Credits to @SebastianAvenue via X
The 1970s weren’t just about questionable fashion choices and funky dance moves—they were a revolution in music led by powerful, game-changing women. These female singers didn’t just perform; they dominated, reinvented genres, and set trends that still echo today. From disco queens to rock goddesses, these women owned the stage, the charts, and our collective souls. Let’s return to the grooviest decade and celebrate the voices that made it unforgettable.
Stevie Nicks wasn’t just a singer; she was an experience. With her hypnotic voice, mystical lyrics, and bohemian fashion, she turned Fleetwood Mac into a legend. “Rhiannon” and “Landslide” are proof!
Her raspy, haunting vocals blended poetry with rock in a way no one else could replicate. Every note she sang felt like an ancient spell, capturing hearts across generations.
Even beyond Fleetwood Mac, her solo career exploded. “Edge of Seventeen” proved she didn’t need a band to be iconic. Few artists can claim both group and solo royalty—Nicks is one of them.
By the ‘70s, Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul, an undisputed ruler. With hits like Spanish Harlem and Rock Steady, she effortlessly expanded her musical empire.
Her voice was powerful and earth-shaking. Whether delivering gospel, soul, or funk, she owned every note. Few could match the emotional depth she packed into every song.
Beyond music, she symbolized power, resilience, and Black excellence. In the ‘70s, she not only broke records but also barriers, and she did it all with flawless grace.
Linda Ronstadt didn’t just master one genre—she mastered them all. From rock to country to pop, she made every song her own. “You’re No Good” was just the beginning.
Her album Heart Like a Wheel launched her to superstardom, showcasing her ability to belt powerfully yet deliver heart-wrenching softness. This woman’s range was unreal!
Ronstadt was the voice of an era. She earned Grammys, platinum records, and a reputation as one of the most versatile vocalists in history.
After leaving The Supremes, Diana Ross wasted zero time proving she was destined for more. Songs like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Love Hangover made that crystal clear.
Her voice? Just magic. She can belt ballads and glide through a disco beat while making them sound so effortless. No one else could deliver drama and elegance like she did.
Beyond singing, she lit up the screen in Lady Sings the Blues, earning an Oscar nomination. Ross was the soundtrack of the ‘70s, and she defined it with her presence.
Donna Summer? Oh, this girl was the disco. She sang Hot Stuff and Bad Girls and made it impossible to stand still. Her beats commanded every dance floor in the world.
Her sultry, powerhouse voice blended funk, R&B, and electronic sounds, pioneering a genre that still influences pop music today. She was a vocal force backed by cutting-edge production.
Summer proved that she wasn’t just a passing trend but a game-changer. Decades later, her music still makes crowds lose it. Disco might have faded, but Donna’s reign never did.
Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain wasn’t just an old hit. These days, it’s hitting the charts again! Everyone wanted to know who it was about, but the truth? It’s none of our business.
Her warm yet smoky voice made every song feel deeply personal, whether whispering heartbreak or belting out a power ballad. Simon redefined what honesty in music could be.
With a poetic touch, she crafted lyrics that felt ripped from a diary. She was a singer and a storyteller at the same time, making emotions feel palpable.
Barbra Streisand’s voice was otherworldly. With The Way We Were and Evergreen, she melted hearts with vocals so pure they didn’t need studio enhancements.
Beyond music, she owned Hollywood. Winning Oscars and Grammys, she proved that she wasn’t a recognizable name for nothing. Every performance felt like a masterclass.
Streisand broke records and set standards. Whether on stage, on screen, or in the studio, she commanded attention like few others in history.
Joni Mitchell crafted her songs like fine art. Albums like Blue proved she was a lyrical genius before singer-songwriter was even a buzzword.
Her voice could soar or whisper, making every note feel tender and cared for. She sang about love, loss, and life in ways that made everyone reflect on their own experiences.
Mitchell is an artist who didn’t spend her life chasing fame; she was about the art she was making. Her music influenced everyone, from folk artists to pop stars. She was authenticity personified.
If Rock had a queen in the ‘70s, it was Ann Wilson. With Magic Man and Barracuda, she shattered any notion that women couldn’t rock as hard as men. What an icon!
