Female Soul Singers

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 1 
Aretha Franklin
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists in the World & 'Queen of Soul')
Aretha Franklin
6
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.

 2 
Adele
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists Known for Her Multi-Platinum Certified Albums '19' and '21')
Adele
14
Birthdate: May 5, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

Adele is one of the most successful female music artists from England. She is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold over 120 million records. The recipient of numerous awards, Adele also holds several Guinness World Records. In 2012 and 2016, she was named in Time magazine's list of most influential people in the world.

 3 
Amy Jade Winehouse
(Known for Her Deep, Expressive Contralto Vocals and Her Eclectic Mix of Musical Genres)
Amy Jade Winehouse
6
Birthdate: September 14, 1983
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Enfield, London, England
Died: July 23, 2011
Soul and jazz singer Amy Winehouse is best remembered for her tracks Stronger Than Me and Rehab. She was the first British female to win five Grammys. Following her death due to alcohol poisoning at age 27, her album Back to Black became U.K.’s best-selling album of the 21st century.
 4 
Diana Ross
(Lead Singer of 'the Supremes', the Best-Charting Female Group in History)
Diana Ross
8
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.

 5 
Jhené Aiko
(Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Songs ‘The Worst’ and ‘Sail Out’)
Jhené Aiko
4
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.

 6 
Jennifer Hudson
(Singer & Actress Known for Her Role in the Musical 'Dreamgirls')
Jennifer Hudson
6
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
 7 
Sade
(Frontwoman of the Soul Band Sade)
Sade
4
Birthdate: January 16, 1959
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ibadan, Nigeria

Nigerian-British singer Helen Folasade Adu, or Sade Adu, often blends Afro-Cuban tunes with soul and smooth jazz in her music. The Grammy Award winner had initially studied fashion designing and been a model. The founder of the band Sade, she has released iconic tracks such as No Ordinary Love.

 8 
Elle King
(American Singer-Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist)
Elle King
4
Birthdate: July 3, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

American singer, Elle King, made her mark in showbiz when her debut single Good To Be A Man was released in March 2012 as a digital download. Her 2014 single Ex's & Oh's became one of the top songs in US. Under the Influence, America's Sweetheart, Good Girls, Different for Girls, Wild Love are some of her other popular songs.

 9 
Donna Summer
(Singer-Songwriter)
Donna Summer
4
Birthdate: December 31, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died: May 17, 2012
 10 
Dusty Springfield
(Singer, Artist, Cleric)
Dusty Springfield
6
Birthdate: April 16, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: West Hampstead, London,England
Died: March 2, 1999
 11 
Vanessa Williams
6
Birthdate: March 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
 12 
Alicia Keys
(Singer, Actress)
Alicia Keys
0
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.

 13 
Cynthia Erivo
(Actress)
Cynthia Erivo
4
Birthdate: January 8, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Stockwell, London, England, United Kingdom
 14 
Macy Gray
(Singer-songwriter)
Macy Gray
3
Birthdate: September 6, 1967
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Canton, Ohio, United States
 15 
Sheridan Smith
(Actress)
Sheridan Smith
6
Birthdate: June 25, 1981
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Epworth, North Lincolnshire, England, UK
 16 
Janis Joplin
(American Singer Known for Her Powerful Mezzo-Soprano Vocals)
Janis Joplin
0
Birthdate: January 19, 1943
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Port Arthur, Texas, United States
Died: October 4, 1970

Best known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice, Janis Joplin was one of the most successful rock stars of her era. Before dying at the age of 27, she achieved so much that Rolling Stone magazine included her in its 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list in 2004 and 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list in 2008.

