While most soul singers are men, there have been quite a few female soul singers that have been notable over the years, with their voices and style. Soul originated in the United States, particularly in the African American churches and gospel music. The combined enthusiasm and soaring vocals made for a new genre of music that is still often imitated today.
Arguably one of the greatest of all time is Aretha Franklin, also dubbed The Queen of Soul. Over her long career she has collected 20 Grammy Awards and as many number one singles, including the iconic song "Respect", which was originally written for singer Otis Redding. Franklin's recording of this song sent her career to the sky, and made her a household name.
A contemporary of Aretha Franklin's was the then lead singer for the group The Pips, Gladys Knight. The group's name was later changed to Gladys Knight and the Pips. Her honorary title was the Empress of Soul, and rightly so. Her smooth and heartfelt vocals, especially on the hit "Midnight Train to Georgia" endeared her to millions of loyal fans.
Many of these singers spanned other genres, including pop, gospel and jazz. Etta James recreated herself many times over her musical lifetime, bringing in fans of many generations with her vocal talents. Her most notable song was "At Last", which was covered by Beyonce at the Obama presidential inaugural ball, where Mr. Obama and first lady Michelle danced to the song. This gave a new life to the music of Etta James and other female blues singers.
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, is still an iconic figure in female R&B singers. She started with her then husband, the often abusive Ike Turner, in the Ike & Tina Revue, burning up the stage with her wild gyrations and dancing, as well as powerful voice. She eventually split with him and struck out on her own, and has become very successful, between concerts and acting in movies.
One of the most notable modern day singers was the late Amy Winehouse, whose quirky looks, smoke-filled voice and personal lyrics brought her many fans across the world. She won 5 Grammy awards for her album Back to Black in 2006, but died at the age of 27 after battling substance abuse for several years.
Probably the most iconic female soul singer in recent years to come on the scene is Adele, a young Londoner, who through a My Space video became a superstar almost overnight. Her beautiful voice and soulful lyrics have made her appeal widespread among many generations. She has already won many awards and remains poised to become a significant force in the world of music for many years to come.
The era of female soul singers is doing anything but waning, with the previous generations opening the doors for the up and coming singers of the future. By paving the way with their trials and tribulations, these soulful women have set the bar high for today's young women desiring a musical career.
Arguably one of the greatest of all time is Aretha Franklin, also dubbed The Queen of Soul. Over her long career she has collected 20 Grammy Awards and as many number one singles, including the iconic song "Respect", which was originally written for singer Otis Redding. Franklin's recording of this song sent her career to the sky, and made her a household name.
A contemporary of Aretha Franklin's was the then lead singer for the group The Pips, Gladys Knight. The group's name was later changed to Gladys Knight and the Pips. Her honorary title was the Empress of Soul, and rightly so. Her smooth and heartfelt vocals, especially on the hit "Midnight Train to Georgia" endeared her to millions of loyal fans.
Many of these singers spanned other genres, including pop, gospel and jazz. Etta James recreated herself many times over her musical lifetime, bringing in fans of many generations with her vocal talents. Her most notable song was "At Last", which was covered by Beyonce at the Obama presidential inaugural ball, where Mr. Obama and first lady Michelle danced to the song. This gave a new life to the music of Etta James and other female blues singers.
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, is still an iconic figure in female R&B singers. She started with her then husband, the often abusive Ike Turner, in the Ike & Tina Revue, burning up the stage with her wild gyrations and dancing, as well as powerful voice. She eventually split with him and struck out on her own, and has become very successful, between concerts and acting in movies.
One of the most notable modern day singers was the late Amy Winehouse, whose quirky looks, smoke-filled voice and personal lyrics brought her many fans across the world. She won 5 Grammy awards for her album Back to Black in 2006, but died at the age of 27 after battling substance abuse for several years.
Probably the most iconic female soul singer in recent years to come on the scene is Adele, a young Londoner, who through a My Space video became a superstar almost overnight. Her beautiful voice and soulful lyrics have made her appeal widespread among many generations. She has already won many awards and remains poised to become a significant force in the world of music for many years to come.
The era of female soul singers is doing anything but waning, with the previous generations opening the doors for the up and coming singers of the future. By paving the way with their trials and tribulations, these soulful women have set the bar high for today's young women desiring a musical career.
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