black female singers of the '80s

In 1996, Braxtons second album, Secrets, broke the top ten on a variety of international charts and hit number two on the Billboard 200. Were sure youll enjoy their music as much as we do. The 90s saw the release of the bands fourth studio album, Love Deluxe, which peaked at number four on the U.S. Unfortunately, she often makes headlines for the wrong reasons. Despite this success, she spent much of the 80s living as a struggling artist in less than ideal living conditions. Billboard Hot 100 list, and number one on the U.S. Not to mention, they were also able to transcend the boundaries of music and find success in other areas such as film and television. Cyndi Lauper is one of the most iconic female pop singers of all time. But I have a lot of music and will send it to you if I have it. Janet Jackson ended the decade with another hit record in Rhythm Nation 1814, which went Platinum six times. It featured emotionally raw and poignant lyrics that exposed Bliges pain and strenuous relationship at the time. But in the 1980s, a new breed of country singer emerged from the Black community. Her daring style and sexually-charged lyrics helped to redefine mainstream pop music, paving the way for later stars like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. If you want to add some action and fear into your movie nights, you wont go wrong picking a film from this list. Her 1996 sophomore album One in a Million was released when she was 17, sold two million copies, and recognized Aaliyah as a confident, mature artist. They were the total package and as a result they became some of the biggest stars of the decade. 3. 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. In 1994, a compilation album was released titled The Best of Sade. 28. It was re-released a couple of years later with additional tracks. Of course, Madonna wasnt the only pop star making waves in the 80s. They were the total package and as a result, they became some of the biggest stars of the decade. Beyonc is the most famous American black singer in the world, born on September 4, 1981. Frankie Beverly. She rose to prominence as the lead guitarist of The Runaways, one of the first all-female rock bands. In her short life, Aaliyah left a major imprint on the music industry as a whole, as well as on the pop, R&B, and hip hop genres. Unfortunately, this was Gayes final studio album as he was tragically killed in 1984. Her first solo came at the age of two years old. As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, VIBE looks at three of the critically under-celebrated female voices of '80s. Although todays punk scene is not as male-dominated as it was in the 80s, these female singers continue to be an inspiration to punk rockers all over the world. The album, released in 1988, catapulted to number one in the United States and the U.K. thanks to its single Fast Car. Her initial album earned her three Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, Best Contemporary Folk Album, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performer. 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 addition to her collaborations with popular pop and R&B artists of the late 90s and early 2000s, Ma cited Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Prince, Sade, and Minnie Riperton as major influences in her musical career. While Houston did not have her self-titled debut album released until 1985, that albums songs launched her career like a rocket. The oldest of six children, Braxtons family had strict rules about engaging with popular culture. 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. Whitney Houston officially stepped onto the music scene when she was only 22 releasing her first four albums between 1985 and 1992, reigning over the 80s. 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. Famous for her belly-baring buckskins in the 70s, Chaka Khan made fluffy hair and kissable plum lips the thing in the 80s. It may have been her androgynous appearance, but her voice soon made them forget what she looked like. Besides being highly talented, black British singers have also been at the forefront of social and political change. This list is based on the highest album sales, influence over the fans, and overall impact on the music industry during the 1980s. These women have massive voices that helped to propel their respective bands to the top of the charts. Despite their fade out, their music is still predominantly listened to in the US. 1. 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. Telephone Man.. These women were able to take their talents to the next level and find commercial success in the States. Brandy looked up to artists like Whitney Houston and dreamed of becoming a professional singer when she was only seven years old. Some of the popular were Cindy Lauper, Cyndi Thomson, and Debbie Gibson. Often forgotten, but an incredible artist in the 80s, LaDonna Adrian Gaines, also known as Donna Summer, recorded some amazing hits that still play on the radio today. Top 3 Hits. She didnt see success until 1994 when she was 15 when her debut album, Age Aint Nothing But a Number, burst onto the R&B charts. After being ousted from New Edition in 1985, Bobby Brown could have taken his ball and gone home, but instead, he ran with it with his own successful solo career. Her second studio album, Inner Child, was released in 1991. Brandy Norwood was born in February of 1979 in Mississippi. Possibly the queen of 80s pop, Ms. Houston is a legend and rightfully makes it onto every dance playlist. Brandys career has spanned music, television, Broadway. At the beginning of 1980, she had already sold more than 100 million records and was a huge success. She