Top 10 Greatest Female Singer/Songwriters of All Time

These are the women who don't just sing the songs, they are the songs. Their voices climb charts, sure, but their lyrics climb into your chest and refuse to leave. They've filled notebooks with heartbreak, rebellion, hope, and that one line you wrote in your diary when you were thirteen and have never quite recovered from.

These are the artists who write it all down first, then sing it into history. They've penned ballads that left you weeping in traffic and anthems that made you strut like you had a soundtrack. They've defined generations and redefined genres, often in the same album. You've heard their songs covered at talent shows, belted out at karaoke, and tattooed on people's ribs.

So who deserves to sit at the top? Scroll through the nominees, vote for the names that wrote their way into greatness, and add anyone you think the list forgot. This isn't just about fame or vocal range. It's about the women who turned their thoughts into lyrics and their lyrics into legacies.

1. Joni Mitchell

   

   Roberta Joan Mitchell, professionally known as Joni Mitchell, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Drawing from folk, pop, rock, and jazz, Mitchell's songs often reflect social and environmental ideals as well as her feelings about romance, confusion, disillusionment, and joy. Her 1971 album Blue is frequently... read more

   Joni just happens to be a genius and uses that special gift in the arts to explore and express her thoughts on the things in life that are important to her. Somehow, magically, we, her audience, in turn, self-identify and internalize her words into our own lives. She will always have a special place in my heart like no other female songwriter or artist can.

   The other nine on this list and the contenders put together don't have the musical depth, breadth, and imagination Joni has before she even wakes up. The same is true of the poetic quality of her lyrics. She is an artist - the rest are commercial constructs with varying degrees of backing, making them seem to be what we see them as.

2. 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 documentary about Faith Hill. Swift moved to Nashville as a teenager, signed a development deal with RCA Records... read more

   Lyrical genius. Her words have the ability to make and break someone mentally. Personally, I feel that folklore and evermore depict the zenith of her songwriting skills. Both are such lyrical masterpieces. She is one of the greatest and most intellectual songwriters of modern times.

   Outstanding songwriter! The emotion she captures through her words is amazing. They're so deep and meaningful, and if people would listen, they would realize it's not all about her ex-boyfriends. It's much deeper. She should be No. 1, but all the women on the list are also amazing and talented!

3. Carole King

   

   Carole King is an American composer and singer-songwriter. She is regarded as the most successful female songwriter in the United States during the second half of the 20th century. Between 1955 and 1999, she wrote or co-wrote 118 pop hits that charted on the Billboard Hot 100.... read more

   Just the best writer/performer, closely followed by Carly Simon. And where's Diane Warren on this list?

   The most important female singer/songwriter of our time!

   Beautiful music. My favorite female songwriter-singer.

4. Stevie Nicks

   

   Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks is an American singer and songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums. She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, contributing to the success of their... read more

   Her voice and songwriting - that's raw talent right there. Give her a microphone, and her sound and words will have you swept away into a spiritual and emotional journey.

   The greatest songwriter of all time, man or woman! Both beautiful and brilliant! Her voice is pretty damn good too! Love, love Stevie!

   Every man's dream woman from the mid-seventies through the mid-eighties. I remember when real women walked the planet with style and grace.

5. Patti Smith

   

   Patricia Lee "Patti" Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who became a highly influential figure in the New York City punk rock movement. Her 1975 debut album Horses is widely regarded as one of the most important albums in the genre. She has also received numerous accolades... read more

   Maybe Patti Smith can top a list for once!

6. Janis Joplin

   

   Janis Joplin (1943-1970) was an American singer who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She was known for her powerful voice, emotive performances, and distinctive hippie style. Joplin remains an iconic figure in 1960s counterculture and... read more

   She was soulful, brilliant, cutting edge, and phenomenal. Gone way too soon!

7. 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.

   She's often regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos, and has been noted in the press... read more

   She has written all her songs except for the covers. And by the way, many of the singers who haven't written even one song are above this lady who wrote 17 #1 hits!

   Mariah is the greatest of them all - singer, songwriter, producer.

   She has more #1s than probably this entire list combined!

8. 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

   There is nothing cheap about Dolly's words and lyrics. Dolly's songs touch the heart and will be around forever. While Dolly writes a lot of songs about women, she also writes about growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, faith, family, work, and fun (e.g., Two Doors Down).

   Dolly's songs are about life and are relatable to ordinary people. These songs, along with her melodies and music, cross gender, ethnicity, and age! Dollywood is more than a theme park!

   Dolly Parton is an incredible showwoman, singer, and songwriter. Her music is a part of our history because it tells stories about growing up and living in Appalachia. She is amazing.

9. Kate Bush

   

   Catherine "Kate" Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. She gained prominence in 1978 with her debut single "Wuthering Heights," which topped the UK Singles Chart. Bush is known for her eclectic musical style and has received critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout... read more

   Only Joni Mitchell is Kate's peer among female singer-songwriters. The depth of meaning and emotional impact of so many of her songs, the gorgeous music, and her amazingly expressive voice are inimitable.

   On top of that, she is one of the first artists to seize control of her music from her label and is a pioneer in video and live performance excellence. No one is as influential across genres, from Big Boi to Björk, from Solange to St. Vincent, from Tori Amos to Lady Gaga, and many more.

