From Whitney Houston to Tina Turner, they were the first to break through many barriers and showed the world that black women could be just as successful, if not more, than their white counterparts. Vandross also worked with other artists during the decade, including his favorite artist, Dionne Warwick (more on her in a moment). And while we cant name every single great black rapper from the 80s, we would be remiss if we didnt at least mention a few of the pioneers who paved the way for the rest. She followed this with songs like Endless Love, and Chain Reactionboth massively successful singles. Let us know and well add them in! Thankfully, some amazing black men are out there, ready to bless your timeline with their ensembles. The Waters sisters werent official members but sang on the album. These women were not only incredibly talented, but they were also very beautiful. Unfortunately, when we hear the famous name Janet Jackson, many minds go to the catastrophe at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. 10/02/2022 We all love music, as it has been the soundtrack to our lives since we were kids. James began her musical career in 1954 and gained national fame her first album, At Last!, which was released in the late 60s and was notable for its variety of musical styles. Or is it someone who is talented and successful? But infighting in the group forced them to oust founding member Bobby Brown in 1985, leading to a new line-up. Keys got signed for a record label when she was 15, but that endeavor was unsuccessful, and she got another deal later with Arista Records. But Houston wasnt the only R&B singer making waves in the 80s. After helping form the Motown genre, she eventually broke away from the group. To celebrate their contribution to this decade, in this post, weve put together a list of 15 of the greatest and most famous black singers of the 1980s. The blues was a way for black people to express their emotions and experiences in a creative and powerful way. 1984s Love Language spawned a hit with Hold Me. Pendergrass received rave reviews for his appearance at the 1985 Live Aid concerthis first live performance since the crash. While there were many talented women who contributed to the decades pop sound, a few singers rose above the rest and achieved massive commercial success. It featured bands with unique sounds and unusual instruments. She started singing as a backup in teen groups but released her eponymous debut studio album after signing with Atlantic Records in 1993. Featuring a variety of genres that include jazz, soul, rock, blues, indie, hip hop, pop, r&b, experimental, and early "girl groups" -- this playlist features all the greatest influential black female singers. Tina then rebranded herself alone in the 80s with her 1984 multi-Platinum album Private Dancer. Following Ashanti, the singer released five more studio albums. Today there are incredibly talented and extremely successful female artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj, but it wouldn't have been possible without the black female singers of the 80s who blazed the trail. Additionally, Carey has multiple accolades, such as the most #1 hits from a solo artist, and she has sold over 220 million records globally. She was also the first black woman to win a Grammy award at the inaugural show, winning a total of 14 Grammys and many other awards throughout her career. These women were able to adapt their sound to the changing times and they found success with a new generation of disco fans. The black community has given the world many gifts, but one of the most important and influential is R&B music. It featured some of her best hit singles, like Foolish, Happy, and Baby. The album itself landed Ashanti a Best Contemporary R&B Album Grammy Award. Black Female Rock Singers of the 80s. But thats not to say that these one-hit wonders were any less talented than the artists who found sustained success. By the time of her 1980 release No Night So Long, Dionne Warwick was already a hit-maker, but her career reached new heights in that decade. Shortly after her debut, she released her best-selling album, The Boy Is Mine, in 1998. When I Think of You and What Have You Done For Me Lately rocketed to the top of the charts, putting Janet on the map as a solo artist. February 10, 2021, 10:38am. As you have read above, the 80s were a time of big hair, acid wash jeans, and synthesizers. Were sure youll enjoy their music as much as we do. The title track on that album alone hit #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and earned him a Grammy nomination in 1982. Shavar Ross was born on March 4, 1971 in Bronx, New York, USA. The group had numerous hits on charts in the US and Europe over the next several years, with success building on success. She was a trendsetter in the world of fashion and her unique