Female singers with low voices possess a unique and captivating sound that sets them apart in the music industry. These artists, known for their rich, deep tones, have made a lasting impact across various genres, from soul and jazz to pop and rock.
Their voices convey a depth of emotion and power that resonates with audiences, making them some of the most memorable and influential figures in music history.
In this article, we explore the careers of famous female singers with low voices, highlighting their contributions to music and the distinctive qualities that make their voices truly unforgettable.
21 Famous Female Singers Who Have Low Deep Voices
Contents
- 1 21 Famous Female Singers Who Have Low Deep Voices
- 2 #1 Adele
- 3 #2 Cher
- 4 #3 Annie Lennox
- 5 #4 Nina Simone
- 6 #5 Toni Braxton
- 7 #6 Tracy Chapman
- 8 #7 Amy Winehouse
- 9 #8 Sade
- 10 #9 Norah Jones
- 11 #10 Alison Moyet
- 12 #11 K.D. Lang
- 13 #12 Patti LaBelle
- 14 #13 Shirley Bassey
- 15 #14 Lana Del Rey
- 16 #15 Karen Carpenter
- 17 #16 Florence Welch
- 18 #17 Etta James
- 19 #18 Lorde
- 20 #19 Dusty Springfield
- 21 #20 Grace Jones
- 22 #21 Mary J. Blige
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
These singers are celebrated for their deep, rich vocal tones that have contributed to their distinctive sound and enduring popularity.
Here’s a list of 21 famous female singers known for their low voices:
#1 Adele
Adele, born in 1988 in London, England, is a globally acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her powerful, emotive voice, characterized by its rich, deep tone. She first gained widespread attention with her debut album 19 (2008), which included the hit single “Chasing Pavements.” Adele’s soulful voice and ability to convey deep emotion through her music quickly established her as a leading figure in contemporary pop and soul music. Her follow-up album, 21 (2011), solidified her superstar status, featuring chart-topping hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.” The album became one of the best-selling records of the 21st century.
Adele’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences worldwide. Her vocal style, with its low, smoky timbre, sets her apart from many of her contemporaries and has earned her numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards. Adele’s influence on modern music, combined with her ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level, has made her one of the most successful and beloved artists of her generation.
#2 Cher
Cher, born in 1946 in El Centro, California, is an iconic singer, actress, and television personality known for her distinctive contralto voice and her ability to reinvent herself throughout her decades-long career. Cher first rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of the pop duo Sonny & Cher, with hits like “I Got You Babe” becoming anthems of the era. Her solo career took off in the 1970s with hits like “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” and “Half-Breed,” showcasing her unique vocal style, which is marked by its deep, resonant tones and emotional delivery.
Cher’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends has kept her relevant in the music industry for over five decades. In the late 1990s, she experienced a major resurgence with the release of the dance-pop hit “Believe,” which became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Cher’s low, powerful voice and her fearless approach to both music and fashion have made her a cultural icon, earning her the title of the “Goddess of Pop.”
#3 Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox, born in 1954 in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a Scottish singer-songwriter and activist best known as the lead vocalist of the 1980s pop duo Eurythmics. Lennox’s deep, soulful voice and androgynous image made her one of the most distinctive and influential figures in the music industry. Eurythmics achieved global success with hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again,” which showcased Lennox’s powerful vocal range and emotive delivery. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music set her apart as a vocalist.
In addition to her work with Eurythmics, Lennox has had a successful solo career, with albums like Diva (1992) and Medusa (1995) earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Her music often explores themes of love, identity, and social justice, reflecting her commitment to activism and humanitarian work. Annie Lennox’s low, expressive voice and her ability to blend pop, rock, and soul have made her one of the most respected and influential artists of her time.
#4 Nina Simone
Nina Simone, born in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, was an American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist known for her deep, powerful voice and her ability to blend jazz, blues, classical, and folk music. Simone began her career as a classically trained pianist but gained fame in the late 1950s and 1960s for her unique vocal style and emotionally charged performances. Her rendition of “I Loves You, Porgy” became her first hit, showcasing her ability to convey profound emotion through her rich, low voice. Simone’s music often addressed themes of racial injustice, love, and social change, making her a powerful voice in the civil rights movement.
Throughout her career, Simone released a series of influential albums, including Pastel Blues and Wild Is the Wind, featuring songs like “Feeling Good” and “Sinnerman,” which became anthems of empowerment and resilience. Nina Simone’s legacy as a pioneering artist and activist continues to resonate, and her deep, soulful voice remains one of the most recognizable and influential in the history of American music.