is one of the only artists to simultaneously occupy the top two spots of the Billboard Hot 100. She furthered her fame as the star of Rodgers and Hammersteins television version of Cinderella, also starring Whitney Houston and Whoopi Goldberg. Having risen to prominence as part of the Ike And Tina Turner Revue in the 60s and 70s, she broke away from her abusive husband to forge an unstoppable career of her own. These women helped to shape the sound of R&B music, and their influence can still be heard in todays music. Turners success also crossed over into movies, where she co-starred alongside Mel Gibson in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. We always giggle to ourselves when we hear teens proclaim that there's never been a hotter Black singer than Beyonce, or Rihanna, or Keri Hilson. Perhaps one of the most diverse genres of the 80s was metal. The following list breaks down 11 of the best black female singers of the 90s. Albino? She was the first black woman to play Eponine in the Broadway musical Les Miserables. Vandross also worked with other artists during the decade, including his favorite artist, Dionne Warwick (more on her in a moment). Midnight Love would go on to sell over six million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of Gayes career. The group recorded many songs that people still listen to today, but Diana Ross always had extra star power. Whitney Houston 7. After all, without these female singers, the 80s just wouldnt be the same. Elkie Brooks had 4 songs in the top 20 in the 70s. Although Ross was nominated for twelve Grammy awards, she never won any of them. This honey-voiced chanteuse was also a great beauty, with cinnamon-kissed skin and cheekbones to cut glass. Top Black Female Singers of the 80s, Final Thoughts. Toni Basil. Category. She was raised in Essex by her mother. While Off The Wall was a late 70s release, Jacksons Shes Out Of My Life was a top-10 hit in 1980 and showed off his range. There are female comics who have been doing it for years and even a few newcomers who are making a splash. Their followings are massive, and their songs are on the radio every single day, but the road they walk on was paved by the beautiful black women of the 80s that dominated fashion and culture at the time. 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. 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). 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. She was the daughter of Sonja and Willie Norwood, a successful gospel singer. They also won numerous awards for their music, including Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards. Some of these women include Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, and Siouxsie Sioux. Updated on 06/26/19. She was nominated for numerous posthumous awards and won the Billboard-AURN Top R&B/Hip-Hop Female Artist in 2003. There is a long list of forgotten female singers from the 80s. From Michael Jackson to Prince, and Whitney Houston to Tina Turner, these are the artists that defined an era. With her waterfall of ringlets and virgin brows, Perri Reid, aka Pebbles, was the ultimate in late Eighties cool. Several black singers were already wildly successful before the 80s, but the decade delivered with hit singles, Platinum records, and big paychecks. It was a critical success, selling over 1 million copies in the United States and over 2 million copies worldwide. Noted for his sweet voice and romantic lyrics, Vandross released his debut album Never Too Much in 1981. 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. This was especially true in the 1980s, when many black Britons were fighting for equality and against racism. It featured bands with unique sounds and unusual instruments. Summing Up Our List OF Famous Black 80s Singers, 10 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Musicians From Nebraska, 13 Of The Most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago, 13 Of The Best Songs About Storms Of All Time, 20 Of The Best Songs About Days Of The Week, 10 Of The Best Online Harmonica Lessons And Courses In 2023. Whats Love Got To Do With It, Proud Mary, and The Best are just a few of her insanely famous songs that not everyone knows but are taught in music schools across America as classics. The singer was born on the seventh of October, 1967, in a religious household. Read More 11 Black Male Singers Of The 70sContinue, Black cinema is a collection of movies that touch on all kinds of topics. With her neon pink lips and back-combed curls, this diminutive cutie-pie was always at the height of 80s glamour. Next up, Teddy Pendergrass could have walked away from music entirely following the 1982 car crash that left him incapacitated from the chest down. Race & Ethnicity RevealedContinue, Comedy still seems to be a world that is dominated by men, but not for long! They later went on hiatus for a short while so that three of the members could form Bell Biv Devoeanother classic R&B and hip-hop group that saw success in the early 1990s. R&B has its roots in the blues, which was created by black Americans in the early 1900s. SWV. She later joined a hip-hop group with a couple of friends called Edjp. From fashion to music, they have given us some of the best creations in history. When D. Boon of American underground rock legends the Minutemen was thrown from the van in which he was riding as the result of an auto accident, the world lost one of unique American singers and guitarists and one of rock's most intelligent, forceful personalities. Above all, they were proud of who they were and didnt let anyone stop them from being their true selves. Some of the most famous included Siouxsie Sioux, Kate Bush, Patti Smith, and Cyndi Lauper. The album spawned several hit singles, including How Will I Know and Saving All My Love for You. Im Dan and I run this website. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a32da80598ba3e06c3c8e7332494f69a" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. Even though the 80s was a time when racism was still very prevalent, there were many black artists who created some of the most iconic songs and albums that are still remembered today. They popularized the punk look, which included tight leather jackets, ripped jeans, and spikes. Private Dancer had five top-40 hits, including her #1 Whats Love Got To Do With It. She also notched a Record of the Year Grammy for that effort. Vandross would go on to release several more successful albums in the 80s, including Forever, For Always, For Love and Give Me the Reason.. She worked for a short period as a stripper before buckling down and pursuing her music career. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover. One of the most popular Black Female Singers Ever. As you have read above, the 80s were a time of big hair, acid wash jeans, and synthesizers. Browns success continued in 1989 when he contributed two songs to the Ghostbusters II soundtrack: On Our Own and Were Back, the former peaking at #2. The songs featured themes of feminism and female sexuality, although it was generally considered a slump. 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. Though soul and R&B were the most popular genres, there were also many talented black singers in other genres, such as pop, rock, and hip-hop. These bold beauties dictated makeup and hair trends during what was arguably the boldest style decade of the century! But Janet has contributed so much more to the music industry than that unfortunate incident, and she has handled it with grace despite unfairly receiving the brunt of the criticism. This led to a second album which Brandy helped write and produce. Wonders soundtrack for the film The Woman In Red was released in 1984 and produced his hit I Just Called To Say I Love You, which became a #1 hit. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Nevertheless, she is an icon in the music industry and paved the way for many black female artists on this list. The 1980s was Michael Jacksons decade (part of the 1990s too), and there is no comparison. Summer had several certified Gold records released during the decade as well. 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. Brotherhood Of Man were and still are a male/female group. Powerhouses like Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi took over the airwaves with their loud and aggressive music. Other hot female singers of the 80s include Cindy Lauper, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston. She has won a total of 20 awards and found additional success as an actress in movies like the Barbershop franchise. Her subsequent album releases did not achieve the same popularity or recognition her initial project did. He based his platform of positivity and roll-up-your-sleeves attitude on this slogan, which carried him into the oval office. Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald - Cheek To Cheek (Live) She was a soprano with a voice that would go on to be described as both silky and sweet. In honor of Black Music Month, we're saluting twenty most beautiful songstresses of the Eighties. 2. And certainly, without these talented women, the 80s would not have been the same. If you wanted a picture of 80s excess, Rick James might be the first person in your mind. 7 Pioneering Black Female Jazz And Blues Singers Who Made Music History. Like the 1985 Aretha Franklin song (" Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves "), female singers in the '80s were blazing their own trails. From Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, these artists dominated the charts and inspired millions with their unique sounds. So, to celebrate their contributions, weve compiled a list of the best black singers of the 80s. Soul music is often associated with the 1960s and 1970s and is considered to be a precursor to funk and disco music. It was August 25th 2001, and she was 22. Her solo single Love Shoulda Brought You Home on the soundtrack for the Eddie Murphy film, Boomerang, launched Braxtons first hit. Not to mention, they also had a killer sense of style. It also helped Williams achieve five Grammy nominations and stayed in the number one spot on the pop charts for five weeks. 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. 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. 100 Greatest R&B Female Singers Whitney Houston Aretha Franklin Gladys Knight Minnie Ripperton Dionne Warwick Patti LaBelle Mariah Carrey Diana Ross Tina Turner Chaka Khan Aaliyah Brandy Mary J Blige Beyonce Toni Braxton Mary Wells Alicia Keys Sade Kelly Price Rachelle Ferrell Erykah Badu Janet Jackson Mavis Staples Corrine Bailey Rae Jill Scott Imagine a world without Janet Jackson or Whitney Houston. This model-turned-singer reset beauty standards with her unapologetically androgynous style. And while most of the bands that emerged in the early days of Alternative were male, there were a few notable female singers. 