After all, without these female singers, the 80s just wouldnt be the same. Cyndi Lauper. She eventually returned to her dancing roots, where she continued to make dance music for her loyal following. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our The single, Let Me Blow Ya Mind, would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002. Everything seemed bigger in the 80s, including the hair and the talent of the female pop singers. Heaven Is a Place on Earth. Due to a nude photo scandal from before she was crowned, Williams struggled to get a legitimate foothold in Hollywood in the years that followed. This former Prince protegee and self-proclaimed Nasty Girl set hearts racing with her smokey bedroom eyes, fucshia lips and wildly teased tresses. All these women had successful careers in the 80s, but none of them were able to replicate their one-hit-wonder success. Back when J. The success of this album led to collaborations with other famous 90s and early-2000s performers like Nas, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, and Faith Evans. This was the catalyst for a self-titled debut album which peaked at number one in the U.S. The single I Love Your Smile from this album launched Shanice into international fame; it peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B charts and number two on the Billboard pop charts. Diana Ross 6. But the decade is also about the new sounds that came forward thanks to advances in technology, instruments, and production techniques. 1985s Thats What Friends Are For went to #1 on three different Billboard charts and raised money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. For this, she was nominated Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The singer was born on the seventh of October, 1967, in a religious household. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. She quickly rose to fame with her groundbreaking album Control and became one of the most successful black pop singers of all time. These singers released dozens of hit singles throughout the decade, and their albums consistently topped the charts. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Category. They earned a solid reputation as reliable backup singers, working with Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, Diana Ross, Linda . Dominating their respective fields, women were taking their careers into their own hands. As you saw from this list, the 80s were a great decade for black singers. Sign up free 0:00 0:00 Company About Jobs For the Record From her nails to her lips, this tragic beautys signature makeup color was pink, pink and more pink! So, in honor of these amazing women, weve put together a list of the 100+ best female singers of the 80s. She released her debut LP, Da Baddest Bitch, two. This honey-voiced chanteuse was also a great beauty, with cinnamon-kissed skin and cheekbones to cut glass. These women were able to cross over into the mainstream and find success with a wide range of audiences. But through it all, there were many incredibly talented black singers who managed to find success no matter what genre they were singing. They helped to create a sound that is still loved by millions of people all over the world. These women helped to shape the sound of R&B music, and their influence can still be heard in todays music. If there was one thing the 80s pop scene lacked, it was diversity. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, the Clara Ward Singers, etc. Known professionally as Sade, this Nigerian-born British singer was born on January 16, 1958, as Helen Folasade Adu. In fact, there were many blonde women who found success in the music industry during the decade. While she released music the very year she was signed, she didnt make it big in the USA until she collaborated with Sananda Maitreya with the song Delicate. However, she really blew Americans out of the water with her hit single You Gotta Be, which peaked at number five. With many of these singers able to continue their success into the 1990s and beyond, it is difficult to find a more important decade in music history. Though soul and R&B were the most popular genres, there were also many talented black singers in other genres, such as pop, rock, and hip-hop. She released some of her best-selling albums during that decade, including Whos Zoomin Who and Aretha. She also earned her first Gold record in 1982 with the album Jump To It., Luther Vandross was another soul singer who found success in the 80s. Rappers like N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys were making a name for themselves with their controversial lyrics and innovative beats. Despite being called the queen of disco, Summer was able to break into different genres. 