Top 10 Best Female Country Singers of All Time

Country music gives you plenty to argue about, which is convenient, because this list is practically begging for it. You get legends, chart-toppers, crossover giants, bluegrass greats, and singers whose voices can make a heartbreak song feel like it personally found your address.

This is where you decide which female country singers deserve the loudest applause. Maybe you care most about vocal skill. Maybe songwriting matters more. Maybe you're here for stage presence, storytelling, influence, or that one song you still belt out in the car like your dashboard is judging you. Fair enough.

Vote for the women you think represent country music at its best. The queens, the rebels, the balladeers, the genre-benders, and the voices that made you stop what you were doing and listen.

The Top Ten

Dolly Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian, primarily known for her work in country music. She has composed over 3,000 songs and received numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award.... read more

Are any of you serious? How can anyone on here be better than Mrs. Dolly Parton? She has been in country music longer than any other artist on this list. Additionally, she possesses one of the most natural country/bluegrass voices, which is how it should sound, not like the pop music that Taylor Swift sings. I don't even know why Taylor Swift is on this list.
Taylor is one of those artists who faked a Southern accent to fit in until people caught on and learned that she is from Pennsylvania. I'm really ticked that Taylor Swift is just behind Mrs. Dolly, when Taylor only gets by because of her looks. On the other hand, Dolly had to struggle through poverty, growing up in a family with 12 kids in the Smoky Mountains. The best artists rise to prominence through hard work and growing up with limited resources. Case in point: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, etc.
Carrie Underwood

Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American country singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame by winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005.
Her debut album Some Hearts, released in 2005, produced five hit songs, including "Before He Cheats... read more

I do have to admire how hard she worked and struggled before making it to the top. However, it's incorrect to say that Carrie paved the way for artists like Patsy Cline, Dottie West, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton. Those artists actually came before her and paved the way for her and others.
It's great to know that no one voted for her solely based on her looks. It was certainly gracious of Loretta, Dolly, and Tanya to speak highly of Carrie, even if they have made significant contributions to country music in their own right.
Please don't insult Carrie by saying she reminds you of Patsy or Loretta. Some may argue that she has her own unique style that sets her apart. While it's true that she can hit the right notes, saying that Dolly, Patsy, and Loretta have always been off-key is not accurate. So, who can argue? Obviously, the number one position is highly subjective. For some, it may not belong to Dolly, Patsy, or Loretta, but to Carrie, whose music has stood the test of time, even if it has only been about four years. She is real and genuine, although it's unclear how much she had to struggle in her life. So, here's to Carrie!
Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Winchester, Virginia. She became a professional country singer in the 1950s and emerged as one of the most important artists in American music history. Patsy died on March 5, 1963, in a plane crash in Camden, Tennessee. She was... read more

Patsy Cline's vocal prowess is still incomparable. Others pale in comparison to her monumental and seemingly devil-may-care singing. She tossed off scores like no other, before or since. Has any other woman ever dared to record any score after hers so that we might somehow find someone as good as, or better, to compare to?
You see, Patsy Cline, besides her great range and athleticism within that range, besides her warmth (resonance) of sound, sang with legato. The others don't. They talk-sing, which is not singing and never can be.

I remember watching her on stage the last night of her life at the benefit show in Kansas City. She wore a white chiffon dress and sang like an angel, looking like one too.
Dottie West recalled that perhaps the good Lord took another angel home on that stormy night on March 5, 1963. I hope she never felt any pain in that horrible plane crash. R.I.P., songbird. You were special and the greatest female country singer ever.
Shania Twain

Shania Twain (born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28, 1965) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, she is the best-selling female artist in country music history and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her 1997 album Come On Over remains the... read more

Shania Twain is one of those late-90s/early 2000s country artists that I remember very vividly. This kind of upbeat female country pop was played everywhere when I was younger, and I just couldn't get enough of it.
Another act (it's not a solo artist, they're a group) that I remember liking is probably SheDaisy (or SHeDAISY, however you like to call them). They definitely belong in the "needs more love" category, as their success was short-lived. They were loose, quirky, and funny, plus they knock it out of the park as balladeers. Definitely underrated, even after they became inactive once their label, Lyric Street, shut down.
Martina McBride