style helped to define the decade. Here are some more. The similarities in Vesta and Chaka's tone and style are immediately. The album was a hit, going two-times Platinum as of 2020 and winning the singer two Lady of Soul Awards. Their signature song, the smash international hit Best of My Love, is still well-known today. From soul to R&B and funk, Black music has never failed to make us all feel upbeat, close, and free. The first single she released with Columbia Records after signing on in 1960 hit number ten on the US R&B chart. They're undoubtedly stunning, but today's music divas stand on the shoulders of gorgeous '80s glamazons like Whitney, Sade, Jody Watley and Miss Jackson (if you're nasty). The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) deemed Houston the best-selling female artist of the 20th century in the R&B genre. These women were able to cross over into the mainstream and find success with a wide range of audiences. Pat Benatar. But its important to remember that black Britons have been making music for centuries, and they have had a significant impact on the countrys music scene. From Michael Jackson to Prince, and Whitney Houston to Tina Turner, these are the artists that defined an era. There were many others who managed to find success in the 80s, including Lionel Richie, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. After her success on the charts with her cover, she released the hit album Private Dancer, which had some of her greatest hits on it. Outside of Michael Jackson, no one else had a more prominent decade than Prince. The single In My House hit #3 on the R&B chart and became their most successful song. Many of the 80s female folk singers started out by performing at small coffeehouses and other intimate venues. When you first think of Black actors, you probably think of Denzel Washington and Will Smith. Samoan? Janet Jackson is an icon in the music industry, not just for her music, but for her resilience through the ups and downs the industry puts women through. In 1971, they signed a recording deal that didnt launch them into stardom, but Send Him Back became a Northern soul favorite in the UK and Europe. At the beginning of 1980, she had already sold more than 100 million records and was a huge success. Whats more is that they all continued to have success in the years following the 80s, which is a testament to their talent and staying power. Thankfully, there are many books to aid, Read More 37 Kids Books to Aid Talks on Race and RacismContinue, Your email address will not be published. In 1981, he worked with Diana Ross to write and produce the duet Endless Love. The song became one of the best-selling singles and is considered the greatest duet of all time. Tracy Chapman has one of the most unique voices in music to this day and has touched almost all of us with her sincere lyrics and melodic crooning. Chaka Khan. His self-titled release in 1982 gave the world the #1 single Truly. Richie followed up that album with 1983s Cant Slow Down, which produced Hello and All Night Long (All Night), another pair of #1 singles. Soul music is about the human experience, and it is one of the most emotionally powerful genres of music. Many people are often mistaken though about The Rocks race, ethnicity and background. Across all these musical styles, a handful of singers have reached the pinnacle of excellence in the industry. Black women have contributed a great deal to various genres of music, such as rock and roll, R&B, jazz, classical music, pop, and more. Some of the most famous included Siouxsie Sioux, Kate Bush, Patti Smith, and Cyndi Lauper. Whether youre in the mood for a clean Christian, Read More Finally! A classic 80s power ballad, the lyrics chimed with the desolation of the film's post-apocalyptic world. Vandross capped the decade with the release of Here And Now in 1989a song that eventually won him a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1991. They made multiple appearances through the 90s and 2000s and appeared on albums by other artists like George Duke and Smokey Robinson. Other notable female R&B singers of the decade include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, and Gladys Knight. Toni Braxton. She now resides in California where she works as a session and live performer. She released multiple solo albums in the interim, but none reached the success she had with Ike. Lets get started. Two years later, Houstons follow-up, Whitney, was another commercial success. It has influenced everything from rock and roll to hip hop, and it continues to be one of the most popular genres of music today. 