7 Best Female Singers of the 70s

First up on our list of female singers of the 1970s is Carole King. She began the decade writing songs for other artists, but when she wrote her 1971 album “Tapestry,” everything changed. This record broke records on charts for its long-running success. Songs like “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend” became immediate classics and have been covered by other artists long after their releases.

She sang about real-life issues like love, heartbreak, and friendship in a way that connected with her listeners. In 1972, King swept the Grammys, taking home four awards in one night, a first for a female artist. As the decade continued, she released more hit albums and influenced a new generation of musicians.

By the time the 70s wrapped up, Carole King had cemented her place as a true music icon whose impact would be heard in music for decades. Her journey also later inspired the hit Broadway musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, even further adding to her legacy.

Next up on our list is Patti Smith, who exploded in the 1970s New York music scene. She combined poetry with punk rock. Her debut Horses revolutionized rock music, showing her unique raspy voice and lyrics. Later, Smith continued to challenge norms with albums like Radio Ethiopia and Easter, which included her hit “Because the Night.”

She was a complete artist, blending poetry, visual art, and rock. Her androgynous style became as iconic as her music. Additionally, her 2010 memoir Just Kids, about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, won the National Book Award, introducing her to a new generation of fans.

Joni Mitchell‘s poetic lyrics and guitar work redefined what folk music could be, making her one of the best female singers of the 70s. Songs like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Both Sides Now” became anthems of the decade, speaking to important ongoing personal and societal changes.

Like many of these powerful female artists, Mitchell’s independence set her apart in the male-dominated music industry. She even produced her own albums and designed her artwork. Her 1971 album Blue cemented her reputation as one of the most influential songwriters of her generation and one of the best female singers of the 1970s. Her ballad, “River,” from this album, later became a popular yet unlikely Christmas classic and has been covered by artists across generations.

Another one of the best female singers of the 70s is Carly Simon. Her style was defined by her powerful voice and honest songwriting. Her music blended folk and pop, mixing them with her personal lyrics. Simon’s 1972 hit “You’re So Vain” sparked years of debate about who it could have possibly been about.

Her album No Secrets pushed her even further into the spotlight. In 1977, she sang another big hit, “Nobody Does It Better,” the theme for the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. This song remains one of the most popular Bond themes.

Additionally, her openness about her personal life (including her marriage to James Taylor) made her loved by the media, solidifying her place as an icon and one of the best female singers of the 70s.

Dolly Parton made her mark on the 70s music scene, becoming one of the decade’s best female singers. She started off as a regular on the musical variety show, The Porter Wagoner Show, but it was her solo work that really made her take off. Her hit “Jolene” topped the country and even pop charts, showing just how many people connected with her sound.

What made Parton special was her unique voice and way of telling stories through song. She sang about real stuff, but always with a bit of humor thrown in. Her album Here You Come Again won her first Grammy and proved she could hold her own. In both country and pop genres!

Parton’s big personality and songwriting skills also laid the groundwork for her later endeavors, like theme parks and movies, and earned her a place on our list of the best female singers of the 70s.

Next, Aretha Franklin belted out hits that shook the music world in the 70s. She kicked off the decade with hits like “Don’t Play That Song” and a soulful take on “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Later, in ’72, she sang Amazing Grace, a gospel album that flew off the shelves like nothing had before. Of course, the hits kept coming with “Rock Steady“, “Day Dreaming“, and “Something He Can Feel”.

In a decade of change, Aretha was more than just a voice. She truly was a symbol of black pride and women’s power, earning her place on our list of the top female singers of the 70s.

Capping our list of female singers of the 70s is Stevie Nicks. She rose to fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Her blend of rock and folk, combined with her poetic lyrics, made her one of the decade’s most iconic singers. Nicks sang several hit songs for Fleetwood Mac, including “Dreams,” “Rhiannon,” and one of my mom’s favorites, “Landslide.“

Nicks also launched a successful solo career in 1981 with her debut album Bella Donna. This album featured hits like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” a duet with Tom Petty. Notably, Nicks’ influence also extended beyond her music, making her a fashion icon too. Her bohemian fashion often featured flowy dresses, shawls, and platform boots, becoming a signature look of the decade.

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