Hello everyone! Welcome back to Social Soundwaves and happy Women’s History Month! To celebrate, we’re diving in to the top 5 female artists of all time.
1. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, film producer, and philanthropist. Often called “The Voice,” she stands as one of the most decorated performers in history. Whitney Houston’s singing combined natural talent, training, and unique vocals, setting her apart in the music industry.
One of the biggest reasons Whitney Houston’s singing was so legendary? Her voice. It wasn’t just good, it was extraordinary. Whitney’s vocal range was nothing short of incredible, covering five octaves. Her deep, resonant voice effortlessly conveyed every emotion, making her a standout in the music world. Another reason is technical mastery. She had incredible control over her voice. Whitney could shift seamlessly between head voice, chest voice, and mixed voice. This allowed her to hit both high and low notes with precision and clarity. Lastly, beyond technical skill, Whitney’s singing was deeply emotive. She had the ability to connect with her audience by infusing her songs with raw emotion. Whether in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” or “I Will Always Love You,” her voice conveyed powerful emotions effortlessly. All of these qualities combined to make Whitney Houston one of the most unforgettable and influential vocalists of all time.
Photo courtesy of npr.com
2. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who defined the 1960s soul music era and earned the title “Queen of Soul”. Franklin was known for her four-octave vocal range and was involved in the fight for civil and women’s rights, financially supporting civil rights groups and performing at protests and benefits. Her unparalleled talent and unwavering commitment to social justice cemented her legacy as both a musical icon and a powerful voice for change.
Aretha Franklin’s gospel foundation helped develop the singer she was. Aretha started singing at New Bethel Baptist Church, where her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, was a famous preacher. She learned to improvise, phrase lyrics emotionally, and deliver powerful vocal runs. She never just sang notes, she infused each phrase with raw emotion, often changing the melody slightly to fit the story of the song. On a more musical intelligence side, Aretha had an intuitive sense of rhythm and syncopation, which made her songs groove harder. She often played with the beat, slightly delaying or rushing phrases for maximum emotional impact. This deep musical foundation and innate artistry allowed Aretha to create a sound that was both technically masterful and emotionally profound, defining her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
photo courtesy of biography.com
3. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer, composer, and songwriter who dominated the U.S. jazz scene for over 50 years. Dubbed the “First Lady of Song,” she was renowned for her crystal-clear tone, impressive vocal range, and masterful scat singing. Ella Fitzgerald was an extraordinary singer because she combined technical mastery, natural talent, and musical intelligence in a way few others could.
Ella Fitzgerald’s scat singing was a groundbreaking display of vocal improvisation, turning her voice into a dynamic jazz instrument that could effortlessly mimic the sounds of horns and other instruments. For those who don’t know, improvised jazz singing in which the voice is used in imitation of an instrument. She could turn her voice into an instrument, mimicking trumpets, saxophones, and trombones with lightning-fast melodic runs. Ella Fitzgerald wasn’t just a great singer, she was a once-in-a-lifetime vocal genius who combined technical perfection with soulful expression, making her an icon of jazz and beyond.
Photo courtesy of grammy.com
4. Celine Dion
Celine Dion is a Canadian singer. Referred to as the “Queen of Power Ballads”, Dion’s powerful, technically skilled vocals and commercially successful works have had a significant impact on popular music. Dion was discovered by her future manager and husband, René Angélil, and rose to fame as a teenage star in her native Canada with a string of French-language albums throughout the 1980s. Her breakthrough on the international stage came in 1988 when she won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Celine Dion’s vocal prowess can be broken down into more specific technical elements that contribute to her ability. Celine’s voice is known for its rich, pure, and resonant timbre. Her ability to maintain this warmth, even in her higher registers, makes her sound distinctive and appealing. She also has a slightly mezzo-soprano range, which allows her to project both power and subtlety. Another reason is Celine is a master of breath control, which is crucial for her long, sustained notes and the smoothness of her phrases. She uses her diaphragm efficiently to support her voice, allowing her to sing for extended periods without strain.
Photo courtesy of IMDb.com
5. Billie Holiday
Last but certainly not least, we have Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan Gough, was an influential American jazz and swing singer, songwriter, and actress who made a profound impact on both pop singing and jazz music. Known as “Lady Day,” a nickname given to her by her musical partner Lester Young, she became a key figure in American culture and played an integral role in the Harlem Renaissance.
Despite having no formal musical training, Billie Holiday, nonetheless, developed a unique, emotive singing style heavily influenced by jazz instrumentalists. Moreover, she mastered bending notes, particularly the “blue notes” commonly found in blues and jazz. These slightly flattened notes, combined with her ability to subtly alter pitch, gave her voice a deeply expressive, melancholic quality. By stretching and bending notes, she evoked emotion, making her singing feel intimate and personal.
Holiday’s voice conveyed immense vulnerability, often reflecting the sadness, pain, and longing from her struggles with racism, addiction, and relationships. This deep personal connection to her lyrics set her apart. She didn’t just sing the words, she lived them.
For example, in Strange Fruit, her raw, haunting delivery not only intensified but also deepened the song’s sorrowful message. Her unique phrasing and emotional depth made her one of the most compelling vocalists in history, shaping the future of jazz and blues.
Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center
These five incredible women—Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Celine Dion, and Billie Holiday—each brought their own unique talent, artistry, and emotion to the world of music, leaving an indelible mark on history. Their voices not only defined genres but also transcended them, making them true icons whose influence continues to inspire generations of artists. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember the impact these legendary women had on music, culture, and society.