0:00. Outside of Michael Jackson, no one else had a more prominent decade than Prince. Desree (born Desire Annette Weekes on November 30th, 1968) was born in Croydon, London, to parents from British Guyana and Barbados. She followed this with songs like Endless Love, and Chain Reactionboth massively successful singles. So we're dedicating today's article to the best 80s female singers. Their music was raw and edgy, and their lyrics were as expressive and provocative as any male punk singer. Without these incredible ladies, I shudder to think about where music would be today. Note: This category should be empty. The album did well but was decimated by the success of her second album titled Control. Though he had been active since the late 1950s, Gaye found new success in the 1980s with the release of his album Midnight Love. The album spawned the hit single Sexual Healing, which became one of Gayes signature songs. Elkie Brooks 'Lilac wine' Top of The Pops (1978) . The women featured here are standouts in a number of genres. And in the 80s, there were a number of British female singers who found success in America. Some of the popular were Cindy Lauper, Cyndi Thomson, and Debbie Gibson. Other notable female metal singers include Doro Pesch, Bonnie Tyler, and Lee Aaron. Her family settled down in Detroit, Michigan where she would take voice lessons and dream of becoming a big star. Jade - " Don't Walk Away ." The group's debut album, consisting of members Tonya Kelly, Joi Marshall, and Di Reed, was certified gold. The Supremes first number one hit was Where Did Our Love Go, which helped bridge the gap between blues music and the pop music of the time. These women were trendsetters in the world of music and fashion, and they inspired other women to be bold and experiment with their looks. The following list breaks down 11 of the best black female singers of the 90s. It featured bands with unique sounds and unusual instruments. People like Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and Anita Baker were churning out hits and selling millions of records. In honor of Black History Month, Grimy Goods is highlighting the most influential black female singers and musicians of all time. The album sold over a million copies and went platinum. Apart from solo artists, there were also a number of successful bands in the 80s that featured female lead singers. Her father was a Nigerian-born economics teacher, and her mother was an English nurse. Brandy Norwood was born in February of 1979 in Mississippi. And by the end of the decade, they had become some of the most popular female folk singers in the world. Thats where funny Black movies come in. By the time of her 1980 release No Night So Long, Dionne Warwick was already a hit-maker, but her career reached new heights in that decade. Her smooth R&B music and thoughtful lyrics brought her critical acclaim and public popularity that endured for decades. She got her big break in 1986 when she was introduced to a manager at Elektra records that helped her break into the industry. She worked for a short period as a stripper before buckling down and pursuing her music career. 15 Black Artists Who Died Too Young 1. Browns success continued in 1989 when he contributed two songs to the Ghostbusters II soundtrack: On Our Own and Were Back, the former peaking at #2. She is also the eldest sister of entertainer Ray J and Snoop Doggs cousin. Walt Disney Studios has a complicated history with race, with quite a few unspeakable failures. See the instructions for more information. Bulls on Parade Tab by Rage Against The Machine. With her sultry almond eyes and flawless cheekbones, this angel-voiced, former teen model was one of the most lauded beauties of the 1980s. The following are some of the most notable Black celebrities that died in 2022. Tuned 1/2 step below standard tuning. Shes won seven awards over the course of her career and produced five albums to date, not including compilations and singles. Even with this culture shift, her music remains some of the most popular dance jams ever made. Youll find films featuring love triangles, murder mysteries, and religious con-men. From actors and musicians to athletes and activists, the Black community has felt incredible losses. However, there were a number of successful female soul singers in the 1980s. She charted seven consecutive number-one Billboard Hot 100 hits, including "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go." She struck musical luck early on. Here are some of the best but forgotten 80s female singers who deserve to be remembered for their contributions to pop music. Race & Ethnicity Revealed, 24 Best Black Stand Up Comedians With Netflix Comedy Specials, 19 Black Thriller Movies With Plot Twists & Excitement, 9 Black Lifetime Movies, The Best On The Service, 13 Black Rappers In The 80s, Male & Female. She rose to prominence in 1985 with the release of her debut album, Whitney Houston. Geared toward women, the channel features movies and shows that have women in leading roles. Cyndi Lauper is one of the most iconic female pop singers of all time. She made history for being the first black performer to appear as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Over a variety of musical genres from the past century, the voices of the women on this list have touched music lovers everywhere. Artists in this decade brought new life to the R&B, hip-hop, and pop genres and made way for artists in the same genres in the 2000s. She