And the Winners Are: (Best Female Singers/Groups)
Written by: Kim Sawyer
Saturday is entertainment day on 7DayBuzz, and typically I’d highlight one specific person who’s in the entertainment business. However, today I am going to deviate a little bit. I love music and so does my husband Tom. And because of our love for music, we get into these discussions about who we think is the best female singer. Typically, we only discuss R&B female singers who are still living. But, in this post, I will discuss those who are living as well as those who have passed way. In addition, I am going to expand the category to include not only the best R&B female singers, but the best gospel female singers, the best pop female singers, the best R&B female groups, and if we have any readers who are rock fans, the best rock female singers.
Below, I’ve listed who I think is the best in each category. To make this interesting and debatable, I am asking you to share with me who you think is the best in the categories. We just may agree on some them. Or, maybe not. :–)
Okay, here goes:
Best R&B Female Singers
1. Whitney Houston (Hands down, the best! I look past her troubles – can’t take away her talent)
2. Jill Scott (She’s very close to my number one spot – I just couldn’t dethrone Whitney)
3. Heather Headley (Wonderful voice. Very underrated)
4. Minnie Riperton (Talk about a woman with a range. She can sing circles around Mariah Carey)
5. Patti LaBelle
6. Aretha Franklin (I only listed her because her older stuff is really good. The newer stuff is questionable)
7. Stephanie Mills
8. Anita Baker
9. Gladys Knight
10. Mary J. Blige (Say what you want, she’s come a long way and has earned the title of being one of the best R&B female singers)
Best Gospel Female Singers
1. Mahalia Jackson
2. Yolanda Adams
3. Vanessa Bell Armstrong (This woman’s voice is truly amazing)
4. Karen Clark-Sheard
5. Kim Burrell
6. Dorinda Clark Cole
7. Cece Winans
Best R&B Female Group
1. En Vogue (No other girl group will ever be better!)
2. Diana Ross & the Supremes
3. Destiny’s Child
4. The Emotions (If any of you remember the songs ‘Best of My Love’ and ‘Don’t Ask My Neighbors,’ you know why they’re on the list)
5. SWV
Best Pop Female Singers
1. Mariah Carey (Yep, she’s a better singer than Beyonce)
2. Beyonce (She is not R&B!)
3. Taylor Dane
4. Lisa Stansfield
5. Tina Turner (When she left Ike, she went totally Pop. That’s why I didn’t list her under R&B)
6. Madonna
7. Joss Stone
8. Christina Aguilera
Best Rock Female Singers
1. Pat Benatar (‘Love is a Battlefield.’ Need I say more?)
2. Gwen Stafani
3. Annie Lennox
4. Stevie Nicks
5. Pink
6. Janis Joplin
7. Alanis Morissette
8. Debbie Harry
July 12th, 2008 at 4:24 am
EXCELLENT list!
You “had” me on Kim Burrell. (LOVE her voice and unique style.)
But you “got” me with The Emotions! lol (Key to My Heart, Blind Alley, and my all-time favorite: SHOW ME HOW TO LOVE).
July 12th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Hey Viqi. Welcome to 7daybuzz.
I have to keep people remembering about some of the girl groups who didn’t get much air play!:–)
July 12th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Yes, we have had many conversations about this and I have my opinions too. Let me explain how I look at it. I look at the voice not necessarily the songs because everybody doesn’t have the same material to work with. For instance, Mary J. Blige has producers who always give her great material to work with. On the other hand, Fantasia is working with some garbage. I mention those two because they both use emotion in their songs. Neither one of them has the crystal clear voice of Whitney Houston, but we really feel what they are saying.
I would also like people to think about a couple of so-called great singers. If you practiced screaming several times a day, everyday, sooner or later you would be able to control it. Does that mean you have just added octaves to your range or you can scream with control? Yep, you know who I’m talking about. Mariah Carey does NOT have that great of a voice. Keep in mind, I’m comparing her to the likes of Whitney Houston and Jill Scott, not you average singer. Also, Alicia Keys has an OK voice but nothing that would put her in this conversation. Take away that piano and she would probably still be trying to make it.
Remember in the Preacher’s Wife when Whitney was singing to Denzel in the bar/nightclub? That is an example of why she is the greatest. Pure voice.
I can’t get with Kim’s list, but she has added some questionable artists for me.
