Female singers of the 70s reshaped the music world with their creativity, vocal strength, and fearless originality.
Across disco, rock, soul, folk, pop, and country, women stepped into the spotlight and transformed the decade’s sound.
Their voices energized dance floors, supported social change, and added emotional depth to themes of freedom, identity, and love.
These artists were not just chart leaders. They were innovators who expanded musical boundaries and impacted future generations.
From shimmering disco anthems to intimate storytelling ballads, their songs remain unique and memorable.
Today, the permanent impact of singers from the 70s continues to help new musicians and shape modern music and culture.
Groundbreaking Female Singers of the ’70s
These powerhouse performers dominated the charts with their unmatched vocal abilities and genre-defining hits.
From disco’s glittering heights to soul’s emotional depths, they created music that still resonates today.
1. Donna Summer: The Queen of Disco
Donna Summer became the leading force of 1970s disco, changing dance music with her innovative electronic sound, powerful vocals, and hit records that defined the decade.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won 5 times (1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1998) plus Lifetime Achievement (2024) |
| Chart Records | Artist with three No. 1 singles in one year (1979) |
| Major Albums | Bad Girls (1979) became a multi-platinum success |
| Musical Innovation | Helped pioneer electronic disco with Giorgio Moroder, especially through “I Feel Love” (1977) |
Donna’s power reshaped the sound of disco and electronic music throughout the 1970s.
Her synthesizer-driven style, chart dominance, and groundbreaking collaborations set new standards for dance music and inspired countless artists who followed.
2. Diana Ross: Solo Superstar
After leaving The Supremes in 1970, Diana Ross established herself as a solo powerhouse, proving her ability to dominate charts and captivate audiences on her own terms.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Success | Six No. 1 singles on Billboard Hot 100 during solo career |
| Film Career | Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Lady Sings the Blues (1972) |
| Album Sales | Diana (1980) became the best-selling solo album |
| Cultural Impact | Named Billboard’s top female entertainer of the century |
Diana’s achieved twelve top-ten singles throughout the 1970s while simultaneously building a successful acting career.
Her versatility and star power made her one of the entertainment industry’s most recognized figures worldwide.
3. Gloria Gaynor: The Survivor
Gloria Gaynor’s powerful voice and inspirational anthems made her a disco icon, with “I Will Survive” becoming one of the most enduring songs in music history.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won Best Disco Recording for “I Will Survive” (1980) |
| Chart Performance | “I Will Survive” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Cultural Anthem | The song became a universal symbol of resilience and empowerment |
| Disco Impact | “Never Can Say Goodbye” pioneered the continuous disco medley format |
Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” transcended its disco origins to become a cultural phenomenon covered by hundreds of artists and featured in countless films. The song’s message of strength resonated across generations and demographics.
4. Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin continued her reign as the “Queen of Soul” throughout the 1970s, delivering powerful performances that showcased her unparalleled vocal abilities and emotional depth.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Gospel Milestone | Amazing Grace (1972) became the best-selling gospel album of all time |
| Sales Achievement | Amazing Grace sold over two million copies |
| Historic Performance | First soul artist to perform at San Francisco’s Fillmore West (1971) |
| Songwriting | Wrote multiple hits, including “Rock Steady” and “Day Dreaming.” |
Franklin’s work in the early 1970s demonstrated her range across soul, gospel, and R&B.
Her live gospel recording remains a pinnacle of religious music, while her secular hits continued to define the soul genre.
5. Chaka Khan: The Funk Queen
As lead vocalist of Rufus, Chaka Khan delivered powerful performances that helped define 1970s funk and R&B with her distinctive voice and commanding stage presence.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo/Group for “Tell Me Something Good” (1975) |
| Platinum Albums | Multiple platinum releases with Rufus throughout the decade |
| Vocal Recognition | Established trademark vocal style that influenced generations |
| Collaboration Success | “Tell Me Something Good” written by Stevie Wonder |
Chaka Khan’s powerhouse vocals became the trademark sound of Rufus, helping the band achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. Her conviction in funk and R&B vocalists continues to this day.