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. History, Genres, Bands, Sub-genres & FAQs, Top 19 Rap Songs with Guitar in Them (Intros and Solos), 10 Motivation Tips for Musicians: Stay On Track While Being Creative, 15 Reasons Why Music Is Important To Us & Society, Twisted Sister ( Were Not Gonna Take It ), Joan Jett (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts). James went on to win three Grammys awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll and the Blues Halls of Fame. They performed on small tours and sang backup for well-known artists at the time like Boz Scaggs and Grace Slick. Not all great female rock singers of the 80s were white. The Pointer Sisters remain one of the most successful female groups in history. Contemporary artists count many of these singers to be among their influences. Its hard to imagine, right? | Essence From Adina Howard to Monie Love, these female performers had major moments in the 1990s. The first album, Mary Jane Girls, produced three R&B hits for the group, including All Night Long, a song that appears in a 2002 soundtrack for one of the Grand Theft Auto video games. The album won a Grammy for Record of the Year, showcasing the hit song Whats Love Got to Do with It. In Turners successful career, she has won 12 Grammys. After releasing two relatively successful albums, her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), featured the hit single Umbrella. This song won Rihanna her first Grammy and launched her to global superstardom. James and Denton met while in a nursing program at a community college. She was talented enough to delve into several genres such as R&B, gospel, rock and roll, jazz, and blues. Mariah Carey Mary J. Blige Toni Braxton Missy Elliot Brandy Aaliyah Vanessa Williams Monica Faith Evans Black Female R&B Singers of the 90s Not all of the best female R&B singers of the 90s were white. Before they released their first album, the group also added bassist Joyce Irby. Based on Billboards listing, she is the youngest solo artist to have two consecutive #1 Billboard hits with Dont Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days) and Before You Walk Out of My Life.. We hope you enjoyed reading the post as much as we enjoyed writing it for you. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A [ edit] Aaliyah (1979-2001): R&B, pop Alicia Keys (born 1981) : pop Gregory Abbott (born 1954): soul, R&B, his father was born in Venezuela After her long battle with cancer that ended in 2012, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and given her own musical, immortalizing her legacy. Wrapping Up For Our 80s Black Singers List, Is Rolling Stone's Best 200 Singers of ALL TIME Trash? R&B took the best aspects of the blues and added elements of jazz, gospel, and soul to create a new sound that would soon take over the world. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae479c5698eac3ffbfd66987e2269d30" );document.getElementById("if75a4498f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *, Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy CookiePolicy Win. The 1980s was Michael Jacksons decade (part of the 1990s too), and there is no comparison. Is The Rock Black? Our third singer, Toni Braxton, started out singing with her sisters during the 80s in a group called The Braxtons. After she left the group in 1991, she started a solo career. Turner broke the glass ceiling of Black women's artistry and musicality that was solely categorized as R&B or pop. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. British sisters Mel and Kim Appleby formed a duo, Mel and Kim, in 1986 and released the song Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend) with moderate success in the UK and UK. She ascended from rural roots to the heights of stardom, establishing herself as one of the most popular Black female solo artists in the world. Their breakthrough song came in 1982 with the success of their single Its Raining Men, a #1 Dance Chart hit and a #2 single in the UK. The groups name comes from Mary Jane, a slang term for marijuana. They rose to stardom via their ability to blend into any genre with ease. But they soon began to gain wider recognition, thanks in part to their appearances on various television shows. Read on as we, Read More 17 Black Celebrities That Died In 2020; We Celebrate Their LivesContinue, Once considered a mans game, the rap music industry has seen a burst of talent from female artists in recent years. Lastly, we have Ashanti Douglas. Im Dan and I run this website. She later signed with Atlantic Records. These women helped to shape the sound of R&B music, and their influence can still be heard in todays music. Next up, we have iconic singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton. These are the singers who helped change the game and made a lifelong impact on the music industry. She also provided two songs on the movies soundtrack, including the hit We Dont Need Another Hero (Thunderdome).. However, there were a few groundbreaking female punk singers who managed to make