Best Female Vocalist?

Though the thread you link to is a good one, jackhammer, the way the question is posed puts emphasis on female "lead" singers in groups and, therefore, takes emphasis away (though not totally) from soloists. I like this thread because it seems to be asking 'best female volalist' despite solo or group. To Stamper's top three (who definitely top my list) and some others listed in this thread, I would add: Janis Joplin, Joan Jett, PJ Harvey, Tracy Chapman, Nina Simone, Linda Ronstadt, Patty Smith, Beth Orton, Grace Slick, and Annie Lenox. Some African singers who are some of greatest vocals on earth: Brenda Fassie, Cesaria Evora, and Angelique Kidjo. Other oldies who can't be overlooked: Bessy Smith, Etta James, Dusty Springfield, and Mahalia Jackson. And, DON'T HATE ME, although not always consistent, Janet Jackson (Velvet Rope) and Natalie Merchant (especially as lead of 10,000 maniacs and on Tiger Lily) were pretty good, too.

That's just my short list. I know I'm in the minority on this website, but I think female vocalists KICK ASS and are equal to the many male vocalists that I like, too. Thanks for this thread!

Add Bonnie Raitt, too. (And, Aretha is completely overrated!)
 
Leona Lewis.

Leona_Lewis_01.jpg
 
The best female vocalist I've heard, in my opinion, is Brenda Holloway.
Possibly the most under rated vocalist too.
She was unfortunate to have a career during the Motown years and was largely overlooked due to stiff competition that was unfairly favoured at her expense.
 
Martina Mcbride.
I think her music her music is okay, but dammit that woman can expel sound waves.

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Amanda Brown and Bethany Cosentino on Pocahaunted.

They just murmur over basslines with tons of reverb and echo. For some reason I like that kind of thing more than when they speak comprehensible English.
 
Tarja Turunen
Amy Lee
Emily Scharabra
Cara Dillon
Karine Polwart
Charlotte Wessels
Sharon Den Adel
Cristina Scabbia
Lisa Miskovsky
Sabine Weniger
Sandy Denny
Kate Rusby
Manda Ophuis
Floor Jansen
 
I've been listening lately to a few women with a jazzy/experimental sound, interesting voices ...

Lesa Carlson
www .myspace .com/ lesacarlson

The AsteroiRAB Galaxy Tour
www .myspace .com/theasteroiRABgalaxytour

Imogen Heap
www .myspace .com/imogenheap
 
Here's my top ten:

1. Ann Wilson, Heart
2. Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac
3. Tracy Chapman
4. Annie Lennox, Eurythmics
5. KT Tunstall
6. Fiona Apple
7. Nanci Griffin
8. Chrissy Hind, Pretenders
9. Brandi Carlile
10. Bonnie Raitt
 
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