female country singers of the '50s and '60s

1 in the U.S., selling more than one million copies. The Weavers spun off from the earlier group the Almanac Singers, in which Pete Seeger and Lee Hays were core members. WebHere's a playlist of Holler's Best Country Songs of the 1950s. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976. Older female singers still alive in 2023. Emmylou Harris 14. Her personal life has often sparked controversy, especially when she came out as pansexual and talked about use of cannabis. The Glories - I Stand Accused (Of Loving You) The Simon Sisters - Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod. Her Top 5 country hits with Cash were It Ain't Me Babe, If I Were a Carpenter and Jackson, the last-named of which won her and Cash a Grammy as best vocal duo. Female Singers of the '60s: Top 20 Greatest Artists We Love Aretha Franklin. Sitting at the top of our list of the greatest female singers of the '60s, Aretha Franklin was the real "Queen of Soul." Nina Simone. Although the nickname "The High Priestess of Soul," Nina Simone wasn't tied down by any musical genres. Etta James. Shirley Bassey. Dusty Springfield. Janis Joplin. Dionne Warwick. Joan Baez. Cass Elliot. More items The academy inducted her version of You Belong to Me and The Pied Pipers Ill Never Smile Again into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Trisha Yearwood is an American recording artist, television personality, actress, author, and celebrity chef. Their first recording was titled Lets Get Together and Swing in 1936. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line 4. Shepard was welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. WebThe Bermudas - Donnie. Shirley Bassey 3. She has been a major influence on artists, such as Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, and Dottie West. 100 Top Male Singers Of The '50s, '60s, And '70s Who Changed These classics include such semi-sermons as You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man), Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind) and Rated X. She raised the hackles of radio censors -- while delighting other women -- with The Pill, a song she didn't write but which echoed her approval of birth control pills. She performed there for eight weeks and earned herself a record label. Cat Stevens (a.k.a. Mandy Moore is a popular singer, songwriter, and actress who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. CMT and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 1 on the U.S. Michael Franti has become known for his electrifying live performances that can feel more like a peace rally than a standard music concert. Here are some more great female folk singers from the 1970s: Joan Baez Judy Collins Sandy Denny Janis Ian Emmylou Harris Odetta Vashti Bunyan Buffy Sainte-Marie Linda Ronstadt Judee Sill Female Disco Singers of the 70s People often mistake disco for a mans world, but that couldnt be further from the truth. Another hit, Choon Gum, made the top 20 in 1950. 100 Best Female Singers Of The '50s, '60s and '70s - Groovy Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers. Loretta Lynn is one of the talented, old female singers still alive. There were plenty of issues, to be sure. Ross embarked on her acting and solo career, and Wilson also released two solo albums throughout her career, including an expanded version of her 1978 self-titled debut prior to her death in 2021. Best known for "Stand by Your Man," Tammy Wynette was one of country's biggest female stars in the '60s and '70s. Debby Boone is an American singer, actress, and author. The song reached no. Tina Turner 10. Londons biggest hit was the blues-style jazz ballad, Cry Me A River, written by former classmate Arthur Hamilton. The top 50 folk artists of all time, in alphabetical order. 9 on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. There was no template. Hear New Tracks from Macklemore, Boygenius, Jeff Goldblum, and More, American Songwriter: a Savage Ventures Brand. Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Malcolm Lubliner/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, John Shearer/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media, Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images, Columbia Records/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, 10 Influential Political and Protest Folk Music Artists. 50 When she was 19, she toured the U.S. with a band led by Jimmy Joy. She was one of the most popular female folk singers in the '60s folk revivaland started her own record company, Wildflower Records. Much progress had been made by the late '70s -- while punk rock was in some ways a throwback to rebellious '50s music and garage rock, this time around there was a place for women that didn't exist before. A talent agent discovered her while she worked as an elevator operator in a clothing store on Hollywood Boulevard. Phil Ochs is known for writing exceptional protest songs, and he spared nobody with his sharp tongue. And while female singers were prominent, there were almost never any women playing instruments in the band. [Please note, duets which involve one male and one female performer have been included. Billboardawarded her the most popular female vocalist in 1955, 1956, and 1957. She hasn't stopped pushing the envelope sinceand is still releasing excellent records. Singers Bobbie Gentry: Smoky-voiced Gentry (b. Her subsequent 47 chart singles included such Top 5 hits as Then and Only Then, If I Talk to Him, Nobody But a Fool (Would Love You), Ain't Had No Lovin' and The Hurtin's All Over. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and in 1997 married Marty Stuart. Her first million-selling single was With My Eyes Wide Open, Im Dreaming. Page followed this up with Tennessee Waltz in 1950, which spent 13 weeks as a no. She was placed third in the singing contest Nashville Star. The remaining members took an offer from Tommy Dorsey to perform with his orchestra. In the last 40 years, he's released more than 50 recordsand has become a rather respected songwriter in the realm of protest song. She sang for KOVC radio in Valley City and eventually obtained her own 15-minute Saturday radio segment. Female Country Singers of the 60's - Rate Your Music For the latest songwriting tips, reviews, podcasts, and more. Barbara Lynn 19. 