Women in Music
Women had a prominent role in music since antiquity. Great singers always enjoyed fame but until the invention of modern sound recording and reproduction, most of them were forgotten over time although they most certainly had a major influence on the art of music. The list below includes only a few of the most outstanding female singers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Bessie Smith (1894-1937). The American blues singer, also known The Empress of the Blues was one of the greatest singers in the 1920s and 1930s. She is believed to have had a major influence on jazz vocals.
Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992). The German singer and actress was one of the greatest stars of her time and remains one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Her singing career lasted nearly sixty years, while her most influential songs include Lili Marlene and Falling in Love Again (Can’t Help It).
Edith Piaf (1915-1963). One of the most famous and celebrated French singers of all times is another cultural icon of the 20th century. She became a star in the mid-1930’s in France and gained an international fame after the end of World War II. She is best remembered for the legendary La Vie en rose, Milord, La Foule and Non je ne regrette rien.
Billie Holiday (1915-1959). One of the most influential American jazz singers did not only set the standards for jazz vocals but had a major influence on American pop vocals as well. Some of her most notable songs include God Bless the Child, Strange Fruit, Lady in Satin, Embrace You and Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be).
Maria Callas (1923-1977). The American born Greek opera singer is remembered as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. She was born in the United States but she began her opera career in Italy after receiving musical education in Greece. In addition to her outstanding musical talent, she is also remembered for her dramatic personal life which often overshadowed her artistic performance.
Tina Turner (born 1939). The American singer famous for her bodycon dresses, whose active career lasts more than 50 years is one of the greatest living music artists. She started her singing career with her former husband Ike Turner whom she divorced in 1978. After a few years of absence from the music scene, she started a successful solo career during which she released a series of hit singles and seven studio albums.
Janis Joplin (1943-1970). The American singer known as The Queen of Rock and Roll went into history as one of the greatest singers of all times. Her music career lasted only four years during which she achieved an international fame. Her greatest hits were Piece of My Heart, Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) and Me and Bobby McGee.
Madonna (born 1958). Still active American pop singer is the world’s best selling female music artist of all times. She has sold over 300 millions of records and is also considered one of the best and most influential artists in history.