Female Rhythm & Blues Singers
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Throughout history, there have been many women rhythm & blues singers who have made significant contribution to the field. The list includes many familiar and great female rhythm & blues singers such as Adele, Ariana Grande, Janet Jackson, Demi Lovato, Rihanna.The women rhythm & blues singers featured in this list are from United States, United Kingdom, Canada & Australia and many more countries.
Vote for Your Favourite Female Rhythm & Blues Singers
1
Beyonce Knowles(Singer-Songwriter, Actress and Lead Singer of the R&B Group ‘Destiny’s Child’)
Birthdate: September 4, 1981
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Beyonce Knowles is a singer, songwriter, and actress. She developed an interest in music as a child. As a teenager, she became the lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She is one of the world's best-selling recording artists and one of the highest-earning black musicians of all time
2
Rihanna(One of the Best-Selling Female Pop and R&B Artist In History)
Birthdate: February 20, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Saint Michael, Barbados
For anyone who has a penchant for music, Rihanna needs no introduction. Born as Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rihanna is one of the most influential names in the music and fashion industry. Her effortless singing, catchy tunes and inimitable dance moves have won her eight Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards and two BRIT Awards.
Birthdate: August 9, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: February 11, 2012
Amongst the best-selling recording artists of all time and an inspiration to millions of budding artists, Whitney Houston achieved stardom with her eponymous debut album. The success of her later albums consolidated her position and earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records as the most awarded female artist of all time. She struggled with drug abuse and troubled marriage and died of drowning in her hotel's bathtub.
4
Aretha Franklin(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists in the World & 'Queen of Soul')
Birthdate: March 25, 1942
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Died: August 16, 2018
Widely regarded as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a singer-songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Aretha was ranked number one on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list in 2010. Having sold over 75 million records, she is also one of the best-selling musicians ever.
Birthdate: November 26, 1939
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Nutbush, Tennessee, United States
Died: May 24, 2023
Known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner was one of the best-selling recording artists of all time and had a very long and successful career. Let's Stay Together, What's Love Got to Do with It, Private Dancer and Golden Eye are some of her chartbuster songs. She was also a songwriter and had acted in films too.
Birthdate: January 25, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Hell's Kitchen, New York, United States
Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys has been active in the music industry since the mid-1990s. Her debut album was a super hit and earned her five Grammy Awards. She is one of the best-selling artists in the United States and has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. She is also known for her humanitarian work, philanthropy, and activism.
Birthdate: May 16, 1966
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States
A member of the prominent Jackson family, Janet Jackson is a singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Popularly known for her innovative and socially conscious songs, she was considered a sex icon in her youth. Beginning her career as a teenager, she went on to become one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time.
8
Diana Ross(Lead Singer of 'the Supremes', the Best-Charting Female Group in History)
Birthdate: March 26, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
With several prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, under her belt, Diana Ross is one of the most popular and influential singers of all time. In 1976, Billboard named her the Female Entertainer of the Century. She has influenced popular artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson.
Birthdate: May 26, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Famous rapper and singer, Lauryn Hill, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and a pioneer in the Neo soul genre. The artist whose album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill won five Grammy Awards, is an inspiration for numerous singers and rappers. Earlier, she gained recognition as member of Fugees, an award-winning hip hop group.
10
Mary J. Blige(Rapper, and Actress Known as "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul")
Birthdate: January 11, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Mary J. Blige is a popular singer-songwriter and actress. Having sold 80 million records worldwide, she is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Referred to as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary is credited with influencing the fusion of R&B and hip hop. She often gets featured in lists like The 100 Greatest Women in Music.
Birthdate: June 26, 1993
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, United States
A talented youngster, Ariana Grande first stepped into the world of entertainment through Broadway musical 13 and later shot to fame with television series Victorious and its spinoff, Sam & Cat. Her television series also kick started her musical career which flourished with the release of her five commercially successful and critically applauded albums and collaborations with various other artists.