1. I have to start with the most important comment. CeCe Winans…uh, no! Do people realize that there was a time when her brothers and her and BeBe stopped using God and Jesus in their songs? They replaced God/Jesus with “him” and “he.” Strangely (not really), this is when their careers took a dip. She has recovered, but I just don’t look at her the same. She started saying God/Jesus after Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams became popular gospel artists. Hmmmm.
2. Can Gwen Stefani sing good? That one is puzzling me.
3. Kim said Mary J has come a long way. That is funny. She still almost has a breakdown every time I see her perform live.
4. Could you imagine going into the studio with Patti Labelle and trying to get her to sing a song the same way twice? Wow. She is one of the best, but she is all over the place.
5. Kim, where is Fantasia on your list? You know she can sing!
6. Kim, you left Tina Marie off your list? I thought she would be
July 12th, 2008 at 8:38 am
LOL about Patti! She will take over if she sings with someone else. But her old stuff is really good, which showcases her voice. Okay, I like Fantasia and yes she can sing, but the best?!!! I don’t know. Gwen Stafani really does have a good voice (get past all of the props and gimmicks.) As a matter of fact, listen to her when she was apart of No Doubt. You’ll be able to hear her voice.
Mary J Blige has improved tremendously! And she can sing. Some songs showcase this better than others. You just said you look at the voice and not necessarily the songs. So regarding CeCe, you’re not looking at the voice – you’re looking at the songs. You can’t have it both ways. Therefore, despite your comment about CeCe, she has a really good voice. Remember, look at the voice.
Lastly, Mariah Carey really does have a strong voice. The mistake people make is saying she has a wide range, which isn’t necessarily true. Hence, she always tries to hit a really high note. If you remove all of that, she really can sing.
I did forget about Tina Marie didn’t I? My bad.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Tom’s comments were funny. Kim, you put some time in this.
Let me first say I grew up listening to only gospel music. That was the rules of the house. Of course, occasionally, I would sneak and listen to other stuff and in the course of life you hear other stuff. But let me start with gospel additions. I agree, these are good. However, there are a few I feel are so underrated. I love me some Helen Baylor (Can You Reach My Friend and Get a Little Closer) and LaShun Pace Rhodes (My Times). Both of these women have GREAT testimonies. Helen was into drugs and received instant deliverance from God. You gotta listen to Helen’s testimony. I can almost quote it by heart! LaShun lost her daughter. Check them out! I kind of like Vicki Winans also. (We Need A Word From The Lord). And please DO NOT forget Tramaine Hawkins (Changed. One of the best songs EVER!)
Let me just mention the ones I will have to high five you on:
Cecelia Winans is the bomb. Beautiful voice!
Yolanda Adams – no doubt
EVERY Clark Sister
Whitney – no doubt! I look past her issues too. I know she is on her way back. I know it! And Tom, yes, yes, yes! That scene in the bodyguard, when she is singing I Have Nothing is mesmerizing!
Diana Ross!!! Effortlessly B-E-A-U-T-F-U-L voice!
The Emotions, Don’t Ask My Neighbor… gurl, that song should be played when…
On the fence:
Mariah Carey – some times good, sometimes not as good.
Beyonce – can’t really say I know what she sounds like. I’m always captivated by her moves! lol.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Oh man, I forgot about Lashun, Vicki and Tremaine! All three of them should’ve been on the list! I’ve only heard one or two of Helen Baylor’s songs. I’ll find some of her stuff and listen to it.
Diana Ross? Ummmm – not sure about her.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Please listen to Helen’s testimony!
You have Diana on your group list! She has a flawless voice. Just my opinion.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Let me clarify – I’m not sure about Diana Ross as a solo artist. With the Supremes, she was good.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Beyonce really excellent..I’m really love her
July 12th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hrmmm, what were the credentials here? There were so many great girl groups and I’m curious how you chose the ones you did. I loved For Real and Xscape during the 90s, and then you’ve got Eternal over in the UK who were wonderful.
As evidence, I offer up Xscape – Understanding, For Real – Saddest Song I Ever Heard, and Eternal – Angel of Mine.
Regardless, these are some great choices! So many great women in music.. if only more were active now.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Hi bonoriau. Welcome to 7daybuzz.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Hi R&B Fan. Welcome to 7daybuzz. These lists are just personal opinions. I forgot about Xscape. Understanding was the song back then! I agree with you about there being so many talented women – it is really difficult to choose all of them.
July 13th, 2008 at 5:10 am
EMPRESS OF SOUL GLADYS KNIGHT, number 9, QUEEN OF SOUL ARETHA FRANKLIN, number 5, (and only because of her early stuff), no Chaka Khan? You sound young, uninformed; and you can’t really be taken seriously. This is just your opinion, though!!!!
