27 Most Famous Female Singers of the 1980s (Ultimate Playlist)

The 1980s was a transformative decade for music, marked by the rise of powerful female singers who left an indelible mark on the industry. This era saw the emergence of iconic artists who not only topped the charts but also influenced fashion, culture, and the very sound of popular music.

From the revolutionary pop anthems of Madonna and the soulful ballads of Whitney Houston to the rebellious rock of Joan Jett and the smooth jazz-infused tunes of Sade, these women defined the musical landscape of the 80s.

This article delves into the careers and legacies of some of the most famous female singers of the 1980s, celebrating their contributions and lasting impact on the world of music.

27 Most Famous Female Singers from the 1980s That Will Bring you Back in Time

These singers made significant contributions to the music scene in the 1980s, spanning various genres and styles.

Here is a list of 27 famous female singers from the 1980s:

#1 Madonna

Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone in 1958, is an iconic pop singer whose career took off in the early 1980s. She released her self-titled debut album in 1983, featuring hits like “Holiday” and “Borderline.” Her 1984 album, “Like a Virgin,” propelled her to international stardom with chart-topping singles such as “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl.”

Known for her provocative image and innovative music videos, Madonna continually reinvented herself, influencing fashion and culture. Throughout the 1980s, she released several successful albums, including “True Blue” and “Like a Prayer,” solidifying her status as the “Queen of Pop.” Her impact on the music industry is immense, with numerous awards and a legacy of pushing artistic boundaries.

#2 Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, born in 1963, was a powerhouse vocalist who emerged as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her self-titled debut album in 1985 included hits like “Saving All My Love for You” and “How Will I Know,” earning her immediate acclaim.

Houston’s second album, “Whitney” (1987), broke records, making her the first woman to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Known for her exceptional vocal range and emotional depth, she delivered timeless songs such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “Greatest Love of All.” Houston’s career in the 1980s set the stage for her continued success in the 1990s and beyond, establishing her as a pop and R&B icon.

#3 Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper, born in 1953, burst onto the music scene with her debut album “She’s So Unusual” in 1983. The album featured the hit singles “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “She Bop,” showcasing her distinctive voice and quirky style.

Lauper’s unique blend of pop, rock, and new wave, along with her colorful image, made her a standout artist of the 1980s. Her success continued with the release of her second album, “True Colors” (1986), which included the title track and “Change of Heart.” Lauper’s influence extended beyond music to fashion and LGBTQ+ advocacy, making her a beloved and enduring figure in pop culture.

#4 Tina Turner

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939, achieved massive success as a solo artist in the 1980s after a tumultuous partnership with Ike Turner. Her 1984 album “Private Dancer” was a major comeback, featuring hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Better Be Good to Me,” and the title track “Private Dancer.” Turner’s powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and resilient spirit resonated with audiences worldwide.

She continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, such as “Break Every Rule” (1986) and “Foreign Affair” (1989). Turner’s remarkable career, marked by multiple Grammy Awards and international acclaim, cemented her legacy as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

#5 Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar, born in 1953, is a rock singer known for her powerful voice and hit singles in the 1980s. Her debut album “In the Heat of the Night” (1979) and the follow-up “Crimes of Passion” (1980) produced hits like “Heartbreaker,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and “Treat Me Right.” Benatar’s blend of rock and pop, along with her fierce stage presence, made her a dominant figure in the 1980s music scene.

She continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, including “Precious Time” (1981) and “Get Nervous” (1982), earning multiple Grammy Awards. Benatar’s influence on female rock artists and her enduring popularity have solidified her status as a rock icon.

#6 Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson, born in 1966, emerged as a major pop and R&B star in the 1980s. She began her career with the albums “Janet Jackson” (1982) and “Dream Street” (1984), but it was her third album, “Control” (1986), that marked her breakthrough. Featuring hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” and “Control,” the album showcased her independence and musical maturity.

