black female singers of the '80s

Braxton began singing in her fathers church choir early in her childhood. Donna Summer She might have been considered the Queen of Disco, but Donna Summer transcended that label in the 1980s with the release of several hit singles. While most rap and hip-hop artists have traditionally been black, white rappers have found major success in the industry since the 80s. She was the daughter of Sonja and Willie Norwood, a successful gospel singer. In the midst of the hard rock and hair metal crazes of the 80s, we often forget about the incredible male black singers who were making some of the best music of the decade. Other hot female singers of the 80s include Cindy Lauper, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston. But they werent the only ones making waves in the industry. They rose to stardom via their ability to blend into any genre with ease. Lauper, in particular, was a pioneer in the world of Alternative music. Cyndi Lauper burst onto the scene with her debut album Shes So Unusual, which featured the iconic singles Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Time After Time. The album was a massive success, selling over 14 million copies worldwide and earning Lauper a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, are an R&B, Grammy-nominated trio of black women from New York City. These women were not only talented, but they were also physically attractive. Is it someone who is physically attractive? However, it was also a time when African American singers were topping the charts with their soulful sounds. Summer had several certified Gold records released during the decade as well. As you saw from this list, the 80s were a great decade for black singers. Last but not least, we have Marvin Gaye. So, to celebrate their contributions, weve compiled a list of the best black singers of the 80s. She has won a total of 20 awards and found additional success as an actress in movies like the Barbershop franchise. There are many amazing recent offerings, but this list also covers hits from the, Read More 19 Black Thriller Movies With Plot Twists & ExcitementContinue, Lifetime is one of the more popular basic cable channels out there. Annie Lennox People were captivated by Annie Lennox from the first second she pounded the desk in the "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" video. Brenda Fassie was a South African dancer, singer, songwriter, and activist. Her race and ethnicity are often questioned as she is accused of appropriating Black culture or blackfishing. Today, Read More Is Iggy Azalea Black? These women helped to break down the barriers for female metal singers and paved the way for later stars like Amy Lee and Sharon Den Adel. But they weren't the only ones making waves in the industry. 12 Black Disney Movies, Both Cartoons & Real Acting, 61 Black Celebrities That Died In 2023; A Tribute To The Fallen, 30 Black YouTubers 2023; Male & Female Channels. Even with this culture shift, her music remains some of the most popular dance jams ever made. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, the Clara Ward Singers, etc. Category. In 1994, a compilation album was released titled The Best of Sade. Midnight Love would go on to sell over six million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of Gayes career. She won her first Grammy Award in 1998 for the collaborative single Ghetto Superstar with rapper Ol Dirty Bastard which was a number one hit in countries all over the world. Fierce! 14. Her first solo came at the age of two years old. These women have massive voices that helped to propel their respective bands to the top of the charts. But in the 1980s, a new breed of country singer emerged from the Black community. In the Eighties, Janet Jackson was definitely in Control with her strong, basic makeup and jet black curls. Her combined voice talent and love for music led her to pursue a career as a music teacher. It was also a time when some of the most iconic and influential rappers emerged, including Eric B. Soul music is about the human experience, and it is one of the most emotionally powerful genres of music. Jade - " Don't Walk Away ." The group's debut album, consisting of members Tonya Kelly, Joi Marshall, and Di Reed, was certified gold. Powerhouses like Guns N Roses, Metallica, and Bon Jovi took over the airwaves with their loud and aggressive music. From Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, these artists dominated the charts and inspired millions with their unique sounds. Soon after, she was the first black woman to be crowned Miss America. Noted for his sweet voice and romantic lyrics, Vandross released his debut album Never Too Much in 1981. Every decade has its defining moments, and the 1980s was no different. Thats where funny Black movies come in. These women were brave enough to go against the norms of society and they inspired other women to do the same. Above all, they were proud of who they were and didnt let anyone stop them from being their true selves. However, Turner launched what Billboard called one of the greatest comebacks in music history with 1984s Private Dancer. She is one of the only artists to simultaneously occupy the top two spots of the Billboard Hot 100. And their music continues to inspire and entertain us today. This platinum-selling single from the girl group peaked at #1 on the Hot 100 and beat out Backstreet Boys' "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" in Billboard's list of most popular songs of 1998. Whether they were topping the charts or fighting for social justice, these singers used their talents to make a positive impact on the world. They were true superstars in every sense of the word. Category:African-American female singers. Her brother, Michael Jackson, dominated the charts, but Janet was no slouch during the 80s either. So we're dedicating today's article to the best 80s female singers. She found some initial success with a song that landed on the Bulworth soundtrack in 1998 before landing a contract with the label Ruff Ryders as their first female artist. Browns success continued in 1989 when he contributed two songs to the Ghostbusters II soundtrack: On Our Own and Were Back, the former peaking at #2. Aaliyah began her quest for fame on the tv show Star Search when she was 11 years old, signing a contract with Jive Records a year later. All these women had successful careers in the 80s, but none of them were able to replicate their one-hit-wonder success. 