This would also be the period when the music was battered by the advent of rock 'n' roll but would ultimately find renewed vigor through outlets as disparate as bluegrass festivals and crowd-appealing network TV shows. Dionne Warwick 6. It's still remarkable that Ben Harper hasn't blown up any bigger than he is. Her elegant voice was only part of her legacy. It almost seems like every folk artist of note came up listening to the Carter Family and learning their songs. After their split, Jim Ed went on to a long and successful solo career, and Maxine recorded one album. She performed primarily as a jazz artist, incorporating blues, R&B, and pop styles into her music. Together, they created Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Song Book, the first of eight songbooks Fitzgerald recorded at Verve from 1956 to 1964. Although she really wanted to be a painter, Mitchell managed to pen some of the most memorable folk songs of the past 40 years, including the preservationist tune "Big Yellow Taxi.". He went on to be an instrumental force in the '60s folk revival and helping organize during the Civil Rights movement and the peace movement. However, this isn't just about country music. WATCH: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley Delight Fans, Reunite for "Paisleywood" at Her Nashville Show. Rose Lee Maphis just may be the oldest country singer still alive. Their manner of incorporating bluegrass and jazz-like solo jams has inspired countless jam bands since their inception. Her biggest hits include Over the Rainbow, The Man That Got Away, and The Trolley Song, all of which were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 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). In the 1950s, country music continued to benefit from commercial success thanks to post-war prosperity. Formed in 1946 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Chordettes initially started out singing more folk-driven songs until they tapped into their harmony. Georgia Holt is a retired American actress, singer-songwriter, and former model. Menu. ], Carmel by the Sea / The Man I Used to Know, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkiJgm6MWA8, When Two Worlds Collide / I Want to Be Where You're Gonna Be, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rww6Sqqzi4g, I Still Believe in Love / Life's That Way, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRnli0d-Gas, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQkm3I2BNgo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vlZjLUkd9s, Keeping Up With the Joneses / No Thanks, I Just Had One, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSphfySIfKw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9iLt8sXbu4, My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy / 'Til Death Do Us Part, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDcoKbX_zBM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o02f4ArNcWA, The French Song (Quand le soleil) / Sit Down and Write a Letter to Me, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WLFvVL2Sg. STREAM THE SHOWTIME ORIGINAL SERIES GEORGE AND TAMMY, Read About Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, and More, Dierks Bentley Announces Summer Gravel & Gold Tour with Jordan Davis, Elle King and More. She started off singing gospel and playing piano in church. 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. Tim McGraw Teases New Music, "Standing Room Only", Tim McGraw: "New single 'Standing Room Only' coming March 10th. 1 on her own with A Lesson in Leavin' and did it again that same year with Are You Happy Baby? Paired again with Rogers, she topped the charts in 1981 with What Are We Doin' in Love. Her daughter Shelly West followed in her mother's footsteps as a country artist. In 2006, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Music!" Emmylou has long been an advocate of social justice and has counted Joan Baez and Bob Dylan among her many influences. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line 4. 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.. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he spent five years living at the Mount Baldy Zen Center in Los Angeles. Baby Jane and the Rockabyes - How Much is That Doggie in. A frequent performer on the Grand Ole Opry, Atkins got to know many fellow artists, who he would handpick for recording sessions. 1 on the R&B chart. Their songs captured a moment in time, of naivete and love and loss and remain classics today. 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. But there was a lot to celebrate as music evolved from the clean-cut '50s to the free-and-easy '70s. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto. Another Motown-era hit, The Marvelettes first became friends in their high-school glee club coming up in Inkster, Michigan. During the mid-1960s, the Supremes achieved mainstream success with Ross as lead singer, backed by the Motown hit-making HollandDozierHolland as its songwriting and production team throughout the mid-60s. She blended country music with pop. 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. 1 came in 1953 with A Dear John Letter, a duet with Ferlin Huskey. Old time banjo player Charlie Poole was one of the earliest stars of the old-time scene back in the 1920s. Brenda Lee is a singer best-known for performing country music and pop. On top of 2. But it was sufficient to earn her Grand Ole Opry membership in 1953, a niche she occupied until her death. An exhibit about their life is on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through August 2. Throughout history, there have been many women country singers who have made significant contribution to the field. She moved around a lot from one gig to another. Carrie Underwood is an American singer-songwriter and one of the best female country music singers of all time. and her frequent collaboration with David Rawlings is one of the most appreciated musical partnerships these days. Women were judged on their appearance much more than their male counterparts. In 1994, The Shirelles were honored with a Pioneer Award by theRhythm and Blues Foundation, which was accepted by Owens, Lee, and Coley. Singing seemed to be a family talent. Del Wood: Wood (1920-1989) had only one chart hit -- the No. Indeed, there aren't a lot of songwriters working these days who don't feel some reverence towards his work. She was placed third in the singing contest Nashville Star. While the 50s were generally regarded as a feel-good era in America, country music was ironically dominated by tear-in-my-beer honky-tonk songs in the first portion of the decade. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976. Jackson went on to release one of her biggest songs, Dont You Know, peaking at no. He's also become a star of the big screen, lending his talents to more than 50 films. 2. Page attained a unique sound that most pop singers didnt adapt to in the 1950s. 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. In a career spanning six decades, she has released multiple gold albums and has won Grammy Award thrice. 1 in the U.S., selling more than one million copies. Country music gave us memorable traditionalists like Ray Price and Faron Young, then saw an outlaw rebellion, with Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings leading the This is dedicated to the one I love, said Coley as she accepted the award before singing The Shirelles 1964 hit Soldier Boy with Owens and Lee. Hits: One Fine Day, Hes So Fine, Sweet-Talking Guy. She sang mostly pop and country songs. He was a great fan of traditional music, and often performed traditional spiritual songs and the like in his performances with wife June Carter. In the '50s, '60s, and '70s, female solo singers were ever-present on radio, TV and the pop charts -- as they should have been! She became the first woman to hit no. If we get 1,000 pre-saves on this today, I'll share a little bit of the song with you", Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles To Appear In New Version of "The Exorcist". Kelsea Ballerini is the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as CMT Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. As musicians began to write their own tunes and lyrics,female songwriters rose to the challenge as well. Their first chart-topper was Every Time Two Fools Collide, followed by All I Ever Need Is You. In 1980, she went No. 1 on theBillboardHot 100. As a writer, she has contributed immensely to publications like The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Seventeen. Afterward, in 1947, she signed with Mercury Records as their first thriving female singer. She hasn't stopped pushing the envelope sinceand is still releasing excellent records. He's received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Folk Alliance and continues to tour nationwide. 1 hit in 1950 and 1951. Behind the scenes in this era, producers like Chet Atkins played an important part in putting Nashville on the map by striving for a compromise between traditional country sounds and commercially-appealing pop. Nashville, Tennessee 37214, Ryman Auditorium 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. After winning a 1949 contest on Arthur Godfreys radio program, the quartet became a regular fixture on the show and recorded their debut album Harmony Time in 1950. 2 on theBillboardHot Country and Western Charts. 1 and stayed there for a remarkable eight weeks. Although she passed away in 1962, Monroes stardom lives on. The Bryants were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1991. Joni Mitchell 11. The film The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack was made about his life. Her tear-stained voice carried so much emotional weight that three of her songs were featured in the soundtrack of the 1970 film, Five Easy Pieces. Karen Dalton 16. 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 Webbs death, Fitzgerald took over as band leader while performing with the Benny Goodman orchestra and working on her own side project. A contemporary and close friend of Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark is best known and appreciated for his deeply narrative story-songs. Judy Collins was one of the artists instrumental in the peace movement of the 1960s. She was mentored and produced for years by Porter Wagoner and starred on his syndicated TV show from 1967 to 1974. Norma Deloris Egstrom began singing professionally at the young age of 16 in 1936. After the show went off the air, Francis signed up with a record company to no immediate avail. The academy honored her with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. She gained fame with her 1957 release And That Reminds Me, which sold millions and made the Top 20 pop hits chart. Although both Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon have had careers since the duo split up, and although Paul Simon has become a rather influential, prolific songwriter, it's hard to deny the level of artistry they were able to achieve as a pair. Carrie Underwood welcomed Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Jimmie Allen on stage for duets. She has won more Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist. Sheryl Crow is an American musician, actress, and singer-songwriter. Although country music was dominated by men when Billboard began ranking country songs in 1944, the landscape changed for female artists in the 1950s and 1960s, as the genre claimed Nashville as a recording center and the Country Music Association was formed to create new and larger audiences. Little Miss Dynamite, as she was early known, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997. Aside from being a master flat-picker, Doc Watson has helped inspire a number of other influential folk artists, including Bob Dylan. This position brought her a visit from Lionel Hampton, who provided Washington with the opportunity to be the female vocalist in his band and perform at the Chicago Regal Theater. She had three more no. 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 classic song hit No. After winning a talent contest when she was only 15, she began to perform in clubs. Unlike her father, who belted elegant opera, Arden sang more traditional pop music. Two years passed before she hit the charts, peaking at 93 on theBillboardHot 100. 