 17 
Jill Scott
(Singer-songwriter)
Jill Scott
3
Birthdate: April 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
 18 
Roberta Flack
3
Birthdate: February 10, 1939
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Black Mountain, North Carolina, United States
 19 
Taylor Dayne
(Singer-songwriter)
Taylor Dayne
3
Birthdate: March 7, 1962
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Baldwin, Long Island, New York, USA
 20 
Joss Stone
(Singer-songwriter who Rose to Fame with Her Debut Album 'The Soul Sessions')
Joss Stone
7
Birthdate: April 11, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Dover, Kent, England

Joss Stone is an English singer, actress, and songwriter. One of the most successful British female singers of her generation, Stone has sold more than 15 million records worldwide. She has also received several prestigious awards, such as Grammy Award and Brit Awards. In 2006, Joss Stone became the youngest woman to be featured in the Sunday Times Rich List.

 21 
Paloma Faith
(Pop and Soul Singer Best Known for Her Retro and Eccentric Fashion and Music)
Paloma Faith
6
Birthdate: July 21, 1981
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, England

Paloma Faith is a British singer, actress, and songwriter. She is best known for her album Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?, which received double-platinum certification in the UK apart from earning Faith her maiden BRIT Award nomination. Renowned for her eccentric style, Paloma Faith has also received prestigious awards like the ASCAP Award.

 22 
Andra Day
(Singer-songwriter)
Andra Day
3
Birthdate: December 30, 1984
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Spokane, Washington (state) Washington, U.S.
 23 
Tichina Arnold
3
Birthdate: June 28, 1969
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Tichina Arnold started as a child actor, working in films such as Little Shop of Horrors. She then gained fame as Pamela James in Martin and as Rochelle in Everybody Hates Chris. She has also launched the We Win Foundation and was previously the owner of a designer headgear brand. 
 24 
Cissy Houston
(Gospel Singers)
Cissy Houston
3
Birthdate: September 30, 1933
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, USA
 25 
Tash Sultana
(Known for the Hits ‘Notion’, ‘Gemini’ and ‘Synergy’)
Tash Sultana
3
Birthdate: June 15, 1995
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Tash Sultana soared to fame with her phenomenally successful single Jungle, which was first posted on YouTube and went viral on social media, gaining a million views in 5 days. The non-binary Australian singer uses the pronoun “they.” She also made it to the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 list.

 26 
Rebbie Jackson
5
Birthdate: May 29, 1950
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States
 27 
Bobbie Gentry
(Singer-Songwriter)
Bobbie Gentry
3
Birthdate: July 27, 1942
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chickasaw County, Mississippi, United States
 28 
LeToya Luckett
(Singer)
LeToya Luckett
3
Birthdate: March 11, 1981
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
 29 
Emeli Sandé
(R&B Singer Best Remebered for her Album 'Our Vision of Events')
Emeli Sandé
3
Birthdate: March 10, 1987
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England
 30 
K Michelle
(Singer-songwriter who Rose to Fame as Breakout Star of 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta')
K Michelle
3
Birthdate: March 4, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
 31 
Corinne Bailey Rae
(Singer-Songwriter Best Known for Her 2006 Single ‘Put Your Records On')
Corinne Bailey Rae
3
Birthdate: February 26, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Leeds, England
 32 
Brittany Howard
(Musician)
Brittany Howard
3
Birthdate: October 2, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Athens, Alabama Athens, Alabama, United States
 33 
Jazmine Sullivan
(R&B Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Debut Album 'Fearless')
Jazmine Sullivan
3
Birthdate: April 9, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Jazmine Sullivan soared to fame with the Billboard-topping debut album Fearless. Born to a background vocalist mother, she began singing as part of gospel choirs. With 15 Grammy nominations, she has tied with Icelandic singer Björk, for the most Grammy nominations without a win for any female.

 34 
Fleur East
(Singer-songwriter)
Fleur East
3
Birthdate: October 29, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Walthamstow, London

Fleur East is an English rapper, singer, and songwriter. She is best known for her participation in the popular reality television music competition The X Factor where she finished second in 2014. She then went on to release her debut studio album Love, Sax and Flashbacks which peaked at number 12 on the Scottish Albums Chart.