Martina Mariea McBride (born July 29, 1966, in Sharon, Kansas) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is known for her soprano singing range and her country music material. She is best known for her hit songs such as Independence Day and Concrete Angel.... read more

Martina is, if not the best singer of all time, then one of the top three, only equaled by Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. Her voice is so powerful and her range so great that she brings tears to my eyes sometimes and raises the hair on my arms and neck. She and Celine are the only performers to whom I've ever had that reaction. She's got to be number one on the country list because she is only equaled and not surpassed by anyone of any genre.

Martina McBride is not just the greatest country singer of all time, but I believe she is the greatest singer of all time! Her voice is not only strong and powerful, but it is also sweet and feminine, and her range is phenomenal. Plus, I really love that she sings every song with great passion and conviction, and she uses her talents to promote a better world.
Taylor Swift

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter, born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She developed a strong interest in country music around the age of nine after watching a Faith Hill documentary. Swift moved to Nashville as a teenager and, after signing with RCA Records, began... read more

I am just so glad that Taylor Swift is number 2, but she really should be at number 1. I adore her, and I don't think my life would be the same without her. She has truly made me love and appreciate country music more than I ever would have without her.
She is stunning, both inside and out. Her voice was a gift from God to all of us ordinary people. Taylor Swift, keep making music and never change, because you are perfect to me. However, if you do change, I will love you forever. I absolutely adore you. I am a Swiftie through and through, and I will never let go!

Taylor Allison Swift is a really popular singer for young adults like me. I really admire Taylor Swift very much.
Back when I was in school, Taylor Swift was a big role model for me. I would write quotes from her most popular songs, which included Mean, White Horse, Tell Me Why, as well as You're Not Sorry and Picture to Burn. I really love her newer songs like Delicate, Look What You Made Me Do, Getaway Car, Are You Ready?, End Game, Gorgeous, and King of My Heart. Taylor's main popular song is Love Story.
Miranda Lambert

Miranda Leigh Lambert (born November 10, 1983) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is primarily known for her solo career and is also a founding member of the country group Pistol Annies. Lambert has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys and Country Music Association awards... read more

Miranda Lambert is true country. She is a sweet Texas girl and is a wonderful influence on young girls. She is proud of her curves and shares her opinions, whether you like them or not. She writes beautiful songs about things that everyone goes through.
Her marriage to Blake Shelton is just so sweet, and you can tell that they really love each other. Miranda Lambert is the best female country singer of this generation!

Forget opinions. She's simply the greatest of this generation. Barring sudden retirement, she will go down as the greatest of all time. She is the total package. Her songs change as she changes, so her songs will always be relevant.
Her voice is beautiful and sexy, which means she can sing soft love songs as well as hard and edgy ones. I grew up with Reba and Tanya Tucker and listened to Patsy and Dolly, all great in their own right. But forget it. Miranda, as humble as she is, is hands down the greatest.
Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn was an American country music singer-songwriter with multiple gold albums in a career that spanned over 62 years. She was known for hits like Coal Miner's Daughter and You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man). Lynn received numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and the Presidential... read more

Loretta Lynn is by far the most recognized name in country music - actually, in any type of music. People involved in pop, rock, and country all know who Loretta Lynn is. She is country music royalty at its best. She's real, down-to-earth, and loves her fans.
In my view, there are five great female singers of all time: Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton. I'm not saying other female singers didn't pave the way, but these women kicked down doors and will forever be known as the Queens of Country. Sure, some might be jealous, but face the fact: Loretta Lynn is at the top.