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 . Here are some of the bests from all three periods. Their music was also featured in films and commercials. But that all changed with the introduction of Janet Jackson. The early 80s were an important time for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, and there were many black gay singers who used their platform to help further the cause. The mark Whitney Houston left on the music industry will never fade. Her first breakthrough came in the form of a role in the movie The Pick Up Artist in 1987. Shes won seven awards over the course of her career and produced five albums to date, not including compilations and singles. During her time with her ex-husband Ike Turner, Tina Turner was already a well-known singer, but Ikes abuse forced her to leave and focus on her family. After her success on the charts with her cover, she released the hit album Private Dancer, which had some of her greatest hits on it. Ola Ray is internationally known as Michael Jackson's girlfriend in the Grammy Award winning short film video ''Thriller." Her work in 'Thriller' brought her worldwide recognition and made her a household name. In this post, we're going to take a look at 15 of the greatest and most famous female singers of the 80s. Her follow-up album in 2001 was also a big success. It was also a time when some of the most iconic and influential rappers emerged, including Eric B. Wiki User. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Those hits included Super Freak and Give It To Me Baby in 1981both off the album Street Songs, with the former landing him a nomination for Grammys Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. As a child, she exhibited a great talent for music and dance and had a dream to become the African American Rockette. As you saw from this list, the 80s were a great decade for black singers. However, there were a few groundbreaking female punk singers who managed to make a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of punk rock. While most rap and hip-hop artists have traditionally been black, white rappers have found major success in the industry since the 80s. So even though these women may have only had one hit, their contributions should not be overlooked. We lost so many talented and inspirational people in 2022. But Houston wasnt the only R&B singer making waves in the 80s. Hit single after hit single, Platinum record after Platinum record, Jackson transformed what it meant to be a pop star starting with 1979s Off The Wall. The music was quite egalitarian in terms of gender, as both male and female performers -- Brother Joe May, Rev. Over her career, Blige released thirteen studio albums, won nine Grammy Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards. The single, Let Me Blow Ya Mind, would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002. Redefining the look . Annie Lennox 3. Madonna in particular, was considered to be one of the hottest female singers of the 80s. It is hard to argue with the legacy these artists have created for themselvesit shows in modern music. June is Black Music Month! But they left their fingerprints all over the music industry with classics like Im So Excited that played on the radio incessantly. Her combined voice talent and love for music led her to pursue a career as a music teacher. As a result, they attracted large audiences with their soulful music and engaging personalities. With her mounds of curls and flawless brows, Karyn White wasnt just a Superwoman, she was also a great beauty! Bonnie, Ruth, Anita, and June Pointer were the members of the initial Pointer sisters, but not all stayed in the group. 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. And it all came from the hard work and raw talent of these artists. Instead, he used the crash as an opportunity. Joan Jett Annie Lennox (Eurythmics) Cyndi Lauper Pat Benatar Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) Ann Wilson (Heart) Grace Slick (Starship) Joni Mitchell Tori Amos Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) Debbie Harry (Blondie) Linda Ronstadt Suzanne Vega Bonnie Tyler These women were able to cross over into the mainstream and find success with a wide range of audiences. Known for R&B and Soul music, Desree is still releasing music today. There is no performer quite as compelling as the jazz singer. Here are the Best Female Singers of the 1980s. It is undeniable that Doja Cat will continue to dominate the global music scene like other talented black female singers. They helped to create a sound that is still loved by millions of people all over the world. July 15, 2020 12:30 PM. But regardless of their current situation, these singers all made great music in the 1980s and deserve to be remembered. Soul music is a genre that has its roots in the African-American experience. Commercial success finally followed with 1982s 1999, which spawned several hit songs such as Little Red Corvette, Delirious, and of course, 1999.. These women, listed in no particular order, have cemented their place in music history. Maze feat. Chapmans career began to fall off after she performed at Nelson Mandelas 70th birthday celebration. 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. Today, these women are still remembered for their contributions to the disco era. The Comfort Zone was very popular, selling over 2 million copies and went triple platinum. She won her first Grammy Award in 1998 for the collaborative single Ghetto Superstar with rapper Ol Dirty Bastard which was a number one hit in countries all over the world. 21. And their music continues to inspire and entertain us today. Her smooth R&B music and thoughtful lyrics brought her critical acclaim and public popularity that endured for decades. Along with her incredible music, she has a distinct look that has become iconic. Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, Mega Jovon Ruth Pete, better known as Megan Thee Stallion is next on the list. Her mother introduced her to music when she was three after gifting her a ukulele, and she would go on to play guitar and write her own moving songs. The Equals (late-1960s) Long. 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. 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