25 Most Famous Female Singers of the 1970s (Groovy Playist)

The 1970s was a transformative decade for music, marked by a rich diversity of genres and a plethora of iconic female voices that left an indelible mark on the industry. From the soulful ballads and disco anthems to the rock epics and folk tunes, female singers of the 1970s not only shaped the sound of the era but also broke new ground for women in music.

These artists brought unique styles, powerful performances, and groundbreaking contributions that continue to inspire generations.

This article delves into the careers of some of the most famous female singers of the 1970s, celebrating their enduring legacies and the timeless music that defined a generation.

25 Most Groovy Famous Female Singers from the 1970s You Should Hear

These singers not only defined the music of the 1970s but also paved the way for future generations with their unique styles and contributions to the music industry.

Here are 25 famous female singers of the 1970s:

#1 Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks, born in 1948, is an iconic rock singer and songwriter best known as a member of Fleetwood Mac and for her successful solo career. Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, and her distinctive voice and mystical stage presence quickly made her a standout member. The band’s 1977 album, “Rumours,” became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring hits like “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way.”

Nicks’ solo career took off with her debut album “Bella Donna” in 1981, which included hits like “Edge of Seventeen.” Known for her ethereal style and poetic lyrics, Nicks has been a major influence on generations of musicians and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Fleetwood Mac and once as a solo artist.

#2 Donna Summer

Donna Summer, born in 1948, was known as the “Queen of Disco” and dominated the dance music scene in the 1970s. She gained international fame with her 1975 hit “Love to Love You Baby,” which showcased her sultry vocals and became a disco anthem. Summer continued to release a series of successful albums and singles, including “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” and “Hot Stuff.”

Her music incorporated elements of funk, rock, and electronic music, helping to shape the sound of disco and pop music. Summer won multiple Grammy Awards and her innovative approach to dance music left a lasting impact on the genre. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

#3 Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt, born in 1946, is a versatile singer whose career spans rock, country, pop, and Latin music. She rose to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s with hits like “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “When Will I Be Loved.” Ronstadt’s 1974 album “Heart Like a Wheel” was a critical and commercial success, solidifying her status as a leading voice in rock and country music. Known for her powerful and emotive voice, she has won numerous Grammy Awards and accolades throughout her career.

In the 1980s, Ronstadt expanded her musical repertoire to include Broadway, jazz, and traditional Mexican music. Her ability to cross genres has made her one of the most successful and influential female artists of her time.

#4 Diana Ross

Diana Ross, born in 1944, first gained fame as the lead singer of The Supremes, Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s. In 1970, Ross launched her solo career and quickly became a global superstar with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” and “Love Hangover.”

Known for her glamorous stage presence and powerful voice, Ross seamlessly transitioned from pop and R&B to disco. She also pursued a successful acting career, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Lady Sings the Blues.” Ross’s influence on music and popular culture has been profound, earning her numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes.

#5 Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell, born in 1943, is a highly influential singer-songwriter and painter known for her poetic lyrics and innovative music. Mitchell began her career in the 1960s folk scene but gained widespread acclaim in the 1970s with albums like “Blue,” “Court and Spark,” and “Hejira.”

Her music evolved from folk to incorporate elements of jazz, rock, and pop, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Mitchell’s introspective and confessional songwriting, coupled with her unique voice and complex compositions, have earned her a lasting legacy in music. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, and is often cited as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

#6 Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, born in 1942, is known as the “Queen of Soul” and is one of the most influential singers in the history of music. Her career took off in the late 1960s with hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think,” which showcased her powerful voice and emotive delivery. Throughout the 1970s, Franklin continued to dominate the charts with soulful classics like “Rock Steady” and “Until You Come Back to Me.”

Her ability to blend gospel, soul, and R&B set a new standard for vocal performance. Franklin’s impact extends beyond music; she became a symbol of strength and empowerment during the civil rights movement. She won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

#7 Cher

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian in 1946, is an American singer and actress known for her distinctive contralto voice and for reinventing herself over the decades. She first gained fame as part of the folk-rock duo Sonny & Cher in the 1960s with hits like “I Got You Babe.” In the 1970s, Cher established a successful solo career with chart-topping singles such as “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” “Half-Breed,” and “Dark Lady.”

Her variety TV shows, “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” and “Cher,” further cemented her status as a pop culture icon. Cher’s ability to adapt her music and image has allowed her to maintain a successful career across multiple decades, making her one of the most enduring figures in entertainment.

#8 Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John, born in 1948, is a British-Australian singer and actress who became one of the most popular music stars of the 1970s and 1980s. She first gained fame in the early 1970s with country and pop hits like “If Not for You” and “Let Me Be There.”

Her breakthrough album, “Have You Never Been Mellow” (1975), featured hits like the title track and “Please Mr. Please.” Newton-John’s career soared after starring in the 1978 film “Grease” alongside John Travolta, with songs like “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want” becoming instant classics. Her 1981 hit “Physical” further showcased her versatility and helped her transition into the 1980s as a pop icon.

