23 Most Iconic Famous Female Blues Singers of All Time

The world of blues music has been profoundly shaped by the powerful voices and soulful performances of its female artists. From the early 20th century to contemporary times, these women have used their talents to express deep emotions, tell compelling stories, and break barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Icons like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey laid the groundwork with their pioneering recordings, while artists like Etta James and Janis Joplin brought blues to new heights with their electrifying performances. This article celebrates the lives and careers of these famous female blues singers, highlighting their contributions to music and their enduring influence on the genre.

Join us as we explore the rich history and legacy of these remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on the blues.

23 Most Famous Female Blues Singers That Will Move You

These singers have made significant contributions to the blues genre, each bringing their unique style and voice to the music.

Here is a list of 23 famous female blues singers:

#1 Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith, born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is often referred to as the “Empress of the Blues.” She began her career in vaudeville and quickly rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s with her powerful voice and emotive delivery.

Smith’s recordings, such as “Downhearted Blues” and “St. Louis Blues,” became major hits, and she was the highest-paid black entertainer of her time. Her music addressed themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience, resonating with a wide audience. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, Smith’s influence on the blues genre is immense, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians across genres.

#2 Ma Rainey

Ma Rainey, born Gertrude Pridgett in 1886 in Columbus, Georgia, is often hailed as the “Mother of the Blues.” She began performing as a teenager and gained fame in the early 20th century for her deep, powerful voice and commanding stage presence.

Rainey’s music blended traditional blues with vaudeville and jazz elements, and she recorded over 100 songs, including classics like “See See Rider” and “Bo-Weevil Blues.” She was a mentor to many younger blues artists, including Bessie Smith. Rainey’s contribution to the development of the blues genre was profound, and she played a crucial role in popularizing blues music across America.

#3 Etta James

Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins in 1938 in Los Angeles, California, was a versatile singer whose career spanned several genres, including blues, R&B, soul, and rock and roll. She gained fame in the 1960s with hits like “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” James’s powerful, soulful voice and emotional delivery captivated audiences and earned her multiple Grammy Awards.

Despite personal struggles with addiction, she continued to record and perform throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. James’s influence extends beyond blues, impacting a wide range of musical styles and inspiring countless artists.

#4 Koko Taylor

Koko Taylor, born Cora Walton in 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a renowned blues singer known as the “Queen of the Blues.” She moved to Chicago in the early 1950s, where she was discovered by Willie Dixon, who produced her hit single “Wang Dang Doodle” in 1965. Taylor’s raw, gritty voice and energetic performances made her a standout in the Chicago blues scene.

She recorded numerous albums and won several Blues Music Awards and a Grammy Award. Taylor’s career spanned over five decades, during which she became a beloved figure in the blues community and a symbol of female empowerment in the music industry.

#5 Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan in 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a jazz and blues singer whose emotive voice and poignant delivery made her one of the most iconic vocalists of the 20th century. Known for her distinctive phrasing and ability to convey deep emotion, Holiday’s career took off in the 1930s with hits like “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” and “Summertime.”

Her 1939 recording of “Strange Fruit,” a haunting protest against lynching, remains one of her most powerful and enduring works. Despite a tumultuous personal life and struggles with addiction, Holiday’s influence on jazz and blues music is profound, and her recordings continue to be celebrated.

#6 Memphis Minnie

Memphis Minnie, born Lizzie Douglas in 1897 in Algiers, Louisiana, was a pioneering blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. She began her recording career in the late 1920s and became one of the most popular female blues artists of her time. Minnie was known for her virtuosic guitar playing and assertive vocal style, recording classics like “Bumble Bee” and “Me and My Chauffeur Blues.”

She worked with various record labels and collaborated with other prominent blues musicians, including her husband, Kansas Joe McCoy. Minnie’s contributions to the blues genre, particularly as a female instrumentalist, have had a lasting impact on the music industry.

#7 Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton, born Willie Mae Thornton in 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama, was a powerful blues singer and songwriter known for her deep, commanding voice and robust stage presence. She is best known for her hit “Hound Dog,” which she recorded in 1952; the song later became a massive hit for Elvis Presley.

Thornton’s version was raw and emotive, showcasing her formidable vocal talent. Throughout her career, she recorded several other hits, including “Ball and Chain,” famously covered by Janis Joplin. Despite facing significant challenges as a black woman in the music industry, Thornton’s contributions to blues and rock and roll are undeniable, and her influence is still felt today.

#8 Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones in 1924 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was a highly versatile and influential singer who excelled in blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. Known as the “Queen of the Blues,” Washington’s career began in the 1940s when she performed with Lionel Hampton’s band.

She had numerous hits in the 1950s and 1960s, including “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” “Unforgettable,” and “This Bitter Earth.” Washington’s voice was distinctive for its clarity and emotional expressiveness. Her ability to cross genres and her significant contributions to American music earned her multiple awards and accolades, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest female vocalists of her time.