20 Best Female Singers of the 60s 20. Lees rise to fame took several years. Opry House Eventually, she would gravitate more toward country tunes, finding better success in that genre. 2023 Opry. In the Name of Love, Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, I Hear a Symphony, You Cant Hurry Love, You Keep Me Hangin On, Love Child, Someday Well Be Together. These songbooks became her most significant and successful pieces. Somewhere in the middle of mostly male-dominated doo-wop groups, Elvis Presley swiveling his hips and the emergence of rock and roll with the likes of Little Richard, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and a burgeoning British invasion of the 1960s, there were the women of girl groups. 1937) charted country songs from 1964 to 1974, generally in the lower regions. After the show went off the air, Francis signed up with a record company to no immediate avail. 1 country single with her 1952 breakout hit It Wasnt God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. Controversial and searing, the song was a response to Hank Thompsons Wild Side of Life and set the trend for answer songs. A list of the most famous country singers of the 1950s would be remiss not to include Patsy Cline. June Carter Cash: As the daughter of Maybelle Carter, one of country music's founding mothers, the former wife of country star Carl Smith and later the wife and singing partner of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash (1929-2003) was as close as it comes to being country music royalty. WebTop 100 Artists of the 50's based on sales, Billboard charts and airplay. 1 singles on theBillboardHot 100 as a solo artist, half of a duet, a member of a trio, and a member of an ensemble. WebThis is a list of American female country singers . In the 1950s, country music continued to benefit from commercial success thanks to post-war prosperity. Her songs have been used in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Del Wood: Wood (1920-1989) had only one chart hit -- the No. Her first chart record under her own name came in 1949 via Baby, It's Cold Outside, which paired her with the comic duo Homer & Jethro. 1 that Wynette and Sherrill co-wrote, won a Grammy for best female vocal and was later installed into the Grammy Hall of Fame. If any songwriter could be called "prolific" or "influential," those terms would certainly apply to Woody Guthrie. Patsy Cline. She also has the distinction of having been the first Grand Ole Opry member to wear a miniskirt on stage -- although not without some grumbling from Opry management. Female Singers Charts), Canadian singer Anne Murray became the first Canadian female solo artist with No. Shes the only female vocalist with no. She gained fame with her first hit, Sentimental Journey, which became a sort of anthem during World War II. Hits: Be My Baby, Baby, I Love You, Walking in the Rain. Besides her father, Ardens brother, Jan, was a singer. In fact, the only musicians who have outsold Elvis are the Beatles. 1955; 1956; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 60s; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 70s; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 80s; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 90s; Loretta Lynn is an American singer known for her groundbreaking contribution to country music. Through his haunting, intuitive songwriting skills, Harper has certainly earned his place among the best folk artists of all time. Her relationship with Johnny Cash inspired the 2005 film Walk the Line, where she was portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. 44. Also a philanthropist, Judd joined hands with Habitat for Humanity and helped raise more than $90 million to aid victims of natural disasters. Brenda Holloway 13. on The Ed Sullivan Show, 25 Best 50s Musicians (Top Artists From The 1950s), 15 Best Female Metal Bands (Or Female Fronted), The best female singers of the 1960s (our picks), The best female singers from the 1970s (70s female singers), Top female singers of all time list (our choices), Our picks for the best black female singers of all time, highest weekly gross of any other musical, The best blues singers of all time (most famous picks). Aretha Franklin. Ani DiFranco is probably the most prominent Gen-X folksinger. 1 hits. Next: Top female singers of all time list (our choices). Privacy Policy | Her songs Am I Asking Too Much? and Baby Get Lost peaked at no. Shores legacy was honored with a dedicated street name in her hometown as well as a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. She is also the Community Manager for the folk music magazine NoDepression. One of the earliest pop singers to enjoy a contemporary international following, Lee was among the most-charted singers during the 1960s. The classic song hit No. She gained fame with her 1957 release And That Reminds Me, which sold millions and made the Top 20 pop hits chart. Lesley Gore 12. An American actress, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, writer, and YouTuber, Jennette McCurdy is truly an inspiration to several young girls and women; despite suffering from conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia, and bulimia, McCurdy has managed to establish herself as a successful entertainer. Throughout history, there have been many women country singers who have made significant contribution to the field. June was also a well-known philanthropist. After Washington left Hamptons band, she embarked on a successful solo career. The academy honored her with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Jenningss career as a country singer started in the 1950s and 60s. The group dwindled to four members by the following year. Admired for her powerful, intense vocals, Connie Smith (b. 1 on theBillboardHot 100. List of American female country singers - Wikipedia March 31, 2022, 8:55 am. Their manner of incorporating bluegrass and jazz-like solo jams has inspired countless jam bands since their inception. The Poppies - Lullaby of Love. The artistry of their music tells another story and speaks -- or sings -- for itself. 