25 Most Famous Female Singers of the 1950s (Must Hear List)

The 1950s was a golden era for music, marked by the emergence of numerous iconic female singers who left an indelible mark on the industry. These artists brought a new depth of emotion, style, and innovation to genres ranging from pop and jazz to country and R&B.

As the music scene evolved, these talented women captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful voices, distinctive styles, and unforgettable performances.

This article delves into the careers of famous female singers from the 1950s, exploring how they shaped the musical landscape of the era and paved the way for future generations of artists.

25 Most Famous Female Vocalists of the 1950s You Need to Hear

Here are 25 famous female singers from the 1950s:

#1 Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was a pioneering country music singer known for her distinctive voice and emotional depth. Born Virginia Patterson Hensley, she rose to fame in the late 1950s with hits like “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “I Fall to Pieces.” Her style blended traditional country with pop, making her one of the first crossover artists in country music.

Cline’s powerful, emotive delivery resonated with audiences, and she became one of the most influential vocalists in the genre. Despite her tragically short career, ending with her death in a plane crash in 1963, Cline’s music has had a lasting impact, and she is remembered as one of the greatest country singers of all time.

#2 Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song,” was a jazz singer renowned for her impeccable vocal technique and scat singing. Born in 1917, she rose to fame in the 1930s and continued to captivate audiences through the 1950s and beyond. Fitzgerald’s smooth, flexible voice allowed her to master a wide range of styles, from jazz standards to pop ballads.

Her collaborations with greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong produced timeless recordings, including her interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Fitzgerald’s influence on jazz and popular music is immense, and she remains one of the most beloved and respected vocalists in history.

#3 Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” was a jazz and blues singer whose deeply emotive voice and unique phrasing made her one of the most iconic vocalists of the 20th century. Born in 1915, Holiday’s career blossomed in the 1930s and 1940s, with the 1950s seeing some of her most profound work, despite personal struggles.

Known for songs like “Strange Fruit,” which poignantly addressed racial injustice, and “God Bless the Child,” Holiday’s performances were marked by their raw emotional power. Her voice, often characterized by its distinct timbre and ability to convey deep emotion, left a lasting impact on jazz and popular music.

#4 Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones, was a versatile singer known for her work in jazz, blues, R&B, and pop. Her distinctive voice and expressive delivery made her a standout performer of the 1950s. Washington had a string of hits, including “What a Diff’rence a Day Made” and “This Bitter Earth,” showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions through her singing.

She was known for her clarity of tone and precise diction, which made her one of the most beloved vocalists of her time. Washington’s influence extended beyond her genre, and she earned the title “Queen of the Blues” for her contributions to music.

#5 Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee, born Norma Deloris Egstrom, was a celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress known for her sultry voice and sophisticated style. Her career began in the 1940s, and she became a major star in the 1950s with hits like “Fever,” “Is That All There Is?,” and “Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me).” Lee’s versatility allowed her to excel in jazz, pop, and swing, and she was also a talented songwriter, co-writing many of her songs.

Her work in film, including her role in “Lady and the Tramp,” for which she co-wrote and performed several songs, further showcased her talents. Lee’s influence on pop and jazz music is significant, and she remains an iconic figure in American music.

#6 Etta James

Etta James was a powerful singer known for her dynamic voice and emotive performances in the genres of blues, soul, and R&B. Born Jamesetta Hawkins, she gained fame in the late 1950s with the release of her debut album “At Last!” which included the iconic title track, a classic love ballad. James’s voice was marked by its raw emotion and versatility, allowing her to deliver heart-wrenching ballads as well as upbeat R&B tunes.

Her ability to convey deep emotion made her one of the most revered singers of her time. Over her career, she received numerous awards and accolades, including several Grammy Awards, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

#7 Connie Francis

Connie Francis, born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, became one of the most popular female singers of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her career took off with the hit single “Who’s Sorry Now?” in 1957, which showcased her clear, powerful voice and emotional delivery.

Francis was known for her versatility, singing pop, rock, country, and even foreign-language songs. Her other hits include “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and “Where the Boys Are,” the latter of which was the title song for a film in which she also starred. Francis’s success continued into the 1960s, and she is remembered as one of the most successful female pop stars of her era.

#8 Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney was a versatile singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1950s with her warm, engaging voice. Born in Kentucky, she first gained attention with her 1951 hit “Come On-a My House,” which showcased her playful, expressive style.

Clooney’s repertoire included jazz, pop, and big band music, and she was known for her smooth vocal delivery and charming personality. She starred alongside Bing Crosby in the popular film “White Christmas,” which further cemented her place in American pop culture. Clooney’s career spanned several decades, and she continued to perform and record music, earning a reputation as one of the great American vocalists.