6. Patti LaBelle: Lady Marmalade
Patti LaBelle’s work with the group Labelle throughout the early and mid-1970s defined funk-rock fusion, with theatrical performances that pushed artistic boundaries.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Success | “Lady Marmalade” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975 |
| Cultural Impact | Bold lyrics and theatrical performances helped countless other modern artists |
| Fashion Innovation | Futuristic costumes became a signature of the group’s visual identity |
| Genre Fusion | Successfully merged funk, rock, and soul into a new sound |
Patti LaBelle’s commanding vocals and bold stage presence made “Lady Marmalade” one of the decade’s most recognizable funk songs.
The track’s cultural impact extended far beyond its chart success.
7. Olivia Newton-John: Crossover Star
This British-Australian singer became one of the 1970s’ most successful crossover artists, seamlessly moving between country and pop while maintaining widespread appeal.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Recognition | Won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for “I Honestly Love You” (1975) |
| Chart Dominance | Fifteen top-ten singles on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Film Success | Grease (1978) soundtrack became one of the best-selling albums ever |
| Country Recognition | Named Female Vocalist of the Year by the CMA in 1974 |
Olivia Newton-John’s versatility allowed her to dominate both country and pop charts while maintaining critical respect. Her role in Grease cemented her status as a cultural icon.
8. Bette Midler: The Divine Miss M
Bette Midler burst onto the music scene with theatrical flair, combining comedy, camp sensibility, and powerful vocals into a unique entertainment package.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won Best New Artist (1973) |
| Debut Success | Self-titled debut album went platinum |
| Film Recognition | Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe win for The Rose (1979) |
| Performance Innovation | Combined music, comedy, and theatrical elements in unprecedented ways |
Bette Midler’s theatrical performances set her apart from conventional pop singers.
Her ability to blend humor with heartfelt musical performances created a distinctive entertainment style that influenced many who followed.
9. Barbra Streisand: The Voice
Already an established star from the 1960s, Streisand continued to dominate both music and film throughout the 1970s with her incomparable voice and artistic choices.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Academy Awards | Won Best Original Song for “Evergreen” (1977, co-writer) |
| Chart Success | Multiple No. 1 Hot 100 singles, including “The Way We Were” (1974) and “Evergreen” (1977) |
| Grammy | Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for “Evergreen” (1977); Best Pop Vocal for “The Way We Were” (1974) |
| Oscar | Best Actress (Funny Girl, 1968); Best Original Song (“Evergreen,” 1977 with Paul Williams) |
Barbra Streisand’s perfectionism and artistic control resulted in some of the decade’s most memorable ballads.
Her ability to excel in multiple entertainment media demonstrated exceptional adaptability.
10. Gladys Knight: Empress of Soul
With the Pips, Gladys Knight delivered some of the 1970s’ most memorable soul performances, with her emotive voice and the group’s tight harmonies creating a distinctive sound.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won Best R&B Vocal Performance by Duo/Group for “Midnight Train to Georgia” (1974) |
| Chart Dominance | “Midnight Train to Georgia” topped both Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts |
| Career Recognition | Seven Grammy Awards total during career |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1996) |
Gladys Knight’s sophisticated approach to soul music and her group’s polished performances made them one of the most respected acts in popular music. Their leverage on vocal groups remains substantial.
Legendary Voices That Shaped Rock History
These trailblazers redefined what women could achieve in rock music. They wrote their own material, played instruments, and refused to be confined by industry expectations.
Their persuading extended far beyond the 1970s, inspiring generations of female rockers.
11. Stevie Nicks: The Mystical Songstress
Joining Fleetwood Mac on New Year’s Eve 1974, Stevie Nicks transformed the band’s sound and image with her mystical persona and distinctive voice.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Album Success | Rumours (1977) sold over 40 million copies worldwide |
| Grammy Recognition | Album of the Year for Rumours (1978) |
| Chart Record | “Dreams” became Fleetwood Mac’s only No. 1 U.S. single |
| Historic Honor | First woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (1998, 2019) |
Stevie Nicks’ mystical stage presence and poetic songwriting became central to Fleetwood Mac’s massive success.
Her impact on rock music and fashion continues to inspire contemporary artists.