12
Erykah Badu(Singer-Songwriter Know for Her Singles like "On & On," "Honey," and "The Healer.")
Birthdate: February 26, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Widely regarded as the queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu is an American singer-songwriter whose debut studio album Baduizm helped popularize neo-soul in the late-1990s. Thanks to her popularity, Erykah Badu serves as a subject for street art in several places, including Greater London, England. Also an actress, Badu has appeared in popular films, such as The Cider House Rules.
Birthdate: March 23, 1953
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois
Ten-time Grammy-winning funk/R&B/disco artist Chaka Khan, or the Queen of Funk, soared to fame as the frontwoman of the band Rufus. Known for her hit track I Feel for You, Khan has sold 70 million records and has ranked 17th on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll list.
14
Aaliyah(Best Known as 'Princess of R&B' & 'Queen of Urban Pop')
Birthdate: January 16, 1979
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: August 25, 2001
Aaliyah was an American singer, actress and model, who became famous when her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number sold three million copies in the US. Her subsequent albums also sold in millions and won her numerous accolades. She also acted in some films. She tragically died in an airplane crash in the Bahamas, at the age of 22.
15
Gladys Knight
(Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: May 28, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
16
Etta James(Singer-Songwriter Know for Hits Such as "The Wallflower", "At Last", "Tell Mama")
Birthdate: January 25, 1938
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: January 20, 2012
Etta James was an American singer whose powerful, deep voice bridged the gap between rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Her ability to perform in various genres earned her a spot in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list. Her work has influenced several musicians, including Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Adele, and Rita Ora.
17
Selena(American Singer Popularly Known as the 'Queen of Tejano Music')
Birthdate: April 16, 1971
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lake Jackson, Texas, United States
Died: March 31, 1995
Known as the queen of Tejano music, Selena became the most famous Mexican-American entertainers during the late 20th century, thanks to her contributions to fashion and music. She is one of the most influential Latin artists ever. Her rags-to-riches story, which includes struggle, fame, and finally death at the age of 23, was showcased in the 1997 film, Selena.
Birthdate: May 24, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
The Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle is best known for her chartbusting song Lady Marmalade, released with her group Labelle. She has had a successful solo career, too, winning multiple Grammys. She has appeared on her own TV shows, released cookbooks, and has launched her line of food and bedding.
19
Pink(Singer and Songwriter Known for Her Rock-Influenced Pop Songs, Distinctive Raspy Voice and Acrobatic Stage Presence)
Birthdate: September 8, 1979
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States
Pink is an American singer-songwriter known for her acrobatic stage presence and raspy voice. Having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Pink is one of the best-selling musicians in the world. A recipient of several prestigious awards, Pink was named in VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list. Her work has inspired many other artists like Taylor Swift.
Birthdate: March 18, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Queen Latifah is an American musician and actress whose song U.N.I.T.Y. played a major role in raising awareness about women's rights worldwide. Dubbed Queen of Jazz-Rap, Latifah has influenced several soul, R&B, and hip-hop artists like Remy Ma, Lil' Kim, Ivy Queen, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Eve among other artists. As an actress, Latifah has won several prestigious awards.
21
Meghan Trainor(Pop Singer-songwriter Known for her Debut Single 'All About That Bass')
Birthdate: December 22, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States
Meghan Trainor is an American talent show judge and singer-songwriter. Trainor is credited with promoting body positivity through her music; her songs often have lyrical themes based on personal empowerment and body image. Also a well-known philanthropist, Meghan Trainor works closely with organizations, such as The American Cancer Society. She also takes an active part in several charity events.
22
H.E.R.(R&B Singer Known for Her Abum 'H.E.R')
Birthdate: June 27, 1997
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Vallejo, California, United States
R&B singer Gabriella “Gabi” Wilson, better known to her fans as H.E.R., had initially released a few works under her real name. However, she gained fame only after the release of her first EP, H.E.R. Volume 1, in 2016. The two-time Grammy-winner performed at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Award ceremony.
