7 More of The Best Female Singers of the 70s

First up on our list of best female singers from the 70s is Diana Ross, who launched her own solo career that rivaled her success with The Supremes, the popular American Motown girl group.

She kicked off the decade with the chart-topping “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” which showcased her versatility beyond Motown’s sound. Later, her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues earned her an Oscar nomination and proved she was more than just a singer.

Throughout the 70s, Ross continued to sing hits like “Touch Me in the Morning” and “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To).” She closed the decade with disco hits like “The Boss” and the dance floor anthem “Love Hangover.” Her music truly earned her status as the Queen of Motown and paved the way for future pop divas.

Next, Olivia Newton-John also made major contributions to the 70s pop scene with her sweet voice and girl-next-door charm. She kicked off the decade with country-style hits like “Let Me Be There” and “I Honestly Love You,” winning Grammy Awards and winning over American audiences.

Later, Newton-John’s role as Sandy in the 1978 blockbuster musical Grease catapulted her to stardom. The movie’s soundtrack became a global phenomenon, with Newton-John’s performances of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want” topping charts worldwide.

Her transformation from wholesome country-pop singer to rock chick in Grease highlighted her versatility and set the stage for her continued success in the 80s.

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Better known as the lead singer of Blondie, Debbie Harry exploded onto the 70s music scene like a punk rock supernova. She combined new wave, punk, and pop into a sound that was unmistakably cool. With her platinum blonde hair and grunge-punk style, Harry became the face of New York’s underground scene.

Harry’s voice undoubtedly packed a punch. She effortlessly sang everything from pop to punk, sometimes even in the same song. Blondie’s 1978 album Parallel Lines shot them to stardom, with the disco jam “Heart of Glass” blasting from every radio.

Debbie Harry proved that she was more than just a singer. She also hung out with Andy Warhol, inspired countless fashion designers, and even dipped her toes into acting. By the end of the decade, she had proven she was more than just a pretty face, earning her place on our list of female singers of the 70s.

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Another one of the best female singers of the 70s was Linda Ronstadt. Her powerful voice adorned the decade with country-rock hits.

As the decade continued, Ronstadt’s albums Heart Like a Wheel and Simple Dreams further added to her success. Her version of “You’re No Good” became an anthem for the heartbroken. In the end, her independence and voice lit the way for a countless future female artists, earning her a place on our list.

Gloria Gaynor, known for her biggest hit “I Will Survive“, lit up the 70s music scene like a disco inferno. She started the decade as an unknown, but by the mid-70s, everyone knew her name.

In 1974, Gaynor’s song “Never Can Say Goodbye” became a hit and got people moving on dance floors across the country. As disco fever spread, Gaynor’s popularity also soared. In 1978, she released her biggest hit “I Will Survive.” Its powerful message of strength and resilience won over listeners everywhere, capturing the essence of disco.

But Gaynor wasn’t a one-hit wonder. As the decade continued, she kept churning out disco hits. Her strong voice and energetic performances made her a disco queen. By the end of the decade, Gloria Gaynor truly helped define the disco era and created songs that people still love today.

Next, another one of the best female singers of the 70s was Donna Summer. Best remembered in the disco genre, her 1975 song “Love to Love You Baby” caught the attention of listeners with its provocative style.

But it was “I Feel Love” in 1977 that truly changed the game, introducing electronic beats that influenced dance music for decades. As seen by her later work, Summer’s talent went beyond just disco. She tackled different styles with songs like the rock-infused “Hot Stuff” and the emotional ballad “MacArthur Park.” Notably, her hit “Last Dance” also became a staple of night clubs everywhere.

Throughout the decade, Summer won many Grammy awards and topped charts consistently. She pushed boundaries in music and performance, earning her a place on our list of even more of the best female singers of the 70s.

Also Read: 7 Best Female Singers of the 70s

Capping our list of female singers of the 70s we had to include the iconic Kate Bush. This British artist first burst into the music scene in 1978 with “Wuthering Heights.” For just a 19 year old, Bush showcased a voice with an insane range of highs and lows.

Later, her debut album The Kick Inside introduced listeners to her theatrical style and poetic lyrics. She followed this with Lionheart in the same year, which proved her debut was no fluke.

What set Bush apart from other 70s singers was her artistic vision. She not only wrote and performed her songs, but also choreographed some of the dance routines for her performances. Her music videos pushed boundaries before MTV even existed.

While her 70s work laid the foundation for her career, Bush’s music has topped charts more recently, too. In 2022, her 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” found new life after featuring in the TV show Stranger Things, introducing her music to a whole new generation.