#9 Carly Simon

Carly Simon, born in 1945, is an American singer-songwriter known for her introspective songwriting and distinctive voice. She emerged as a major artist in the 1970s with hits like “Anticipation” and “The Right Thing to Do.” Simon’s most famous song, “You’re So Vain,” released in 1972, became a defining anthem of the decade and is known for its enigmatic lyrics.

Her 1971 album “Anticipation” and 1972’s “No Secrets” were both critical and commercial successes. Simon’s music often explored themes of love and relationships, and her candid lyrics resonated with a wide audience. Over her career, she has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

#10 Carole King

Carole King, born in 1942, is a legendary singer-songwriter who achieved massive success in the 1970s. Initially, she made her mark as a songwriter in the 1960s, penning hits for other artists with her then-husband Gerry Goffin. Her solo career took off with the 1971 release of “Tapestry,” one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The album featured classics like “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” showcasing her soulful voice and masterful songwriting. “Tapestry” earned King four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Her influence on music is profound, and she remains an iconic figure in the industry.

#11 Patti Smith

Patti Smith, born in 1946, is an American singer, songwriter, and poet known for her fusion of rock and poetry. Emerging from the New York punk scene, Smith gained prominence with her 1975 debut album “Horses,” which included the iconic track “Gloria.” Her raw and emotive performances, combined with her intellectual lyrics, made her a leading figure in the punk rock movement.

Smith’s work challenged traditional gender roles and addressed political and social issues, making her a voice for change. Over her career, she has released several influential albums and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Smith’s contributions to music and literature have established her as a groundbreaking artist.

#12 Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter, born in 1950, was the lead singer and drummer of The Carpenters, a duo she formed with her brother Richard. Known for her warm, contralto voice, Karen’s singing brought a unique sound to the 1970s music scene. The Carpenters achieved massive success with hits like “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.”

Their clean-cut image and melodic pop songs contrasted sharply with the rock and disco trends of the era. Karen’s struggle with anorexia nervosa, which ultimately led to her untimely death in 1983, brought much-needed attention to eating disorders. Her legacy as a gifted vocalist continues to influence many artists today.

#13 Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand, born in 1942, is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker whose career spans over six decades. Known for her powerful voice and emotional depth, Streisand achieved tremendous success in the 1970s with albums like “Stoney End” and “Guilty,” the latter of which included the hit duet “Guilty” with Barry Gibb.

Her singles “The Way We Were” and “Evergreen” won Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Streisand is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with numerous Grammy Awards to her name. In addition to her music career, she has received critical acclaim for her work in film and theatre, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile and talented entertainers in history.

#14 Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin, born in 1943, was a groundbreaking rock and blues singer known for her raw, powerful voice and electrifying stage presence. Joplin rose to fame in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, with their album “Cheap Thrills” (1968) featuring hits like “Piece of My Heart” and “Summertime.”

Her solo career was marked by iconic performances at Woodstock and the release of critically acclaimed albums such as “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!” and “Pearl.” Sadly, Joplin’s career was cut short when she died of a heroin overdose in 1970, but her influence on rock and blues music remains profound.

#15 Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt, born in 1949, is an American blues and rock singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her distinctive slide guitar playing and soulful voice. Raitt’s career began in the early 1970s, and she quickly gained recognition with her blend of blues, rock, and folk influences.

Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the release of the album “Nick of Time,” which won three Grammy Awards. Raitt continued to achieve success in the 1990s with hits like “Something to Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Her ability to infuse emotion into her music and her commitment to social activism have made her a respected and enduring figure in American music.

#16 Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens in 1953, is a legendary funk and R&B singer who first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Rufus. In the 1970s, Khan’s dynamic voice and charismatic stage presence helped Rufus achieve success with hits like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody.”

In 1978, Khan launched her solo career with the hit single “I’m Every Woman,” which became an anthem for women everywhere. Known for her powerful vocals and ability to blend funk, soul, and pop, Khan has won multiple Grammy Awards and continues to influence generations of artists. Her contributions to music have solidified her status as the “Queen of Funk.”

#17 Tina Turner

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939, is a powerhouse singer known for her electrifying performances and raspy, soulful voice. She first gained fame in the 1960s as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, with hits like “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.”

After leaving Ike Turner in the mid-1970s due to his abusive behavior, Tina launched a successful solo career. Her 1984 album “Private Dancer,” featuring the hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” catapulted her to international stardom. Turner’s resilience, dynamic stage presence, and numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, have made her an enduring icon in the music industry.

#18 Joan Baez

Joan Baez, born in 1941, is an American folk singer and activist known for her clear, soaring voice and commitment to social justice. Baez emerged in the 1960s folk revival, becoming a leading figure alongside contemporaries like Bob Dylan. Her early albums, such as “Joan Baez” (1960) and “Joan Baez, Vol. 2” (1961), featured traditional folk songs and ballads.