#9 Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee, often known as “Little Miss Dynamite” for her powerful voice and small stature, was a major pop and rockabilly star in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Georgia, Lee began her career as a child prodigy, and she achieved international fame with hits like “I’m Sorry” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Her music showcased her ability to sing both pop ballads and upbeat rock songs with equal skill. Lee’s distinctive voice and emotive delivery made her a beloved figure in the music industry, and she became one of the first female artists to successfully transition between pop and country music. Her contributions to both genres earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

#10 Doris Day

Doris Day, born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff, was a renowned singer and actress who became one of the biggest stars of the 1950s. Her career as a singer began in the 1940s with big bands, but she became a household name in the 1950s with hits like “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” and “Secret Love.”

Day’s voice was characterized by its clear, sunny quality and her ability to convey warmth and sincerity. In addition to her music career, she starred in numerous successful films, becoming one of the most popular actresses of the era. Day’s wholesome image and charming personality made her an enduring icon of American entertainment.

#11 Jo Stafford

Jo Stafford was a versatile and accomplished singer known for her work in pop, jazz, and country music. Her career began in the late 1930s with the vocal group The Pied Pipers, but she gained solo fame in the 1940s and 1950s with hits like “You Belong to Me” and “Make Love to Me.” Stafford was praised for her pure, warm voice and impeccable phrasing, which made her a favorite among both fans and fellow musicians.

She was also known for her comedic alter ego, “Cinderella G. Stump,” under which she recorded humorous duets with her husband, Paul Weston. Stafford’s contributions to music spanned multiple genres, and she was one of the most popular female singers of her time.

#12 Julie London

Julie London was a sultry-voiced singer and actress who gained fame in the 1950s with her signature song “Cry Me a River.” Born in California, London initially pursued an acting career before focusing on music. Her smoky, intimate vocal style and jazz-inflected interpretations made her a standout performer. London’s albums, such as “Julie Is Her Name” and “Lonely Girl,” were well-received, and she became known for her sophisticated, torch-song style.

In addition to her music career, she continued to act in films and television, most notably starring in the TV series “Emergency!” London’s unique voice and understated delivery left a lasting impression on the jazz and pop genres.

#13 Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan, often referred to as “Sassy” or “The Divine One,” was a legendary jazz singer known for her rich, expressive voice and incredible range. Vaughan’s career began in the 1940s, but she became a major star in the 1950s with her recordings of songs like “Misty” and “Broken-Hearted Melody.” Her voice, noted for its warmth and flexibility, allowed her to perform a wide range of styles, from jazz standards to pop ballads.

Vaughan was known for her impeccable timing, phrasing, and ability to convey deep emotion in her singing. She was a master of vocal improvisation and scat singing, making her one of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time. Her contributions to jazz and popular music earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.

#14 Patti Page

Patti Page, born Clara Ann Fowler, was one of the best-selling female artists of the 1950s. Known for her smooth, versatile voice, Page achieved major success with hits like “Tennessee Waltz” and “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” Her style often blended pop with country and traditional pop elements, appealing to a wide audience.

Page was also known for her innovative use of overdubbing, which allowed her to harmonize with herself on recordings. She earned the nickname “The Singing Rage” and continued to perform and record throughout her career, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.

#15 Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown, known as the “Queen of R&B,” was a pioneering singer whose career helped shape the rhythm and blues genre in the 1950s. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Brown’s powerful voice and charismatic delivery made her a standout artist of the era.

Her hits, including “Teardrops from My Eyes,” “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” and “This Little Girl’s Gone Rockin’,” showcased her ability to blend blues, jazz, and pop influences. Brown’s success helped establish Atlantic Records as a major label and earned her a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was also an advocate for artists’ rights, working to secure royalties and recognition for musicians.

#16 Teresa Brewer

Teresa Brewer was a popular singer known for her bubbly personality and a string of hits in the 1950s. Born in Ohio, Brewer first gained fame with the novelty hit “Music! Music! Music!” in 1949. Her career continued to flourish with songs like “Till I Waltz Again with You” and “Ricochet.” Brewer’s voice, characterized by its bright, youthful tone, made her a favorite among pop music fans.

She was able to adapt to various styles, including pop, jazz, and country, maintaining her popularity through the decade. Brewer’s lively performances and catchy tunes made her one of the standout female artists of her time.

#17 Joni James

Joni James, born Giovanna Carmella Babbo, was a popular pop singer in the 1950s known for her romantic ballads and clear, expressive voice. James achieved fame with her debut single “Why Don’t You Believe Me?” in 1952, which became a major hit.

Her music often featured lush orchestral arrangements, and she was known for her emotional delivery. James had several other hits, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Have You Heard?” Her recordings were particularly popular in the United States and the United Kingdom, making her one of the first American artists to have an international following. James’s ability to convey deep emotion in her singing made her a beloved figure in the era of traditional pop.

#18 Kay Starr

Kay Starr was a versatile singer known for her success in pop, jazz, and country music during the 1950s. Born in Oklahoma, Starr first gained attention as a jazz singer before transitioning to pop music. She achieved major success with the hit “Wheel of Fortune” in 1952, which showcased her powerful voice and unique phrasing. Starr’s ability to convey emotion and her distinctive vocal style made her popular across various genres.