#5 Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton, born in 1967 in Severn, Maryland, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctive deep, sultry voice and her ability to blend R&B, pop, and soul. Braxton first gained widespread recognition with her self-titled debut album in 1993, which included the hit singles “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her rich, contralto voice and emotive delivery set her apart from other R&B singers of the time, earning her multiple Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. Braxton’s success continued with her 1996 album Secrets, which featured the chart-topping ballad “Un-Break My Heart,” one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Throughout her career, Braxton has continued to release successful albums and has become known for her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. Her low, soulful voice, combined with her talent for crafting timeless love songs, has made her one of the most respected and influential R&B artists of the past few decades. Toni Braxton’s impact on the music industry and her distinctive vocal style have earned her a lasting legacy in the world of contemporary music.
#6 Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman, born in 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive deep voice, introspective lyrics, and ability to blend folk, rock, and soul. Chapman first gained widespread recognition with her 1988 self-titled debut album, which included the hit singles “Fast Car” and “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution.” Her rich, low voice and socially conscious lyrics set her apart from other artists of the time, earning her critical acclaim and several Grammy Awards. Chapman’s music often explores themes of social justice, love, and personal struggle, resonating with audiences around the world.
Throughout her career, Chapman has continued to release successful albums, including Crossroads and New Beginning, further solidifying her reputation as a powerful voice in contemporary music. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music, combined with her distinctive vocal style, has earned her a dedicated fan base and a lasting influence on the folk and rock genres. Tracy Chapman’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist with a powerful voice continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners.
#7 Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse, born in 1983 in London, England, was a British singer-songwriter known for her deep, soulful voice and her unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B. Winehouse first gained attention with her debut album Frank (2003), which showcased her distinctive contralto voice and songwriting talent. However, it was her 2006 album Back to Black that catapulted her to international fame, featuring hits like “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good.” Her music, characterized by its raw emotion and vintage sound, resonated with audiences worldwide and earned her five Grammy Awards.
Winehouse’s voice, with its smoky, low register, set her apart from her contemporaries and contributed to the revival of soul music in the 2000s. Despite her immense talent, Winehouse struggled with personal demons, including substance abuse, which ultimately led to her untimely death in 2011 at the age of 27. Amy Winehouse’s impact on music remains significant, and her deep, expressive voice continues to influence artists across genres.
#8 Sade
Sade, born Helen Folasade Adu in 1959 in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress known for her smooth, deep voice and her fusion of soul, jazz, and soft rock. Sade first gained international fame in the mid-1980s with the release of her debut album Diamond Life (1984), which included the hit single “Smooth Operator.” Her music, characterized by its sophisticated sound and emotional depth, quickly garnered her a dedicated fan base. Sade’s low, velvety voice became her trademark, setting her apart from other artists in the pop and soul genres.
Throughout her career, Sade has continued to release successful albums, including Promise, Stronger Than Pride, and Love Deluxe, all of which have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Her ability to convey complex emotions through her music, combined with her distinctive vocal style, has made her one of the most enduring and influential artists of her time. Sade’s impact on music is profound, and her voice remains one of the most recognizable and celebrated in contemporary music.
#9 Norah Jones
Norah Jones, born in 1979 in Brooklyn, New York, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist known for her warm, low voice and her ability to blend jazz, pop, and country influences. Jones first gained widespread attention with her debut album Come Away with Me (2002), which featured the hit single “Don’t Know Why.” The album’s mellow sound and Jones’s rich, soulful voice resonated with listeners, earning her five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Her music, often characterized by its intimate, laid-back style, has made her a favorite among fans of jazz and adult contemporary music.
Jones’s subsequent albums, including Feels Like Home and Not Too Late, have continued to showcase her distinctive voice and her talent for crafting introspective, emotionally resonant songs. Throughout her career, Jones has collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and influential musician. Norah Jones’s deep, soothing voice and her ability to create music that connects with listeners on a personal level have earned her a lasting place in the music industry.
#10 Alison Moyet
Alison Moyet, born in 1961 in Billericay, Essex, England, is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful, deep voice and her contributions to pop, blues, and electronic music. Moyet first gained fame in the early 1980s as one half of the synth-pop duo Yazoo, alongside Vince Clarke. The duo achieved commercial success with hits like “Don’t Go” and “Only You,” showcasing Moyet’s distinctive contralto voice. After Yazoo disbanded, Moyet launched a successful solo career with her debut album Alf (1984), which featured the hit singles “Love Resurrection” and “All Cried Out.”
Moyet’s music, characterized by its blend of pop and blues influences, has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Her deep, soulful voice has remained her signature throughout her career, allowing her to convey a wide range of emotions in her songs. Over the years, Moyet has continued to evolve as an artist, releasing albums that explore different musical styles while staying true to her roots. Alison Moyet’s impact on the music industry and her powerful voice have made her one of the most respected and enduring artists of her generation.