July 13th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Hey EmpressGladys. Welcome to 7daybuzz. I am so glad you vehemently oppose JUST the R&B list! But, you have to put things into perspective though. The R&B list is comprised of both new and old artists. Hence, the arrangement. Now, if it was just based on older R&B, of course the order of the list would be different and it would (maybe) be more to your liking. As far as Chaka Khan, she still may or may not be included. As far as I’m concerned, she was good when she was with Rufus — after that — questionable.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:59 am
(..Lord forgive anyone who has post and not mentioned Lauryn Hill’s name…)
now on with my post..
Wow, Destiny’s Child.. the female group with the most records sold ever… yes EVER.. #3?
and… I am no music god, but lets clear up some things..
Mariah Carey CAN sing..
Destiny’s Child is killin En Vogue.. and always will
um.. “Somebody’s suppose to be here” – Debroah Cox (soooo under rated)
Can someone at least mention Aaliyah’s name?
Ill get ripped for this one, but maybe the #3 on pop should be Brandy.. at least put her on the list..
Erykah Badu!
ASHANTI!!!! just playing..
July 14th, 2008 at 7:49 am
LOL! Sorry Kendall about Lauryn HIll. She has a decent voice – just not ‘one of the best.’
Though Destiny’s Child has outsold En Vogue in sales, En Vogue still has them beat when it comes to singing!
I forgot about Deborah Cox – she should be on the list because I agree she is underrated. Brandy and Erykah Badu – I like them both, but on a top 10 list – nah! Maybe a top 20.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Ok, maybe I got carried away with Erykah Badu.. plus she turned a top 10 rapper of all time (Andre 3000) into a cupcake “Hey Ya” lookin dude..
And I guess I am biased with Brandy since that “Never Say Never” cd was one of my weapons of choice in the middle school/freshman year days..
Another pure voice is Indie Arie.. she’s not your average girl from the videos…
Is there a Male edition of this post coming up?? That might be harder to compose than the females..
July 14th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Man, Never Say Never was the best from Brandy! She hasn’t been able to top that.
India Arie – I do like her. Okay, she should’ve been on the list. My bad.
I think you should put together the Male edition so we can post it. :–)
July 14th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
You really think Mariah Carey can sing good? When I say good I mean compared with all the other singers on these lists. I just don’t think so.
Remember, this is about singing, not about what someone is wearing. If you put Mariah on stage with Jill Scott and didn’t let her wear skimpy clothes she might get embarassed.
Someone mentioned my comments about CeCe and I didn’t respond. I’m critical of her because she has played with fire and I think she should explain herself. That is a difference between her and the other singers I mentioned.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
mariah carey is not even debatable, she’s the top selling female singer of all time, that says it all. i love mariah caey, can’t stand mjb. OMG, now mjb is the one who can’t sing too good. have you heard her live? wow. don’t care for her ghetto, tatooed look either.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Man she is still kicking just because of her name.. I too do not care at all for her ghetto look and ugly tattoos.. But she still does makes two hits an album, but that doesn’t say much in a world where soulja boy is “hot”.. give me a nice beat and a catchy dance, and i can make a hit too. Matter of fact.. im about to go to the lab and make one..
July 15th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
You konw you wrong for even mentioning Ashanti……oh baby! lol
July 15th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
My bad ya’ll…i can spell but Kendall had me laughing w/ that Ashanti.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
MJB always has some hits on her albums. Yes, I agree that she doesn’t have the best voice, but she sings with emotion which is a time-tested recipe for success. Now, sometimes it is a little too much emotion for me, but still I like the fact that she isn’t standing there like a statue (Ruben Studdard).
Mariah Carey doesn’t have one of the best voices of all time no matter how many records she sells. Like I said, take away the short skirts and see how good of a singer she is. Don’t go by sales, listen to her and tell me she is really that good. Do you think Alicia Keys can sing good too?
July 16th, 2008 at 5:32 am
you go Kendall!
July 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
i cant see what mariah is wearing when i’m listening to all her multi platinum records and cd’s. the onliest thing i know is, is that it sounds good.
get off of cece!!!!! she is awesome. how u gonna tell somebody what words to use when they sing? u write some songs and let people judge you. where is it written that a singer who sings a song, that we put a gospel tag on, has to say the name Jesus or God a certain amount of times thru out the song? get over it and write your own songs.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
So I guess you would have no problem going to a church where a preacher substituted “him” for Jesus? Don’t you think the better question is why would she make a total album and exclude the name.
