The Best Female Singers Of The 1980s
Possessing a breathtakingly powerful voice and a flawless technique, she set the standard for vocalists in the 1980s. Her extraordinary range, control, and ability to emote made her not just a singer but a true artist, capable of conveying profound emotions through song. As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, she left an indelible mark on pop culture and cemented her status as a legend.
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- #3 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #2 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
The indomitable queen of rock 'n' roll, her raspy, powerful voice and relentless energy propelled her to superstardom in the 80s. As a resilient performer, she overcame countless obstacles, including a tumultuous personal life, to establish herself as an ever-relevant force in the industry. Thanks to her influential stage presence and electrifying performances, she remains a global icon and inspiration for aspiring female artists.
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- #19 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #8 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
Her powerful, emotive voice and passionate stage presence solidified her as a beloved pop star of the 1980s. Her unique vocal style shone through in both exuberant dance tracks and heartfelt ballads, establishing her as a versatile talent. Tragically passing away in 2004, her music continues to inspire and resonate with fans.
More Laura Branigan- #370 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #541 of 863 onThe 250+ Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time, Ranked
- #130 of 341 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
With a powerhouse voice and an aggressive, raw energy, she revolutionized the rock scene in the 1980s and became one of the first female rock stars. Her classical training and four-octave range enabled her to tackle a variety of genres from hard rock to opera, breaking down barriers for women in the industry. Thanks to her remarkable command of the stage and edgy, fearless persona, she's become a household name and a role model for aspiring female rockers.
More Pat Benatar- #61 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #68 of 203 onThe Greatest Living Rock Songwriters
- #44 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
As half of the groundbreaking duo Eurythmics and later as a solo artist, her androgynous style and rich, soulful voice became emblematic of new wave pop. Her innovative approach to stage performance, blending fashion and theatrics, created an engaging visual experience for audiences. Her commitment to social causes and activism, alongside her immense talent, ensures that she remains a respected and beloved figure in the music world.
More Annie Lennox- #66 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #69 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
- #26 of 340 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
Her ethereal, otherworldly voice and eccentric stage presence set her apart from her contemporaries, making her one of the most unique talents of the '80s. With a penchant for theatricality and storytelling, her music transported listeners to fantastical realms. As an innovative icon, she's inspired countless artists and left an indelible mark on the world of music.
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- #235 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #61 of 203 onThe Greatest Living Rock Songwriters
As the enigmatic frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac and a successful solo artist, she captivated audiences with her unique, haunting vocals and mystical stage presence. Her poetic lyrics and emotive delivery showcased her storytelling prowess and established her as a formidable talent. Now considered the 'Queen of Rock and Roll,' she's become an enduring symbol of female empowerment and timeless artistry.
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- #25 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
Often referred to as the 'Queen of Disco,' her sultry voice and innovative style were integral in defining the sound of the late '70s and early '80s. With her diverse vocal abilities, she managed to crossover into various genres including pop, rock, and gospel, proving her incredible versatility. As a trailblazer in dance music and five-time Grammy Award winner, her legacy still resonates deeply in the world of pop culture.
More Donna Summer- #93 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #34 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
- #32 of 340 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
Her unmistakable, quirky voice coupled with a flamboyant sense of style made her an '80s icon, while her wide vocal range and powerful performances elevated pop music. As a trailblazing feminist, she defied gender norms and expectations, inspiring a generation of young women, and remains a beloved figure in pop culture even today. With Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award wins under her belt, she's proved her artistic versatility and staying power.
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- #103 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
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She rose to prominence as a style and pop culture icon, but it's her distinct, versatile voice that secured her place as one of the greatest female singers of the '80s. With her provocative performances and groundbreaking music videos, she pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms like no other artist of her time. Her unparalleled ability to continually reinvent herself has kept her in the spotlight throughout the decades, making her a true living legend.
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- #225 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
Her angelic, crystalline voice and striking beauty made her an unforgettable presence in both music and film in the 80s. With a knack for creating infectious pop tunes and heartfelt ballads, she captivated fans across generations. Despite battling health issues, her perseverance and grace allowed her to maintain a decades-long career and solidify her status as an inspiration to many.
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- #163 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #35 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
This country music legend's captivating voice and unparalleled songwriting talent have made her a beloved figure in music history. Her distinctive, sweet-yet-powerful vocal style became synonymous with the classic country sound of the '80s. As an esteemed performer and philanthropist, she remains an enduring inspiration to artists across various genres.
With a stunningly versatile voice capable of tackling any genre, she dominated the 1970s and '80s music scene. Her innate ability to deliver a blend of rock, country, pop, and even traditional Mexican music garnered her a devoted fanbase. Today, she's held in high regard as one of the most respected and influential female musicians of her time.
More Linda Ronstadt- #50 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #722 of 1,285 onThe Most Beautiful Women Of All Time
- #14 of 340 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
As a solo artist and lead singer of The Supremes, she captivated audiences with her velvety, emotive voice and glamorous persona. Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength through her music made her an icon for generations of fans. Nowadays, she's regarded as one of the most successful recording artists in history, and her legendary status remains unchallenged.
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- #42 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #17 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
This Cuban-American sensation captivated audiences with her sultry voice and infectious rhythms, dominating the charts throughout the '80s. As the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine and later as a solo artist, she pioneered a fusion of Latin and pop music that resonated worldwide. Today, her enduring influence extends beyond music, touching the worlds of theatre, film, and television.
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- #164 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #1026 of 1,285 onThe Most Beautiful Women Of All Time
Her signature raspy voice and powerful, emotional performances made her an acclaimed singer and chart-topper in the 1980s. From impassioned ballads to invigorating pop-rock anthems, she demonstrated her versatility and range. Her long-lasting career has earned her a dedicated fanbase and a legacy as an influential female artist in the industry.