#11 K.D. Lang
K.D. Lang, born in 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her rich, low voice and her ability to blend country, pop, and jazz influences. Lang first gained attention in the 1980s as a country singer with a unique style that incorporated elements of rock and pop. Her breakthrough came with the release of her album Absolute Torch and Twang (1989), which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. However, it was her 1992 album Ingenue that brought her international fame, featuring the hit single “Constant Craving.”
Lang’s deep, velvety voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music have earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards throughout her career. Known for her androgynous style and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Lang has also been a trailblazer in breaking down barriers in the music industry. K.D. Lang’s influence on contemporary music and her distinctive voice have made her one of the most important and respected artists of the past few decades.
#12 Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle, born in 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful, low voice and her ability to blend soul, R&B, and gospel influences. LaBelle first gained fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of the girl group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, which later became known as Labelle. The group achieved success with the 1974 hit “Lady Marmalade,” showcasing LaBelle’s powerful vocals and stage presence. LaBelle’s solo career took off in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude,” and “On My Own.”
Known for her dynamic performances and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music, LaBelle has earned the nickname “The Godmother of Soul.” Her low, powerful voice has made her one of the most respected vocalists in the music industry, earning her numerous awards and accolades. Patti LaBelle’s influence on soul and R&B music is profound, and her ability to connect with audiences through her music has made her a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.
#13 Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey, born in 1937 in Cardiff, Wales, is a British singer known for her deep, powerful voice and her dramatic interpretations of classic pop and show tunes. Bassey first gained fame in the 1950s with hits like “As I Love You” and “Kiss Me, Honey Honey, Kiss Me.” However, she is perhaps best known for her work on the James Bond film soundtracks, recording the iconic theme songs for Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and Moonraker (1979). Bassey’s low, rich voice and her ability to deliver powerful, emotive performances have made her one of the most celebrated vocalists in the world.
Throughout her career, Bassey has been known for her glamorous stage presence and her ability to captivate audiences with her voice. Her music spans a wide range of genres, including pop, jazz, and musical theater, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to the music industry. Shirley Bassey’s influence on popular music and her enduring appeal have earned her a place as one of the greatest voices of all time.
#14 Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant in 1985 in New York City, is an American singer-songwriter known for her deep, sultry voice and her cinematic, melancholic music style. Del Rey first gained widespread attention with her 2011 single “Video Games,” which became a viral sensation and set the tone for her debut album Born to Die (2012). Her music, characterized by its lush orchestration, nostalgic themes, and noir-inspired lyrics, has been described as a fusion of pop, indie, and alternative styles. Del Rey’s voice, with its low, smoky tone, adds to the atmospheric quality of her music, making her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary pop.
Throughout her career, Del Rey has continued to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and Americana, with albums like Ultraviolence and Norman Fucking Rockwell! receiving critical acclaim. Her ability to craft haunting, emotionally resonant songs, combined with her unique vocal style, has earned her a dedicated fan base and a lasting impact on the music industry. Lana Del Rey’s influence on modern pop music and her distinctive voice have made her one of the most important artists of her generation.
#15 Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter, born in 1950 in New Haven, Connecticut, was an American singer and drummer best known as one half of the sibling duo The Carpenters. Her warm, velvety contralto voice became the hallmark of the duo’s soft rock and pop hits in the 1970s, including classics like “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” Karen’s voice, characterized by its rich, low tones and emotional depth, resonated with audiences, making her one of the most beloved vocalists of her time. Her ability to convey vulnerability and sincerity through her singing set her apart in the music industry.
In addition to her vocal talents, Karen was also an accomplished drummer, though she was more widely recognized for her singing. Despite her success, Karen struggled with anorexia nervosa, a battle that ultimately led to her tragic death in 1983 at the age of 32. Karen Carpenter’s influence on pop music, particularly her contributions to the development of the soft rock genre, continues to be celebrated, and her voice remains an enduring symbol of beauty and emotion in music.
#16 Florence Welch
Florence Welch, born in 1986 in London, England, is the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Florence + the Machine. Known for her powerful, haunting voice and her ability to blend alternative rock, baroque pop, and soul, Welch has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. The band’s debut album, Lungs (2009), was a commercial and critical success, featuring hits like “Dog Days Are Over” and “You’ve Got the Love.” Welch’s voice, with its deep, resonant quality, adds a dramatic intensity to the band’s music, making their sound both unique and emotionally compelling.
Welch’s music often explores themes of love, pain, and transcendence, with her voice serving as the perfect vehicle for conveying these complex emotions. Subsequent albums, including Ceremonials and How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, have solidified her status as a leading figure in the indie music scene. Florence Welch’s ability to combine raw power with emotional vulnerability in her voice has earned her widespread acclaim, and she continues to be a major influence on modern music.
