What does it mean to be a legendary female singer?
For many, it’s a lifetime of singing some of the world’s most memorable songs—songs that span a wide range of genres and evoke a myriad of emotions in audiences everywhere. From Whitney Houston to Beyoncé, some of the most iconic female singers have left an indelible mark on the music industry. In this article, we’re taking a look at the greatest and most famous female singers in the world and why they’ve earned their places in the music industry’s hall of fame.
Rosemary Clooney Queen of the Warm Ballad
Best known for her 1956 hit “Come On-a My House,” Rosemary Clooney was an acclaimed stage, screen, and recording star whose career spanned nearly five decades. Born in 1928, Rosemary Clooney came from a close-knit musical family and began singing professionally as a teenager. Clooney’s signature hits included “Mambo Italiano” and “Tenderly,” both of which reached the Top 10 in the 1950s. But her biggest success as a singer came with her signature song, “Come On-a My House”—which became a million-selling record in 1951. In addition to her singing career, Clooney was well-known for her numerous film and television roles. Later in her career, she was honored with multiple Grammy Awards. A true legend in her own right, Rosemary Clooney left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The British Invasion From Dusty to Adele
The 1960s British Invasion brought with it a wave of strong-voiced, highly successful female singers, led by the “First Lady of British Pop” Dusty Springfield. Best known for her hit “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” from 1966, Dusty’s other great songs included “I Only Want to Be With You” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Meanwhile, other British Invasion female singers—including Lulu, Cilla Black, and Petula Clark—were also topping the pop charts in the 1960s and early 70s. Fast forward to the 2000s and the era of Adele Adkins. The multiple Grammy-winning artist burst onto the music scene with her 2011 chart-topping albums, 19 and 21. With hits like “Hello” and “Rolling in the Deep”, Adele’s heartfelt, powerful voice has made her one of the most famous singers in the world today.
Country Music Queen Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has been a colorful fixture in the music industry for decades. The singer-songwriter has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is best known for her country music hits, like “Jolene”, “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Not only is Parton a great singer and songwriter, but she’s also an actress, author, and businesswoman. To this day, Parton tours with her band and continues to make music that is beloved around the world.
Soulful Superstar Whitney Houston
Enter Whitney Houston—the award-winning pop, gospel, and R&B singer whose powerful voice earned her the title of the “Queen of Pop.” From her iconic track “I Will Always Love You” to her number-one hit “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, Whitney Houston’s influence in the music industry was undeniable. Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive number-one Billboard Hot 100 hits and she was a trailblazer for many singers who came after her.
The Queen of Hip-Hop, Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is a hip-hop pioneer who’s become a mainstream success. The rapper, singer, and actress is best known for her 1989 hit “Ladies First”, which brought female rap into the mainstream. Since then, she’s continued to make music and has set a high standard for other female rappers. Known for her unique style and larger-than-life persona, Queen Latifah has earned her place among the greatest and most famous female singers in the world.
Gloria Estefan: The Queen of Latin Pop
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the most popular and successful female singers in modern-day music. Estefan rose to fame with the 1984 song “Conga”, which became an international hit. Throughout her career, Estefan has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, like Jon Secada and Marc Anthony. Today, she continues to dominate the Latin pop scene and is a celebrated global music icon.
Beyoncé: The Queen of Contemporary Music
Last but definitely not least, we have global superstar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter—the most famous female singer of the 21st century. After rising to fame in the girls group Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé began her solo career with the blockbuster album Dangerously in Love. She has since released five more studio albums (Beyoncé, Lemonade, 4, I Am…Sasha Fierce, and Geisha) that have produced some of the most memorable hit songs of our time. It’s no wonder that Beyoncé is often referred to as the “Queen of Contemporary Music”.
From Rosemary Clooney to Beyoncé, the greatest and most famous female singers of the world have definitely earned their places in the music industry hall of fame. Each of these legendary vocalists has made their mark on the music industry in their own unique way and have left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of music fans everywhere.
