- Madonna
Known for her wild and spontaneous persona, the Queen of Pop broke women standards during her time in the music industry. From an early age, Madonna enjoyed keeping others and herself entertained. Her care-free image engaged many people leading her to become one of the most beloved music artists. Her style of music, fashion, persona, and dance moves have left a significant mark on todays queens of pop culture. She has won multiple Grammy’s, two Golden Globe Awards, and several Billboard and MTV awards.
- Selena
Selena Quintanilla was born and raised in Texas to a Mexican family. As a child, Selena was taught to speak Spanish by her father — who was also a musician. The Quintanilla’s performed together as a band while Selena was their lead singer at just ten years old. Aside from her captivating voice, her fashionable style was iconic to say the least. By the late 1990’s, Selena’s Texan-Mexican music gave rise to the Latino community all around the country and in 1994, received her first GRAMMY award at the age of 23.
- Dolly Parton
Tennessee native, Dolly Parton, became widely known for her style of mainstream country music. One day after graduating high school, Parton packed her bags headed to Nashville in hopes of starting her musical career. As of today, Dolly holds multiple Guinness World Records — being the only country artist to have a Top 20 hit on Billboards Hot Country Song chart for six decades in a row. The beloved artist made way for future female country musicians — like Taylor Swift, as she introduced the country-pop world… and achieved success in doing so.
The country-pop sensation is also known for her generous work in philanthropy.
- Debbie Harry
Serving as one of the pioneers of rock music during the new age era, Blondie was co-founded by none other than the bands lead singer, Debbie Harry. The punk-rock singer dropped out of college after her first two years before she moved to New York City. With hit songs: “Heart of Glass“, “Call Me“, “One Way or Another“, and “The Tide is High“, Blondie gained popularity for incorporating various musical influences such as rock, disco, reggae, and hip-hop.
Aside from leading one of the most well known bands, Harry influenced the fashion world with her taste in clothes… more specifically, her famous graphic tees and experiments with fun color schemes and patterns.
- Ella Fitzgerald
Most often referred to as the “Queen of Jazz”, Ella Fitzgerald recorded over 100 albums and is celebrated for her different styles of Jazz music. Born in New York, Fitzgerald began her artistic career as a dancer until she entered a contest at the Apollo Theatre — where she then was hired to sing for Chick Webbs Orchestra at the age of 17. Two years later, Fitzgerald made her first record, “Love and Kisses“. Today, Fitzgerald has achieved 13 GRAMMY and became the first African-American woman to win a GRAMMY for Best Solo Jazz Performance.
Several female artists that we adore and love today such as Adele, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey were influenced by Ella Fitzgerald as they were raised listening to Jazz music during their childhood.
- Lauryn Hill
Hip-hop became a popular style of music during the 1990’s — from fashion to lyrics, this era opened the door for many artists. During the late 80’s, high school classmates — Lauryn Hill and Prakazrel Michel, began collaborating as the duo rapped together. A while after, Michel’s cousin — Wyclef Jean, joined the pair when the group established themselves as the “Fugees“, short for refugees. By 1993, the group had signed to Columbia Records with Hill being the group’s lead singer and only female member. Hill’s melodic voice sparked admiration along with her ability to rap while incorporating hip-hop and soul music.
After the release of her solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill“, she became the first female MC to ever receive diamond certification and is the most GRAMMY awarded female rapper.
- Stevie nicks
Contributing to one of the most best-selling musical bands ever, AKA, “Fleetwood Mac“, Stevie Nicks became the first woman in history to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — in 1998 with Fleetwood Mac and in 2019 as a solo artist. During her time as the band’s front-woman, Nicks also released music of her own. Nicks track “Dreams” led the group to achieve their first No.1 single. Her 1981 solo album also reached No.1 on the Billboard charts. A few years after, Nicks continued to tour with the group while she struggled with addiction; though Nicks was determined to achieve health and turned to sobriety.
Aside from her impressive song-writing skills, Stevie also became quite the fashion icon. With her bohemian flow, Nicks rocked light fabrics and flown dresses.
- Tina Turner
Anna Mae Bullock, or Tina Turner, was born in Nutbush, Tennessee. As a child, Tina was raised by her grandmother. Bullock relocated to St. Louis (1956) at just 16 to join her mother after her grandmother passed. Along with her sister, Tina spent much time at the Manhattan Club, where she met Ike Turner. Shortly after, Tina became the groups star of the show during the 1960’s. Despite the duo reaching much success, (including a GRAMMY for Best R&B Performance), Tina separated from her abusive marriage with Ike in the late 1970’s.
Tina launched her solo career with debut album, “Private Dancer”, which earned 3 GRAMMY awards aside from selling over 20 million copies.
Tina became the first black artist to appear on the front cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. Throughout her musical career, Turner achieved significant awards such as: Billboards Artist of the Year Award (1984), Rolling Stone’s Best Female Singer of the Year Award(1986), the Grammy Special Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), and was also inducted twice to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tina continues to influence performers such as Beyonce and Janet Jackson as her legacy lives on.
- Aretha Franklin
The first women to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Franklin grew up singing gospel music while her time in choir. From an early age, Aretha was a pianist with powerful vocals… at 14 years, she released her own gospel album. She toured alongside her father’s gospel program — performing and becoming recognized for her unique voice. By the time that Franklin was 18, she moved to New York and was signed to Columbia Records after switching from sacred to secular music. As her career took off, Franklin received much honor from the public with her style of soul music which she also used as a voice during the Civil Rights movement. Franklin went on to be nominated for 44 GRAMMY Awards and was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame for many of her records.