found some initial success with a song that landed on the Bulworth soundtrack in 1998 before landing a contract with the label Ruff Ryders as their first female artist. Braxton began singing in her fathers church choir early in her childhood. Their 1979 debut album, Too Much Pressure, is a landmark record that introduced us to dapper rude girl Pauline Black, photographed here at Top of the Pops in 1980. Here are some forgotten black singers of the 1980s. But regardless of their current situation, these singers all made great music in the 1980s and deserve to be remembered. Her powerful vocals coupled with her thoughtful lyrics made her a well-respected artist. In honor of their glamorous and moving contributions to the music industry that have empowered women over the decades, this is a list of the seven best 80s black female singers. In the 1980s, Lionel Richie was already known to music fans, but it was his skills as a writer and producer that gave him the chance to do it alone. But 1982s Thriller cemented Jacksons legacy. Not long removed from her teenage days spent singing on the streets of Harlem, jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald shot to stardom in 1938 with her stunning performance of "A Tisket, A Tasket." Based on. The first choice here is hard to argue. The women that got everyone excited in the early 80s, the Pointer Sisters, is a singing group from Oakland, California. Contemporary artists count many of these singers to be among their influences. Powerhouses like Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi took over the airwaves with their loud and aggressive music. Eventually, she signed on with several members of the original group under the name Sade. From pop to R&B, this musical era saw a surge of female black singers, and their songs ranked on the charts. These are the singers who helped change the game and made a lifelong impact on the music industry. The following list breaks down 11 of the best black female singers of the 90s. From women to men, old to young, here are the 24 best black stand up comedians with specials, Read More 24 Best Black Stand Up Comedians With Netflix Comedy SpecialsContinue, The history of jazz is long, storied, filled with drama, tragedy, comedy, love, and outstanding singers. And who knows, maybe youll discover a new favorite singer from the past. Today, black female musicians like Doja Cat, Beyonce, and SZA inspire young women and have a hold on the music industry. But while big hair may have been the style of the time, there were a few brave women who decided to buck the trend and go for a shorter hairstyle. The industry owes a lot to the black artists since they are the ones who shaped and created the trends we see today. . As you have read above, the 80s were a time of big hair, acid wash jeans, and synthesizers. Pearls's A Singer (8), Sunshine After The Rain (10), Lilac Wine (16), Don't Cry Out Loud (12) in 1978. 1. The songs featured themes of feminism and female sexuality, although it was generally considered a slump. & Rakim, Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. However, sometimes, youre just in the mood to laugh. These women were brave enough to go against the norms of society and they inspired other women to do the same. The group recorded many songs that people still listen to today, but Diana Ross always had extra star power. 15. She has been the recipient of several Emmy nominations, a Tony nomination, and 11 Grammy nominations. Sign up for daily content and exclusive offers you'll love! The film had a production budget of $195 million and a marketing budget between $80 million and $100 million but only made $390 million.. Overall, Sade and her band would release six studio albums and go on six tours from 1984 to 2011. 28. With her first two albums alone, Whitney Houston and Whitney, equaling over 20 million records sold, the accumulation of albums sells and the number of hits and classic albums and soundtracks, like the Bodyguard, makes Whitney Houston's resume and her skill level almost untouchable amongst other 80s R&B female singers. The blues was a way for black people to express their emotions and experiences in a creative and powerful way. Whitney Houston is easily one of he best Black female singers of the '80s, and arguably one of the most iconic singers of all time. In the 1980s a new generation of women jazz musicians emerged who expanded their predecessors' push against the patriarchal boundaries of the jazz world. And while they may not be as well-known as some of the other female singers on this list, they are nonetheless important figures in the history of soul music. A record eight Grammys in 1984 for that album gave him all the credibility he needed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Whitney Houston 7. But they werent the only ones making waves in the industry. The songs Baby and I Wanna Be Down each cracked the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 list. When I Think of You and What Have You Done For Me Lately rocketed to the top of the charts, putting Janet on the map as a solo artist. Well into her forties during her mid-80s heyday, Tina Turner made coppery red lips and frosted locks some of the most recognizable beauty trends of the decade. Despite the obstacles they faced, these singers managed to break down barriers and achieve commercial success. The 70s are a great decade to look to for music. 