Diana Ross is a name synonymous with elegance, soul, and timeless music. As the lead singer of The Supremes and later as a solo artist, Ross became an icon whose influence transcends generations and genres.
But she is not alone in her ability to captivate audiences with her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and versatile musical talents. In this article, we explore the careers of famous singers who, like Diana Ross, have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
These artists, with their unique styles and unforgettable contributions, continue to inspire and shape the sound of contemporary music.
21 Amazing Singers Similar to Diana Ross to Add to Your Playlist
Contents
- 1 21 Amazing Singers Similar to Diana Ross to Add to Your Playlist
- 2 #1 Aretha Franklin
- 3 #2 Whitney Houston
- 4 #3 Gladys Knight
- 5 #4 Tina Turner
- 6 #5 Patti LaBelle
- 7 #6 Chaka Khan
- 8 #7 Donna Summer
- 9 #8 Martha Reeves
- 10 #9 Roberta Flack
- 11 #10 Natalie Cole
- 12 #11 Anita Baker
- 13 #12 Stephanie Mills
- 14 #13 Mary Wells
- 15 #14 Dionne Warwick
- 16 #15 Janet Jackson
- 17 #16 Sade
- 18 #17 Etta James
- 19 #18 Mary J. Blige
- 20 #19 Thelma Houston
- 21 #20 Phyllis Hyman
- 22 #21 Teena Marie
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
These singers, like Diana Ross, have made significant contributions to music, particularly in the genres of soul, pop, R&B, and disco. Their powerful voices, charismatic performances, and lasting influence have cemented their status as icons in the music industry.
Here’s a list of 21 singers who share similarities with Diana Ross, whether in their vocal style, stage presence, or influence in the world of soul, pop, and R&B:
#1 Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, often hailed as the “Queen of Soul,” is one of the most influential and celebrated singers in music history. Born in 1942, Franklin began her career as a gospel singer before transitioning to secular music in the 1960s, where she became a defining voice in soul and R&B. Her powerful vocals and emotive delivery on hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Natural Woman” earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Franklin’s influence extended beyond music, as she became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, using her platform to advocate for equality and justice. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music, coupled with her undeniable talent, solidified her legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time.
#2 Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston, born in 1963, was a global superstar known for her stunning vocal range and powerful performances. Houston’s career took off in the 1980s with her self-titled debut album, which produced several chart-topping hits, including “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All.” Her follow-up album, Whitney, cemented her status as a pop icon, making her the first woman to debut at number one on the Billboard 200.
Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard soundtrack became one of the best-selling singles of all time, showcasing her unmatched vocal prowess. Despite personal struggles, Houston’s influence on pop and R&B music remains unparalleled, with her legacy as one of the greatest voices in music history firmly intact.
#3 Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” has had a remarkable career spanning over six decades, characterized by her rich, soulful voice and dynamic performances. Born in 1944, Knight first gained fame as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips, a group that produced timeless hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “If I Were Your Woman,” and “Neither One of Us.” Her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with audiences made her a beloved figure in the soul and R&B genres.
Knight’s career continued to flourish as a solo artist, earning her numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Her contributions to music and her influence on subsequent generations of singers solidify her status as one of the most iconic voices in soul music.
#4 Tina Turner
Tina Turner, born in 1939, is a rock and roll legend known for her electrifying stage presence and powerful, gritty voice. Turner’s career began in the 1960s as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner, where she gained fame with hits like “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.” Despite personal and professional challenges, Turner reinvented herself in the 1980s as a solo artist, achieving massive success with her album Private Dancer, which included the hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
Turner’s dynamic performances and distinctive voice made her one of the most iconic and influential artists in rock and pop music. Her resilience and ability to continually evolve as an artist have earned her a lasting legacy as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
#5 Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle, born in 1944, is a powerhouse vocalist known for her wide vocal range, emotive delivery, and charismatic stage presence. LaBelle first gained fame as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, later known as Labelle, a group that made history with the hit “Lady Marmalade.” Her transition to a successful solo career in the late 1970s further solidified her status as a music icon, with hits like “On My Own” and “New Attitude.”
LaBelle’s career has spanned over five decades, during which she has become known not only for her vocal talents but also for her dynamic live performances. Her influence on both soul and pop music, as well as her role as a trailblazer for female artists, has earned her a lasting place in music history.
#6 Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan, born in 1953, is a legendary singer whose career has spanned over five decades, earning her the title “Queen of Funk.” Khan first gained fame as the lead vocalist for the funk band Rufus, where she became known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Hits like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody” showcased her ability to blend funk, soul, and pop, making her a standout figure in the music industry.
As a solo artist, Khan continued to achieve success with hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Through the Fire,” further establishing her as a versatile and influential singer. Her ability to effortlessly cross genres and her lasting impact on music have made Chaka Khan a beloved and iconic figure in the world of soul and funk.