12. Joni Mitchell: The Poet of Song
Already recognized as one of folk music’s finest songwriters, Mitchell expanded her musical palette throughout the 1970s, incorporating elements of jazz, pop, and rock.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Acclaim | Blue (1971) consistently ranked among the greatest albums ever made |
| Commercial Peak | Court and Spark (1974) achieved double platinum certification |
| Grammy Recognition | Multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Folk Performance for Clouds (1969) |
| Artistic Innovation | Pioneered jazz-folk fusion and experimental song structures |
Joni Mitchell’s willingness to experiment set her apart from contemporaries. Rolling Stone named her “one of the greatest songwriters ever,” recognizing her profound impact on popular music.
13. Carly Simon: The Confessional Songwriter
Simon’s confessional songwriting style and distinctive alto voice made her one of the 1970s’ most successful singer-songwriters.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won Best New Artist (1972) |
| Chart Success | “You’re So Vain” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks |
| Academy Recognition | Oscar nomination for “Nobody Does It Better” (1977) |
| Cultural Impact | “You’re So Vain” became one of the decade’s most discussed songs |
Carly Simon’s intimate songwriting style influenced generations of female singer-songwriters. Her ability to craft both personal ballads and commercial hits demonstrated exceptional versatility.
14. Linda Ronstadt: The Versatile Voice
Ronstadt’s versatility enabled her to excel in rock, country, pop, and Latin music throughout the 1970s, making her one of the highest-paid concert performers.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Success | “You’re No Good” reached No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 (1975) |
| Grammy Awards | Won two Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (1976) |
| Album Sales | Multiple platinum albums throughout the decade |
| Genre Mastery | Successfully crossed rock, country, and pop boundaries |
Linda Ronstadt’s interpretations of classic songs introduced them to new audiences while her support for emerging songwriters helped launch several careers. Her vocal range and stylistic flexibility set new standards.
15. Patti Smith: The Godmother of Punk
Patti Smith released her groundbreaking debut album, Horses, in 1975, merging poetry with rock music in ways that influenced countless artists.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Impact | Horses ranked No. 44 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums |
| Chart Success | “Because the Night” reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Genre Innovation | Created a template for punk and alternative rock |
| Literary Inspiration | Brought a poetic, literary approach to rock lyrics |
Patti Smith’s raw energy and literary approach to rock lyrics created a new template for punk and alternative music.
Her mark extended far beyond commercial success, shaping entire musical movements.
16. Janis Joplin: The Blues Rock Pioneer
Though Joplin died in October 1970, her clout on the decade was profound, with her raw emotional performances breaking down barriers for women in rock.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Success | “Me and Bobby McGee” topped Billboard Hot 100 (March 1971) |
| Album Achievement | Posthumous album Pearl reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1995) |
| Legacy Impact | Influenced generations of female rock vocalists |
Janis Joplin’s unrestrained vocal style and blues-rock fusion demonstrated that women could compete with men in rock’s rawest forms. Her posthumous success cemented her legendary status.
17. Carole King: Tapestry’s Creator
King’s 1971 album Tapestry became one of the best-selling albums of all time, establishing her as a performer after years of success as a songwriter.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Sweep | Won four Grammys, including Album of the Year (1972) |
| Chart Dominance | Tapestry spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 |
| Sales Milestone | The album sold over 25 million copies worldwide |
| Endurance Record | Tapestry remained on charts for six years |
Carole King’s conversational songwriting style and intimate performances charmed countless singer-songwriters.
Tapestry remains one of popular music’s most successful and significant albums.
18. Bonnie Raitt: The Blues Interpreter
Raitt blended blues, rock, and folk throughout the 1970s, earning critical respect for her slide guitar playing and interpretive abilities.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Acclaim | Earned widespread respect from music critics and peers |
| Guitar Recognition | Established reputation as an exceptional slide guitarist |
| Blues Advocacy | Championed traditional blues and R&B artists |
| Artistic Integrity | Maintained an approach despite commercial pressures |
Bonnie Raitt championed blues and R&B artists throughout her career, helping to keep traditional American music alive.
Her guitar work and vocal interpretations affected many players who followed.
19. Suzi Quatro: The Bass-Playing Rocker
This American-born, UK-based rocker became one of the first female bass players to achieve major success in rock music.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| UK Success | Three No. 1 hits in the United Kingdom |
| Gender Barrier | Pioneered female visibility in hard rock |
| Punk | Leather-clad image inspired the punk movement |
| Instrument Mastery | Proved women could front hard rock bands as bass players |
Suzi Quatro’s leather-clad image and aggressive playing style helped the punk movement and showed that women could front hard rock bands with authority and credibility.