I watched Loretta Lynn live in Toronto as she opened for Johnny Cash. She was a barefoot, black-haired, beautiful woman. I couldn't believe my ears or my eyes. I knew then that she would become the Queen of Country.
Provided she stayed true to herself and didn't change, I knew she would be loved and that her music would open doors for other female artists. Loretta has remained true to herself, and she is number one.
Sara Evans

Sara Lynn Evans is an American country music singer and songwriter. She rose to fame with hits such as No Place That Far and Born to Fly. Evans has received numerous nominations and awards from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

I love Sara Evans! She is beautiful and has an outstanding voice. She avoids the crazy media stuff and has actually continued to remain successful through the years. I still remember Suds in the Bucket from 2001! Needless to say, I hope she is around for another 10 years!

Sara Evans has an awesome voice that is naturally country. I have seen her on two occasions: in San Antonio, TX, at Far West Rodeo in 1999 and then again at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA, in 2015. She is my favorite female artist!

She's amazing. She has the most beautiful voice in the world. She sings with her soul and with her heart. I just love her.
Reba McEntire

Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and television producer. She has released more than 30 studio albums and is often referred to as The Queen of Country. McEntire has also starred in the television sitcom Reba and has appeared in several films... read more

Reba has a voice that is so unique, it touches the heart and soul every time. She has her own way of conveying the message of her songs to the listener. Many of the lyrics resonate with women who listen to her music, as they can relate various aspects of Reba's songs to what may be going on in their own lives.
Reba is feisty, funny, charismatic, down-to-earth, and an incredible singer. She has amazing stage presence and is not afraid to reinvent herself. There's not much more I can say, except to ask the question, "Reba, when are you coming back to Ireland?"

Reba McEntire is simply the best that country music has to offer. She dominated the country scene in the '80s and '90s, has over 30 number-one hits, and is both beautiful and modern. Her voice is the definitive voice of country music as we know it today.
She is definitely the reigning Queen. To be completely honest, based on vocal ability, either Reba or Patsy Cline should be at the top of this list.

The Newcomers

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Jamie Lynn Spears

Jamie Lynn Spears is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She is the younger sister of recording artist Britney Spears and is best known for her role as Zoey Brooks on the Nickelodeon teen sitcom Zoey 101, which aired from 2005 to 2008. In addition to acting, she has pursued a career in country... read more
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Bekka Bramlett

The Contenders

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Maria Ronstadt is a retired American popular music singer. She earned 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, and numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums.... read more

Linda's impact on music, particularly on country and rock and roll, is absolutely jaw-dropping, thanks to that incredible four-octave voice she possessed. Her ability to bring long-standing country music classics of the 1950s and early 1960s back from the shadows and make them relevant to her own audiences is remarkable. Her spotlighting of great songwriters like J.D. Souther, Lowell George, and others makes her a musical treasure.

She should be number one but never will be. She has released albums in rock, country, Spanish music, and old-time standards. She's mainly in this position because she is the only member of the current top ten with the ability to do so, with the possible exception of Patsy. Carrie at number one? Don't make me laugh. She isn't in the same stratosphere as Ronstadt.
Faith Hill

Audrey Faith McGraw, known professionally as Faith Hill, is an American singer and record producer. She is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, having sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. Her acclaimed albums include Breathe, Cry, and Faith, and she has received multiple... read more

Faith's voice is spectacular. If anyone has any doubts, just listen to "Where Are You Christmas." The subtleties and dynamics she displays during that song are phenomenal! To me, only Martina compares to her, and I am torn as to which one is better. Taylor Swift doesn't come anywhere close to these two. She is a songwriter, and that's about it.
The only current singer that gives them a run for their money is Carrie Underwood, who is also spectacular in her own right and definitely one of the best ever. I love her! But my vote still goes to Faith Hill simply because you can feel her emotion in her music more than any other female artist.
Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris is an American singer, songwriter, and activist. She is most widely known for her contributions to the country music genre, where her influence spans decades.
Throughout her career, Harris has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and won several Grammy Awards. In addition... read more

Emmylou has to be one of the most sincere, beautiful, and talented singers I've ever had the pleasure of seeing and hearing. Considering her longevity in the business, it surprises me that so many folks out there have never heard of her. I love many of the artists on this list, yet I find that Emmylou is the one who touches my soul with her instinctive delivery of a song.