#7 Donna Summer
Donna Summer, born in 1948, became known as the “Queen of Disco” during the late 1970s, thanks to her string of dance hits that defined the disco era. With her powerful voice and glamorous image, Summer captivated audiences with songs like “Love to Love You Baby,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Last Dance.” Her ability to infuse emotion and sensuality into her music, combined with innovative production, made her one of the most influential artists of her time.
Summer’s impact extended beyond disco as she successfully transitioned into other genres, including pop and rock, throughout the 1980s and beyond. Her legacy as a pioneering figure in dance music and her influence on future generations of pop and dance artists remain undeniable.
#8 Martha Reeves
Martha Reeves, born in 1941, is best known as the lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, one of Motown’s most successful and influential girl groups. With her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, Reeves led the group to fame with hits like “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” and “Nowhere to Run.” The group’s music became synonymous with the sound of the 1960s, blending pop, soul, and R&B in a way that resonated with a wide audience.
Reeves’s contributions to the Motown sound helped define an era of music, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed. Her powerful vocals and ability to convey emotion through music made her a standout figure in the world of soul and pop.
#9 Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack, born in 1937, is a Grammy-winning singer and pianist known for her smooth, soulful voice and sophisticated approach to music. Flack gained widespread acclaim in the early 1970s with hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” all of which showcased her ability to blend jazz, soul, and pop with emotional depth. Her music often dealt with themes of love and intimacy, delivered with a gentle yet powerful vocal style.
Flack’s influence on contemporary soul and R&B is profound, as she paved the way for artists who sought to combine emotional expression with musical complexity. Her enduring legacy as a singer and musician is marked by her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
#10 Natalie Cole
Natalie Cole, born in 1950, was a versatile singer known for her ability to cross genres, from R&B and pop to jazz. The daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole, Natalie carved out her own successful career in the 1970s with hits like “This Will Be,” “Inseparable,” and “Our Love.” Her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence made her a favorite in both the pop and R&B worlds.
Cole’s career reached new heights in the 1990s with her critically acclaimed album Unforgettable… with Love, a tribute to her father that featured her duets with his recordings. The album’s success solidified her place as a significant figure in music history, blending the legacy of her father’s era with her own modern interpretations.
#11 Anita Baker
Anita Baker, born in 1958, is a renowned singer-songwriter known for her smooth, sultry voice and sophisticated take on R&B and soul music. Baker’s breakthrough came in the mid-1980s with the release of her album Rapture, which featured the hit single “Sweet Love” and earned her multiple Grammy Awards. Her music, characterized by its blend of jazz, soul, and quiet storm elements, resonated with audiences seeking a more mature, refined sound.
Baker’s influence on contemporary R&B is significant, as she helped shape the genre’s evolution during the 1980s and 1990s. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music, combined with her vocal prowess, has earned her a lasting place in the pantheon of great soul singers.
#12 Stephanie Mills
Stephanie Mills, born in 1957, is a powerhouse vocalist known for her work in R&B, soul, and Broadway. Mills first gained widespread recognition for her role as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, where her rendition of “Home” became a signature song. She transitioned to a successful recording career in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Never Knew Love Like This Before” and “What Cha’ Gonna Do with My Lovin’.”
Mills’s ability to blend powerful vocals with emotional depth made her a standout figure in R&B music. Her contributions to the genre, both on stage and in the studio, have earned her a dedicated following and a lasting legacy in the music industry.
#13 Mary Wells
Mary Wells, born in 1943, was one of Motown’s first superstars, known as “The Queen of Motown” for her early success with the label. Wells’s smooth, soulful voice captivated audiences in the early 1960s with hits like “My Guy,” “You Beat Me to the Punch,” and “Two Lovers.” Her music played a pivotal role in establishing the Motown sound, blending pop and R&B elements into a style that appealed to a broad audience.
Wells’s influence on future generations of Motown artists and beyond is significant, as she helped pave the way for female singers in the music industry. Despite her career being cut short by illness, her impact on soul and pop music remains enduring and influential.
#14 Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick, born in 1940, is a legendary singer known for her smooth, expressive voice and a career that has spanned over six decades. Warwick rose to fame in the 1960s with a string of hits written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.” Her ability to convey emotion with subtlety and sophistication made her one of the most successful female vocalists of her time.
Warwick’s influence extends beyond her music, as she has also been an advocate for humanitarian causes and a cultural icon. Her enduring appeal and contributions to pop, R&B, and soul music have solidified her place as one of the most respected and beloved singers in history.
