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20 Greatest Female Singers of The 70s   

鈥淢usic is the universal language of mankind.鈥� Said one Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This sentiment remains true today as it was even in the 70s. That era was a broad and diverse decade for music, showcasing a fusion of styles and genres that reflected the cultural shifts and societal changes that were taking place at the time. 

The 1970s was a decade filled with immensely talented and influential musicians across various genres. Women were not left behind, as they mastered singing, playing instruments, and songwriting. They became enchanting storytellers, channeling emotions and empowering audiences with their mesmerizing voices.   

They paved the way for generations to come, shaping the landscape of music with their soul-stirring performances and fearless artistry. These iconic, remarkably talented ladies not only commanded the stage but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions during a decade that will forever be etched in musical history. 

Here are the 20 greatest female singers of the 70s. 

1. Cher 

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Born in California in 1946, Cher is an American singer and pop culture icon. She has been active in the entertainment industry for over six decades and is known for her distinctive voice, glamorous style, and powerful stage presence.  

She has had a successful career with over 10 of her almost 30 albums released in the 70s decade. Cher’s music is awesome and spans various musical genres, including pop, rock, disco, and dance. Throughout her career, Cher has received numerous honors and awards, including Grammys, an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and more.  

She is one of the best pop singers of all time. 

2. Dolly Parton 

Born in the same year as Cher, Dolly Parton is known for her distinctive voice, witty songwriting, and larger-than-life personality. She has enjoyed a remarkably successful career spanning several decades and is one of the most talented female country singers of all time. 

With close to 50 albums, about half of them were released in the 70s. Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Coat of Many Colors are some of her songs. 

Dolly has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into several Halls of Fame. She has sold millions of records worldwide and continues to captivate audiences with her timeless music and magnetic presence. 

3. Reba McEntire 

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Born in 1955 in Oklahoma, Reba was laying the foundation for her career during this decade. She signed her first record deal with Mercury Records and released her first album in 1977. It was during this time that she honed her craft, developed her signature sound, and built a loyal fan base.  

2 of her over 30 albums were released in the 70s, and her talent and dedication to her craft led her to superstardom. I Don’t Want to Be a One Night Stand, Glad I Waited Just for You, and Last Night- Every Night are some of her 70s songs. 

4. Aretha Franklin 

Aretha Franklin was an American singer and pianist who was born on 25th March 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, and began her career in gospel music. She released almost 40 albums in her lifetime with 11 of those albums released in the 70s. 

Most of her songs were chart-topping hits, making her an iconic figure in the R&B sector. She was highly honored, earning numerous accolades including 18 Grammy Awards, the presidential medal of Freedom, and several Halls of Fame.  

Young, Gifted and Black, Hooked on Your Love, and Honey I Need Your Love are some of her 70s songs. Aretha passed on in 2018 in Detroit, Michigan when she was 78 years old. Her voice and musical legacy have had a profound impact on countless artists and continue to resonate with audiences around the world.   

5. Kate Bush 

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Born in 1958 in Bexleyheath, Kent, England, Kate Bush is an English singer whose career began in the 70s. She is a unique and talented artist who is best known for her expressive vocals, poetic lyrics, and willingness to explore unconventional themes.  

Kate released 2 albums at the end of the 70s decade, and this set the stage for her ongoing success and influence in the music industry. She has 10 albums so far and she continues to be celebrated as a visionary and influential figure in popular music. 

6. Donna Summer   

Donna Summer, known as the “Queen of Disco,” had a highly successful career throughout the 1970s. She revolutionized the disco genre and became one of its most iconic and influential figures. Her powerful vocals, combined with innovative production and infectious beats, made her an influential figure in the music industry. 

7 of her close to 20 albums were released in the 70s. Hot Stuff, I Feel Love, and Bad Girls are some of her songs. She received many awards and honors thanks to her amazing music. Lung cancer was the cause of her untimely death at only 63 years old in 2012 in Naples, Florida. 

7. Olivia Newton-John 

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Born in 1948 in Cambridge, England, Olivia Newton-John was a Grammy award-winning British and Australian singer and actress who lived most of her adult life in the United States of America. 

She started singing in the 70s and released about 10 albums in that decade alone. Her versatile vocal style, memorable songs, and charismatic performances made her a beloved figure in pop culture during that era.

Olivia died at 73 years old in Santa Ynez, California in 2022. She remains an influential and respected artist, with a legacy that extends beyond the 1970s. 

8. Joni Mitchell 

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer who was born in 1943 in Alberta, Canada. She is known for her distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and innovative musical style, which combined elements of folk, pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. 

Joni started singing in the 60s but her career peaked in the 70s. She released 8 of her close to 20 albums in that decade and her music is so good that she鈥檚 bagged 10 Grammy awards so far. River, A Case of You, The Jungle Line, Shadows and Light, Jericho, and Cotton Avenue are some of her 70s songs. 

9. Carly Simon 

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Carly Simon is an award-winning American singer who rose to fame in the 70s. She was born in 1943 in New York City and came from a family of musicians. During that decade, Carly released many hit songs that topped charts worldwide and was able to release several successful albums. 