Emmylou has a beautiful voice and can sing such an amazing repertoire. Her albums are crafted pieces of art in themselves, not just collections of individual songs. In the last 15 years, Emmy has also blossomed into a very talented songwriter in her own right, and when she sings her own songs, the result touches your soul.
Tammy Wynette

I am really into the ballads of country music, not this new wave mess that tries to sound like it's country. What I want to say about Miss Tammy Wynette is that there is no other performer who is, or ever will be, as country as her. I give a lot of credit to Miss Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Barbara Mandrell, and the women of Miss Wynette's era for their wonderful performances.
But like I said before, no other performer will ever come close to being admired by me the way I admire Miss Wynette. It's a shame to lose someone so special. I miss her voice terribly. The meaning in her music is why I listen to country music. I miss her terribly. Godspeed to you, Miss Tammy.
Alison Krauss

Alison Maria Krauss is an American bluegrass-country singer and musician. She entered the music industry at an early age, winning local contests by the age of 10 and recording for the first time at 14. Krauss has released numerous albums and won over 25 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most awarded... read more

Alison Krauss simply has an amazingly beautiful voice. She is highly respected within the music community for her talent. People should check out the collaboration songs she's done and look at the renowned singers who have lined up to sing with her.
My wife hates country, but when she heard Alison sing, she had nothing but good things to say about her, even if she doesn't care for the bluegrass sound.

Alison Krauss may not be at the top of this list because she's not the great beauty that Shania Twain is. However, she has one of the most unique and beautiful voices of our time. She is a true musician and has the knack for being able to back up anybody seamlessly. I believe she is one of the top two or three female talents in country music of all time.
Patty Loveless

Having just retired, I've had the opportunity to discover YouTube and country music. After hearing Patty Loveless, I'm wondering where I've been all my life. I've perused female country, bluegrass, and rock singers, and she stands out. Her voice is full and resonant, with just that twinge of twang.

My daughter's favorite singer when she was young. I'll never forget watching her stand on a campground table, singing Chains and Timber, when she was three years old.
I also loved her duets with Vince Gill.

Patty Loveless is the best and most authentic country music singer ever. Her voice touches emotions in the listener like no other singer. She doesn't need flashy costumes or choreography like today's singers. She is talent and class all the way.
LeAnn Rimes

Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (born August 28, 1982) is an American country and pop singer. She rose to fame at age 13 with her debut single and album Blue (1996), earning two Grammy Awards. She has since crossed over into pop and contemporary Christian music and placed more than 40 singles on international... read more

LeAnn sings real country music with a fantastic voice, enunciating each word so you can understand it. She has a real country music band backing her up. Some of her cover songs, like Patsy Montana's "I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces," sound better than the originals - especially when she has a steel guitar to back her up, like Patsy Cline did. I don't believe there have been true country songs on radio stations that claim to be playing country music for the last few years. Most music producers today are city folks who wouldn't recognize country if they heard it.

LeAnn Rimes is one of the best of all time. She is true to country music and is not just a studio artist. What she recorded is what you hear at her concerts. She doesn't engage in showboating.
Please get rid of that artist called Taylor. She was never country.
Jennifer Nettles

I have never heard anyone with stronger vocals. She delivers her songs perfectly and makes the listener feel every word. Plus, she has a great personality and an extreme passion that you can hear in all her songs.
Her songs all have meaning, and they can move the listener to strong emotions. She has also performed or covered Bon Jovi, Beyoncé, the B-52s, Nelly, and Kings of Leon songs, showing that she has talent in more than just country singing. Her unique voice is just an added bonus.

