Top 10 Best Black Female Music Artists of All Time

This list is a reflection of the phenomenal talent that has shaped the music industry over decades, where each artist has delivered exceptional performances and has been an inspiration to many. These powerhouses of talent and creativity span various music genres like R&B, hip hop, pop, soul, jazz, and blues, among others.

Dive in, explore the richness of these artists' works, and don't forget to vote for your favorites. Let's honor the immense contributions they've made and the enduring legacy they've built in the world of music
The Top Ten
Whitney Houston Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with over 400 career awards as of 2006, and was named the most awarded female act in 2009... read more

Whitney had a unique recognizable voice that had depth and height in octaves. Her songs are like stamps...forever!

Whitney is and will always be the greatest. A voice with that power, soul, and emotional depth will never be again.

She paved the way for Beyoncé and Alicia Keys. No disrespect to Alicia or Bey, I love them too.

Beyonce Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who began her career as lead singer of Destiny's Child. The group scored multiple Billboard No. 1 hits including "Say My Name," "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Survivor," "Independent Women," and "Bootylicious." After their split,... read more

She is a singer, dancer, performer, and producer. She can only be matched by the greats like Mariah and Whitney. She is the greatest singer of this generation by far.

Forget Ariana, who is a Mariah wannabe, and the others who think they can perform like Beyoncé. She is queen.

She is the best singer in the whole world! She shows confidence, beauty, and toughness. She's awesome, the best female, and her daughter and husband give me confidence!

Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister... read more

Aretha, Etta, and Gladys. The trifecta of exquisite vocal instrumentation, from the heart, from the gut, from the soul.

Alicia Keys Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actress. A classically trained pianist, she began composing music at age 12 and released her debut album, Songs in A Minor, in 2001. To date, Keys has sold... read more

Even though she disappointed me by taking that woman's husband (Swizz stop - I still love you both), she is the greatest example of female excellence. Smart, beautiful, and can read, write, and play music and multiple instruments. She defines what we strive for our daughters to be (without the taking another woman's man part). Still love you, Keys.

Incredible and doesn't get as much respect and acknowledgment as she deserves.

My husband was out of town and sent one of her songs to me.

Mariah Carey Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She's one of the best-selling female artists in music history, with 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100... read more

Hold up, she is black? I did not see that coming.

Though she is a good artist.

She looks white, but it doesn't matter what race she is. I love her so much.

Believe it or not, she is Black.

Janet Jackson Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer known for her innovative music, socially conscious lyrics, and elaborate stage shows. She gained prominence with her third album, Control (1986), and has since sold over 100 million records worldwide. Jackson is also recognized as... read more

The best female dancer of all time. She broke multiple barriers and multiple records in her 20-something years. She can only be touched by Aaliyah, in terms of dancing.

She pioneered what it means to make a visual album.

Come on! She should be higher! Janet is a legend.

Patti LaBelle Patricia Louise Holt-Edwards, better known under the stage name Patti LaBelle, is an American singer, author, actress, and entrepreneur. She gained fame as the lead singer of the group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, later known as Labelle. LaBelle is widely regarded as the Godmother of Soul for her... read more

Patti has had her moments when she was right up there with the big three.

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes Lisa Nicole Lopes, known professionally as Left Eye, was an American rapper, singer, dancer, musician, and songwriter. She was a member of the highly successful girl group TLC. Lopes was born on May 27, 1971, in Philadelphia and died in a car accident on April 25, 2002, while staying in Honduras.
Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, rapper and actress. She started her career as a backing singer on Uptown Records in 1989. She has released 13 studio albums, eight of which have achieved multi-platinum worldwide sales.
Tina Turner Tina Turner, née Anna Mae Bullock, was a singer, dancer, actress, and author, whose career spanned more than half a century, earning her widespread recognition and numerous awards. She was known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Turner sold over 100 million records worldwide and won eight Grammy Awards... read more

The Newcomers

? Ice Spice Isis Naija Gaston (born January 1, 2000), known professionally as Ice Spice, is an American rapper. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, she began her musical career in 2021 while attending college, after meeting record producer RiotUSA... read more
? Emeli Sandé Adele Emily Sandé, better known as Emeli Sandé, is a Scottish recording artist and songwriter. She gained prominence with her debut album Our Version of Events in 2012, which became the best-selling album in the UK that year. Sandé has won several awards, including Brit Awards for Best British Female... read more
The Contenders
Queen Latifah Dana Elaine Owens, known professionally by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, model, television producer, record producer, comedian, and talk show host. She released her debut album All Hail the Queen in 1989. Latifah has also earned critical acclaim for... read more

She's so beautiful, so talented, so fierce, and dope. I love her energy!

Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados. She began her music career in 2003 by recording demo tapes with producer Evan Rogers and eventually signed with Def Jam Records after an audition for Jay-Z. Rihanna... read more

Rihanna is hot and makes great music. She has done very well so far, and she should be in the top 5. Young and Beautiful.

What! Rihanna should be in the top 5. Gosh, people don't know how to vote.

She's broken more records than all these other girls!

Missy Elliott Melissa Arnette Elliott is an American musician, hip hop recording artist, dancer, and record producer. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with her debut album Supa Dupa Fly and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Missy Elliott is known for her innovative music videos, unique style, and influence on modern... read more
Diana Ross Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she rose to fame as the lead singer of the Supremes, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Ross later launched a successful solo career and has been inducted into the Rock... read more

Diana Ross set the standard for all the others listed. From the beginning of her career with The Supremes, she was a cross-over artist.

Moreover, before Diana Ross, there were no costume changes or show extravaganzas by female artists, whether Black or White.

Set the standards. Not only opened the door but walked right through it!

Anita Baker Anita Denise Baker is a retired American singer-songwriter. She began her music career in the late 1970s with the funk band Chapter 8 and released her solo debut album, The Songstress, in 1983. Her second album, Rapture, released in 1986, achieved platinum status and featured the Grammy-winning single... read more

Such an amazing voice, so talented, a legend, and icon!

Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins
Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas
Etta James Etta James was an American singer who spanned a variety of music genres including blues, R&B, soul, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel. She is best known for hits such as At Last and Tell Mama. James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Toni Braxton Toni Michele Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, and is the oldest of six siblings. She has sold approximately 70 million records worldwide. Often referred to as the Queen of R&B, Braxton is known for her distinctive voice and major impact on 1990s and early 2000s R&B music.
Pamela Williams
Rasheeda
Jennifer Hudson Jennifer Kate Hudson is an American singer, actress, and spokesperson. She rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, coming in seventh place. Hudson went on to win an Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls and has since earned an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award, becoming... read more
Aaliyah Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979, and tragically died on August 25, 2001. She was a dancer, actress, model, and R&B singer. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was raised in Detroit, Michigan, and died in a plane crash near Marsh Harbour, Bahamas... read more

What? Aaliyah at number 28? Who made this list for real? Aaliyah is the greatest. Even Beyonce knows.

She is a pioneer and a legend in R&B. She had it all. Singing, dancing, and acting. I'm glad that we had her while we did. Rest in peace, Princess of Urban Pop. "Baby Girl, better known as Aaliyah."

Sheila E
Nicki Minaj Onika Tanya Maraj, known professionally as Nicki Minaj (born December 8, 1982), is a Trinidadian-American rapper and pop artist. She is widely recognized for hits like "Anaconda," "Super Bass," "Starships," and her feature on "Bang Bang."... read more

This is the all-time queen. Should have topped the list before Missy or Latifa. Bite me!

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