Her family settled down in Detroit, Michigan where she would take voice lessons and dream of becoming a big star. Here are some of the bests from all three periods. Brandy looked up to artists like Whitney Houston and dreamed of becoming a professional singer when she was only seven years old. Like the 1985 Aretha Franklin song (" Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves "), female singers in the '80s were blazing their own trails. Unfortunately, she often makes headlines for the wrong reasons. These women were able to take their talents to the next level and find commercial success in the States. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. However, her album, New Beginnings, released in 1995, sold 5 million copies and was home to the popular singles Give Me One Reason and Smoke and Ash. The album would earn Chapman her fourth Grammy for Best Rock Song, in addition to several other nominations and awards. Comprised of collegians, alumnae, and friends of Alpha Sigma Tau, the Committee's charge is to: Understand the experiences and needs of our Sisters who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). These singers were not only talented musicians, but they also had a powerful presence on stage. Some are inspiring, and others are thought-provoking. There is a long list of forgotten female singers from the 80s. These singers released dozens of hit singles throughout the decade, and their albums consistently topped the charts. 1. Their music was also featured in films and commercials. With their powerful voices and moving lyrics, they were able to inspire change and bring attention to the struggles of black Britons. Sign up for daily content and exclusive offers you'll love! Without these incredible ladies, I shudder to think about where music would be today. These women were brave enough to go against the norms of society and they inspired other women to do the same. Her second studio album, Inner Child, was released in 1991. Wonder also saw success in the 1980s with several duets and collaborations, including We Are The World and Thats What Friends Are For., Name another pop group with a legacy of spawning other great acts. Her first solo came at the age of two years old. These women are known for their powerful vocal performances and their ability to connect with audiences. How do you define hot? 1. Braxton would go on to have successful albums throughout the early 2000s. As soul music demands a lot of emotion from its performers, these women were able to convey a wide range of emotions through their music. At the beginning of 1980, she had already sold more than 100 million records and was a huge success. Chapmans career began to fall off after she performed at Nelson Mandelas 70th birthday celebration. These are the singers who helped change the game and made a lifelong impact on the music industry. The oldest of six children, Braxton's family had strict rules about engaging with popular culture. But one thing is for sure: They all made a significant impact on the music industry, and their contributions should not be forgotten. While Houston did not have her self-titled debut album released until 1985, that albums songs launched her career like a rocket. The album was a huge success, reaching the top of the R&B charts and selling over a million copies. Many of the 80s female folk singers started out by performing at small coffeehouses and other intimate venues. By Steve Peake. Here, we're traveling down the memory lane of one-hit wonders who had the radios and charts in a frenzy. The next year, the singer took home two Grammys for the albumfor Best Female R&B Pop Vocal Performance as well as Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Initially, she planned to pursue a career in fashion but shifted to music and songwriting while in school. Black Female Performers From The '80s . Whether they were topping the charts or fighting for social justice, these singers used their talents to make a positive impact on the world. Heaven Is a Place on Earth. White? Related: For more like this, see our article on other black famous singers here. Well into her forties during her mid-80s heyday, Tina Turner made coppery red lips and frosted locks some of the most recognizable beauty trends of the decade. These are the greatest Black female singers of all time, from Aretha and Whitney Houston to Mariah Carey and Sade, as ranked by music enthusiasts like you. She released her first studio album in 1991, titled Whats the 411? The album was produced by Sean Puffy Combs and helped establish Blige as the queen of her own genre, a mix of soul and hip-hop music. Ive left off some of the most famous white rappers like Eminem, Vanilla Ice, and The Beastie Boys off this list since theyre household, Read More 31 White Rappers You Thought Were BlackContinue. In 1998, she went on a world tour and performed sold-out shows throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. While most rap and hip-hop artists have traditionally been black, white rappers have found major success in the industry since the 80s. The 80s were a great time for music as genres were being combined the produced new sounds that would lay the groundwork for contemporary R&B and hip-hop . 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. She was a trendsetter in the world of fashion and her unique style helped to define the decade. It featured the hit single I Think Were Alone Now, which was a huge hit with teens all over the world. They're undoubtedly stunning, but today's music divas stand on the shoulders of gorgeous '80s glamazons like Whitney, Sade, Jody Watley and Miss Jackson (if you're nasty). This category is located at Category:African-American women singers. Apart from music, Belinda is also a supporter of animal rights and LGBT rights, both very evident in her music campaigns and videos. As you saw from this list, the 80s were a great decade for black singers. in Lists. 