Jackson continued her success with the 1989 album “Rhythm Nation 1814,” which included socially conscious tracks like “Rhythm Nation” and “Black Cat.” Known for her innovative music videos, dance routines, and powerful performances, Jackson’s impact on pop and R&B music is profound, earning her numerous awards and accolades.

#7 Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks, born in 1948, is best known as the mystical frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac and for her successful solo career. Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, and her distinctive voice and poetic songwriting quickly became a signature element of the band’s sound.

Hits like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide” cemented her status as a rock icon. Her solo career took off in the early 1980s with the release of her debut album “Bella Donna” (1981), featuring hits like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Leather and Lace.” Nicks’ ethereal style and enduring presence in rock music have made her one of the most influential female artists of all time.

#8 Cher

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian in 1946, is a multi-talented singer, actress, and television personality who achieved significant success in the 1980s. Already a well-known figure from her partnership with Sonny Bono, Cher reinvented herself as a solo artist with hits like “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “I Found Someone.”

Her 1987 album “Cher” marked a major comeback, featuring a more rock-oriented sound. Known for her distinctive contralto voice and bold fashion choices, Cher also enjoyed a successful acting career, winning an Academy Award for her role in “Moonstruck” (1987). Her ability to continuously reinvent herself has made her a lasting icon in the entertainment industry.

#9 Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan, born in 1957 in Havana, Cuba, is a singer-songwriter who gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Miami Sound Machine. The band achieved international success in the 1980s with hits like “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and “1-2-3,” blending Latin rhythms with pop and dance music.

Estefan’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence helped popularize Latin music in the mainstream. Her solo career also flourished with albums like “Cuts Both Ways” (1989), which included the hit “Don’t Wanna Lose You.” Estefan has won multiple Grammy Awards and is celebrated for her contributions to music and her role in bridging cultural divides.

#10 Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox, born in 1954 in Aberdeen, Scotland, is best known as the lead singer of the Eurythmics, a duo she formed with Dave Stewart in 1980. The Eurythmics gained international fame with their 1983 hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” showcasing Lennox’s distinctive contralto voice and androgynous image.

The duo continued to produce hits throughout the decade, including “Here Comes the Rain Again” and “Would I Lie to You?” Lennox’s solo career, which began in the early 1990s, was equally successful with albums like “Diva” (1992) and “Medusa” (1995). Known for her powerful vocals and compelling stage presence, Lennox has received numerous awards and is recognized as one of the greatest female vocalists in pop and rock music.

#11 Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry, born in 1945, is the iconic lead singer of the punk rock and new wave band Blondie. Blondie emerged from the New York punk scene in the mid-1970s and achieved mainstream success in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “Rapture.”

Harry’s distinctive voice, platinum blonde hair, and edgy style made her a fashion and music icon. Blondie’s ability to blend punk, disco, and hip-hop elements helped redefine the sound of the era. Harry also pursued a solo career with albums like “KooKoo” (1981). Her influence on music, fashion, and pop culture continues to be felt today.

#12 Diana Ross

Diana Ross, born in 1944, is a legendary singer and actress who rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes, Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s. In the 1980s, Ross continued her solo career with significant success, releasing hit albums and singles.

Notable songs from this era include “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out,” both from her 1980 album “Diana,” which showcased a more dance-oriented sound. Ross also made notable contributions to film and television during this period. Her enduring influence on music and pop culture has earned her numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.

#13 Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John, born in 1948, is an English-Australian singer, songwriter, and actress who achieved massive success in the 1970s and 1980s. She is best known for her role in the 1978 film “Grease” and its hit soundtrack, including songs like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” In the 1980s, Newton-John’s career continued to thrive with her album “Physical” (1981), featuring the title track that became one of the decade’s biggest hits.

Her music, which blends pop and country influences, and her wholesome image made her a beloved figure in popular culture. Newton-John’s contributions to music and film have earned her numerous awards and lasting fame.

#14 Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul, born in 1962, is a singer, choreographer, and television personality who rose to fame in the late 1980s. She started her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers before becoming a highly sought-after choreographer for music videos and films.