   The most original, intelligent, and creative singer-songwriter of all time - male or female. Not just an incredible talent in this field, either. She excels as a dancer, choreographer, pianist, producer, and director. Also, despite her protestations to the contrary, she can act.

   Finally, Kate is a modest woman who obviously cares far more for her family than she does for fame. What more can be said? Kate is in a different league from all the others.

10. Carly Simon

    

    Carly Elisabeth Simon is an American singer, songwriter, and children's author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with hit singles such as You're So Vain and Anticipation. Simon has won several major awards, including a Grammy, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe.

    Extremely honest, witty, even a bit brutal, but always catchy songwriting with a sexy, unique voice. Carly is the most underrated female pop singer of the '70s and '80s. She seems to have always been overshadowed by her peers - Joni, Carole, and Linda.

    Carly is a powerful, original talent, but she is also humble and down-to-earth. God forbid! No wonder she didn't receive the recognition she deserved.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Annie Lennox

    

    Ann "Annie" Lennox is a Scottish singer, songwriter, political activist, and philanthropist. She rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of Eurythmics, known for hits like "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)."

12. ?

    Donna Summer

    

    LaDonna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 to May 17, 2012), known by her stage name Donna Summer, was an American singer, songwriter, and painter. She gained fame during the disco era of the late 1970s with hits like Hot Stuff, Last Dance, and Bad Girls. Summer was often referred to as the Queen of Disco... read more

The Contenders

13. Amy Winehouse

    

    Amy Jade Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and eclectic blend of soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. She is a well-known member of the 27 Club, having died from alcohol poisoning at age 27 on July 23, 2011. Her album Back to Black remains influential... read more

    We will never know how brilliant she could have been, but she still earns my vote.

    Wow. She should totally be higher on the list. Her wordplay and her voice are amazing.

14. Hayley Williams

    

    Hayley Nichole Williams is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known as the lead vocalist, occasional keyboardist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Paramore.

    In 2020, she launched a solo career with her debut album Petals for Armor.... read more

15. Madonna

    

    Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She has influenced many artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyoncé Knowles, and Britney Spears. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pop," she has played a significant... read more

16. P!nk

    

    Alecia Beth Moore, known professionally as P!NK, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s with her R&B-influenced debut album Can't Take Me Home (2000). P!NK is known for her powerful vocals, acrobatic stage presence, and numerous hit singles,... read more

17. Lady Gaga

    

    Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.

    Early in her career, she performed at Lollapalooza on August 4, 2007, as part of "Lady Gaga & The Starlight Revue," where she was noticed by Interscope Records executive Vincent... read more

    Why is this legend not on the list? Are you simply going to ignore the very intelligent lyrics from Bad Romance, Poker Face, and LoveGame? Or the heartwarming ballads like Speechless, The Edge of Glory, and You and I? Vote for her!

    Definitely top 3. Modern pop singers should be ranked based on the amount of records sold: 1. Taylor Swift, 2. Lady Gaga.

18. Amy Lee

    

    Amy Lynn Lee is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist, and composer. She is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, which gained global fame with its 2003 hit Bring Me to Life.... read more

19. Chrissie Hynde

    

    Christine Ellen Hynde, born on September 7, 1951, is an American-British musician. She is the founding member, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the rock band The Pretenders. Along with drummer Martin Chambers, she is one of the band's two remaining original members.... read more

    She offers something different in a male-driven area of music.

    Number 3, behind Joni and Carole.

20. Enya

    

    Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, known professionally as Enya, is an Irish singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. She is known for her distinctive sound, which blends Celtic, folk, and ambient elements. Enya has sold the equivalent of more than 80 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling... read more

21. Bridgit Mendler

    

    Bridgit Claire Mendler is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. She began her acting career in 2004 with a voice role in the animated Indian film The Legend of Buddha. Mendler later rose to prominence with her lead role on Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie and has released music, including her... read more

22. Joan Baez

    

    Joan Chandos Baez is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist whose contemporary folk music often includes themes of protest and social justice. She emerged in the American folk music revival of the early 1960s and became known for her distinctive voice and political activism. Baez has... read more

23. 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

24. Adele

    

    Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, born May 5, 1988, is an English singer and songwriter. She graduated from the BRIT School in 2006 and signed with XL Recordings after a demo posted on Myspace gained attention. She's best known for emotional ballads like Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Hello, and Easy... read more

    Adele is the best singer-songwriter of all time, and it's not even close. Joni Mitchell? She has a self-described "helium voice." Bob Dylan? Again, songwriter - yes. Great singer - not exactly. Adele excels at both, and she has the record-setting album sales and Grammy wins to back it up too.

25. Lily Allen

    

    Lily Rose Beatrice Allen, known professionally as Lily Allen, is an English singer, songwriter, actress, and television presenter. She rose to fame with her debut album Alright, Still in 2006. Allen is also known for her outspokenness and involvement in political and social commentary.

26. Lucinda Williams

    

27. Selena Gomez

    

    Selena Marie Gomez is an American actress and singer. She's best known for her hit songs "Come & Get It," "Good for You," "Same Old Love," and "It Ain't Me," as well as her starring role as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. Her music has explored different styles, including electropop and Latin... read more