musgraves has won six, (American Singer-Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist), (One of the Best Selling Pop, Rock Singer-Songwriter with Nine Grammy Awards), (One of the Most Successful Country Music Artists of All Time), Country music legend Faith Hill is best known for her hits, (Actress and Singer Best Known for Her Song 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'), (Country Pop Singer Known for Her Single 'Love Me Like You Mean It'), (Country Singer Best Known for Her Hit single She's in Love with the Boy), (Country Singer and Actress Known for Her Role as 'Alex Dupre' on the Television Series 'One Tree Hill'), (Country Singer-Songwriter Best Known for Her 1977 Hit Single 'Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue'), Country-pop crossover singer Crystal Gayle is best known for her, (One of the Best-Selling Country Artists of All Time), (Country Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Breakout Single 'Seven Year Ache'), Model Barbi Benton is best known for her stint with, (Singer-Songwriter Known for Her 1960 Hit 'Im Sorry' and 1958s 'Rockin around the Christmas Tree'), Loretta Morgan, daughter of country singer George Morgan, began her career as a singer at age 13. With a career enduring more than 40 years, Julie London was a well-known torch singer and actress. Her recording debut came later that year, and both that record and its successor made theBillboardHarlem Hit Parade in 1944. The Chiffons, originating in Bronx, New York, released their first single, Hes So Fine, which was written by Ronnie Mack and produced byThe Tokens(The Lion Sleeps Tonight) and hit No. This is dedicated to the one I love, said Coley as she accepted the award before singing The Shirelles 1964 hit Soldier Boy with Owens and Lee. Liams lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. Identified with Country Sunshine, the No. The Weavers spun off from the earlier group the Almanac Singers, in which Pete Seeger and Lee Hays were core members. 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Circa 1955: American singer and actor Rosemary Clooney (1928 - 2002) sings and dances in a ballroom or on a stage, accompanied by a pianist and a band. But in the 70s, together with Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr., Jennings started the Outlaw Country Movement as an attempt to break away from the more traditional Nashville Sound. She also has the distinction of having been the first Grand Ole Opry member to wear a miniskirt on stage -- although not without some grumbling from Opry management. An exhibit about their life is on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through August 2. Cat Stevens (a.k.a. [Please note, duets which involve one male and one female performer have been included. The song made the trio international stars and earned them extensive exposure on network television. Her songs have been used in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Two-time Grammy-winning country singer Miranda Lambert is known for her hit album Platinum and the track Automatic. If any songwriter could be called "prolific" or "influential," those terms would certainly apply to Woody Guthrie. Apart from her entertainment career, Moore is a known philanthropist who endorses the philosophy of effective altruism. After being diagnosed with intraductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer, Sheryl Crow opened the Sheryl Crow Imaging Center by joining hands with her surgeon Kristi Funk. Jenningss career as a country singer started in the 1950s and 60s. She is credited with releasing several chart-busting albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide. He was a great fan of traditional music, and often performed traditional spiritual songs and the like in his performances with wife June Carter. Pop hits, country ballads, punk bangers and jazz standards, the best female singers' work is essential listening. June Carter Cash: As the daughter of Maybelle Carter, one of country music's founding mothers, the former wife of country star Carl Smith and later the wife and singing partner of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash (1929-2003) was as close as it comes to being country music royalty. 1 country single with her 1952 breakout hit It Wasnt God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. Controversial and searing, the song was a response to Hank Thompsons Wild Side of Life and set the trend for answer songs. The song reached no. In 1993, she joined Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton for the album Honky Tonk Angels. Although she really wanted to be a painter, Mitchell managed to pen some of the most memorable folk songs of the past 40 years, including the preservationist tune "Big Yellow Taxi.". Jackson went on to release one of her biggest songs, Dont You Know, peaking at no. Her relationship with Johnny Cash inspired the 2005 film Walk the Line, where she was portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. 2023 Opry. Female Country Singers In 2003, she was named in Country Music Television's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music list. The 2023 version of "The Exorcist" is a fresh interpretation of the horror classic that will be released in theaters on Oct. 13. She came to light as a solo singer in the early 1950s with her first hit song, Come On-A My House. Some additional hits include This Ole House, Hey There, and Half As Much.. The four-time, (Platinum-selling country music singer who is known for albums like 1996's Ten Thousand Angels), (Singer-songwriter, Musician, Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer), (Country Singer-songwriter Known for Her Album 'Jessie James'), Country and pop singer Jessica James Decker is known for her singles such as, (Singer Best Known or Her Hit Song You Light Up My Life). A contemporary and close friend of Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark is best known and appreciated for his deeply narrative story-songs. Jana Kramer is an American singer and actress who was adjudged Top New Female Artist at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. She has won more Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist. Female The Jewels - Opportunity. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and no. She led the fund drive for building the original Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, was instrumental in creating the annual CMA Awards Show, which launched in 1967, and oversaw Fan Fair, which started in 1972 and has since morphed into the CMA Music Festival. Janis Ian was a different kind of teen queen, hitting the national scene at the age of 15 with a self-penned tune about an inter-racial relationship. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Discovered by fellow gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Della Reese had her breakthrough upon winning a contest allowing her to perform at a popular Detroit bar for a week straight. In 2006, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Female Singers Sign up to receive our communications, please fill in the following fields and hit submit. This is a professional review website. The electrified panache of rockabilly artists like Elvis Presley drew criticism among purists. In 2013, Georgia Holt became the subject of a documentary titled Dear Mom, Love Cher, which also featured her famous daughter Cher. Diana Ross in 1965, photographed by Barrie Wentzell. Her album Della and song You Gave Me Love received Grammy Award nominations, and she was honored with a Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Award in 2017. Oldest Female Singers 1944) put one single, One Step at a Time, on the country chart in 1957. 10 on the R&B rankings. His gritty voice and dark, dirty songs have almost a punk-rock sensibility. Parton was determined to be an entertainer from childhood and was performing on a Knoxville television show before she reached her teens. He's written some of the most covered tunes in folk history. The film The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack was made about his life. She influenced the future of country music. By 1996, The Shirelles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He traveled with Guthrie for a half-decadeand has since recorded 50 albums. Phil Ochs is known for writing exceptional protest songs, and he spared nobody with his sharp tongue. Also a humanitarian, Cash supports many charitable organizations like Children, Incorporated, which supports young adults and children. Discover our 2022 Class of Country's Rising Sound. Patti Page: Best known for her 1950 crossover hit, The Tennessee Waltz, Page (1927-2013) charted various other country singles through 1982, including the 1972 Top 20 duet with Tom T. Hall, Hello We're Lonely. Her recording of The Tennessee Waltz was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 600 Opry Mills Drive Born out of Washington Heights, New York, Veronica Bennett(Ronnie Spector), her older sisterEstelle Bennett, and their cousinNedra Talley made up The Ronettes. According to Billboard, Shania Twain is the 13th Greatest Music Video Female Solo Artist ever. And while female singers were prominent, there were almost never any women playing instruments in the band. Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Malcolm Lubliner/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, John Shearer/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media, Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images, Columbia Records/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, 10 Influential Political and Protest Folk Music Artists. Since then, the Fearless star has not looked back and also made her acting debut in 2009. Through his haunting, intuitive songwriting skills, Harper has certainly earned his place among the best folk artists of all time. She rose to become the most influential female executive on Music Row and then went on to head BMI in New York from 1986 until her retirement in 2004. Brenda Holloway 13. The group later had their breakout hit Mr. Sandman in 1954, which hit No. The top 50 folk artists of all time, in alphabetical order. 1944) is most famous for writing two quirky hits, the puzzling Ode to Billy Joe, her recording of which now resides in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the explicit Fancy (Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy/and they'll be nice to you.). Lefty Frizzell - If You've Got the Money I've Got the Time 6. The portrayal of the title character of television series, Hannah Montana, made her a teen idol. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998. 100 Best Female Singers Of The '50s, '60s and '70s - Groovy Throughout history, there have been many women country singers who have made significant contribution to the field. There are some exceptions- the work of Patsy Cline, Bobby Gentrie, and Loretta Lynn have achieved lasting renown- but overall the women on this list receive few plaudits these days. Her performance of the song Aba Daba Honeymoon in the 1950 film Two Weeks with Love peaked at no. The group dwindled to four members by the following year. Her first no. In his collaboration with Portland fiddle player Tracy Grammer, the duo managed to sing and play their way into the hearts of folk fans, even in the short time before Carter's death in 2002. Kelsea Ballerini Announces Third Leg of Heartfirst Tour. This success ended up being too late for her label, which doubted her contract renewal until the debut of Whos Sorry Now? on Dick Clarks American Bandstand. This song became Francis breakthrough hit. The Mamas and the Papas were one of the most successful folk-pop groups of the '60s, and Mama Cass was one of the most notable female presences of the folk revival. Apart from being the most decorated female country singer, Loretta is also the only female Academy of Country Music (ACM) Artist of the Decade (the 1970s). Heartache, thy name is Tammy Wynette (1942-1998). Just as Patsy Cline had mentored her career, Lynn did the same for her younger sister, who achieved fame as Crystal Gayle. He became so popular and influential that he managed to get his own U.S. postal stampnot something with which many folksingers have been honored. WATCH: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley Delight Fans, Reunite for "Paisleywood" at Her Nashville Show. After winning the radio spot together, they received recognition from bandleader Tony Pastor. 