23
Jennifer Hudson(Singer & Actress Known for Her Role in the Musical 'Dreamgirls')
Birthdate: September 12, 1981
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Jennifer Hudson shot to fame after reaching the finals of the third season of American Idol. She is known for her Academy Award-winning role of Effie White in Dreamgirls. She also won the Grammy twice, one for her self-titled debut album and the other for the musical The Color Purple.
24
Jhené Aiko(Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Songs ‘The Worst’ and ‘Sail Out’)
Birthdate: March 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
American singer and songwriter Jhené Aiko's musical style is associated with PBR&B, a new wave of music viewed as an alternative to contemporary R&B. Her personal life, which includes an early pregnancy at the age of 20, the death of her brother Miyagi, a major car accident, and troubled relationships, has not affected her impressive music career.
25
Keke Palmer(Best Known for Her Role in the Film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and the Sitcom 'True Jackson, VP')
Birthdate: August 26, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Harvey, Illinois, United States
Keke Palmer is an American actress, television personality, and singer. In 2019, she was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 celebrities who are shaping the future of health, entertainment, business, politics, and more. Palmer, who has been open about her struggle with depression and anxiety, supports movements, such as Black Lives Matter.
Birthdate: October 25, 1985
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Austin, Texas, United States
Ciara is an American singer-songwriter whose debut single, Goodies, earned her the title Princess of Crunk&B. Her songs, Goodies and Yeah!, are credited with introducing the substyle of contemporary R&B and crunk music called crunk&B to music lovers. Also a dancer and model, Ciara has had a major impact on the American entertainment industry for the past 10 years.
Birthdate: December 1, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Artist Janelle Monae initially sang with rapper Big Boi and is known for albums such as Dirty Computer. She has been nominated for the Grammys multiple times. Monae also appeared in films such as Hidden Figures and the Academy Award-winning drama Moonlight. She is both bisexual and pansexual.
28
Kehlani(Famous for Her Performance on America's Got Talent With The Band 'Poplyfe')
Birthdate: April 24, 1995
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Kehlani Ashley Parrish soared to fame on America's Got Talent, performing with the teen pop band Poplyfe. The Grammy-nominated artist is known for her chartbusting tracks 1st Position and Raw & True. She is pansexual and is known for her love for tattoos. She is also a sexual-assault survivor.
29
Jill Scott
(Singer-songwriter)
Birthdate: April 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
30
Tammi Terrell
(Known as a star singer for Motown Records during the 1960s, notably for a series of duets with singer Marvin Gaye)
Birthdate: April 29, 1945
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: March 16, 1970
31
Donna Summer
(Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: December 31, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died: May 17, 2012
32
Toni Braxton(One of the Best-Selling Female R&B Artist In History)
Birthdate: October 7, 1967
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Severn, Maryland, United States
Soul and R&B sensation Toni Braxton initially performed with her sisters in The Braxtons. She won three of her seven Grammys with her debut album. Known for her Billboard-charters such as Un-break My Heart, she also collaborated with Babyface, competed in Dancing with the Stars, and produced Braxton Family Values.
33
JoJo(Youngest Solo Artist in History to Have Her Single on the Billboard Hot 100)
Birthdate: December 20, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brattleboro, Vermont, United States
JoJo is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. A child prodigy, JoJo released her self-titled debut studio album at the age of 13. Subsequently, the album peaked at number four on Billboard 200 and has sold more than four million copies to date. She has also been headlining several tours, apart from releasing albums.
34
Tori Kelly(Known for Her Debut Album 'Unbreakable Smile')
Birthdate: December 14, 1992
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Wildomar, California, United States
Tori Kelly was initially spotted on Star Search and won America's Most Talented Kid. She failed to make it to the "Top 24" of American Idol but later released Billboard Hot 100-charting singles such as Nobody Love. The two-time Grammy-winner has also voiced Meena in Sing and its sequel.
