Music is typically a male-dominated field. It’s time to change up who we think of as the “canon” of icons. Many women have been at the forefront of musical innovation too. They are genre-bending and even defying. Here are a few of our favorites that are sure to inspire you as well. |  |
Music is typically a male-dominated field. It’s time to change up who we think of as the “canon” of icons. Many women have been at the forefront of musical innovation too. They are genre-bending and even defying. Here are a few of our favorites that are sure to inspire you as well.
1. Björk
Björk is an Icelandic artist who seems to exist outside genre boundaries. She is sometimes classified as a pop artist who also experiments with sound. Her 2011 concept album Biophilia was released in tandem with a series of apps. The apps were centered around teaching musicology. Each one corresponded with a song from the album.
2. Aretha Franklin
It’s hard to compete with The Queen of Soul! Rolling Stone magazine named her #1 on their 2010 list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” Her song “Respect” became iconic during the Vietnam War era. It’s still the theme song for independent women everywhere.
3. Alanis Morissette
Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette is best known for 1995’s Jagged Little Pill. The album capitalized on the angst of the grunge era. It showcases Morissette’s rough-edged, passionate voice, particularly in the song “You Oughta Know.” A good voice teacher can help you discover, and craft, your own range.
4. Beyonce
Beyonce was originally a member of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child during the 1990s. In the early 2000s she embarked on solo career. Beyonce has crafted such hits as “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Halo,” and “Crazy in Love.” She has achieved “power couple” status with rapper and music producer Jay-Z but is unquestionably a powerhouse in her own right.
5. Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (better known by her stage name Lady Gaga) got her start as a pop singer. Her early music videos were frequently bizarre and even disturbing. From there she jumped seamlessly into more mainstream pop music and even acoustic styles with the 2016 album Joanne. Lady Gaga ventured into acting with the 2018 film A Star is Born. The movie’s dramatic ballad “Shallow” earned Lady Gaga an Oscar for Best Original Song.
6. Adele
You couldn’t make it through 2015 without hearing Adele’s soaring “Hello” at least once. She effortlessly captures heartache and wistful regret. Her tender, emotional voice carries those themes perfectly. Adele’s songs are often slow and meaningful with touches of soul and R&B.
7. Mariah Carey
No list would be complete without “Mimi” herself. Every holiday playlist seems to feature “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Mariah Carey has a truly impressive vocal range that continues to influence female pop singers from Ariana Grande to Rihanna.
Who are your favorite female singers?
1. Björk
Björk is an Icelandic artist who seems to exist outside genre boundaries. She is sometimes classified as a pop artist who also experiments with sound. Her 2011 concept album Biophilia was released in tandem with a series of apps. The apps were centered around teaching musicology. Each one corresponded with a song from the album.
2. Aretha Franklin
It’s hard to compete with The Queen of Soul! Rolling Stone magazine named her #1 on their 2010 list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” Her song “Respect” became iconic during the Vietnam War era. It’s still the theme song for independent women everywhere.
3. Alanis Morissette
Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette is best known for 1995’s Jagged Little Pill. The album capitalized on the angst of the grunge era. It showcases Morissette’s rough-edged, passionate voice, particularly in the song “You Oughta Know.” A good voice teacher can help you discover, and craft, your own range.
4. Beyonce
Beyonce was originally a member of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child during the 1990s. In the early 2000s she embarked on solo career. Beyonce has crafted such hits as “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Halo,” and “Crazy in Love.” She has achieved “power couple” status with rapper and music producer Jay-Z but is unquestionably a powerhouse in her own right.
5. Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (better known by her stage name Lady Gaga) got her start as a pop singer. Her early music videos were frequently bizarre and even disturbing. From there she jumped seamlessly into more mainstream pop music and even acoustic styles with the 2016 album Joanne. Lady Gaga ventured into acting with the 2018 film A Star is Born. The movie’s dramatic ballad “Shallow” earned Lady Gaga an Oscar for Best Original Song.
6. Adele
You couldn’t make it through 2015 without hearing Adele’s soaring “Hello” at least once. She effortlessly captures heartache and wistful regret. Her tender, emotional voice carries those themes perfectly. Adele’s songs are often slow and meaningful with touches of soul and R&B.
7. Mariah Carey
No list would be complete without “Mimi” herself. Every holiday playlist seems to feature “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Mariah Carey has a truly impressive vocal range that continues to influence female pop singers from Ariana Grande to Rihanna.
Who are your favorite female singers?