3 on theBillboard charts and impressed studio executives. Her 1977 cover of You Light Up My Life peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for ten weeks. | During the late 1950s, she performed in nightclubs with him and sang two duets on The Ed Sullivan Show., Next: Greatest opera singers of all time list, Jo Stafford began singing with her sisters when she was young. In 2003, she was named in Country Music Television's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music list. Other hits include Crazy and I Fall to Pieces.. Carole King, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Loretta Lynn all wrote songs from the heart about love and life, and became commercial successes in the process. the Window. She blended country music with pop. Mainly known for her pop and country music, Patti Page topped the charts as one of the best 1950s female singers. Singing seemed to be a family talent. 4 on the U.S. charts. Thanks, and welcome! Who is the greatest female country singer of all time?Carrie Underwood. Born in March 1983, Carrie Underwood claims the first spot for the best country female singers of all time.Dolly Parton.Shania Twain.Patsy Cline.Martina McBride.Taylor Swift.Miranda Lambert.Reba McEntire. 1 in 1964. He had a very low bass voiceand was renowned for bringing some classic African-American spirituals like "Go Down Moses" to national and international attention. Since then, the Fearless star has not looked back and also made her acting debut in 2009. According to Billboard, Shania Twain is the 13th Greatest Music Video Female Solo Artist ever. 1944) is most famous for writing two quirky hits, the puzzling Ode to Billy Joe, her recording of which now resides in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the explicit Fancy (Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy/and they'll be nice to you.). 1 songs include Endless Love, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, and When You Tell Me That You Love Me.. Ross earned the title of Female Entertainer of the Century, given byBillboardin 1976. Her recording debut came later that year, and both that record and its successor made theBillboardHarlem Hit Parade in 1944. favorites: Heartaches by the Number, Lonely Street 28 Billie Jo Spears Mr. Walker it's all over is a great song. Although this quartet only enjoyed a few years of success, those few years managed to help inspire a generation to turn their eyes and ears toward traditional American folk music. Top 100 Country Female Artists - List Challenges Also known for her philanthropic activitiesTrisha Yearwood has been supporting Habitat for Humanity, a charity home building group, for many years now. In 1994, The Shirelles were honored with a Pioneer Award by theRhythm and Blues Foundation, which was accepted by Owens, Lee, and Coley. The Mamas and the Papas were one of the most successful folk-pop groups of the '60s, and Mama Cass was one of the most notable female presences of the folk revival. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and no. 13 Of The Most Famous Country Singers Of The 50s - Hello Music Seely remains one of the Opry's most applauded performers. Apart from her entertainment career, Moore is a known philanthropist who endorses the philosophy of effective altruism. James Taylor is often considered one of the most successful of the "sensitive singer/songwriters." Among these were The Girl Most Likely, There Never Was a Time, Country Girl, Oh, Singer and Good Enough to Be Your Wife.. He almost doesn't warrant an explanation as to how and why he deserves to be on this list, but I'll give one, anyway. WebKitty Wells made history as the first woman to have a No. This success ended up being too late for her label, which doubted her contract renewal until the debut of Whos Sorry Now? on Dick Clarks American Bandstand. This song became Francis breakthrough hit. After beginning her career as a child singer, Holt started appearing on popular TV shows which increased her popularity. She became the first woman to hit no. 1 country single with her 1952 breakout hit It Wasnt God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. Controversial and searing, the Was there a male Joni Mitchell, or a male Stevie Nicks? The music of the Carter Family helped inspire folks like Bob Dylan. She has also worked in several movies and is a prolific songwriter. She signed with King Records, releasing a few hits, including Kiki and Youre All I See.. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995. Originally the group was formed with Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins, who was later replaced by Wanda Young. What list of folk music greats would be complete without a nod to Mr. Bob Dylan? Sandman, Lollipop, Born to Be With You. Singers You Didn't Realize Are Still Alive The oldest daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra established herself as a popular singer and actress during the 1960s and 1970s. In many ways, what happened in this decade would set the stage for some of country musics biggest moments. But the blockbusters came soon after that, with Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad, My Elusive Dreams (a duet with David Houston), and the Grammy-winning I Don't Wanna Play House.. Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet. Although they started out as more of a bluegrass group, Nickel Creek evolved, over the course of their 20 years, into more of a generalized folk group. WebHer and Bob Regan made good music together. 1 country singles, won nine Grammys, received two Oscar nominations, and in 2019 was the Recording Academy's MusiCare's Person of the Year. Discovered by fellow gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Della Reese had her breakthrough upon winning a contest allowing her to perform at a popular Detroit bar for a week straight. He's easily one of the most influential artists in the genre, and one of the most gifted instrumentalists. Indeed, there aren't a lot of songwriters working these days who don't feel some reverence towards his work. She also performed at the infamous sixth and twelfth Cavalcade of Jazz concerts at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. 