Her voice was ferocious—raw, emotional, and electrifying. She can nail both: growling riffs and hitting operatic high notes. Gosh, she just owned every stage she stood on.
Wilson’s legacy? Being one of the greatest rock vocalists ever. Few can match her power, and fewer still can command a song like she did.
Chaka Khan’s voice was an unstoppable force of nature. It doesn’t matter if she does it with Rufus or solo; she simply dominated the ‘70s with Tell Me Something Good and I’m Every Woman.
Her vocal range was INSANE. She could go from sultry whispers to full-on fireworks in a single song. Funk, soul, jazz—she nailed them all.
Khan paved the way for powerhouse divas of the future. Beyoncé? Whitney? They owe her. She redefined what a soul singer could be. Flexible at all times.
Patti Smith didn’t care about trends because why would she? She created them! Her debut album, Horses, was a poetic punk masterpiece that proved music could be raw, intellectual, and rebellious all at once.
With tracks like “Because the Night,” she blended rock’s grit with lyricism that felt deeply romantic. Smith was a singer with unbelievable cultural force, influencing generations of musicians.
She didn’t need to fit in and wasn’t here to do so. Her fearless, unfiltered artistry made punk a thinking person’s genre. To this day, her music remains a blueprint for raw, unfiltered rebellion.
Joan Baez believes that a great voice comes with great responsibility. So, she used her music to carry protest anthems like Diamonds & Rust and gave a soundtrack to the fight for civil rights.
Her songs were calls to action. Baez stood on the frontlines of history, using her music as a weapon against injustice. Few artists have had that kind of courage, especially these days.
In the ‘70s, she took folk to new heights, proving you didn’t need a loud voice to make an impact. Her influence is felt in every artist who blends activism with melody today.
If punk, disco, and new wave had a baby, it would be Debbie Harry. As the face of Blondie, she proved that women could be fierce, fashionable, and musically groundbreaking all at once.
With Heart of Glass and One Way or Another (obviously not the One Direction one), she blurred the lines between rock and dance music. Her voice, effortlessly cool and sultry, was instantly recognizable.
Harry, in the ‘70s, set the stage for future alt-rock queens. Without her, there’d be no Gwen Stefani, no Lady Gaga, no punk-meets-pop revolution.
Bonnie Raitt wasn’t here for pop stardom—she was here to play—and boy, could she. A rare breed of singer-songwriter-guitarist, she blended blues, rock, and folk with effortless authenticity.
Her smoky voice carried the weight of every lyric, making tracks like Love Me Like a Man unforgettable. Meanwhile, her slide guitar skills left male rockers shaking in their boots.
Decades later, she’s still considered one of the greatest musicians of all time. The ‘70s gave us Raitt, and the blues-rock world was never the same.
If you were a woman in the ‘70s, we’re certain that I Am Woman was your personal soundtrack! Helen Reddy gave the feminist movement its official anthem, and the world listened.
Her smooth, rich vocals made her one of the most successful female artists of the decade. Hits like Delta Dawn and Angie Baby cemented her place in pop history.
Reddy was an extremely talented revolutionary woman. She helped women see their worth, their power, and their ability to own their place in the world, one song at a time.
She started as a sweet country-pop singer, but by the time Grease hit, Olivia Newton-John had gone full superstar mode! Her voice was soft yet commanding, and she knew exactly how to use it.
Her ability to transition from heartfelt ballads (Hopelessly Devoted to You) to funky pop bangers (Physical) made her a radio favorite. Versatility was her superpower.
Newton-John was more than just Sandy in Grease—she was a pop icon who remained relevant across multiple decades. And let’s be real—nobody rocked spandex like she did.
Some singers perform songs; Roberta Flack embodied them. With Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, she redefined the art of emotional storytelling.
Her voice was silky, controlled, and heartbreakingly tender. Every note she sang felt like an intimate confession, making listeners feel like they were inside her world.
Flack’s influence on R&B and soul is immeasurable. Her quiet intensity set the stage for future legends like Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill. She didn’t need to scream to be legendary.
Karen Carpenter wasn’t just a great singer—she was a once-in-a-lifetime vocalist. Her voice was velvet-smooth, dripping with warmth, melancholy, and effortless control. When she sang, you felt it in your bones.