She had other hits like “The Rock and Roll Waltz” and “Side by Side,” further establishing her as a versatile and talented artist. Starr’s influence extended beyond the 1950s, and she continued to perform and record throughout her career.

#19 Anita O’Day

Anita O’Day was a jazz singer known for her innovative vocal style and rhythmically complex phrasing. Born in Chicago, O’Day began her career as a big band singer with Gene Krupa and Stan Kenton, where she gained fame with hits like “Let Me Off Uptown.” O’Day’s unique voice and improvisational skills set her apart from other jazz vocalists, earning her a reputation as a master of scat singing.

Her albums, such as “Anita O’Day Sings the Winners” and “Anita Sings the Most,” are considered classics in the jazz genre. Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with addiction, O’Day’s contributions to jazz remain influential, and she is celebrated as one of the great jazz vocalists.

#20 June Christy

June Christy was a cool jazz singer known for her work with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and her solo career. Born in Illinois, Christy first gained prominence as a vocalist with Kenton’s band, where she replaced Anita O’Day. She became known for her smooth, understated singing style and her ability to convey a cool, sophisticated vibe. Christy’s debut solo album, “Something Cool,” was a landmark in the cool jazz genre and remains one of her most celebrated works.

Other notable albums include “The Misty Miss Christy” and “Gone for the Day.” Christy’s career was marked by her refined vocal style and her contributions to the development of cool jazz as a distinct genre.

#21 Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a celebrated singer, actress, and civil rights activist known for her smooth voice and charismatic stage presence. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she became one of the first African American women to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio.

In the 1950s, Horne was known for her work in both film and music, with signature songs like “Stormy Weather” and “The Lady is a Tramp.” Her career spanned several decades, and she broke significant racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Horne’s elegant style and powerful voice made her a beloved figure in American music and a pioneering figure in the fight for civil rights.

#22 Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews, born in England, became a beloved figure in the entertainment world as a singer and actress, particularly known for her clear, crystalline voice. Although her major career breakthrough came with her roles in the 1960s musicals “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins,” Andrews had an established career in the 1950s.

During this decade, she starred in Broadway musicals like “My Fair Lady” and “Camelot,” where her performances as Eliza Doolittle and Guinevere were highly acclaimed. Andrews’ vocal range and impeccable diction made her a standout performer, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a major star in musical theater.

#23 Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney was a versatile singer and actress who gained fame in the 1950s for her warm, engaging voice and versatile repertoire. Clooney’s career took off with her 1951 hit “Come On-a My House,” which showcased her playful style.

She continued to have success with songs like “Hey There,” “This Ole House,” and “Mambo Italiano.” Clooney was known for her ability to cross genres, including pop, jazz, and big band, and she maintained a successful recording and television career. Her friendly, approachable persona and rich vocal tone made her a favorite among audiences, and she continued to perform and record music for several decades.

#24 Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson was one of the most influential gospel singers of the 20th century, known for her powerful contralto voice and deep spiritual conviction. Born in New Orleans, Jackson moved to Chicago, where she became a central figure in the gospel music scene. Her recordings, such as “Move On Up a Little Higher” and “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” brought gospel music to a broader audience and earned her national and international fame.

Jackson’s performances were characterized by her passionate delivery and emotional depth, making her a beloved figure in both the religious and secular music worlds. She also played a significant role in the civil rights movement, using her music to support and inspire the fight for equality.

#25 Keely Smith

Keely Smith was a jazz and pop singer known for her cool, sophisticated style and distinctive voice. She gained prominence in the 1950s as the singing partner of Louis Prima, with whom she performed in Las Vegas and recorded several successful albums.

Their dynamic on-stage chemistry and playful interactions made them a popular act, and they had hits like “That Old Black Magic” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Smith also had a successful solo career, releasing albums such as “I Wish You Love” and “Swing, You Lovers.” Her smooth, controlled vocal delivery and ability to interpret a wide range of material made her a respected figure in jazz and popular music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was known as the “Queen of R&B” in the 1950s?

Ruth Brown earned the title “Queen of R&B” for her significant contributions to the rhythm and blues genre during the 1950s. Her powerful voice and hits like “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean” made her a standout artist of the era.

Which 1950s female singer was famous for the song “Fever”?

Peggy Lee was famous for her sultry rendition of the song “Fever,” released in 1958. The song became one of her signature hits and showcased her distinctive vocal style.

Which female singer from the 1950s was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement?

Lena Horne, a celebrated singer and actress, was also a prominent civil rights activist. She used her platform to advocate for racial equality and was known for her contributions both on stage and off.

Who was the female singer known as “Little Miss Dynamite” in the 1950s?

Brenda Lee was known as “Little Miss Dynamite” due to her powerful voice and petite stature. She gained fame with hits like “I’m Sorry” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”