 35 
Ella Henderson
(Singer-songwriter)
Ella Henderson
5
Birthdate: January 12, 1996
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lincolnshire, England
 36 
Phyllis Hyman
(Singer)
Phyllis Hyman
3
Birthdate: July 6, 1949
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: June 30, 1995
 37 
Dee Dee Warwick
2
Birthdate: September 25, 1942
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: October 18, 2008

Dee Dee Warwick was a soul singer whose career was largely marred by drug addiction. However, she found success later in her career, recording songs for Private Stock Records and RCA Records. In 1999, she was honored by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation with a Pioneer Award. Warwick is also remembered for being one of the first openly gay singers.

 38 
India Arie
(Singer)
India Arie
2
Birthdate: October 3, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, USA
 39 
Betty Wright
(R&B and Soul Singer Known for Singles: ‘Tonight Is the Night’ and ‘Clean up Woman')
Betty Wright
2
Birthdate: December 21, 1953
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States
Died: May 10, 2020

Bessie Regina Norris, better known as Betty Wright, ruled the American gospel, R&B, and soul scene for 6 decades. The Grammy-winning artist joined her family gospel group at age 2, gained fame with the track Clean Up Woman at 17, and had her own record label by the 1980s.

 40 
Jody Watley
(Singer)
Jody Watley
2
Birthdate: January 30, 1959
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
 41 
Kim Tae-yeon
(South Korean Singer)
Kim Tae-yeon
2
Birthdate: March 9, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Wansan-gu, Jeonju, South Korea
 42 
Heather Headley
(Singer)
Heather Headley
2
Birthdate: October 5, 1974
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidadian-American singer-actor Heather Headley is best known for her Tony- and Drama Desk-winning performance in the musical Aida. The Northwestern University drop-out was also part of the theatrical version of Whitney Houston’s movie The Bodyguard and won a Grammy for her gospel album Audience of One.

 43 
Enisa Nikaj
(Singer)
Enisa Nikaj
0
Birthdate: March 5, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
 44 
Beverley Knight
(Contemporary R&B singers)
Beverley Knight
2
Birthdate: March 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Wolverhampton, England
 45 
Andy Allo
(Actress, Singer)
Andy Allo
2
Birthdate: January 13, 1989
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bamenda, Cameroon
 46 
Merry Clayton
(Gospel Singer Known for Her 1969 Duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones Song ‘Gimme Shelter')
Merry Clayton
2
Birthdate: December 25, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

From losing her child due to a miscarriage following the recording of the song Gimme Shelter with The Rolling Stones, to getting her legs amputated after a car accident, singer-actor Merry Clayton has been through a lot. The renowned backing vocalist and gospel singer was also featured in an Oscar-winning documentary.

 47 
Lari White
(Country Singers)
Lari White
2
Birthdate: May 13, 1965
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dunedin, Florida, USA
Died: January 23, 2018
 48 
Kelly Price
(R&B and Gospel Singer Known for Her Big, Powerful, and Emotional Voice)
Kelly Price
2
Birthdate: April 4, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Queens, New York, United States

Starting her music career as a background vocalist for singers such as Mariah Carey and George Michael, Kelly Price later made her mark in the industry with albums such as Soul of a Woman and Mirror Mirror. The Grammy-nominated singer is also known for her breast cancer activism.

 49 
Angie Stone
(R&B and Soul Singer Best Known as the Former Member of the Hip Hop Trio 'The Sequence')
Angie Stone
2
Birthdate: December 18, 1961
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Motivated by her gospel singer father, Angie Stone began singing as a child. She later formed the rap/hip-hop act The Sequence and then became the lead singer of Vertical Hold. Her first solo album, Black Diamond, was a Billboard charter. She has also appeared in movies and campaigned against diabetes.

 50 
Shanice
(Singer-Songwriter)
Shanice
2
Birthdate: May 14, 1973
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States