Carly has a beautiful voice, writes thoughtful lyrics, uses relatable themes, and can capture personal emotions in her songs.  

10. Dusty Springfield 

Dusty Springfield was an iconic British singer who was known for her unique and powerful voice. She was born in 1939 in London, England, and had about 15 albums to her name. 5 of those were from that decade and some of her songs from that era include Bad Case of the Blues, Never Love Again, and Turn Me Around among others.  

Dusty also worked with Philadelphia soul producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in the 1970s. She died in 1999, a few weeks before her 60th birthday. 

11. Debbie Harry  

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One cannot talk about music in the 70s without mentioning this singer. Though she didn鈥檛 release any solo albums until the next decade, Debbie Harry was very popular in the 70s as the lead vocalist of the new wave band Blondie.  

With her beauty, distinctive voice, punk-inspired fashion style, and captivating stage presence, she was an iconic figure back in the day. Heart of Glass, One Way or Another, and Hanging on the Telephone were some of her band’s songs. 

Debbie was a symbol of female empowerment, breaking traditional gender norms and challenging societal expectations. Her unique blend of punk, pop sensibility, and glamour influenced the music scene a lot. 

12. Carole King 

Carole King is a Grammy award-winning American singer who had a profound impact on the music of the 1970s. She is known for her thoughtful and heartfelt songwriting, as well as her deep and emotional performances. 

King was the 70s music queen because she released 12 of her 23 albums in that decade. Her music was amazing, always topping charts and winning awards. Jazzman, Nightingale, Sweet Seasons, and Bitter with the Sweet are some of her 70s songs. 

13. Barbra Streisand 

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Barbra Streisand is an American singer who has a powerful voice and is one of the greatest female artists of all time. She was born in 1942 in New York City and she began singing in the 60s and even did award-winning soundtracks for movies. 

10 of her 36 albums were released in the 70s. All in Love Is Fair, What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?, and My Heart Belongs to Me are some of her songs from that decade. Barbra was able to navigate different musical styles while maintaining her distinctive voice and emotional delivery. 

14. Diana Ross 

Born in 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross is an American singer who succeeded as a solo artist in the 1970s, releasing 10 of her 25 albums in that decade. Her music topped the charts and she won many awards and honors. She had left Motown鈥檚 The Supremes Girls Group, where she had been their lead vocalist.  

With her powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and glamorous persona, Diana Ross became one of the most successful and influential artists of all time. Love Hangover, Upside Down, Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand), and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough are some of her 70s songs. 

Read facts about Diana Ross here.

15. Bette Midler 

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Bette Midler is an American singer who was active in the 1970s, releasing 5 albums in that decade. She is known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and diverse range of musical styles. 

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Stay with Me, and When a Man Loves a Woman are some of her songs. Her music blended various genres, including pop, rock, soul, and folk. 

16. Roberta Flack 

Roberta Flack is a Grammy award-winning American singer who sings beautiful songs that resonate with audiences. Her music has themes of love, relationships, and general life, making her a favorite among fans of soul and pop music. 

While the 1970s marked Roberta’s most successful decade, releasing 7 albums, she continued to release music and perform throughout her career, earning numerous awards and accolades.  

17. Linda Ronstadt 

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Linda Ronstadt is an award-winning American singer with a beautiful and powerful voice. She achieved tremendous success in the 1970s, releasing over 10 albums in that decade. She sings a wide range of musical styles and You’re No Good, When Will I Be Loved, and It Doesn’t Matter Anymore are some of her songs. 

18. Dionne Warwick 

Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress, and television show host who was born in East Orange, New Jersey in 1940 and had a successful career in the 70s and beyond. Her smooth and soulful voice, combined with her ability to convey emotion through her interpretations, made her a prominent figure in the music industry. 

Some of her songs include I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, and Who Is Gonna Love Me? 

19. Emmylou Harris 

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Emmylou Harris is an American musician who sings country, folk, and Americana music. She is one of the most respected and influential artists in country music. She released 5 successful albums in the 70s and Amarillo, Two More Bottles of Wine, and Together Again are some of her songs from that decade. 

20. Bonnie Raitt 

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Bonnie Raitt is an award-winning American singer who was born in 1949 in Burbank, California. She had a beautiful voice, exceptional guitar-playing skills, and the ability to convey emotions through her performances. She often tackled themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggles, connecting with listeners on a deep and relatable level. 

Bonnie released 7 albums in the 70s and continued to release acclaimed albums, receiving numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Finest Lovin’ Man, Give It Up or Let Me Go, Something To Talk About, and Love Has No Pride are some of her songs. 

Those are some of the greatest female singers of the 70s. Music has the power to transcend time, cross generations, and weave its melodies into the fabric of our lives. These incredibly talented female musicians left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1970s and their songs continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences today. 

Read an article on Famous People from the 70s and check out the Famous Historical World Events of the 1970s.