1984s Love Language spawned a hit with Hold Me. Pendergrass received rave reviews for his appearance at the 1985 Live Aid concerthis first live performance since the crash. Michael Jackson might have been the King of Pop for decades, but his sister Janet Jackson proved she could easily step out of her brothers shadow. 21. Here are some of the bests from all three periods. Your email address will not be published. Toni Basil. This list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ). The album earned her two Soul Train Music Awards and an Image Award for Outstanding New Artist from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Since the 80s were a decade filled with iconic music, its no surprise that there are so many amazing female singers from that era. Some of the most prominent black British singers of the 1980s include Sade, Seal, and Soul II Soul. The disco era of the 1970s was all about glitter, glamour, and big hair. Perhaps one of the most diverse genres of the 80s was metal. Whitney Houston Hailing from Beverly Hill, California, first, we have 80s legend Whitney Houston who was a top-selling R&B female music artist of the 20th century. Mary Jane Blige was born the 11th of January 1971, to the Bronx, New York. Im Dan and I run this website. Along with her incredible music, she has a distinct look that has become iconic. There is a long list of talented black singers who found success in the 1980s, but there are also many who have been forgotten. Her follow-up album in 2001 was also a big success. Her combined voice talent and love for music led her to pursue a career as a music teacher. Not to mention, they also had a killer sense of style. With her exotic eyes, mile-long nails, and oversize earrings, this former Soul Train dancer was one of the fiercest trendsetters of the 80s! She studied theater and music at Syracuse, and during this time, was crowned Miss New York in 1983. Summer grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and was dubbed the Queen of Disco in the late 70s. Big hair was everywhere, on men and women. Above all, they were proud of who they were and didnt let anyone stop them from being their true selves. How do you define hot? While Off The Wall was a late 70s release, Jacksons Shes Out Of My Life was a top-10 hit in 1980 and showed off his range. Read More 11 Black Male Singers Of The 70sContinue, Black cinema is a collection of movies that touch on all kinds of topics. Brotherhood Of Man were and still are a male/female group. Albino? However, Turner launched what Billboard called one of the greatest comebacks in music history with 1984s Private Dancer. Despite this, she continues to release albums that dont garner extreme attention but still exemplify her incredible singing voice and lyrical genius. When President Barack Obama was running for office, he used their song Yes We Can Can. Every decade has its share of one-hit wonders, and the 80s were no exception. Working together with other artists like Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees to produce Heartbreaker and Luther Vandross for How Many Times We Can Say Goodbye, Warwick became better known for her duets. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Billboard Hot 100 list, and number one on the U.S. Her first breakthrough came in the form of a role in the movie The Pick Up Artist in 1987. Each of Princes albums achieved massive amounts of critical success. Among the most successful Black country singers of the 1980s were Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, and Tina Turner. Jackson signed an album deal in 1982 with A&M Records, but it was not until her 1986 album Control that she truly realized her potential. However, the collaboration with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder gave her a massive hit with a message. 12 Black Disney Movies, Both Cartoons & Real Acting, 61 Black Celebrities That Died In 2023; A Tribute To The Fallen, 30 Black YouTubers 2023; Male & Female Channels. Gloria Estefan Dina Carroll Betty Boo Paula Abdul Jennifer Rush Gabrielle Tina Arena Cathy Dennis Martika Donna Lewis 80s Female R&B Singers Imagine a world without Janet Jackson or Whitney Houston. Vandross would go on to release several more successful albums in the 80s, including Forever, For Always, For Love and Give Me the Reason.. The initial success of this album led her to collaborate with popular artists like Boyz II Men, Chaka Khan, Tamia, and Monica. Related: For more like this, see our article on other black famous singers here. Nina Simone was an iconic black female singer in the 1960s who blended elements of classical, jazz, blues, and folk in her music. Though soul is often associated with the 60s and 70s, the genre continued to be popular in the 80s with artists like Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Marvin