10 on the R&B rankings. Her 2014 single Ex's & Oh's became one of the top songs in US. 10 and won a Grammy, making her the first female Grammy winner in country music history. She was another one of the female vocalists of the 1950s to get a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 1 that Wynette and Sherrill co-wrote, won a Grammy for best female vocal and was later installed into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Many have even crossed over finding audiences in the pop and rock worlds, including women country singers Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and top selling female 1 solo single). In 1959, she presented her first pop single, What A Diffrence A Day Makes! to make the top 10, peaking atno. Listen to CMT's new music playlist The Roundup in this story. Along with her late husband in the 1950s and 1960s, she was known as "Mrs. Country Music." Patsy Cline. The artistry of their music tells another story and speaks -- or sings -- for itself. The scene was shifting and the female voice was getting more airplay and beginning to dominate the charts. WebSera Cahoone; Cam; Ashley Campbell; Laura Cantrell; Irene Cara; Lindsey Cardinale; Brandi Carlile; Paulette Carlson; Kim Carnes; Mary Chapin Carpenter; Jenny Lou Carson Since the release of her self-titled debut in 1990, DiFranco has built an excessively loyal fanbase around the world, as well as a rather successful independent record label out of her hometown in Buffalo, NY. 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. Site Map | She appeared prominently on The Johnny Cash Show from 1969 to 1971. Holly Near's staunch activism and feminist political protest songs have earned her a place among the greatest American folk singers of all time. The Best Female Country Singers Of 2020 1. Lindsay Ell. Lindsay Ell's debut official single 'Trippin on Us' became the most added song on country music radio in 2. Miranda Lambert. Miranda Lambert became the first female artist to win the 'Album of the Year' award twice at the 3. Gabby But she would not return to the country rankings again until 1969, after which many hits would follow into the 1980s, such as her rendition of Kris Kristofferson's "Nobody Wins.". 3. With gospel roots, she embarked on a soul-singing career at the age of 18. Nashville, Tennessee 37219. 100 Best Female Singers Of The '50s, '60s and '70s - Groovy She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973. In the last 40 years, he's released more than 50 recordsand has become a rather respected songwriter in the realm of protest song. Her album Della and song You Gave Me Love received Grammy Award nominations, and she was honored with a Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Award in 2017. The Marvelettes were the first all-female group on the Motown label. Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" melody was taken from an old Carter Family tune. Best known for "Stand by Your Man," Tammy Wynette was one of country's biggest female stars in the '60s and '70s. However, Days breakthrough hit didnt come until 1955, when she starred as singer Ruth Etting in Love Me Or Leave Me., She also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and three Grammy Hall of Fame Awards for Sentimental Journey, Secret Love, and Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera).. When she was 19, she toured the U.S. with a band led by Jimmy Joy. And while female singers were prominent, there were almost never any women playing instruments in the band. Picture this: Youre back in the 1950s, grabbing a bite to eat at the local diner, and theres a jukebox sitting in the corner waiting for you to insert your coin and pick a song. 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. 1941) struck gold when Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson discovered her in an Ohio talent contest. Trisha Yearwood is an American recording artist, television personality, actress, author, and celebrity chef. She has also been a board member of an organization called Center To Prevent Youth Violence, which works towards preventing gun violence. A hardcore country traditionalist, Jean Shepard (1933-2016) played bass in an all-woman band called The Melody Ranch Girls before setting out on a solo career. 1944) put one single, One Step at a Time, on the country chart in 1957. But, it was his involvement in the scene that put him on the map; literally, there's a street in the West Village of New York named after him. She is credited with releasing several chart-busting albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide. Cat Stevens (a.k.a. Here are the 21 best 50s female singers: Patsy Cline dominated the country music scene as one of the best female vocalists of the 1950s. Well known as the First Lady of Rock and Roll, Connie Francis was a pop singer, actress, and one of the best female singers in the 1950s. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, first generation of female country artists. She is also an ardent supporter of animal rights organizations, such as PETA. If 1960s country music has now largely faded from the public memory, then 1960 country music by female performers is even more obscure. His song "Wild World" has frequently been covered by artists of various genres. Many of her songs chronicled the travails of marriage and motherhood and the problems of a straying husband (all true to Lynn's life). Ross earned the title of Female Entertainer of the Century, given byBillboardin 1976. She is also the Community Manager for the folk music magazine NoDepression. He's written some of the most covered tunes in folk history. James Taylor is often considered one of the most successful of the "sensitive singer/songwriters." She recorded her first single (which did not chart) when she was 12. Her hits include I Can Dream, Cant I?, Too Young, and Kiss of Fire.. Fitzgeralds legacy lives on through collections of media and memorabilia in the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Library of Congress. 1 hit singles on the U.S. While the man who would later become known as The King had a hard time catching a break in Nashville, one rockabilly artist signed under the same record label would capture the hearts of country enthusiasts and rock n roll fans alike: Johnny Cash. 