Abdul’s debut album, “Forever Your Girl” (1988), was a massive success, producing hit singles like “Straight Up,” “Forever Your Girl,” and “Cold Hearted.” Her music, characterized by catchy pop melodies and impressive dance routines, made her a pop icon. Abdul’s success continued into the early 1990s, and she later became a popular judge on the television show “American Idol,” further cementing her influence in the music industry.

#15 Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle, born in 1958, is best known as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking all-female rock band The Go-Go’s. The band achieved fame in the early 1980s with hits like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” After The Go-Go’s disbanded, Carlisle launched a successful solo career with her debut album “Belinda” (1986).

Her second album, “Heaven on Earth” (1987), featured the hit singles “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and “I Get Weak,” which solidified her status as a solo artist. Carlisle’s powerful voice and catchy pop-rock songs have made her a lasting figure in 1980s music.

#16 Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde, born in 1960 in London, England, is a pop singer who achieved international fame in the 1980s with her debut single “Kids in America” (1981). Wilde’s fresh sound and catchy new wave tunes made her a standout artist in the early 1980s.

She continued to enjoy success with hits like “Chequered Love,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and “Cambodia.” Wilde’s blend of pop and rock, combined with her distinctive voice and stylish image, earned her a devoted fan base. Throughout her career, Wilde has released numerous albums and remains an influential figure in pop music.

#17 Sade

Sade, born Helen Folasade Adu in 1959 in Ibadan, Nigeria, and raised in the UK, is the lead vocalist of the band Sade. Known for her smooth, soulful voice and sophisticated style, Sade gained prominence with the band’s debut album “Diamond Life” (1984), featuring hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.”

The band’s follow-up albums, “Promise” (1985) and “Stronger Than Pride” (1988), solidified their success with hits like “The Sweetest Taboo” and “Paradise.” Sade’s music blends elements of soul, jazz, and pop, creating a unique sound that has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. Her timeless appeal continues to influence artists across genres.

#18 Joan Jett

Joan Jett, born in 1958, is a rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her raw, powerful sound and rebellious image. Jett first gained fame as a member of the all-female rock band The Runaways in the mid-1970s. After the band’s breakup, she pursued a solo career and formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

Their 1981 album “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” featured the iconic title track, which became a defining anthem of the era. Jett’s other hits include “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Jett’s influence on the rock genre is profound, and she continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

#19 Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens in 1953, is a legendary singer known as the “Queen of Funk.” She first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus in the 1970s, with hits like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody.”

Khan’s solo career took off in the 1980s with her signature hit “I Feel for You” (1984), which showcased her powerful voice and dynamic range. Her music, which blends funk, soul, R&B, and pop, has earned her numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Khan’s influence extends beyond her music, as she has also been a prominent advocate for social causes and continues to be a beloved and influential figure in music.

#20 Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton, born in 1959 in Bellshill, Scotland, is a pop singer and actress who gained fame in the early 1980s. Easton’s career took off with her debut single “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” (1980), which topped the charts in the US and UK.

She continued to enjoy success with hits like “For Your Eyes Only,” the theme song for the James Bond film, and “Sugar Walls,” written by Prince. Easton’s versatility allowed her to explore various musical genres, including pop, R&B, and country. Her distinctive voice and ability to adapt to different styles have earned her multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting place in 1980s pop music.

#21 Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins in 1951 in Skewen, Wales, is a rock and pop singer known for her distinctive raspy voice. She gained international fame in the late 1970s and continued her success into the 1980s with hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” These songs, characterized by their dramatic intensity and powerful vocals, became anthems of the decade.

Tyler’s collaboration with producer Jim Steinman was particularly fruitful, resulting in some of her most iconic tracks. Her career spans several decades, and she continues to tour and record, maintaining her status as a beloved figure in rock music.

#22 Toni Basil

Toni Basil, born Antonia Christina Basilotta in 1943, is best known for her 1981 hit single “Mickey.” The song’s catchy melody and cheerleader-themed music video made it a pop culture phenomenon. Before her singing career, Basil was already an accomplished choreographer and dancer, working with legends like Elvis Presley and David Bowie.