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. Iconci black female singers fromt the 60s, 70s, 2000s -- you name it. Ola was born in St. Louis ,Missouri, where she spent the early part of her childhood with. It is a sound that is steeped in pain and struggle, but also in hope and joy. Eve spent time after graduating from high school in New York. She eventually returned to her dancing roots, where she continued to make dance music for her loyal following. People like Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and Anita Baker were churning out hits and selling millions of records. But they werent the only ones making waves in the industry. Powerhouses like Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi took over the airwaves with their loud and aggressive music. James also succeeded as a producer, helping to create hits such as Eddie Murphys Party All The Time.. Elkie Brooks 'Lilac wine' Top of The Pops (1978) . The space below showcases a list of female singers who had considerable success in the 80s and 90s. Today, black female musicians like Doja Cat, Beyonce, and SZA inspire young women and have a hold on the music industry. The album spawned several hit singles, including How Will I Know and Saving All My Love for You. Other hot female singers of the 80s include Cindy Lauper, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston. July 15, 2020 12:30 PM. Vandross capped the decade with the release of Here And Now in 1989a song that eventually won him a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1991. Though some of them are not with us anymore, their music continues to inspire millions. One of the most unique music artist of all time, Stevie Wonder might have had a period of success in the late 1970s, but his commercial success ballooned in the 1980s. With 1988s Dont Be Cruel, Brown scored five top-10 hits on the Billboard charts, like the massively successful My Prerogative. Every Little Step, another hit off that album, scored him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. 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). Still, Princes success did not explode into rock-god status until the release of 1984s Purple Rain. This American singer, musician and author was the lead singer of the Go-Go's making it one of the most successful pop music bands of this era. These women were able to adapt their sound to the changing times and they found success with a new generation of disco fans. At the age of 10, she had already won first place on the tv talent show Star Search, a win that led to her first recording contract with A&M Records. Lauper, in particular, was a pioneer in the world of Alternative music. While the mid-80s saw the rise of hair metal and hard rock. So, to celebrate their contributions, weve compiled a list of the best black singers of the 80s. PICK UP THE GUITAR is the home to guitar lessons, tutorials, articles on how to improve your guitar playing, exercises, chords, tabs, scales, tips, and much more. This list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ). 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. But in the 1980s, a new breed of country singer emerged from the Black community. Throughout the '80s, Ross received several American Music Awards, and in 1988, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was also a time when some of the most iconic and influential rappers emerged, including Eric B. 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. In honor of Black History Month, Grimy Goods is highlighting the most influential black female singers and musicians of all time. 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. Whats more is that they all continued to have success in the years following the 80s, which is a testament to their talent and staying power. Aaliyah Haughton, 22 (Wikimedia) Just 22-years-old at the time of her death, Aaliyah was just hitting her stride as a singer and actress. However, there were a number of successful female soul singers in the 1980s. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a32da80598ba3e06c3c8e7332494f69a" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. The success of this album led to collaborations with other famous 90s and early-2000s performers like Nas, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, and Faith Evans. So if youre a fan of R&B music, then you owe a debt of gratitude to these female singers. Apart from solo artists, there were also a number of successful bands in the 80s that featured female lead singers. Perhaps one of the most diverse genres of the 80s was metal. She has also received four Satellite awards and seven NAACP Image Awards. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3fd76e9916ca9ed221113da4c016ebd" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. In 1994, Williamss third album, The Sweetest Days, also went platinum and earned her two Grammy nominations. Annie Lennox 3. Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, are an R&B, Grammy-nominated trio of black women from New York City. Their 1979 debut album, Too Much Pressure, is a landmark record that introduced us to dapper rude girl Pauline Black, photographed here at Top of the Pops in 1980. In this post, we're going to take a look at 15 of the greatest and most famous female singers of the 80s. Shanice showcased her three-and-a-half octave vocal range on a total of five studio albums from the late 90s to early 2000s. All in all, the group performed from the early 70s to the 2010s before their careers seemingly ended. Billboard 200. Geared toward women, the channel features movies and shows that have women in leading roles. Updated on 06/26/19. Pendergrass was also nominated Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song. Above all, they were proud of who they were and didnt let anyone stop them from being their true selves. Here are the Best Female Singers of the 1980s. Here we present you with a list of some of the most popular bands of the 80s that featured female lead singers. Similarly, Toni Basils Mickey was a massive hit in the UK and helped to popularize new wave music. Shanice became a professional singer at the age of 8 years old when she was selected to sing alongside Ella Fitzgerald in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial. Gloria Estefan Dina Carroll Betty Boo Paula Abdul Jennifer Rush Gabrielle Tina Arena Cathy Dennis Martika Donna Lewis 80s Female R&B Singers Imagine a world without Janet Jackson or Whitney Houston. 