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. Songs like Your Cheatin Heart and Im So Lonesome I Could Cry earned Williams the nickname of Hillbilly Shakespeare. Decades after his untimely passing at the height of his fame in 1953, Williams remains as one of the most fabled icons the genre has ever known. He also became an active force in the Civil Rights Movement of the '60s. 1's in a chart history that extended into 1979. Ani DiFranco is probably the most prominent Gen-X folksinger. Under the Influence, America's Sweetheart, Good Girls, Different for Girls, Wild Love are some of her other popular songs. Motowns famous act received 12 no. Among these were The Girl Most Likely, There Never Was a Time, Country Girl, Oh, Singer and Good Enough to Be Your Wife.. First discovered as a calypso artist, Harry Belafonte became most popular for his "Banana Boat Song." Loretta Lynn is one of the talented, old female singers still alive. One of the earliest pop singers to enjoy a contemporary international following, Lee was among the most-charted singers during the 1960s. 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. 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. Cline's singles continued to chart intermittently until 1999. 1 songs include Endless Love, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, and When You Tell Me That You Love Me.. As the frontman of the North Carolina Ramblers, Poole became an influence on the founding fathers of American bluegrass. WebThe Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is not only one of the most prolific Black singers from the 60s but one of the worlds best-selling artists of all time. 1 on the U.S. Terms & Conditions | 1945) sang Tom T. Hall's Harper Valley P.T.A. to No. You can't really argue with a folksinger so good that his song managed to get him out of jail for murder. Hank Williams & Drifting Cowboys - Honky Tonkin' 3. One of the most decorated female country singers of her generation, Judd was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame for her contribution to music. 44. Last but certainly not least, we added probably one of the most famous 1950s female singers. After having performed in the shadow of her husband Johnny Wright and his singing partner Jack Anglin, Kitty Wells (1919-2012) blew that duo out of the water in 1952 with her massive hit, It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. It was her first record to chart and an answer song to Hank Thompson's Wild Side of Life, which lamented I didn't know God made honky tonky angels/I might have known you'd never make a wife., To this, Wells' tune responded, It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels/as you said in the words of your song/Too many times married men think they're still single/That has caused many a good girl to go wrong. Wells (real name: Muriel Deason) became known as the Queen of Country Music and would score two more No. WebIf 1960s country music has now largely faded from the public memory, then 1960 country music by female performers is even more obscure. The Poppies - Lullaby of Love. She began performing when she was 19and rose to fame through singing classic African-American spirituals. Subscribe for updates, events, offers and more. She was killed in a plane crash in 1963, along with fellow stars Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas, while returning to Nashville from a benefit concert. is one of the best topical tunes about the American educational system. Staffords legacy in music, television, and radio is acknowledged by three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. favorites: Heartaches by the Number, Lonely Street 28 Billie Jo Spears Mr. Walker it's all over is a great song. Her singing style helped influence several artists and musical genres. 1 on both the country and pop charts in 1968 and won a Grammy in the process. Her solo act took off successfully with numerous top 10 hits on theBillboardcharts. Ella Fitzgerald. She performed there for eight weeks and earned herself a record label. They were encouraged by the success Little Jimmy Dickens had a year earlier with their song Country Boy, which rocketed to No. Admired for her powerful, intense vocals, Connie Smith (b. A talent agent discovered her while she worked as an elevator operator in a clothing store on Hollywood Boulevard. With his simple, folksy imagery and tunes inspired by his Midwest hometown, Greg Brown has become one of the most inimitable songwriters around these days. She even got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Kendall Sisters - Yea, Yea. Betty Clooney briefly touched stardom alongside her sister, Rosemary. Gillian Welch is definitely one of the most respected songwriters on the scene these days. Ian & Sylvia were one of the most successful folk duos of the 1960s and '70s. BillboardHot 100, including songs such as Come See About Me and Love Child., After leaving the group to pursue a solo career, Ross debuted an album in 1970 featuring her legendary songs, Reach Out And Touch (Somebodys Hand) and Aint No Mountain High Enough (her first no. Aretha Franklin was one of the most talented and influential singers not just in the 60s but the 1/10 SLIDES Circa 1955: American singer and actor Rosemary Clooney (1928 - 2002) sings and dances in a His own Red House Records has produced a number of successful artists like Eliza Gilkyson and others. Their tune "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" became a country-folk standard in the late '20s. In all, Wynette would score 20 No. Was there a male Joni Mitchell, or a male Stevie Nicks? Stafford signed to a label as a solo artist in 1944. WebSeven artists appear twice: Bing Crosby, as the "friend" of Gary Crosby (#28) and with Grace Kelly (#50); Perry Como, with Eddie Fisher (#52) and Betty Hutton (#77); Tony Martin, with Dinah Shore (#53) and Fran Warren (#83); Red Foley, with Kitty Wells (#36) and Ernest Tubb (#44); Marvin Phillips, with Johnny Perry (#64) and Jesse Belvin (#100); 13 hit, Wake The Town and Tell The People., Diana Ross gained glory as the lead vocalist for the best-selling girl group, The Supremes.