20. Joan Baez: The Folk Activist
The folk music icon continued her activism and recording throughout the 1970s, using her platform to address political and social issues.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Success | Diamonds & Rust reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200 |
| Gold Certification | The album earned gold certification for sales |
| Social Impact | Continued activism through music and performances |
| Artistic Recognition | The title track became one of her most acclaimed songs |
Joan Baez’s commitment to social justice through music inspired younger artists to use their platforms for activism.
She performed at numerous benefit concerts and protest rallies throughout the decade.
Queens Of Country And Classics
Country music flourished in the 1970s, and these women stood at the forefront.
They told stories of heartbreak, strength, and everyday life with honesty and emotional power that resonated across demographics.
21. Dolly Parton: The Country Icon
The 1970s represented Parton’s most creatively fertile period, establishing her as one of country music’s most successful and beloved solo artists.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Dominance | Five No. 1 singles on country charts |
| CMA Recognition | Female Vocalist of the Year (1975, 1976) |
| Crossover Success | “Here You Come Again” reached No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Historic Milestone | First female country artist with a platinum album (New Harvest…First Gathering) |
Dolly Parton’s autobiographical songwriting and charismatic personality made her a country music institution.
Her ability to write deeply personal songs while maintaining commercial appeal set her apart.
22. Loretta Lynn: The Coal Miner’s Daughter
Lynn’s autobiographical approach to songwriting made her one of country music’s most authentic voices, addressing controversial topics with honesty.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| CMA Recognition | First woman to win Entertainer of the Year (1972) |
| Cultural Impact | “Coal Miner’s Daughter” inspired autobiography and film |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame (1988) |
| Controversial Topics | Addressed birth control and divorce in songs |
Loretta Lynn’s willingness to address controversial topics set her apart from many contemporaries. Her authentic voice and working-class perspective resonated with millions.
23. Tammy Wynette: First Lady of Country Music
Known as the “First Lady of Country Music,” Wynette’s emotional delivery and powerful voice made her one of the genre’s most successful artists.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Success | Twenty No. 1 singles on Billboard country charts |
| Grammy Awards | Won two Grammy Awards during career |
| Sales Milestone | “Stand by Your Man” sold over five million copies worldwide |
| Cultural Phenomenon | Songs sparked national conversations about relationships |
Tammy Wynette’s turbulent personal life often mirrored the heartbreak in her songs, adding authenticity. Despite controversy over some lyrics, her emotional honesty resonated worldwide.
24. Emmylou Harris: The Country Traditionalist
Harris brought a literary sensibility and respect for tradition to country music, helping to pioneer the “country-rock” sound.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Award | Won Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for “Blue Kentucky Girl” (1980) |
| Chart Achievement | Pieces of the Sky (1975) reached No. 7 on country charts |
| Artistic Inspiration | Championed traditional country while incorporating rock and folk |
| Collaboration Success | Notable partnerships with Gram Parsons and other artists |
Emmylou Harris’s crystalline voice and respect for country music’s roots soft-soaped the Americana movement.
Her collaborations with numerous artists demonstrated her versatility and generosity.
25. Anne Murray: The Canadian Crossover
This Canadian singer became one of the most successful female vocalists of the 1970s, seamlessly crossing between country and pop markets.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Milestone | “Snowbird” was a Top 10 hit on the U.S. country charts, No. 1 on both Canadian adult contemporary and country charts. |
| Grammy Recognition | |
| Chart Success | “You Needed Me” topped the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Sales Achievement | Sold over 55 million albums worldwide during career |
Anne Murray’s smooth vocal style and crossover appeal made her a consistent chart presence. Her ability to succeed in both country and pop demonstrated exceptional versatility.
26. Brenda Lee: Little Miss Dynamite
Though she had risen to fame in the late 1950s, Lee continued recording successful country music throughout the 1970s.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre Transition | Successfully moved from rockabilly/pop to country |
| Chart Presence | Multiple top-ten country singles during the decade |
| Longevity | Maintained relevance across multiple decades |
| Versatility | One of the few artists successful across multiple genres |
Brenda Lee’s successful transition from rockabilly and pop to country music demonstrated her adaptability.
She remained one of the few artists to maintain chart relevance across multiple decades.