Listen to the Crossroads performance when she sang with Bon Jovi. She could join the band tomorrow and fit right in. She sings everything with passion and crystal clarity. She can sing the soft sections beautifully and fill the room with powerful sound when required. She is simply the best.
Olivia Newton-John

Dame Olivia Newton-John was a British-Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was a four-time Grammy Award winner who amassed five number-one and ten other Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 singles, along with two number-one Billboard 200 solo albums. She died of breast cancer on August 8, 2022, in Santa... read more

Again, she would probably be rated higher if she were purely country. Let Me Be There is country. Physical is not.
Wynonna Judd

Wynonna Ellen Judd is an American country music singer. Her solo albums and singles are all credited to the single name Wynonna.
She first rose to fame in the 1980s alongside her mother Naomi in the country music duo The Judds. The group earned numerous awards and chart-topping hits before Wynonna... read more

Wynonna should be at the very top of the list. She does heart-touching, soul-searching, and beautifully orchestrated songs, definitely not cry-in-your-beer stuff. There's simply nobody who can match her, not even the country western female vocalists of the past.
Gotta disagree with comments about Whitney and Aretha. Love them both, but their voices and styles aren't country western oriented.

How is she not #1 on the list? She is one of the greatest vocalists of our time, PERIOD! Male or female, country or pop. She transcends all genres and stands alongside the likes of Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.
Danielle Bradbery

She has a gorgeous voice. Without a doubt, she should be in the top ten. She has a bright, sweet voice that can hit both the high and low notes.

Danielle Bradbery does not get enough recognition for her beautiful, flawless voice. She is amazing and deserves to be in the top 10.

Her voice is extremely flawless and has a great range for a 16-year-old.
Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood (born September 19, 1964) is an American country singer. She is best known for her debut single, "She's in Love with the Boy," which hit number one on the Billboard country charts in 1991, and her self-titled debut album, which sold over two million copies. Yearwood is a Grammy-winning... read more

I'm surprised to find this amazing interpreter down at number 20. Throughout her 20+ year career, she has maintained a high level of artistic integrity. While the collections of songs may vary from album to album, each album is flawless. I do not know any other artist who knows how to select material so well.

She was as dominant in the '90s as any woman singer around. I am shocked she is behind Patty Loveless or Sara Evans. Honestly, I have her first.

This is a silly list. Anyone who actually knows what vocal talent sounds like knows Trisha is one of the all-time best.
Lee Ann Womack

Definitely one of the top 5, and for pure voice quality, Lee Ann Womack is ridiculously talented. Several of her songs hold up over time as well. Check out Last Call. It's just a gritty, well-crafted, expertly sung tune. She deserves to be way ahead of several people who show up higher on the list.
By the way, we need these songs back on country radio. Women are not receiving the air time they deserve, and we are subjected to bro country far too much. Country is smarter than that.

She has a nice melody. She is a female Don Williams to me. Shania Twain at the top? That is funny to me.
Lee Ann cannot be compared with anyone in this world right now. Not just one album. Check out all of it, and you won't skip a single song. As for me, Shania Twain is rock and roll, not a country artist. My bad, because I love Don Williams, and I just grew up listening to those artists. I'm kind of a traditional country lover. Peace.
Anne Murray

Morna Anne Murray, known professionally as Anne Murray, was born on June 20, 1945. She is a retired Canadian singer who found success in pop, country, and adult contemporary music. Murray sold over 55 million albums worldwide and won four Grammy Awards, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in... read more

I guess the voters above missed the "best singer" part, because Murray would be #1 if the people were not merely stating THEIR favourite. Dolly does NOT have a better voice than Murray. PERIOD.

Anne Murray had a fantastic wide range in her voice, plus she could hold her notes much longer than most female country singers.

Great country voice. I would consider her in the top ten female country singers.
Crystal Gayle

Crystal Gayle was the first female country artist to have a certified platinum album. She crossed over into the pop genre and, if I remember correctly, was the first to tour Japan.

Crystal Gayle introduced me to country music. I still play the old cassettes to remind myself of what real singing should sound like. She's definitely in the top 10!

Crystal Gayle is one of the best singers of her time, and I agree that she deserves a spot among the top ten female country singers.