With The Carpenters, she delivered hit after hit—Close to You, Superstar, Rainy Days and Mondays—songs so emotionally rich they could make a stone-hearted villain weep. Every note landed with quiet, devastating perfection.
But Karen was more than just a singer—she was also a killer drummer, an absolute rarity for female artists at the time. She played better than most of the guys.
No one could break your heart with a song like Tammy Wynette. Stand By Your Man became one of the most controversial—and enduring—country hits ever.
Her voice was pure emotion, trembling with pain, hope, and power. She made country dramatic, delivering ballads with the intensity of a Shakespearean tragedy.
Tammy turned every song into a three-minute heartbreak novella, and we felt every second of it. That’s what you get when a singer knows how to story tell!
Bette Midler was a full entertainment package. She could sing, she could act, she could make you laugh—and she did it all while wearing sequins.
Songs like The Rose and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy showed her vocal versatility. This woman could belt out a ballad and swing through a jazz tune! She always delivered and ATE!
Midler was a total performer and a show-stopping sensation. Even today, her legacy remains untouchable. The ‘70s wouldn’t have been the same without her glamorous chaos.
As the lead vocalist of Jefferson Airplane (and later Jefferson Starship), Grace Slick gave psychedelic rock its most hypnotic voice. You couldn’t escape her.
With her haunting, commanding vocals on White Rabbit and Somebody to Love, she made sure the Summer of Love had a soundtrack. And no one owned a stage like Slick!
Her rebellious spirit and politically charged lyrics made her one of rock’s most influential frontwomen. She did more than just sing; she challenged you to think, question, and break free.
If you’ve ever belted out I Will Survive in a moment of triumph (or karaoke-induced delusion), you have Gloria Gaynor to thank. This song became an anthem for resilience.
Gaynor’s voice was smooth yet powerful, effortlessly delivering dance-floor magic. She was a disco queen with a soulful edge, proving the genre’s depth and strength.
Her music became timeless, empowering generations of listeners. And I Will Survive was everyone’s life philosophy. Sad? I Will Survive! Annoyed? I Will Survive! It’s a staple in one’s playlist!
Though she started earlier, Nina Simone’s 1970s work cemented her as a legend. With songs like To Be Young, Gifted, and Black, she mixed jazz, soul, and activism like no one else.
Her deep, emotive voice didn’t just sing—it encouraged the oppressed to fight for their freedom. She was fearless, tackled racial injustice, and lost love. Her lyricism was filled with raw truth.
Simone was not your typical entertainer, she educated and empowered. She was the kind of artist whose voice made you sit up, listen, and feel every single word.
Dusty Springfield had a voice that could melt butter. Smooth, sultry, and unmistakable, she blended pop, soul, and blues in a way that felt easy.
Her album Dusty in Memphis remains one of the most critically acclaimed records ever. Hits like Son of a Preacher Man proved she could bring grit and elegance in equal measure.
Though her ‘60s hits defined her, the ‘70s saw her evolve into a mature, powerhouse vocalist who only got better with time. We miss voices like hers today.
Before Beyoncé, before Mariah, there was Gladys Knight. With her legendary Pips behind her, she gave us Midnight Train to Georgia—one of the best songs ever released.
Her voice was rich, warm, and endlessly expressive. She was known for delivering slow-burning ballads and foot-stomping grooves and made every song a masterpiece.
Knight’s ability to fuse gospel roots with R&B and pop made her a crossover queen. Her voice? Flawless. Her legacy? Unshakable.
Minnie Riperton had that whistle note before Mariah Carey made it famous. Loving You was her signature song, showcasing a vocal range so pure it felt almost unreal.
Her voice was like an angel. You couldn’t believe you’re hearing a human when she sings. She could float effortlessly through notes most singers would never dare attempt.
Riperton’s influence on future generations of vocalists is immeasurable. She proved that the voice itself could be an instrument, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
If energy could be bottled and sold, it would be called Tina Turner. Expect this woman to explode on stage in every performance. Her raspy, electrifying voice made Proud Mary a rock staple.
The ‘70s were her rebirth when she moved beyond the shadow of Ike Turner and started becoming the unrelenting diva we know today.