#15 Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson, born in 1966, is a pop and R&B icon who has made a significant impact on the music industry with her innovative sound, choreography, and visual artistry. Emerging from the shadow of her famous family, Jackson became a superstar in her own right with the release of her 1986 album Control, which included hits like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately.” Her music combined elements of pop, R&B, funk, and dance, setting the stage for her continued success throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Jackson’s influence on music, particularly in the realms of pop and R&B, is profound, as she helped define the sound and style of the genre for a new generation. Her ability to constantly reinvent herself, along with her powerful performances, has made her one of the most influential and successful female artists of all time.
#16 Sade
Sade, born Helen Folasade Adu in 1959, is a British-Nigerian singer known for her smooth, soulful voice and sophisticated blend of jazz, soul, and R&B. Sade’s debut album, Diamond Life, released in 1984, became a global success with hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.” Her music, characterized by its understated elegance and emotional depth, resonated with audiences worldwide, making her one of the most distinctive voices of her era.
Throughout her career, Sade has maintained a reputation for artistic integrity and consistency, with each of her albums achieving critical and commercial success. Her influence on contemporary R&B and soul music, as well as her ability to transcend musical trends, has solidified her status as an iconic and enduring figure in music.
#17 Etta James
Etta James, born in 1938, was a legendary singer known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend blues, soul, R&B, and rock and roll. James first gained fame in the 1960s with hits like “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion through her music. Her voice, characterized by its rich, gritty texture, made her one of the most influential female vocalists of the 20th century.
James’s career spanned over five decades, during which she earned multiple awards and accolades, including several Grammy Awards. Her impact on music, particularly in the blues and soul genres, is immense, and her legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time continues to be celebrated by musicians and fans alike.
#18 Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige, born in 1971, is often referred to as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” for her groundbreaking work in blending R&B with hip-hop influences. Blige’s career took off in the early 1990s with the release of her debut album What’s the 411?, which featured hits like “Real Love” and “You Remind Me.” Her music, characterized by its raw emotional honesty and powerful vocals, resonated with listeners and helped redefine the R&B genre.
Blige has continued to evolve as an artist, earning numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, throughout her career. Her influence on both R&B and hip-hop is significant, as she has paved the way for future generations of artists to explore the intersection of these genres while maintaining a strong, authentic voice.
#19 Thelma Houston
Thelma Houston, born in 1946, is a Grammy-winning singer best known for her work in the disco and soul genres. Houston’s career reached its peak in the late 1970s with her hit single “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” which became an anthem of the disco era and earned her widespread acclaim. Her powerful voice and energetic performances made her a standout figure in the world of disco and dance music.
Throughout her career, Houston has continued to perform and record, earning a loyal fanbase and recognition for her contributions to music. Her ability to cross genres and her enduring influence in the disco and soul music scenes have solidified her place as a respected and iconic artist.
#20 Phyllis Hyman
Phyllis Hyman, born in 1949, was a talented singer and actress known for her rich, sultry voice and her work in the jazz, soul, and R&B genres. Hyman first gained attention in the late 1970s with hits like “You Know How to Love Me” and “Living All Alone,” showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. Her voice, characterized by its smooth, velvety quality, made her a favorite among fans of sophisticated, adult contemporary R&B.
Despite struggles with depression and personal challenges, Hyman’s music continues to resonate with listeners, earning her a devoted following even after her untimely death in 1995. Her influence on contemporary jazz and soul music, as well as her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, has left a lasting legacy.
#21 Teena Marie
Teena Marie, born in 1956, was a versatile singer, songwriter, and producer known for her soulful voice and her ability to cross racial and genre boundaries in music. Often referred to as the “Ivory Queen of Soul,” Marie gained fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “Lovergirl,” “Square Biz,” and “Fire and Desire,” a duet with Rick James. Her music, which blended elements of R&B, funk, and soul, earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Marie was also known for her strong songwriting and production skills, making her one of the few female artists of her time to have full creative control over her music. Her influence on R&B and soul music, particularly in challenging racial stereotypes and paving the way for future artists, has cemented her legacy as a groundbreaking and beloved figure in music history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Donna Summer earn the title “Queen of Disco”?
Donna Summer earned the title “Queen of Disco” due to her string of chart-topping dance hits in the late 1970s, which became defining tracks of the disco era. Her powerful voice and glamorous image made her a symbol of the genre.
What impact did Janet Jackson have on pop and R&B music?
Janet Jackson revolutionized pop and R&B with her innovative sound, choreography, and visual style, especially with her groundbreaking album Control. She set new standards for female artists in the music industry.
Why is Sade considered a unique voice in soul and jazz music?
Sade is considered unique due to her smooth, soulful voice and sophisticated blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, which set her apart from her contemporaries. Her timeless sound and elegant style have earned her a dedicated global fanbase.
What was Mary J. Blige’s contribution to R&B and hip-hop?
Mary J. Blige is credited with pioneering the fusion of R&B and hip-hop, bringing raw emotional honesty to her music and helping to redefine the genre in the 1990s. Her influence has paved the way for many artists in both genres.