Concerning Mariah, are we using record sales to judge how good someone is? If that is the case maybe Brittany Spears should be on the list.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I know I’m late but in what way is Beyone excellent. She doesnt have a voice. She has some nice club songs with cute little hooks but she is by no means an excellent singer. She’s come a ways but still has a long way to go.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Girl you must’ve been having a bad day. How could you forget Tina? I know we had this debate before but I still dont think Mary has a voice. If you put her on the list its like putting that Girl (I forgot her name) – the one with the reality show where her mom is a recovering addict and her family is a hot mess. Taylor Dane? Wasnt she a one hit wonder? Well if we’re doing one hit wonders count Karen White- you remember “Superwoman”.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Hey MiMi. Long time no hear from. Welcome back. I know, I know — me forgetting Tina is not good. Now on to Mary, the debates we had were about you liking her ONLY when things were going bad for her. She’s still come a long way. Which reality show are you talking about?
July 17th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Its Britney ….. Oh yeah.. I like Syleena Johnson too by the way.. That “slowly” song is the joint..
July 17th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Clyde, if they don’t want to use His name, they should take themselves out of the “gospel” category and called themselves contemporary Christian or something generic and loosely associate with true gospel music. Come on, YOU KNOW if someone is going to call themselves country, you gotta and gonna hear a “woe is me” story told in that song. You know if somebody raps, you gonna hear certain things, well, if you tell me it is gospel, I don’t expect for them to shirt around saying Jesus! An entire album??? I can understand one song. Actually I don’t think Marvin Sapp says Jesus in Never Would Have Made It, a song we know will go down in history as one of the greatest, but you have no doubt by the vibe of the song and the rest of the album where he stands. Here’s the clincher with that album Tom speaks about, one day I watching a soap opera and they had a very steamy love scene. Guess what they were playing? Yes, one of Bebe and Cece songs from that said album. How degrading to my Lord if in fact it was suppose to be a song about Him. I think they did it to sell more albums but the question is, did they sell out???
January 9th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I agree with your list especially, Ms. Houston. This woman voice is pure. Her performance of the National Anthem during the Superbowel still rates number 1. This voice was given from GOD above. Are there any true R&B singers? SINGERS? Not performers. Everyone points to B. knowles as the best R & B singer. This woman is a performer. As stated above her beats along with her less than cover body parts help to sell million of CD. But does this place her in the ranking with Whitney, Aretha, or Jill Scott. If you could add one to the list, Stephanie Mills would be my choice and Honorable mention Monica (powerful). Destiny Child could no way compare to Envogue
January 11th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Hi Blacksister. Welcome to 7DayBuzz. Isn’t Whitney Houston the epitome of a truly gifted singer? Love, love, love her! I agree with you about Bey. She is definitely a performer as opposed to the “best R&B singer.”
Aww man, I forgot Stephanie Mills. “Keep Away Girls” is one of my all time favorites. In this song, her voice is subtle, but still powerful.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbour were just setting up to do some research about this. I am very grateful to see such great information being shared freely out there.
March 7th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Hey, you have a real great blog here and I’ve been digging your publishing model too. I’ve been curious though on your technique for discovering article topics. Is there a particular procedure that you implement or what? I’ve been fascinated in blogging for the reason that I don’t really make much revenue off of porn embassy. Perhaps you would likely possess some suggestions or a little something that you might like to share? Thanks
March 9th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Proficient blog! I’ll probably be mentioning some of this information in my next assignment.
June 1st, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi there!
My band just made our own proper song!!!
Have a look, we’ve learnt a lot from your blog!
xxx
June 14th, 2010 at 11:57 am
“Aretha Franklin (I only listed her because her older stuff is really good. The newer stuff is questionable”
Wow that’s something because she changed the face of music more that any other female you have listed…Not to mention she has influenced almost all of todays singers including Whitney,Mary,Mariah etc. As well as she has the most diverse music catalog of them all..
Chaka Khan can should not be left off any list of best female singers period she along with Aretha can blow these so called singers of today off the stage!
August 21st, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Hi, I wish to let all of you bloggers / web users recognize about a new Search Engine called Braxea. Its pretty dam cool… It combines Google, Bing and Yahoo into one plus lets you search for videos on YouTube and News all over the net. Maybe this will become the new Google ?