#9 Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown, born in 1928 in Portsmouth, Virginia, was a pioneering R&B and blues singer who played a crucial role in the development of the Atlantic Records sound in the 1950s. Known as “Miss Rhythm,” Brown’s dynamic voice and spirited performances earned her numerous hits, including “Teardrops from My Eyes,” “5-10-15 Hours,” and “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean.”

Her success helped establish Atlantic Records as a major label, and she was instrumental in bridging the gap between blues, R&B, and rock and roll. After a period of obscurity, Brown made a successful comeback in the 1980s, becoming an advocate for musicians’ rights and continuing to perform until her death in 2006.

#10 Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt, born in 1949 in Burbank, California, is a renowned blues, rock, and folk singer-songwriter and guitarist. Raitt’s career began in the early 1970s with the release of her self-titled debut album, which showcased her exceptional slide guitar skills and soulful voice. She gained critical acclaim for her albums “Nick of Time” (1989) and “Luck of the Draw” (1991), both of which won multiple Grammy Awards.

Known for hits like “Something to Talk About,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and “Love Sneakin’ Up on You,” Raitt has enjoyed a long and successful career. Her advocacy for social and political causes, along with her musical contributions, have made her a beloved figure in American music.

#11 Ida Cox

Ida Cox, born Ida Prather in 1896 in Toccoa, Georgia, was a prominent blues singer and vaudeville performer known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. She began her career in the 1920s, recording for Paramount Records and performing in the Theater Owners Booking Association circuit, which catered to African American audiences. Cox’s songs, such as “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues” and “Mean and Evil Blues,” often featured themes of female independence and resilience.

She continued to perform and record into the 1940s, despite facing significant challenges due to racial and gender discrimination. Cox’s legacy as a pioneering female blues artist remains influential, and her music continues to be celebrated for its bold and assertive style.

#12 Victoria Spivey

Victoria Spivey, born in 1906 in Houston, Texas, was a blues singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctive voice and storytelling prowess. She began her recording career in the late 1920s with hits like “Black Snake Blues” and “T.B. Blues.” Spivey’s lyrics often addressed themes of hardship, illness, and love, delivered with her unique vocal style.

In addition to her successful solo career, she collaborated with prominent musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Bob Dylan. In the 1960s, Spivey co-founded Spivey Records, promoting both her music and that of other blues artists. Her contributions to the blues genre were significant, and she continued to perform and record until her death in 1976.

#13 Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples, born in 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, is a legendary singer and civil rights activist known for her work with The Staple Singers and as a solo artist. The Staple Singers, led by her father Roebuck “Pops” Staples, gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” and “Let’s Do It Again.” Mavis’s powerful voice and soulful delivery have made her an enduring figure in gospel, soul, and blues music.

Her solo career includes acclaimed albums like “We’ll Never Turn Back” (2007) and “You Are Not Alone” (2010), which won a Grammy Award. Staples’s influence extends beyond music, as she has been a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights throughout her career.

#14 Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin, born in 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas, was a pioneering blues-rock singer known for her powerful, raw vocal style and electric stage presence. She first gained attention as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, with their breakthrough album “Cheap Thrills” (1968) featuring hits like “Piece of My Heart.”

Joplin then launched a successful solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!” (1969) and “Pearl” (1971), the latter featuring her iconic rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee.” Despite her tragic death at age 27 in 1970, Joplin’s influence on blues and rock music endures, and she remains a symbol of the 1960s counterculture.

#15 Shemekia Copeland

Shemekia Copeland, born in 1979 in Harlem, New York, is a contemporary blues singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances. The daughter of Texas blues guitarist Johnny Copeland, she began performing at a young age and released her debut album, “Turn the Heat Up!” in 1998. Copeland quickly established herself as a force in the blues world with albums like “Wicked” (2000) and “33 1/3” (2012), earning multiple Blues Music Awards.

Her music blends traditional blues with elements of rock, soul, and Americana, addressing social and political issues with heartfelt emotion. Copeland’s contribution to modern blues has been significant, and she continues to tour and record, keeping the blues tradition alive.

#16 Sippie Wallace

Sippie Wallace, born Beulah Thomas in 1898 in Plum Bayou, Arkansas, was a notable blues singer and songwriter who achieved fame in the 1920s. Known as the “Texas Nightingale,” Wallace recorded numerous hits for Okeh Records, including “Up the Country Blues” and “I’m a Mighty Tight Woman.” Her music often featured themes of love and betrayal, delivered with her distinctive, powerful voice.

After a period of retirement, Wallace experienced a revival in her career during the 1960s and 1970s, performing with artists like Bonnie Raitt. Wallace’s enduring influence on the blues genre is evident in her recordings and the admiration she garnered from later generations of musicians.