Turner’s stage presence was exceptional. Her ability to command an audience with sheer power and passion set the blueprint for every female rock star who followed.
The blues would be nothing without Etta James. She sang as if you’d felt her agony in your own bones. With I’d Rather Go Blind and Tell Mama, she made you feel what real pain is.
Her voice was rich, raw, and rugged, carrying every ounce of heartache, passion, and resilience. She didn’t hold back—she let you live inside the music with her.
James paved the way for powerhouse vocalists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Janis Joplin. Her voice is the kind that lingers long after the song ends. Don’t believe us? Watch her live performance!
Janis Ian wasn’t about flash or fame—she was about truth. At Seventeen became the anthem for every awkward teen who ever felt left out or misunderstood.
Her voice was gentle yet piercing, weaving stories of heartbreak, insecurity, and self-discovery. Sure, she wasn’t about big notes, but she was after expressing big emotions.
Ian’s songwriting brilliance set her apart. She wrote about life’s quiet pains and joys in a way that made listeners see themselves in her music.
Haven’t gotten your heart broken yet? Then, listen to Melissa Manchester! She was one of the singers who could make anyone feel heartache.
With Don’t Cry Out Loud (the karaoke go-to!) and Midnight Blue, she turned ballads into emotional roller coasters. Every lyric felt like it was carved from real experience.
Manchester’s influence was quiet but lasting. Her ballads remain timeless, inspiring generations of singers not to hide their real feelings (pun intended) in every note they sing.
Yvonne Elliman started as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, but by the late ‘70s, she owned the disco scene. With If I Can’t Have You, she became a radio fixture.
Her smooth, sultry voice was irresistible, blending pop and soul with her cool charisma. She didn’t just ride the disco wave—she helped form it.
Elliman’s If I Can’t Have You is still a crowd favorite, proving that great vocals and a killer groove will never go out of style. Saturday Nights Fever would be boring without this song!
Phoebe Snow’s voice was so unique that it was almost impossible to categorize it. Jazz? Blues? Pop? Forget categories! She can do it all. Poetry Man was her signature hit, but her talent ran deeper.
Her vocals were warm yet complex, moving between breathy softness and full-throttle power. If ever there was a singer who deserved more recognition, it was her. She was so underrated!
Snow’s work has remained highly respected by artists for decades. She was the proof that true artistry doesn’t need flashy gimmicks—it just needs a damn good voice.
Before Bette Davis Eyes took over the ‘80s, Kim Carnes was already a powerhouse. Her gritty, smoky voice set her apart from every other pop star of the ‘70s.
She was described as someone who could bring emotion and edge to everything she touched. Hits like “You’re a Part of Me” proved her staying power.
That signature raspy tone of Carnes’? It paved the way for artists like Bonnie Tyler, Melissa Etheridge, and even P!nk. So, no questions if we say her influence is still felt today!
Speaking of raspy powerhouses, Bonnie Tyler’s voice could stop traffic. Even before her ‘80s explosion, she was delivering true emotional ballads with unmatched intensity.
With songs like It’s a Heartache, she brought pure passion. Her voice was gritty, soulful, and completely unmistakable—the kind that made every lyric feel like you’ve written it by yourself.
Few voices in rock history have ever packed as much feeling into every note, and one of these few voices was Bonnie Tyler. Trust us. She can sing your life story!
Nicolette Larson’s voice was gentle but remarkable, a staple of ‘70s folk-rock. Her cover of Lotta Love became a soft-rock classic, making her a star.
She worked with legends like Neil Young, lending her voice to countless iconic records. Her harmonies? Heavenly. Her vocal tone? Completely unique.
Though she never reached superstardom, Larson’s influence in folk and country pop remains undeniable. Some voices don’t shout—they just stick with you forever.
Are you surprised because we included a group? Well, the 70s isn’t just complete without The Pointer Sisters! Soul, funk, disco, pop—there was nothing they couldn’t sing. They were a genre-defying phenomenon!
With Fire, He’s So Shy, and Yes We Can Can, they showcased insane vocal chemistry, blending harmonies with superb precision.
Their influence stretched far beyond the ‘70s. From Beyoncé to En Vogue, their vocal stylings can be heard everywhere.