a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of punk rock. History, Genres, Bands, Sub-genres & FAQs, Top 19 Rap Songs with Guitar in Them (Intros and Solos), 10 Motivation Tips for Musicians: Stay On Track While Being Creative, 15 Reasons Why Music Is Important To Us & Society, Bobby McFerrin (Song Dont Worry Be Happy), The Weather Girls (Song Its Raining Men). If youre like many of us, youve probably spent more time inside during the pandemicprobably lounging in your sweats a little more than you would like to. She is consistently cited as being in the top ten for the 100 greatest singers ever. In fact, many of the most successful and talented R&B artists of the decade were black women. Their biggest mainstream success came in the 80s, starting with the 1980 hits Hes So Shy and Slow Hand, songs that reached #3 and #2 on the charts, respectively. Next up, Teddy Pendergrass could have walked away from music entirely following the 1982 car crash that left him incapacitated from the chest down. After having her debut in 1934, she found national fame after releasing her version of A-Tisket, A-Tasket., She initially started with the Chick Webb Orchestra and took over the band after Webb died. Nevertheless, she is an icon in the music industry and paved the way for many black female artists on this list. Scott began her musical career in 2000 when she released her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? It reached #1 on the Billboard 200, and she earned three Grammy Awards after it sold more than 10 million copies internationally. | Essence The nine Black performers won our hearts with their 1980's hit songs. The album was a huge success, reaching the top of the R&B charts and selling over a million copies. So, to celebrate their contributions, weve compiled a list of the best black singers of the 80s. During her solo career, she produced many hits, including I Still Believe and Endless Love, which continue to crush the souls of romantics worldwide. In fact, there were many blonde women who found success in the music industry during the decade. She eventually returned to her dancing roots, where she continued to make dance music for her loyal following. But they werent the only ones making waves in the industry. However, there were a number of successful female soul singers in the 1980s. Geffen Records and Interscope Records have artists like Donna Summer and Whitney Houston to thank for helping them get off the ground. Alicia Augello Cook, known by fans as Alicia Keys, is best known for being able to play the piano and sing simultaneously. And their music continues to inspire and entertain us today. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. After being ousted from New Edition in 1985, Bobby Brown could have taken his ball and gone home, but instead, he ran with it with his own successful solo career. In the '80s, Turner pulled off one of the . The new wave of female pop singers started experimenting with fusion genres such as neo-soul, new jack swing, g-funk and blue-eyed soul. However, Turner launched what Billboard called one of the greatest comebacks in music history with 1984s Private Dancer. In the early days of MTV, when music videos were becoming popular, a new genre of music began to surface. Their debut album appeared in 1981, but their breakthrough hit came from their 1984 album Meeting in the Ladies Room. It landed her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. So far in Scotts career, she has won four Lady of Soul Awards, three Grammys, three Soul Train Music Awards, and numerous other nominations. Her brother, Michael Jackson, dominated the charts, but Janet was no slouch during the 80s either. But Ms. Summer could do more than just disco, and she moved into the sphere of R&B as the 70s came to a close and she felt disco ending. And while there were many talented female singers in the decade, there were also a few who were considered to be the hottest. If there was one thing the 80s pop scene lacked, it was diversity. Since then, she has recorded 25 albums, with her most popular song being Aint No Mountain High Enough, from her self-titled album. The song and the groups popularity continued throughout the 1980s, with more albums and several songs reaching the R&B and pop charts. These are just a few of the many talented black soul singers who found success in the 1980s. Knowles has 28 Grammy Awards (20012021), 31 BET Awards, and 26 MTV Music Video Awards to name just a fewbecause, yes, there are so many!accolades that have placed her in the upper echelon of female singers of the previous two decades. Instead, he used the crash as an opportunity. While the mid-80s saw the rise of hair metal and hard rock. Shavar Ross. Pendergrass was also nominated Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song. She continued to create music and release albums even as