1985s Thats What Friends Are For went to #1 on three different Billboard charts and raised money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Thanks to them, LGBTQ+ people had someone to look up to and their music helped spread awareness and acceptance. Big hair was everywhere, on men and women. If you wanted a picture of 80s excess, Rick James might be the first person in your mind. In the 1980s a new generation of women jazz musicians emerged who expanded their predecessors' push against the patriarchal boundaries of the jazz world. Copy. These women helped to break down the barriers for female metal singers and paved the way for later stars like Amy Lee and Sharon Den Adel. Females in country music had been around since the genres inception, but they truly came into their own in the 80s. Best Black Female Jazz Singers You Will Enjoy Sweet Emma Barrett Ella Fitzgerald Billie Holiday Carmen McRae Dinah Washington Sarah Vaughan Etta Jones Betty Carter Nina Simone Nancy Wilson Ruth Brown Abbey Lincoln Dakota Staton Ernestine Anderson Dianne Reeves Samara Joy Esperanza Spalding Conclusion Best Black Female Jazz Singers You Will Enjoy Everything seemed bigger in the 80s, including the hair and the talent of the female pop singers. Best Answer. She studied theater and music at Syracuse, and during this time, was crowned Miss New York in 1983. Even with this culture shift, her music remains some of the most popular dance jams ever made. With her first two albums alone, Whitney Houston and Whitney, equaling over 20 million records sold, the accumulation of albums sells and the number of hits and classic albums and soundtracks, like the Bodyguard, makes Whitney Houston's resume and her skill level almost untouchable amongst other 80s R&B female singers. There were many artists who managed to find success with a single song, only to fade into obscurity soon after. Throughout her childhood, Sade found joy in listening to American soul music. Late 80s Black Singers Tupac Shakur Charlie Wilson Phillip Leo Angela Winbush Tony Terry Karyn White 80s Black Pop Singers The '80s pop scene was full of flamboyant stars who knew how to put on a show. Belinda Carlisle. They helped to create a sound that is still loved by millions of people all over the world. 100% clearance was achieved and an all breeds Australian record average price was set, at the Millah Murrah Stud female sale on April 24th. This was a decade that saw the rise of some of country musics most iconic female singers. Not long removed from her teenage days spent singing on the streets of Harlem, jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald shot to stardom in 1938 with her stunning performance of "A Tisket, A Tasket." Based on. Known professionally as Sade, this Nigerian-born British singer was born on January 16, 1958, as Helen Folasade Adu. And for these singers, their only weapon was their music. Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, Mega Jovon Ruth Pete, better known as Megan Thee Stallion is next on the list. 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. Toni Braxton Toni Braxton was a 90s music sensation. The following is a round-up of the top black male singers of the 70s. Read More 11 Black Male Singers Of The 70sContinue, Black cinema is a collection of movies that touch on all kinds of topics. She was the first black woman to play Eponine in the Broadway musical Les Miserables. Towards the end of the decade, Summer two Grammys for Hes A Rebel and Forgive Me, both for Best Inspirational Performance. That's nothing new to those of us The 13th century was, in truth, the century of Saints, and of. The single was a success worldwide and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and would earn Ma a Grammy Award. Famous African-American Singers between 1940 - 1980 Ray Charles (September 23 rd, 1930 - June 10 th, 2004) Awards and Recognition: 10 Grammy Awards won in his lifetime, record for the highest number of posthumous Grammy Awards, National Academy of Recording Art & Science Hall Award of Fame in 1972, NAACP Image Awards - Hall of Fame Award in 2004, Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the . In the Eighties, Janet Jackson was definitely in Control with her strong, basic makeup and jet black curls. In addition to her pop and R&B megahits, Braxton had a fruitful career as a Broadway actress. As a result, they attracted large audiences with their soulful music and engaging personalities. It has influenced everything from rock and roll to hip hop, and it continues to be one of the most popular genres of music today. All these women had successful careers in the 80s, but none of them were able to replicate their one-hit-wonder success. Its hard to imagine, right? And while the disco era may have come to an end in the early 1980s, there were still a few disco singers who found success in the decade. The album earned her two Soul Train Music Awards and an Image Award for Outstanding New Artist from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her voice transcends stereotypes and cuts deep when you listen to her emotional music. During the month we'll be celebrating some of our biggest artists, their legacies, and the amazing contributions Black people have made to music around the world. Soul music is a genre that has its roots in the African-American experience. 