35
Mariah Carey(First Artist to Have Her First Five Singles Reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100)
Birthdate: March 27, 1969
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Huntington, New York, United States
Known for her five-octave vocal range and melismatic singing style, singer-songwriter Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She holds the record for the most number-one singles by a solo artist and a female songwriter. She was ranked second on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music in 2012.
Birthdate: September 1, 1996
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Actress and singer Zendaya is best known for her role in the Disney Channel sitcom, Shake It Up. She began her career as a model and is trained in different forms of dance. As a singer, she has released one studio album and several singles. She identifies as a feminist and has shown support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.
Birthdate: March 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Birthdate: February 6, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Died: December 31, 2015
R&B and pop singer Natalie Cole, daughter of jazz pianist and singer Nat King Cole, is known for hits such as Inseparable and her cover of Pink Cadillac. The nine-time Grammy-winning artist soared to fame with the album Unforgettable... with Love, which sold more than 7 million copies.
Birthdate: January 26, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Toledo
40
Kelly Rowland(Singer-Songwriter and Member of One of the Best-Selling Girl Groups of All Time ‘Destiny's Child’)
Birthdate: February 11, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Four-time Grammy-winning artist Kelly Rowland was part of the R&B group Destiny’s Child, along with Beyoncé. Kelly has also had a successful solo career and has starred in films such as Freddy vs. Jason. She has been a judge on The X Factor and a coach on The Voice.
41
Ashanti(Singer-songwriter and Actress Know for Her Hit Song "Foolish")
Birthdate: October 13, 1980
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Glen Cove, New York, United States
Ashanti is an American singer, record producer, songwriter, model, and actress. A talented musician, Ashanti became the first woman to occupy the number one and number two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Also known for her humanitarian work, Ashanti works tirelessly towards several causes, including raising awareness about issues pertaining to domestic violence.
Birthdate: July 24, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Castle Hill, New York, United States
Jennifer Lopez established herself as the highest-paid Latin actress in Hollywood after starring in films such as Out of Sight, The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan and Shall We Dance’. She is also an accomplished dancer and commercially very successful singer. She helped propel the Latin pop movement in American music. She is also a fashion designer and a businesswoman.
43
Minnie Riperton
(Singer, Singer-songwriter)
Birthdate: November 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chicago
Died: July 12, 1979
Birthdate: April 7, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: East Tilbury, Essex, England
Birthdate: June 30, 1983
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
46
Faith Evans(R&B Singer Known for Her Albums 'Faith', 'Keep the Faith' and 'Faithfully')
Birthdate: June 10, 1973
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Lakeland, Florida, United States
R&B and hip-hop artist Faith Evans is the first female artist to sign with Sean Combs’s label. She was married to rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in a shooting. Evans later won a Grammy for the song I'll Be Missing You, released in memory of her late husband.
47
Jordin Sparks(Pop Singer Who Became Famous at Age Seventeen When She Won Season Six of 'American Idol')
Birthdate: December 22, 1989
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Jordin Sparks was the youngest American Idol winner, at 17. She released Billboard Hot 100-charting singles such as Tattoo and No Air, the latter with Chris Brown. Named to VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Music list, she has also launched her own perfume and performed on stage and on screen.
Birthdate: September 20, 1968
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States
49
Vanity (Singer)(Lead Singer of The Female Trio 'Vanity 6' Known for Their Hit Song "Nasty Girl")
Birthdate: January 4, 1959
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Niagara Falls, Canada
Died: February 15, 2016
Canadian entertainer Denise Katherine Matthews, better known by her pseudonym, Vanity, initially gained fame as part of the girl group Vanity 6, which delivered hits such as Nasty Girl. She also released solo albums and starred in films such as Action Jackson. She died of kidney failure at 57.
Birthdate: November 3, 1994
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: London
English singer, Ella Mai, was one of the contestants on the TV show, The X Factor, in which she auditioned as part of a trio. Even though she didn’t last long on the show, she went ahead to create her own music and became a sensation following the release of her eponymous album that topped the US R&B chart.