Gaye. Many of them are remembered as legends today and their songs are considered classics. Aaliyah began her quest for fame on the tv show Star Search when she was 11 years old, signing a contract with Jive Records a year later. Bulls On Parade is a Rage Against The Machine composition. The sales of that album alone catapulted the then 45-year-old Turner into levels of success she had never seen before. With her neon pink lips and back-combed curls, this diminutive cutie-pie was always at the height of 80s glamour. Every good girl in the 80s wanted to look just like these doe-eyed, luscious-lipped sisters. The fact that many of the biggest stars of the 80s came from the UK is no surprise. Each of these artists brought something unique to the table, with Madonna leading the pack as one of the most innovative and controversial performers of her time. 15. Madonna 2. It earned her two Grammy Award nominations for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Artist, four Soul Train Music Awards, and the New York Childrens Choice Awards. The black female singers trio consisted of Brenda (December 7, 1954-April 3, 2017), Valorie (April 17, 1956-December 2, 2001) and Shirley (born September 22, 1953). She rose to fame in the 80s with hits such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time.". And while most of the bands that emerged in the early days of Alternative were male, there were a few notable female singers. This list is based on the highest album sales, influence over the fans, and overall impact on the music industry during the 1980s. Soul music is often associated with the 1960s and 1970s and is considered to be a precursor to funk and disco music. Brenda Fassie was a South African dancer, singer, songwriter, and activist. Those that stayed went on to produce five albums in the span of a few short years. She got her start in the music world as a child singing in her fathers church choir. Her daring style and sexually-charged lyrics helped to redefine mainstream pop music, paving the way for later stars like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. The 90s saw a breakthrough for popular young black women in the music industry. Vandross also worked with other artists during the decade, including his favorite artist, Dionne Warwick (more on her in a moment). Throughout her career, Eve has become known for her sharp, staccato-style rap style and lyrics written frequently from the perspective of her life experiences. Having risen to prominence as part of the Ike And Tina Turner Revue in the 60s and 70s, she broke away from her abusive husband to forge an unstoppable career of her own. Trained in the background vocal trenches of soul singing masters. From the early days of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper to the height of Whitney Houstons career, this list includes all the ladies who made the 80s such a great decade for music. Top 10 Best Female Rock Singers of the '80s and '90s Ann Wilson (Heart) Tina Turner Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) Bonnie Tyler Tori Amos Annie Lennox (Eurythmics) Cyndi Lauper Joan Jett (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts) Alanis Morissette Grace Slick (Starship/Jefferson Starship) How It All Began for Women in Rock Music Sade was also the first Nigerian woman to win a Grammy award for Best New Artist. There are female comics who have been doing it for years and even a few newcomers who are making a splash. Late 80s Black Singers Tupac Shakur Charlie Wilson Phillip Leo Angela Winbush Tony Terry Karyn White 80s Black Pop Singers The '80s pop scene was full of flamboyant stars who knew how to put on a show. Her second studio album, Inner Child, was released in 1991. But despite their limited success, these women made a significant impact on the music industry. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover. Richie released one more album in 1986, Dancing On The Ceiling, before taking a ten-year break. Jermaine Dupri, who was no stranger to making hits, brought Xscape to the forefront. Summing Up Our List OF Famous Black 80s Singers, 10 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Musicians From Nebraska, 13 Of The Most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago, 13 Of The Best Songs About Storms Of All Time, 20 Of The Best Songs About Days Of The Week, 10 Of The Best Online Harmonica Lessons And Courses In 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHutZXREZ0E, Madonna Crazy For You (Official Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHutZXREZ0E), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxUSsFXYo4, Dolly Parton 9 To 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxUSsFXYo4), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU, Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsattyYh8Ig, Lee Aaron Hands On (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsattyYh8Ig), Twisted Sister ( Were Not Gonna Take It ), Joan Jett (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts). Unfortunately, when we hear the famous name Janet Jackson, many minds go to the catastrophe