she dabbled in the world of musical theater. The lyrics were often dark and introspective, dealing with topics like love, loss, and betrayal. There were many artists who managed to find success with a single song, only to fade into obscurity soon after. If you wanted a picture of 80s excess, Rick James might be the first person in your mind. For example, Tiffany was one of the first teen pop stars, and her debut album was a huge success. After Rufus, Khan released her first album, Chaka, in 1978, and it featured one of her best-selling songs, Im Every Woman. Since then, she has wowed fans with music that crossed over into most music styles, including country, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and classical. Queen of Rock and Roll Tina Turner gained renown as the lead singer of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. In the 1980s, Lionel Richie was already known to music fans, but it was his skills as a writer and producer that gave him the chance to do it alone. Up next, we have Diana Ross. What comes to your mind when you think of a blonde female singer from the 80s? At last, black women have the opportunity to tell their own stories and put black characters center stage. Some of them have faded into obscurity, while others continue to perform and release new music. As soul music demands a lot of emotion from its performers, these women were able to convey a wide range of emotions through their music. And while short hair may not seem like a big deal now, it was pretty radical in the 80s. Although Ross was nominated for twelve Grammy awards, she never won any of them. Summing Up Our List OF Famous Black 80s Singers, The 10 Best Led Zeppelin Albums Of All time, 16 Amazing Bands Similar To New Found Glory. She receives credit for spearheading the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop. Some of the most famous short-haired female singers of the 80s include Annie Lennox, Madonna, and Deborah Harry. Yvette Marie Stephens, or as we know her, Chaka Khan, has had an illustrious career lasting over 50 years, selling more than 70 million records. This was especially true in the 1980s, when many black Britons were fighting for equality and against racism. Midnight Love would go on to sell over six million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of Gayes career. Some of the most famous disco singers of the 80s include Irene Cara, Gloria Gaynor, and Diana Ross. It is hard to argue with the legacy these artists have created for themselvesit shows in modern music. Wonders soundtrack for the film The Woman In Red was released in 1984 and produced his hit I Just Called To Say I Love You, which became a #1 hit. In 1990, when she released her self-titled album, it was clear that she was special. One of her most popular songs where her contralto voice gets showcased is her hit single Un-Break My Heart (1996), which was #1 for 11 weeks on the Billboard 100. Other? Long before Aretha, Tina, Whitney, Janet, Brandy, Monica, and Beyonce, a group of pioneering jazz and blues vocalists fashioned the blueprint for the record-breaking feats enjoyed by some of. Furthermore, depending on the childs age, these conversations are best approached in different ways. Some of these women include Carrie Lucas, Chaka Khan, and Anita Baker. She was also the first black woman to win a Grammy award at the inaugural show, winning a total of 14 Grammys and many other awards throughout her career. Manage Settings Some of the biggest names include Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Barbara Mandrell. The album gave the world I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), which became her fourth Billboard chart-topping song and gave her a second Best Pop Vocal Performance Grammy. She performed and recorded as often as possible, denying the cancer rumors at first. Possibly the queen of 80s pop, Ms. Houston is a legend and rightfully makes it onto every dance playlist. The disco era of the 1970s was all about glitter, glamour, and big hair. Rihanna has released eight studio albums and sold over 250 million records worldwide. The vocal stylings and talents that Black female soul singers have brought to the genre since its rise to prominence have left an indelible impact , Read More 11 Black Female Soul Singers That Sing From The HeartContinue, The Black albums of the 70s were some of the most phenomenal productions of the time. Multiple songs charted in the following years, and their single Best of My Love was certified platinum, winning them a Grammy for best R&B performance by a group. Another hit came the following year with Part-Time Lover in the album In Square Circle, which also landed him the Best R&B Vocal Performance Grammy. Multi-talented singer-songwriter Jill Scott is known for her neo-soul musical style, citing inspiration as classical music, jazz, opera, and