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- #152 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #112 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
This Scottish-born singer's powerful vocals and sensual image captured the hearts of audiences worldwide during the 1980s. Her skillful command of various genres, including pop, rock, R&B, and even country, showcased her incredible dexterity as an artist. As a two-time Grammy winner and Billboard chart regular, she overflowed pop culture with a lasting influence still felt today.
More Sheena Easton- #119 of 341 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
- #100 of 231 onThe 100+ Best '80s Pop Artists, Ranked
- #163 of 320 onThe 300+ Best Rock Singers Of All Time, Ranked
With her distinctive, sultry voice and insightful lyrics, she became a celebrated singer-songwriter during the '70s and '80s. Her candidness in addressing personal experiences through her music resonated with listeners, creating a deep, emotional connection. As a multiple Grammy winner and an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, her contributions to the world of music are indisputable.
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- #85 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #46 of 203 onThe Greatest Living Rock Songwriters
The undisputed 'Queen of Soul,' her powerful, emotive voice defined an era and shattered cultural barriers. With a career spanning over five decades, her vocal prowess and iconic status transcended genres and generations. Her unwavering commitment to civil rights and gender equality cemented her role as both a musical and social trailblazer.
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- #2 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #3 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
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As the lead singer of the eponymous band Sade, her sultry, velvety voice and sophisticated style set her apart from other '80s artists. By blending elements of soul, R&B, and jazz, she created a unique sound that captured the hearts of fans around the globe. Although she shies away from the limelight, her influence on contemporary music remains significant, with many artists citing her as an inspiration.
More Sade Adu- #119 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #82 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
- #1214 of 1,285 onThe Most Beautiful Women Of All Time
With a sultry voice and edgy, rebellious image, she emerged as one of the most memorable pop-rock artists of the '80s. Her catchy tunes and provocative performances captivated listeners, elevating her to international fame. Widely recognized as an influential figure in pop culture, her music continues to inspire new generations of fans and artists alike.
More Kim Wilde- #253 of 341 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
- #121 of 231 onThe 100+ Best '80s Pop Artists, Ranked
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Emerging from her famous family's shadow, she became a pop sensation in the '80s due to her impressive vocal range and dynamic stage presence. By incorporating elements of dance, funk, and R&B into her music, she pushed boundaries and became a trailblazer for future artists. As an accomplished singer, dancer, and actress, her continued success and influence remain undisputed.
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- #148 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
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As a true pop icon, her distinctive contralto voice and unmatched versatility propelled her to success throughout the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Known for her ability to reinvent herself, she showcased various musical styles and embraced bold, daring fashion statements. Her legendary career has spanned six decades, earning her countless awards and establishing her as one of the most influential artists in history.
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- #95 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
As a pioneering female rocker, her gritty voice and rebellious attitude shattered gender stereotypes and inspired a generation of musicians. As the frontwoman for the Runaways and later as a solo artist, she proved that women could dominate the rock scene just as powerfully as their male counterparts. Decades later, her influence remains strong, as her iconic status continues to fuel the ambitions of aspiring female rockers.
More Joan Jett- #142 of 554 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #111 of 863 onThe 250+ Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time, Ranked
- #41 of 248 onThe 200+ Best Rock Frontmen Of All Time, Ranked
Her hauntingly beautiful voice and unapologetically bold persona made her one of the most distinctive and provocative talents of the '80s. With her emotive delivery and deeply personal lyrics, she stirred both controversy and admiration, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. Today, she remains an influential figure, admired for her fearlessness and unwavering commitment to her artistic vision.
More Sinéad O'ConnorHer powerful vocals and fiery stage presence captivated audiences throughout the '80s and '90s, solidifying her place as a pop-dance diva. Her distinctive, soulful voice left a lasting impression on the music world and inspired many artists to follow. Even today, her iconic hits continue to be celebrated, proving her talent and relevance in the ever-evolving industry.
More Taylor Dayne- #202 of 341 onThe 340+ Best Female Vocalists Ever, Ranked
- #208 of 231 onThe 100+ Best '80s Pop Artists, Ranked
- #89 of 202 onThe 200+ Best Female Singers Of The '80s To Now, Ranked
This Australian pop princess enchanted audiences in the '80s with her sweet voice and captivating image. As a singer, songwriter, and actress, she dominated the international pop scene with her catchy tunes and infectious energy. Over the course of her illustrious career, she reinvented herself multiple times, maintaining her status as a beloved and enduring pop icon.
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- #135 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
Combining her sultry voice with unparalleled dancing abilities, she quickly became a pop sensation in the late '80s. As a singer, choreographer, and television personality, she left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her infectious tunes and electrifying performances have stood the test of time, ensuring her continued success and relevance in the entertainment world.
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- #569 of 1,285 onThe Most Beautiful Women Of All Time
This multitalented singer-songwriter and actress took the world by storm in the early '80s with her emotive, soulful voice. Her breathtaking ballads showcased her impressive vocal range and powerful delivery, earning her critical acclaim and legions of fans. As a Grammy and Academy Award winner, her impact on the music and film industries is undeniable.
More Irene Cara- #143 of 231 onThe 100+ Best '80s Pop Artists, Ranked
- #83 of 202 onThe 200+ Best Female Singers Of The '80s To Now, Ranked
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Starting her career in the late '80s, this French-Canadian powerhouse quickly became recognized for her undeniably angelic voice and wide vocal range. Her tear-jerking ballads and emotive performances have endeared her to fans across the globe. With countless awards and accolades under her belt, she has solidified her place as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
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