10 on the R&B rankings. The 2023 version of "The Exorcist" is a fresh interpretation of the horror classic that will be released in theaters on Oct. 13. 1 hit in 1950 and 1951. The academy also inducted the songs Unforgettable, Teach Me Tonight, and What A Diffrence A Day Makes! into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Miley Cyrus, the American singer-songwriter and actress, is known for her wide range in music, spanning from pop and country pop to hip hop. The two sang as a duo for most of Clooneys early career. Lees career as a singer, songwriter, and actress spanned six decades. 1 on the R&B chart. In 2006, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a writer, she has contributed immensely to publications like The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Seventeen. But it was sufficient to earn her Grand Ole Opry membership in 1953, a niche she occupied until her death. She's possibly one of the most impressive vocalists in contemporary folk music. In 2017, she was an active participant at the Los Angeles Women's March. Hits: Come See About Me, Stop! She has also been a board member of an organization called Center To Prevent Youth Violence, which works towards preventing gun violence. It's a fool's game to try to rank these groundbreaking women in order of their importance or influence. 100 Best Country Singles of the 1960s by Female Performers Below is a list (in no particular order) of popular and talented female rock 'n roll, pop, country, R&B, jazz and soul music solo artists who forged their own way in the music world and are considered to be among the greats of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The daughter of musician Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash followed in the footsteps of her father. Arden transferred to Decca Records in the mid-1950s. One part old-school country, one part gospel spirituals, the Carter Family's influence on contemporary folk music is certainly felt. Her first hit, Walking After Midnight, came in 1957 and was followed by such standards-in-embryo as I Fall to Pieces, Crazy and She's Got You.. Be My Baby was inducted into theGrammy Hall of Famein 1999, and The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. 10 and won a Grammy, making her the first female Grammy winner in country music history. All came from different backgrounds but had one thing in common: much like their male counterparts their group name typically started with TheThe Ronettes, The Shirelles, The Shangri-Las, The Crystals, The Marvelettes, and dozens of other all-female groups of the era. By 1996, The Shirelles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although she constructed her image around her often-elaborate blonde wigs and ample bosom, she has never used sexiness to sell her performances or grab headlines. While gender equality was an elusive dream in many fields, women were well represented in popular music, and the best female singers are legends. Debbie Harry, lead singer of Blondie, on the cover of the single sleeve for "Sunday Girl," 1979. Pictured (L-R): Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton. In 1938, the remaining members of The Stafford Sisters joined The Four Esquires and The Three Rhythm Kings to create an eight-piece ensemble called The Pied Pipers. Their songs captured a moment in time, of naivete and love and loss and remain classics today. She is known for her best-selling platinum-certified album, (The First Canadian Female Solo Singer to Reach No. However, she didn't reach No. The day after graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville. Holly Near's staunch activism and feminist political protest songs have earned her a place among the greatest American folk singers of all time. See his full schedule! She rose to become the most influential female executive on Music Row and then went on to head BMI in New York from 1986 until her retirement in 2004. She also had a solo career, but it was far less prominent than her sisters. The 50 best singer/songwriters, artists, and bands in the history of American folk music, from the 1940s through the 60s until today. The Kingston Trio was one of the most successful folk groups of its kind, inspiring various other trios to dress alike and tell jokes between their renditions of traditional folk songs. The group released their first and only album Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica in 1964. Doris Day. WebIf 1960s country music has now largely faded from the public memory, then 1960 country music by female performers is even more obscure. He's a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. LaVern BakerConnie FrancisBrenda LeeDinah WashingtonDella ReeseAretha FranklinEtta JamesKaren CarpenterDusty SpringfieldPatti LabelleMore items Navigation. Kay Starrs aunt launched the singers career when she was only seven by making arrangements for her to sing on the radio after hearing her voice. The Top Female Country Singers - Ranker His songs are deeply personal narratives about life, and they've been performed by countless other artists. Dottie West was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018. The music industry, like most occupational fields in history, had its own harmful gender roles, and the gist of it was that women were pretty singers and men were serious musicians. Bill Anderson, singer who is still a major songwriter of new hits Kitty Wells - It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels 2. Among Shepard's Top 5 hits were Satisfied Mind and Second Fiddle (To an Old Guitar). In 1960 she married singer Hawkshaw Hawkins, who, three years later, was killed in the plane crash that took Patsy Cline's life. Top 100 Artists Of The Although she passed away in 1962, Monroes stardom lives on.