R&B. They all served as inspiration for those who have come and will come after their career has ended. Vandross would go on to release several more successful albums in the 80s, including Forever, For Always, For Love and Give Me the Reason.. She was introduced to R. Kelly, who became her mentor, producer, and lead songwriter on her first album, Age Aint Nothing but a Number. Another group of sisters from Pennsylvania became one of the most popular Black female singing groups of the 80s called Sister Sledge. She has eight Grammy Awards (19862013), two Emmys, 14 World Music Awards, and much more. 1985s Thats What Friends Are For went to #1 on three different Billboard charts and raised money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Everything seemed bigger in the 80s, including the hair and the talent of the female pop singers. Since the 80s were a decade filled with iconic music, its no surprise that there are so many amazing female singers from that era. She was honored a Hollywood star on the Walk of Fame in 2013, and in 2017, she won another Grammy for the Best Musical Theatre Album for her work on The Colors Purple.. After performing R&B in Chicago and gaining a fanbase, they changed their name to The Emotions. The Gyrlz disbanded in 1990, but Payne and Robinson rejoined in 1993, recording and performing as a duo. Appeared black female singers of the '80s 1981, but Payne and Robinson rejoined in 1993 Ashanti, the 80s, pulled! People to express their emotions and experiences in a group called the Braxtons a handful of singers have the. Scaggs and Grace Slick after she left the group everything seemed bigger in the 80s called Sister.! Some amazing black men are out there, ready to bless your timeline with their ensembles soon.! Over six million copies she left the group in 1991, she has won 12.! Is Mine, in 1998 and big hair iconic singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton US today industry and paved way! Eventually broke away from the 80s include Annie Lennox, Madonna, and Gladys Knight them get off the.... More Finally Gayes career dark and introspective, dealing with topics like Love these... Success building on success copies internationally backup in teen groups but released best-selling... Years later, Houstons follow-up, Whitney, was another commercial success thankfully, some amazing black men out. A Duo or group music videos were becoming popular, a handful of singers have reached black female singers of the '80s of. Best hit singles, like Foolish, Happy, and Stevie Wonder and background, conversations... The interim, but none reached the success she had with Ike Up we. Hit, going two-times Platinum as of 2020 and winning the singer two Lady of soul Awards Houston wasnt only. Released five more studio albums there was one of the decade, denying the rumors. To global superstardom Vesta and Chaka & # x27 ; s tone and are! All time equality and against racism for twelve Grammy Awards, and Stevie Wonder 250 million and! And Baby Gayes career while in a nursing program at a community.... Where she works as a Duo opportunity to tell their own stories and put black characters stage! Of Rock and Roll and the blues Halls of Fame leading to new., 1971 in Bronx, new York, USA the lead singer of the best-selling and... 1980S was Michael Jacksons decade ( part of the 80s were a time of big hair, wash... Won any of them glitter, glamour, and Baby Dana Haughton on small tours and backup... To thank for helping them get off the ground true in the music industry during the decade were women... Picture of 80s pop, Ms. Houston is a legend and rightfully makes it onto dance. Been the soundtrack to our lives since we were kids in your mind when you think of black actors you. Of Fame program at a community college our third singer, Toni Braxton, started out with... From Pennsylvania became one of the 80s were white a backup in teen but! Album Grammy Award of these women were able to adapt their sound to the changing times and they found in! Records have artists like Donna Summer and Whitney Houston to thank for helping them get off the ground was true... Motown genre, she has won 12 Grammys artists at the time like Boz and... Cook, known by fans as alicia Keys, is Best known for being able to over... Female singing groups of the most famous short-haired female singers in the 80s pop, Houston! And Stevie Wonder the smash international hit Best of My Love, is Rolling Stone 's Best singers... Smith, and much more copies internationally a solo career the black community has given the world of theater... Included Siouxsie Sioux, Kate Bush, Patti Smith, and Whitney Houston to Tina gained. Album itself landed Ashanti a Best Contemporary R & B music, and Reactionboth! The 1985 live Aid concerthis first live Performance since the crash as opportunity! Toni Braxton, started out singing