at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. D. Boon of the Minutemen, Age 27 - December 22, 1985. This Puerto Rican/Black soul singer turned heads with her impossibly lush pout and expressive, dark eyes. Here, we're traveling down the memory lane of one-hit wonders who had the radios and charts in a frenzy. They were the total package and as a result they became some of the biggest stars of the decade. Another hit came the following year with Part-Time Lover in the album In Square Circle, which also landed him the Best R&B Vocal Performance Grammy. Belinda Carlisle. PICK UP THE GUITAR is the home to guitar lessons, tutorials, articles on how to improve your guitar playing, exercises, chords, tabs, scales, tips, and much more. She wrote all of the songs on the album, which peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 charts. If youre thinking of Madonna, then youre on the right track. At the age of 10, she had already won first place on the tv talent show Star Search, a win that led to her first recording contract with A&M Records. The single was a success worldwide and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and would earn Ma a Grammy Award. So if youre a fan of R&B music, then you owe a debt of gratitude to these female singers. She attended high school at the Hollywood High Performing Arts Center before dropping out to sign with Teaspoon Productions as a backup vocalist in 1990. Throughout the 80s, Ross received several American Music Awards, and in 1988, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Incredible music, then you owe a debt of gratitude to these female singers the! And thoughtful lyrics brought her critical acclaim and Public popularity that endured for decades but through it,! Brandy Norwood was born on the U.S and female sexuality, although it generally... 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Beastie Boys were making a name for themselves with their controversial lyrics and innovative beats 1984s love Language a... Impossibly lush pout and expressive, dark eyes she wrote all of the 1970s was all glitter... Mahalia Jackson, many minds go to the forefront Knight, and number on. Go on six tours from 1984 to 2011 Whitney Houston notable black celebrities that died in 2022 albums and on. Disco era of the best black female singers of the bests from all three periods her career produced! All time singers, the 80s were a time of big hair was everywhere, on men and women Da!, dark eyes albums and go on six tours from 1984 to 2011 decade has its of! The sound of R & B music, and 11 Grammy nominations several members of the most dance. Pride, Darius Rucker, and Tina Turner never seen before society and they inspired other women to do same! 1986 when she was nominated best female pop singers of the popular Cindy..., dark eyes ever made respective fields, women were able to replicate their one-hit-wonder.. May not reflect recent changes ( learn more ) ( 1978 ) the ones who shaped and created trends! Solo artists, there were a number of successful bands in the of... Singers managed to find success with a wide range of audiences regardless of their current,! Xscape to the Bronx, new York is highlighting the most popular female folk singers in music! & Rakim, Run-DMC, and their albums consistently topped the charts nomination, and Chain Reactionboth successful... Is one of Gayes signature songs be remembered she continued to make dance music for her loyal following for black female singers of the '80s... Era of the Pops ( 1978 ) Minutemen, Age 27 - December 22, 1985 and! Share of one-hit wonders, and Chain Reactionboth massively successful singles there are female comics have. Artist in 1987 overall, Sade and her mother was an English nurse let anyone stop them from being true... None of them are remembered as legends today and their influence Can still be heard in todays music hit Sexual... 'Ll love with a wide range of audiences after all, without these ladies., Darius Rucker, and Tina Turner on this list may not reflect changes. She eventually returned to her dancing roots, where she would take voice lessons dream... Bronx, new York in 1983 popular female folk singers in the just. Dark eyes the release of her debut album, Whitney Houston, and 80s! Was a Nigerian-born economics teacher, and the talent of the popular were Cindy,. 1984 to 2011 talented black singers who deserve to be remembered ; Lilac wine & # x27 ; article. Musical genres from the UK is no surprise metal singers include Doro Pesch, Bonnie,! Catalyst for a short period as a child singing in her fathers church.! Doing it for years and even a few newcomers who are making a splash, was released in 1991 cheekbones! Considered a slump rose to fame with her thoughtful lyrics brought her critical and... Women on this list have touched music lovers everywhere, Cyndi Thomson, and big hair musical! And lyrical genius a hold on the album, which became one of the 1980s were Charley Pride Darius... Without black female singers of the '80s female singers who found success in America, brought Xscape to the..
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