Baez’s involvement in the civil rights and anti-war movements, along with her performances at events like the 1963 March on Washington, cemented her status as a voice for change. Her 1970s work included more contemporary covers and original songs, maintaining her relevance and influence in both music and activism.

#19 Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack, born in 1937, is an American singer and pianist known for her soulful voice and emotive delivery. Flack gained international fame in the early 1970s with hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”

Her ability to blend soul, jazz, and pop influences has earned her critical acclaim and commercial success. Flack’s collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” further showcased her versatility and talent. Her contributions to music have earned her numerous awards and a lasting legacy as one of the great voices of her generation.

#20 Grace Slick

Grace Slick, born in 1939, is an American singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock bands Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. Slick became a prominent figure in the 1960s and 1970s rock scenes with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Jefferson Airplane’s hits like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” became anthems of the counterculture movement.

Slick’s career continued with Jefferson Starship in the 1970s, producing hits like “Miracles” and “Count on Me.” Her ability to convey emotion and intensity through her music has made her an enduring icon in rock history. Slick retired from music in the late 1980s but remains a significant influence.

#21 Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry, born in 1945, is the lead singer of the new wave band Blondie. Known for her distinctive voice and punk-inspired style, Harry became an iconic figure in the 1970s and 1980s music scenes. Blondie’s breakthrough album “Parallel Lines” (1978) featured hits like “Heart of Glass” and “One Way or Another,” blending punk, disco, and pop influences.

Harry’s charismatic stage presence and fashion sense helped define the band’s image and the era’s aesthetic. Blondie continued to achieve success with albums like “Eat to the Beat” and “Autoamerican,” solidifying their place in music history. Harry’s contributions to music and her enduring influence on pop culture are widely recognized.

#22 Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox, born in 1954 in Scotland, is best known as the lead singer of the Eurythmics, a band she formed with Dave Stewart in 1980. Although her greatest success came in the 1980s, Lennox’s career began in the 1970s as part of the band The Tourists. With the Eurythmics, Lennox achieved international fame with hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again.”

Known for her androgynous look and powerful voice, Lennox has also enjoyed a successful solo career with albums like “Diva” and “Medusa.” Her contributions to music, as well as her activism for social and humanitarian causes, have made her an influential figure in the industry.

#23 Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight, born in 1944, is a legendary soul and R&B singer known as the “Empress of Soul.” She first gained fame with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, achieving success in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).”

Knight’s powerful voice and emotive delivery helped the group secure numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Beyond her work with the Pips, Knight has had a successful solo career and has been recognized for her contributions to music and her influence on future generations of artists.

#24 Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris, born in 1947, is an American singer-songwriter known for her rich voice and contributions to country and folk music. Harris began her career in the early 1970s, gaining attention with her collaboration with Gram Parsons. Her solo career took off with the release of “Pieces of the Sky” in 1975, featuring hits like “If I Could Only Win Your Love.”

Harris’s ability to blend traditional country with rock and folk influences has earned her widespread acclaim. Albums like “Elite Hotel,” “Luxury Liner,” and “Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town” solidified her status as a leading voice in country music. Harris has won multiple Grammy Awards and remains an influential figure in the genre.

#25 Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy, born in 1941, was an Australian-American singer and actress who became a feminist icon with her 1972 hit “I Am Woman.” The song became an anthem for the women’s liberation movement and earned Reddy a Grammy Award. Throughout the 1970s, Reddy achieved significant success with hits like “Delta Dawn,” “Angie Baby,” and “Ain’t No Way to Treat a Lady.”

Her smooth voice and pop-oriented sound made her one of the decade’s most popular female artists. In addition to her music career, Reddy appeared in films and television, further showcasing her versatility as an entertainer. Her contributions to music and her role in advancing women’s rights have left a lasting legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which famous female singer of the 1970s is known for the feminist anthem “I Am Woman”?

Helen Reddy is known for her feminist anthem “I Am Woman,” which became a symbol of the women’s liberation movement. The song earned her a Grammy Award and solidified her place in pop music history.

Who was the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship in the 1970s?

Grace Slick was the lead singer of both Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship during the 1970s. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a central figure in the rock scene of that era.

Which 1970s female singer gained fame as the lead vocalist of Blondie?

Debbie Harry gained fame as the lead vocalist of Blondie, a band known for hits like “Heart of Glass” and “One Way or Another.” Her distinctive voice and punk-inspired style made her an iconic figure in the music world.

Which female artist achieved international fame with the Eurythmics and later had a successful solo career?

Annie Lennox achieved international fame with the Eurythmics, known for hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” She later enjoyed a successful solo career with albums such as “Diva” and “Medusa.”