March is National Women’s Month, and we’re celebrating influential women in history by highlighting top WHLI female artists.
Donna Summer
Embed from Getty ImagesDonna Summer was an American singer and songwriter known as the “Queen of Disco.” She rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Love to Love You Baby” and “I Feel Love.” She won five Grammy Awards and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach number one on the Billboard charts.
Aretha Franklin
Embed from Getty ImagesAretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known as the “Queen of Soul.” She had a career spanning six decades and is best known for songs such as “Respect” and “Chain of Fools.” Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Carly Simon
Embed from Getty ImagesCarly Simon is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her poignant lyrics and unique vocal style. With over 14 top 40 hits, Simon is best known for her iconic song “You’re So Vain.” She has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received an Academy Award for her song “Let the River Run” from the film Working Girl. In addition to her musical achievements, Simon is also a children’s book author and has contributed to numerous film soundtracks.
Tina Turner
Embed from Getty ImagesTina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, often referred to as the “Queen of Rock and Roll.” She gained fame as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner and went on to have a successful solo career. She is known for hits such as “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Turner has sold over 200 million records worldwide and has won eight Grammy Awards.
Diana Ross
Embed from Getty ImagesDiana Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Motown group The Supremes. She had a successful solo career as well, with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out.” Ross has been awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Stevie Nicks
Embed from Getty ImagesStevie Nicks is a singer, songwriter, and member of the famous rock band Fleetwood Mac. She is known for her unique voice and songwriting skills, with hits such as “Dreams” and “Landslide.” Nicks has also had a successful solo career and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist.
Carole King
Embed from Getty ImagesCarole King is an American singer and songwriter who wrote some of the biggest hits of the 1960s and 1970s, including “You’ve Got a Friend” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” She also had a successful solo career, with her album “Tapestry” becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. King has won four Grammy Awards and is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Olivia Newton-John
Embed from Getty ImagesOlivia Newton-John is a British-Australian singer and actress known for her long and successful career in the music industry. She rose to fame in the 1970s with her country-pop album, “Let Me Be There,” which earned her a Grammy award. She solidified her status as an international superstar with the hit movie musical, “Grease,” where she played the iconic role of Sandy. Throughout her career, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has numerous chart-topping hits such as “Physical” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Newton-John is the first female artist to win the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year award, and she also received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to music. Her powerful vocals, heartfelt ballads, and infectious stage presence have made her an evergreen and beloved figure in the music industry.
Janis Joplin
Embed from Getty ImagesJanis Joplin was an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1960s with her powerful and soulful voice. She is best known for songs like “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Joplin has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dionne Warwick
Embed from Getty ImagesDionne Warwick, a legendary soul singer, rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” With five Grammy Awards and over 80 charted singles, Warwick was one of the most successful female artists of her time. She is also known for her work as a philanthropist, particularly for her efforts in the fight against AIDS. In 2014, Warwick was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying her impact on the music industry.
Cher
Embed from Getty ImagesCher is an American singer, actress, and television personality known for her powerful vocals and outrageous style. She rose to fame as part of the duo Sonny & Cher and has continued to have a successful solo career, with hits like “Believe” and “I Got You Babe.” Cher has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and an Emmy Award, among others.
Barbara Streisand
Embed from Getty ImagesBarbara Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker who rose to fame in the 1960s with her powerful vocals and unique style. She has sold over 150 million records worldwide and has won two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and five Emmy Awards.
Linda Ronstadt
Embed from Getty ImagesLinda Ronstadt is an American singer known for her wide vocal range and diverse music styles. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won 11 Grammy Awards, including Best Country Vocal Performance for her album “Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind.” Ronstadt was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.