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.
Probably one of the most well known and easily recognizable women in this type of music remains to be the former Anna Mae Bullock, known as Tina Turner. Originally in an act with her then-husband, Ike, called the Ike and Tina Revue, her extremely high energy and powerhouse voice drew in the crowds. Once she left the abusive Ike, Tina's career took off, and she became one of the most popular artists around, and she has also acted in a few movies to her credit.
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.
Another modern vocalist who has taken the world by storm is the London born and raised Adele. She was discovered through social media, through a My Space video, and became an iconic superstar practically overnight. Her voice has been described as "flawless" and her lyrics expressive and real. Her appeal is widespread, spanning many generations and social classes. She is only 24 but has won many awards and apparently has a long career life ahead of her in the world of music.
While most vocalists in this genre are male, female soul singers have been around for some time, even before it became more socially acceptable for women to be on stage. This has encouraged and opened up the doors for a younger generation of singers to make their way in the world of soul and rhythm and blues music.
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.
Probably one of the most well known and easily recognizable women in this type of music remains to be the former Anna Mae Bullock, known as Tina Turner. Originally in an act with her then-husband, Ike, called the Ike and Tina Revue, her extremely high energy and powerhouse voice drew in the crowds. Once she left the abusive Ike, Tina's career took off, and she became one of the most popular artists around, and she has also acted in a few movies to her credit.
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.
Another modern vocalist who has taken the world by storm is the London born and raised Adele. She was discovered through social media, through a My Space video, and became an iconic superstar practically overnight. Her voice has been described as "flawless" and her lyrics expressive and real. Her appeal is widespread, spanning many generations and social classes. She is only 24 but has won many awards and apparently has a long career life ahead of her in the world of music.
While most vocalists in this genre are male, female soul singers have been around for some time, even before it became more socially acceptable for women to be on stage. This has encouraged and opened up the doors for a younger generation of singers to make their way in the world of soul and rhythm and blues music.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.paulineenewman.com for more helpful information about Female Soul Singers: Taking Gospel To A New Level
No comments:
Post a Comment