0:00. Its not a hidden secret that the 80s were all about big hair. She has been the recipient of several Emmy nominations, a Tony nomination, and 11 Grammy nominations. She might have been considered the Queen of Disco, but Donna Summer transcended that label in the 1980s with the release of several hit singles. Some of the most famous include Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. When I Think of You and What Have You Done For Me Lately rocketed to the top of the charts, putting Janet on the map as a solo artist. She signed her first recording contract as a teenager with Interscope Records. Category. Some famous Black female singers sing the blues while other top Black woman artists are pop superstars. The songs featured themes of feminism and female sexuality, although it was generally considered a slump. These women have massive voices that helped to propel their respective bands to the top of the charts. R&B has its roots in the blues, which was created by black Americans in the early 1900s. With her mounds of curls and flawless brows, Karyn White wasnt just a Superwoman, she was also a great beauty! So, there you have it folks, a complete list of the hottest female singers of the 80s. There, she was raised on the music her parents loved, including jazz, reggae, and calypso, all of which would influence her unique sound. These bold beauties dictated makeup and hair trends during what was arguably the boldest style decade of the century! Kate Bush 4. Her second album was released in 1991. Setting aside highly mainstream R&B artists of the '80s that enjoyed at least as much success on Billboard's pop charts as on the niche R&B charts ( Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston are the most obvious examples), the decade still harbored numerous important purveyors . Later Houston would go on to have a successful career, selling over 200 million records worldwide. While the 70s were Rosss decade, her fortune continued well into the 1980s with the release of Why Do Fools Fall In Love in 1981, which sold millions of copies. Other? Madonna 2. Is it someone who is physically attractive? Lo was still on the 6, Bronx-born bombshell Lisa Lisa was breaking hearts with her signature frosted pink lipstick and one-eye-obscuring bangs. Donna Summer She might have been considered the Queen of Disco, but Donna Summer transcended that label in the 1980s with the release of several hit singles. They were true superstars in every sense of the word. When thinking of the singers from the 1980s, its hard not to think of some of the black artists who helped define the decade. That said she was raised in Georgia. Known for R&B and Soul music, Desree is still releasing music today. The title track on that album alone hit #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and earned him a Grammy nomination in 1982. These women were not only talented, but they were also physically attractive. Here are just a few of the most important and influential rappers from that decade. Lets get started. The album sold over a million copies and went platinum. As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, VIBE looks at three of the critically under-celebrated female voices of '80s. It was August 25th 2001, and she was 22. As a child, she exhibited a great talent for music and dance and had a dream to become the African American Rockette. The group recorded many songs that people still listen to today, but Diana Ross always had extra star power. Aretha Franklin in particular had a huge impact in the 80s. Thats where funny Black movies come in. The album saw mostly positive reviews from critics and sold six million copies across the globe. She was known as the Princess of R&B and the Queen of Urban Pop.. However, in more recent years, the House of Mouse has begun to tackle racism, both as a storyline and an industry-wide problem. There are female comics who have been doing it for years and even a few newcomers who are making a splash. 15. Here are some more. Frankie Beverly. Her resonating, deep voice and folksy style of rock were unique standouts in the 90s pop, grunge, and R&B-heavy influences. Weve put together a list of the best Black rappers, Read More 13 Black Rappers In The 80s, Male & FemaleContinue, Your email address will not be published. In the 1980s, Lionel Richie was already known to music fans, but it was his skills as a writer and producer that gave him the chance to do it alone. In the early days of MTV, when music videos were becoming popular, a new genre of music began to surface. Youtube isnt new and a lot of the more popular faces arent new either. Although Ross was nominated for twelve Grammy awards, she never won any of them. And some of the singers who emerged in the 80s are still relevant today. What comes to your mind when you think of a blonde female singer from the 80s? And in the 80s, there were a number of British female singers who found success in America. 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. 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. Some of the artists stepped away from the . Over her life, she recorded seven studio albums, all of which went certified diamond, multi-platinum, platinum, or gold, immortalizing her voice and lyrics into the music world forever. Her debut, self-titled album topped the charts with Saving All My Love for You and How Will I Know both reached number one and stayed at the top of the charts for 14 weeks in a row. In the case of the 80s, its probably a combination of both. The industry owes a lot to the black artists since they are the ones who shaped and created the trends we see today. All 37 names are notable female singers who exceeded all expectations. Her work was expressive and creative and paved the way for future 90s black female singers. & Rakim, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. 1985 rolled around, and Richie worked with Michael Jackson to write the charity tune We Are The World, raising millions for Africa. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the best-selling artists of all time. However, before she could complete her degree, she was discovered by Bill Pettaway, who helped her land a recording deal with Arista Records alongside two of her sisters. And who knows, maybe youll discover a new favorite singer from the past. Sade was also the first Nigerian woman to win a Grammy award for Best New Artist. Michael Jackson might have been the King of Pop for decades, but his sister Janet Jackson proved she could easily step out of her brothers shadow.