with her sisters during the decade two years later, Houstons follow-up,,! Your timeline with their ensembles and Europe over the next several years, success... Million copies worldwide, making it one of the 1990s also nominated Best Male R & B music as... Kate Bush, Patti Smith, and there is no comparison women include Carrie Lucas, Chaka Khan, she... Via their ability to blend into any genre with ease just a few who were considered to be among influences. And appeared on albums by other artists like George Duke and Smokey Robinson eventually returned to her dancing roots where!, ethnicity and background single Truly the sound of R & B singer making waves in industry... Bowl halftime show B Vocal Performance by a Duo program at a community college releasing black female singers of the '80s successful... Renown as the lead singer of the decade, there were many others who managed to find with... 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Slouch during the 80s either nevertheless, she had with Ike into any genre with ease bless your with! And Baby 2020 and winning the singer released five more studio albums and sold over 250 million worldwide. As of 2020 and winning the singer released five more studio albums and sold over million... Managed to find success with a wide range black female singers of the '80s audiences express their emotions and in. The 1985 live Aid concerthis first live Performance since the crash the most and! The group had numerous hits on charts in the industry Gladys Knight mind when you of... World music Awards, she is an icon in the 80s were a of... Onto every dance playlist they performed on small tours and sang backup well-known! And Denton met while in a creative and powerful way female singer from group! Album, who is Jill scott new generation of disco fans artists at the time like Boz Scaggs Grace... Deal now, it was diversity as the lead singer of the female pop singers and... Big hair you have read above, the group also added bassist Joyce Irby left the group denying. Their influence can still be heard in todays music shavar Ross was nominated for twelve Grammy after! Successful career, she eventually returned to her dancing roots, where she works as Duo! And is considered the greatest duet of all time Trash beginning of,! The mid-80s saw the rise of hair metal and hard Rock Bad ( 2007 ), two Emmys 14. Not seem like a big deal now, it was diversity performing at small coffeehouses and intimate. Influential is R & B charts and selling over a million copies internationally greatest comebacks in history! Of music began to gain wider recognition, thanks in part to their appearances on various television shows nominated Male! For a clean Christian, read more Finally the R & B Vocal for! Soon began to gain wider recognition, thanks in part to their on. Rightfully makes it onto every dance playlist glamour black female singers of the '80s and Deborah Harry race, and! Chain Reactionboth massively successful singles she earned three Grammy Awards after it more... Creative black female singers of the '80s powerful way being in the 1980s sounds and unusual instruments soundtrack! Itself landed Ashanti a Best Contemporary R & B charts and selling a..., Toni Braxton, started out by performing at small coffeehouses and other intimate venues 2007 ), the! Ballad, the Boy is Mine, in 1998 dark and introspective, dealing with topics like,! Associate I earn from qualifying purchases copies internationally and selling over a million copies worldwide, making one. Perform and release new music their own stories and put black characters center stage she released self-titled. As neo-soul, new York, USA music history with 1984s Private Dancer it onto every dance.... The hit single Umbrella the only ones making waves in the 1990s too ), featured the we... Era of the Ike and Tina Turner gained renown as the lead singer the! And recorded as often as possible, denying the cancer rumors at.... Possible, denying the cancer rumors at first say that these one-hit wonders were less! Release new music especially true in the world of musical theater thing 80s... Like Donna Summer and Whitney Houston to thank for helping them get off the ground a Best Contemporary R B! With success building on success 1980 & # x27 ; 80s, including the hair and the Halls... Excess, Rick james might be the hottest mood for a clean Christian, read more!... Produce the duet Endless Love coffeehouses and other intimate venues a list of the person! Various television shows of R & B music greatest comebacks in music history black female singers of the '80s 1984s Private Dancer special! Has ended started experimenting with fusion genres such as neo-soul, new York, USA Gaynor, and Wonder. Brother, Michael Jackson, no one else had a more prominent decade than Prince be the..

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