#17 Mamie Smith

Mamie Smith, born in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a pioneering blues singer, dancer, and actress. In 1920, she made history as the first African American woman to record a blues song, “Crazy Blues,” which sold over a million copies and marked the beginning of the blues recording industry.

Smith’s success paved the way for future black female artists in the recording industry. She continued to record popular songs throughout the 1920s and performed in vaudeville and musical theater. Smith’s groundbreaking work in the blues genre opened doors for many other artists and solidified her place in music history.

#18 Nina Simone

Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, was a multifaceted artist known for her work as a blues, jazz, and soul singer, pianist, and civil rights activist. Simone’s music was deeply infused with themes of social justice, exemplified by songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” Her distinctive voice and ability to blend genres made her a unique and powerful presence in music.

Albums like “I Put a Spell on You” (1965) and “Wild Is the Wind” (1966) are considered classics. Simone’s influence extended beyond her music, as she became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and activists alike.

#19 Tina Turner

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee, is a legendary singer and performer whose career spans more than five decades. She initially 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 her abusive husband Ike Turner, she reinvented herself as a solo artist in the 1980s, achieving massive success with the album “Private Dancer” (1984) and singles such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

Turner’s powerful voice, energetic performances, and resilience have made her one of the most iconic figures in music history. Her influence on rock, blues, and pop music is profound, and she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to the industry.

#20 Joan Armatrading

Joan Armatrading, born in 1950 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her fusion of blues, folk, jazz, and rock. She moved to England as a child and began her music career in the early 1970s. Armatrading’s breakthrough album, “Joan Armatrading” (1976), featured hits like “Love and Affection,” showcasing her distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting.

Over her career, she has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “Show Some Emotion” (1977) and “Me Myself I” (1980). Armatrading’s music often explores themes of love, personal struggle, and social issues, earning her a dedicated fan base and several Grammy nominations. Her pioneering role as a black female artist in the predominantly white rock and folk scenes has paved the way for future generations.

#21 Alberta Hunter

Alberta Hunter, born in 1895 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a pioneering blues singer and songwriter whose career spanned six decades. She began performing in Chicago in the 1910s and quickly gained fame for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.

Hunter recorded several hits in the 1920s, including “Downhearted Blues” and “Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning.” After a long hiatus during which she worked as a nurse, Hunter made a remarkable comeback in the 1970s, performing at New York’s The Cookery and releasing new albums. Her comeback albums, like “Amtrak Blues” (1978), showcased her enduring talent and versatility. Hunter’s contributions to blues music were profound, and she continued to perform until her death in 1984.

#22 Lavelle White

Lavelle White, born in 1929 in Amite City, Louisiana, is a celebrated blues and soul singer known for her vibrant performances and songwriting skills. She began her career in the 1950s, performing in Houston’s vibrant blues scene and recording for Duke Records. White wrote and recorded several notable songs, including “If I Could Be with You” and “Stop These Teardrops.”

Despite periods of obscurity, she experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, releasing albums like “Miss Lavelle” (1994) and “Into the Mystic” (2003). White’s music blends traditional blues with soul and R&B influences, and her powerful voice and energetic stage presence have earned her a loyal following. Her contributions to the blues genre continue to be celebrated.

#23 Beverly “Guitar” Watkins

Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, born in 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia, was a talented blues guitarist and singer known for her electrifying performances and skillful guitar work. She began her career in the 1950s, performing with Piano Red and His Interns, and gained a reputation for her dynamic stage presence and virtuosity. Watkins played with various artists over the years, including James Brown and B.B. King, but did not record a solo album until the 1990s.

Her debut album, “Back in Business” (1999), received critical acclaim and showcased her powerful guitar playing and soulful vocals. Watkins continued to perform and record into her 70s, earning recognition as one of the most exciting live performers in blues music. Her contributions to the blues genre were significant, and she inspired many aspiring musicians with her talent and perseverance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was known as the “Empress of the Blues” and what was her impact on music?

Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues,” was a pioneering blues singer in the 1920s and 1930s. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery influenced countless artists and helped popularize the blues genre.

Which female blues singer wrote and originally recorded “Hound Dog” before it became a hit for Elvis Presley?

Big Mama Thornton wrote and originally recorded “Hound Dog” in 1952, years before Elvis Presley made it a rock and roll classic. Her version was raw and powerful, showcasing her commanding vocal style.

How did Etta James influence the blues and R&B genres with her music?

Etta James had a significant impact on blues and R&B with her versatile voice and emotive performances. Her hits like “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” remain timeless classics that have inspired generations of musicians.

What is the significance of Mamie Smith’s recording of “Crazy Blues” in 1920?

Mamie Smith’s recording of “Crazy Blues” in 1920 was groundbreaking as it was the first blues song recorded by an African American woman. This historic recording opened the doors for black female artists in the recording industry.