“Mickey” topped the charts in the United States and other countries, cementing Basil’s place in 1980s music history. Although she did not replicate the success of “Mickey” with subsequent releases, Basil’s impact on pop music and her contributions to dance and choreography have left a lasting legacy.

#23 Kim Carnes

Kim Carnes, born in 1945 in Los Angeles, California, is a singer-songwriter known for her distinctive, gravelly voice. She achieved her greatest success with the 1981 hit “Bette Davis Eyes,” which won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

The song’s synth-driven sound and Carnes’ unique vocal delivery made it one of the defining tracks of the early 1980s. Her album “Mistaken Identity,” which included “Bette Davis Eyes,” also achieved significant success. Throughout her career, Carnes has released several albums and written songs for other artists, establishing herself as a versatile and influential figure in pop and rock music.

#24 Taylor Dayne

Taylor Dayne, born Leslie Wunderman in 1962, is a pop and dance singer known for her powerful voice and energetic performances. She burst onto the music scene in the late 1980s with her debut single “Tell It to My Heart” (1987), which became an international hit.

Dayne followed up with a series of successful singles, including “Prove Your Love,” “I’ll Always Love You,” and “Love Will Lead You Back.” Her ability to blend pop and dance music with emotional ballads garnered her widespread acclaim. Dayne has continued to release music and perform, maintaining a loyal fan base and a significant presence in the music industry.

#25 Sinéad O’Connor

Sinéad O’Connor, born in 1966 in Dublin, Ireland, is a singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and provocative image. She gained international fame with her 1990 album “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” which included the hit single “Nothing Compares 2 U,” written by Prince.

The song’s haunting delivery and the accompanying music video, featuring O’Connor’s close-cropped hair and intense expression, became iconic. O’Connor’s music often explores themes of religion, politics, and personal struggle, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Despite facing controversies throughout her career, O’Connor remains a respected and influential figure in alternative and pop music.

#26 Jody Watley

Jody Watley, born in 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, is a singer, songwriter, and record producer known for her contributions to pop, R&B, and dance music. She first gained fame as a member of the group Shalamar in the late 1970s before embarking on a successful solo career in the mid-1980s.

Watley’s self-titled debut solo album (1987) produced several hits, including “Looking for a New Love,” “Don’t You Want Me,” and “Some Kind of Lover.” Her innovative music videos and fashion-forward style earned her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988. Watley’s influence on music and fashion continues to be recognized, and she remains an active performer and recording artist.

#27 Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue, born in 1968 in Melbourne, Australia, is a pop singer and actress who achieved fame in the late 1980s with her debut single “Locomotion” (1987), which became a hit in Australia and other countries. Her subsequent singles, including “I Should Be So Lucky” and “Got to Be Certain,” solidified her status as a pop sensation.

Minogue’s debut album, “Kylie” (1988), was a commercial success, and she continued to release popular albums throughout the 1980s and beyond. Known for her catchy pop tunes and glamorous image, Minogue has enjoyed a long-lasting career, earning numerous awards and maintaining a significant influence in the music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was known as the “Queen of Pop” in the 1980s and why?

Madonna was known as the “Queen of Pop” in the 1980s due to her influential music, provocative image, and innovative music videos. Her hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl” dominated the charts and reshaped pop culture.

Which 1980s female singer gained fame with the hit song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”?

Whitney Houston gained fame with her hit song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” in the late 1980s. The song showcased her powerful voice and became one of her signature tracks, earning her widespread acclaim.

Who is the female singer behind the iconic 1980s anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”?

Cyndi Lauper is the singer behind the iconic 1980s anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The song’s fun and empowering message, combined with Lauper’s unique style, made it a defining hit of the decade.

Which female artist had a major comeback in the 1980s with the album “Private Dancer”?

Tina Turner had a major comeback in the 1980s with her album “Private Dancer.” The album included hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” revitalizing her career and establishing her as a solo superstar.