If you don’t know Valerie Carter, you should. A favorite backing vocalist for legends like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, her voice made songs even more colorful!
Her solo work, especially Ooh Child, showcased a dreamy, emotive vocal style that was ahead of its time. Her range? Something worthy of discussion.
Though she remained under the radar, Carter’s voice left a mark. She was the kind of artist musicians worshipped, even if mainstream listeners didn’t always catch on.
Rita Coolidge owned the adult-contemporary genre. With a voice as smooth as silk, she brought her signature cool touch to every song she sang.
Hits like We’re All Alone and Higher and Higher turned her into a radio star, and her ability to blend country, rock, and pop made her truly revered in her craft.
Coolidge’s voice didn’t shout, but girl?! It swayed. It pulled you in with a softness that felt like home. And that’s what made her so damn special.
Linda Clifford was one of the most underrated voices of the disco era. Her blend of soul and dance grooves made tracks like If My Friends Could See Me Now absolutely irresistible.
Her voice was a powerhouse, giving disco the depth it sometimes lacked. Yes, it is more than just grooving and dancing. Every note she gave had soul, passion, and pure vocal brilliance.
While other disco stars got the spotlight, Clifford’s influence quietly shaped the entire genre. Her work still sounds fresh today.
If you only know Kiki Dee from Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, then buddy, you’ve been missing out. This woman had a killer voice and a serious soul.
Her solo work, including I’ve Got the Music in Me, showed her rock chops, while her ballads proved she could bring emotion with the best of them.
Kiki Dee was a star in her own right, not just a duet partner. The UK had their answer to Dusty Springfield, and her name was Kiki Dee.
If you don’t know why Dolly Parton is on this list, congratulations, you’ve been living under a rock. The woman is country music. The voice, the hair, the talent—she’s got it all.
With hits like Jolene (we’re still curious who’s Jolene?), I Will Always Love You, and Here You Come Again, she conquered country, pop, and everything in between. Her voice? Heavenly. Her songwriting? Flawlessly relatable.
Dolly’s influence goes beyond music. She’s a philanthropist, an actress, and a literal national treasure. Bow down to the Queen of Tennessee.
Millie Jackson was a soul singer with a whole lot of attitude. With her mix of spoken-word storytelling and powerhouse vocals, she made R&B bold, real, and raw.
Her album Caught Up was a soul masterpiece, full of sharp-witted, emotionally charged tracks that told stories of love, betrayal, and revenge.
Jackson didn’t do polite soul music. She was fierce, fearless, and paved the way for future artists who weren’t afraid to say it like it is.
Though she first gained fame in the ‘60s (Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, anyone?), Brenda Lee owned the ‘70s country-pop crossover scene.
Her voice? Huge. Her delivery? Unmatched. She could go from sweet and sentimental to a straight-up powerhouse in a single breath. A very flexible artist.
Her country hits, like Nobody Wins, show that she isn’t done yet. Decades later, she’s still one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
One song. That’s all it took for Jean Knight to become a legend. Mr. Big Stuff was funky, sassy, and packed with more attitude than an entire fashion runway.
Her deep, rich voice was distinctive. She blended Southern soul with a groove so infectious that it still hits today. The song became an instant feminist anthem.
Knight’s voice made you feel empowered as if you could strut into a room and demand respect. That’s what soul music is supposed to do.
Country music had plenty of male stars in the ‘70s, but Loretta Lynn? She ran the show. With hits like Coal Miner’s Daughter, she told real stories about working-class women.
Her twang was pure country gold, and her lyrics? Unapologetically honest. She wasn’t afraid to sing about birth control, divorce, and cheating husbands before it was cool.
Lynn wasn’t just a singer—she was a revolutionary. She made country music for women, and that alone makes her an icon.
Con la llegada de la primavera, es el momento perfecto para reorganizar y darle un…
Si te encanta pasar tiempo al aire libre, en tu jardín o en cualquier espacio…
Si buscas muebles que combinen estilo y funcionalidad para espacios medianos o pequeños, estás en…
El aire se llena de aromas dulces, los colores estallan en cada rincón y la…
History textbooks give us dates and facts, but photos bring history to life—capturing raw emotion,…
Taking care of plants is super rewarding, but let’s be real—it can also be a…