#17 Etta James
Etta James, born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California, was a legendary American singer whose career spanned over five decades, crossing multiple genres including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel. James’s deep, earthy voice, marked by its raw emotion and versatility, became her signature and earned her a place as one of the most influential singers in music history. She first gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s with hits like “The Wallflower” and “At Last,” the latter becoming her most iconic song and a standard in American music.
James’s ability to convey profound emotion in her performances, whether in a love ballad or a gritty blues number, set her apart from her contemporaries. Despite personal struggles, including battles with addiction, James’s career remained resilient, and she continued to release critically acclaimed music throughout her life. Etta James’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
#18 Lorde
Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor in 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand, is a singer-songwriter known for her deep, mature voice and her ability to blend electropop, art pop, and alternative music. Lorde first gained international recognition with her debut single “Royals” in 2013, which topped charts worldwide and established her as a fresh voice in the music industry. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, showcased her unique vocal style, characterized by its low, smoky timbre and introspective lyrics that resonated with a young audience.
Lorde’s music often explores themes of youth, fame, and the complexities of modern life, with her voice adding a layer of depth and authenticity to her songs. Her follow-up album, Melodrama (2017), received critical acclaim for its exploration of heartbreak and emotional growth, further cementing her status as one of the most innovative artists of her generation. Lorde’s influence on pop music and her distinctive voice have made her a defining figure in contemporary music, continuing to inspire a new wave of artists.
#19 Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield, born Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O’Brien in 1939 in London, England, was a British singer known for her distinctive contralto voice and her ability to blend pop, soul, and blues. Springfield first gained fame in the 1960s with hits like “I Only Want to Be with You” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” which showcased her deep, emotive voice and her ability to convey vulnerability and longing. However, it was her 1969 album Dusty in Memphis, featuring the hit single “Son of a Preacher Man,” that solidified her status as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
Springfield’s voice, with its rich, husky tones, was perfectly suited for the soulful music she championed, and she became a key figure in bringing the Motown sound to British audiences. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, including struggles with her sexuality and mental health, Springfield’s influence on music remains profound. Her contributions to pop and soul music have earned her a lasting legacy as one of the most important female vocalists of the 20th century.
#20 Grace Jones
Grace Jones, born in 1948 in Spanish Town, Jamaica, is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her deep, androgynous voice and her bold, avant-garde style. Jones first gained attention in the 1970s as a model and a disco diva, with hits like “La Vie en Rose” and “I Need a Man” showcasing her powerful voice and her ability to blend disco, reggae, and funk. However, it was in the 1980s that Jones truly came into her own as an artist, with albums like Warm Leatherette and Nightclubbing establishing her as a pioneer of the New Wave and post-punk movements.
Jones’s voice, characterized by its deep, commanding tones, has always been a key element of her music, adding a sense of drama and intensity to her performances. Her unique blend of music, fashion, and performance art has made her a cultural icon, influencing artists across multiple genres and disciplines. Grace Jones’s impact on music and popular culture is immeasurable, and her ability to challenge norms and push boundaries has earned her a lasting place in the pantheon of great artists.
#21 Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige, born in 1971 in The Bronx, New York, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Blige first gained fame in the early 1990s with her debut album What’s the 411?, which blended hip-hop beats with soulful R&B vocals, creating a new genre that resonated with a generation of listeners. Her deep, powerful voice, with its raw emotional intensity, became her trademark, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards.
Blige’s music often explores themes of love, pain, and empowerment, with her voice serving as a conduit for conveying the struggles and triumphs of her life. Throughout her career, Blige has released a string of successful albums, including My Life and The Breakthrough, further solidifying her status as one of the most influential artists in R&B and hip-hop. Mary J. Blige’s contributions to music, her powerful voice, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level have made her one of the most respected and enduring figures in contemporary music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Adele’s voice distinctive among contemporary female singers?
Adele’s voice is characterized by its rich, deep tone and powerful emotive delivery, which sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. Her ability to convey raw emotion through her low, smoky voice has made her one of the most beloved artists of her generation.
How did Karen Carpenter’s voice contribute to the success of The Carpenters?
Karen Carpenter’s warm, velvety contralto voice was a key factor in The Carpenters’ success, giving their soft rock hits a distinctive, soothing quality. Her voice’s emotional depth resonated deeply with audiences, making her one of the most admired vocalists of her time.
Why is Tracy Chapman recognized for her vocal style?
Tracy Chapman is recognized for her deep, resonant voice that perfectly complements her introspective, socially conscious lyrics. Her low vocal register adds a layer of authenticity and emotion to her folk-rock music, making her a standout artist.
How has Lana Del Rey’s low voice influenced her music style?
Lana Del Rey’s low, sultry voice contributes significantly to the atmospheric and melancholic quality of her music. Her vocal style, combined with her cinematic lyrics, creates a unique, haunting sound that has captivated listeners worldwide.