27. Dusty Springfield: The Blue-Eyed Soul Singer
The British soul singer released several albums during the 1970s, maintaining her reputation as one of the finest white soul vocalists.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Vocal Recognition | Regarded as one of the finest white soul singers |
| UK Impact | Championed soul music in the United Kingdom |
| Critical Respect | Maintained reputation despite commercial decline |
| Legacy Impact | Inspired countless British and American vocalists |
Dusty Springfield’s sophisticated vocal style and her willingness to champion soul music in the UK impacted countless artists.
While her 1970s output was less commercially successful, her artistic reputation remained intact.
28. Roberta Flack: The Ballad Master
Flack’s intimate, jazz-influenced approach to pop and soul ballads made her one of the 1970s’ most distinctive vocalists.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Dominance | Won Record of the Year in consecutive years (1973, 1974) |
| Chart Success | “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” topped the Hot 100 for six weeks |
| Historic Achievement | First artist to win Record of the Year consecutively |
| Vocal Innovation | Subtle, nuanced performances helped generations of ballad singers |
Roberta Flack’s restrained, jazz-inflected performances stood in contrast to more bombastic vocal styles. Her ability to convey emotion through subtlety soft-soaped countless ballad singers.
29. Cher: The Reinvention Queen
After her partnership with Sonny Bono ended, Cher reinvented herself as a solo artist and television star in the 1970s.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Dominance | Three No. 1 singles on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Sales Success | “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” sold over four million copies worldwide |
| Television Success | The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour ran from 1971-1974 |
| Cultural Impact | Became one of the decade’s most visible entertainers |
Cher’s contralto voice and willingness to take risks with her image made her one of the decade’s most talked-about entertainers. Her ability to reinvent herself became her trademark.
30. Petula Clark: The International Star
The British singer maintained her career throughout the 1970s, continuing to tour internationally and record in multiple languages.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| International Appeal | Maintained career across Europe and North America |
| Multilingual Success | Recorded in multiple languages |
| British Pop Impact | Remained an influential figure in British pop music |
| Career Longevity | Continued success from the 1960s peak |
Petula Clark’s sophisticated pop style and multilingualism enabled her to maintain a career across continents.
Her effect on British pop music remained significant throughout the decade.
31. Tina Turner: The Future Rock Queen
After years in partnership with Ike Turner, Tina began laying the groundwork for her solo career in the mid-to-late 1970s.
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Performance Power | Showcased extraordinary vocal and stage presence with Ike & Tina Turner Revue |
| Personal Courage | Left abusive marriage in 1976 |
| Foundation Building | Laid groundwork for 1980s comeback |
| Resilience | Demonstrated strength that would define a later career |
Though Tina Turner’s explosive solo success came in the 1980s, her work throughout the early 1970s showcased her extraordinary talent.
Her decision to leave her abusive marriage marked the beginning of one of music’s most celebrated comebacks.
The Lasting Impact
These groundbreaking artists reshaped music, challenged industry limits, and opened creative doors that continue to charm generations of performers across every major genre today.
- These women did more than top charts. They redefined artistic freedom by writing, producing, and controlling their own music during a time when female autonomy was uncommon.
- Their persuasion reaches modern superstars, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Adele, and numerous others who credit them as foundational inspirations.
- The breakthroughs they achieved made it possible for future artists to pursue careers with creative independence and industry power.
- Many continued performing for decades, earning new appreciation from younger audiences through viral moments and cultural revivals.
- Stevie Nicks surged in popularity again when “Dreams” went viral on social media in 2020.
- Joni Mitchell’s emotional 2022 Newport Folk Festival return showcased her perpetual legacy.
Their music, courage, and innovation continue shaping culture, proving that true artistry transcends time and inspires listeners long after the era has passed.
Let Their Music Inspire You Today
Studying the music of these remarkable female singers of the 70s is the best way to understand their enduring impact.
Their albums, now widely available on streaming platforms, reveal the brilliance that shaped an entire decade.
Each voice carries a unique story, a bold perspective, and a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
As you explore their work, let their creativity guide you through the energy, emotion, and artistry that defined the era.
Celebrate their legacy by learning more of their songs, sharing your favorites, and keeping their music alive.
Start listening today and experience the power of these iconic female singers of the 70s firsthand.