15 Black Artists Who Died Too Young 1. Apart from solo artists, there were also a number of successful bands in the 80s that featured female lead singers. Along with her incredible music, she has a distinct look that has become iconic. Eventually, she signed on with several members of the original group under the name Sade. In the early days of MTV, when music videos were becoming popular, a new genre of music began to surface. Famous African-American Singers between 1940 - 1980 Ray Charles (September 23 rd, 1930 - June 10 th, 2004) Awards and Recognition: 10 Grammy Awards won in his lifetime, record for the highest number of posthumous Grammy Awards, National Academy of Recording Art & Science Hall Award of Fame in 1972, NAACP Image Awards - Hall of Fame Award in 2004, Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the . Back when J. These women were not only successful but they were also considered to be very attractive. 2 - Beyonc. She grew up listening to '70s soul and '80s hip-hop, but . Updated on 06/26/19. As you have read above, the 80s were a time of big hair, acid wash jeans, and synthesizers. Watch on. It was a time when the genre was just beginning to find its footing, and artists were experimenting with different sounds and styles. Other notable female metal singers include Doro Pesch, Bonnie Tyler, and Lee Aaron. Figures like Sylvester, Grace Jones, and Little Richard were some of the first openly gay celebrities and their music helped break down many barriers. Tuned 1/2 step below standard tuning. Rappers like N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys were making a name for themselves with their controversial lyrics and innovative beats. There is something unique about, Read More 15 Black Male Jazz SingersContinue, Black thriller movies are scary and suspenseful. Although todays punk scene is not as male-dominated as it was in the 80s, these female singers continue to be an inspiration to punk rockers all over the world. Despite their fade out, their music is still predominantly listened to in the US. Doesnt matter if they only had one hit. But infighting in the group forced them to oust founding member Bobby Brown in 1985, leading to a new line-up. The single, Let Me Blow Ya Mind, would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002. After helping form the Motown genre, she eventually broke away from the group. However, the collaboration with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder gave her a massive hit with a message. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In 1998, she went on a world tour and performed sold-out shows throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It featured bands with unique sounds and unusual instruments. Those that stayed went on to produce five albums in the span of a few short years. Despite her career beginning in the 50s when she was just a teen, Tinas solo career didnt take off until 1983, when she recorded a cover of Al Greenes Lets Stay Together, which became an immediate hit and had people wanting more. Despite being called the queen of disco, Summer was able to break into different genres. Now that you have the list, go ahead and give these singers a listen. From fashion to music, they have given us some of the best creations in history. Her music has gone multi-platinum, and she is a four-time Grammy Award-winning artist that continues to touch lives. With her mounds of curls and flawless brows, Karyn White wasnt just a Superwoman, she was also a great beauty! It is a sound that is steeped in pain and struggle, but also in hope and joy. With 1988s Dont Be Cruel, Brown scored five top-10 hits on the Billboard charts, like the massively successful My Prerogative. Every Little Step, another hit off that album, scored him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1998 and peaked at number 29 in the U.S. She is also the eldest sister of entertainer Ray J and Snoop Doggs cousin. Proko provides many amazing tools for artists such as male and female art models poses, hand poses, etc. "Good Quality". Sign up for daily content and exclusive offers you'll love! In Japan, their music is regularly associated with. In the 1980s a new generation of women jazz musicians emerged who expanded their predecessors' push against the patriarchal boundaries of the jazz world. She was a major figure in the civil rights movement, frequently addressing social issues such as racism through her songs. However, sometimes, youre just in the mood to laugh. These are the greatest Black female singers of all time, from Aretha and Whitney Houston to Mariah Carey and Sade, as ranked by music enthusiasts like you. Many of the 80s female folk singers started out by performing at small coffeehouses and other intimate venues. Race & Ethnicity RevealedContinue, Comedy still seems to be a world that is dominated by men, but not for long! Sign up free 0:00 0:00 Company About Jobs For the Record Though he had been active since the late 1950s, Gaye found new success in the 1980s with the release of his album Midnight Love. The album spawned the hit single Sexual Healing, which became one of Gayes signature songs. Their followings are massive, and their songs are on the radio every single day, but the road they walk on was paved by the beautiful black women of the 80s that dominated fashion and culture at the time. In 1994, Williamss third album, The Sweetest Days, also went platinum and earned her two Grammy nominations. Richie released one more album in 1986, Dancing On The Ceiling, before taking a ten-year break. 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