1 songs include Endless Love, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, and When You Tell Me That You Love Me.. She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. Yusuf Islam) was one of the most influential folk singer/songwriters of the 1970s. From his work with Crosby Stills Nash and Young to his numerous solo albums, Neil Young has been a serious force in the folk-rock world. First discovered as a calypso artist, Harry Belafonte became most popular for his "Banana Boat Song." An American actress, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, writer, and YouTuber, Jennette McCurdy is truly an inspiration to several young girls and women; despite suffering from conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia, and bulimia, McCurdy has managed to establish herself as a successful entertainer. With the ensembles lineup rounded out by Bonnie Brown (1938-2016), their songs reached into the Top 10s and Top 20s until 1959 when they exploded with The Three Bells. It crowned the country charts for 10 weeks, the pop charts for four and even rose to No. She's possibly one of the most impressive vocalists in contemporary folk music. Pictured (L-R): Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton. Joan Baez is one of the most remarkable forces in American folk music. Betty Clooney briefly touched stardom alongside her sister, Rosemary. Her debut albumJulie Is Her Namecame out later that year. They worked with fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot, and also recorded several original and traditional folk songs. Skeeter Davis: Davis (1931-2004) first came to public notice in 1953 as half of the Davis Sisters (although she and Betty Jack Davis were not related). Country Singers Best Oldies Artists of the '50s, '60s, and '70s - LiveAbout 5. Here are 11 of the top girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s, who all left a mark with their eternal hits. 100 Best Country Singles of the 1960s by Female Performers The Browns were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. The Blossoms - Son-In-Law. Born and raised in Tennessee, Frances Shore made her debut as a singer on a Nashville radio station. Georgia Holt is a retired American actress, singer-songwriter, and former model. On top of Lesley Gore 12. In 2014, she was named on Time magazine's list of100 most influential people in the world. Since the release of her self-titled debut in 1990, DiFranco has built an excessively loyal fanbase around the world, as well as a rather successful independent record label out of her hometown in Buffalo, NY. Brenda Lee 9. Women were judged on their appearance much more than their male counterparts. In the last 40 years, he's released more than 50 recordsand has become a rather respected songwriter in the realm of protest song. Music!" After having performed in the shadow of her husband Johnny Wright and his singing partner Jack Anglin, Kitty Wells (1919-2012) blew that duo out of the water in 1952 with her massive hit, It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. It was her first record to chart and an answer song to Hank Thompson's Wild Side of Life, which lamented I didn't know God made honky tonky angels/I might have known you'd never make a wife., To this, Wells' tune responded, It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels/as you said in the words of your song/Too many times married men think they're still single/That has caused many a good girl to go wrong. Wells (real name: Muriel Deason) became known as the Queen of Country Music and would score two more No. She remains the only woman to be a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The oldest daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra established herself as a popular singer and actress during the 1960s and 1970s. As prominent as women were during this fruiful period, better days were still to come. Terms & Conditions | and her frequent collaboration with David Rawlings is one of the most appreciated musical partnerships these days. Any purchase that a visitor makes for a product mentioned or directed to by Music Grotto, may result in us receiving a commission.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Her singing style helped influence several artists and musical genres. Black Female Singers Shepard was welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. She wouldnt be recognized for her vocals until she performed in an L.A. jazz club in early 1955. She is also one of the best-selling music artists ever. 1 tracks on the American charts and the first to get a gold certification. Much like Odetta, often when you hear talk of Paul Robeson, you'll hear about his incredible voice. What list of folk music greats would be complete without a nod to Mr. Bob Dylan? A frequent performer on the Grand Ole Opry, Atkins got to know many fellow artists, who he would handpick for recording sessions. But she would not return to the country rankings again until 1969, after which many hits would follow into the 1980s, such as her rendition of Kris Kristofferson's "Nobody Wins.". Bessie Lee Mauldin: Mauldin (1920-1983) was Bill Monroe's bass player from 1953 to 1964 and co-wrote with him the bluegrass classic, A Voice from on High., Wanda Jackson: Often dubbed the Queen of Rockabilly, Jackson (b. Along with her late husband in the 1950s and 1960s, she was known as "Mrs. Country Music."