Top 50 Most Popular 80s Female Singers
The 1980s were an exciting time for all music lovers. On one hand, we had talented singers and songwriters churning out hit music, and on the other hand, we had constant experimentation in new music styles and genres.
Fans were able to hear their artists bring out new tunes and sounds. In a previous article on the most famous singers of the 1980s, we met with many male artists from that era.
However, do you know that we had just as many female artists who created amazing tracks for their fans? This decade saw the rise of many new talents who went on to gain further fame in later decades.
We saw singers like Celine Dion, Alanis Morisette, Gwen Stefani, etc., who began their careers in this decade. We had iconic bands like The Bangles, Eurythmics, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, etc., to enthral us with pop, rock, disco and metal sounds.
Most of them started their solo careers and flourished in the 90s as well. Without any more delay, let us find out more about the best female singers of the 80s and enjoy reminiscing over great music.
Here is the list from ENTOIN.
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1. Madonna
Madonna is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s. During this decade, Madonna’s music style was characterised by a blend of pop, dance, and disco music with her sound evolving from her early albums to her later work.
In the early 1980s, Madonna’s debut album “Madonna” showcased her signature pop sound, with hits like “Holiday” and “Lucky Star” becoming instant classics. As the decade progressed, Madonna’s music incorporated more electronic and dance elements, with hits like “Into the Groove” and “Like a Prayer” showcasing her ability to embrace new trends in music.
Madonna’s music in the 1980s was also characterised by her provocative image and controversial lyrics, which challenged traditional societal norms and helped establish her as a cultural icon. Overall, Madonna’s unique blend of pop, dance, and disco music, combined with her daring image and bold personality, helped define the sound and style of the 1980s.
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2. Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the synth-pop duo Eurythmics along with collaborator Dave Stewart.
Throughout the 1980s, Lennox’s music style evolved significantly from the pop-driven sound of Eurythmics’ early albums to a more experimental and socially conscious style on their later releases. Hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again” showcased Lennox’s powerful voice and unique style while the duo’s later work delved into political and social issues such as gender and race.
Lennox also pursued a solo career in the late 1980s, releasing her debut album “Diva” in 1992, which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Lennox’s growth as a musician and willingness to explore new sounds and themes during the 1980s cemented her status as a musical icon of the era.
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3. Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1970s but continued to have a successful career in the 1980s. Newton-John’s music from the 1980s was characterised by her transition from country and pop to a more contemporary pop sound.
In the early 1980s, Newton-John released several successful albums, including “Physical” (1981) and “Soul Kiss” (1985), which featured hit songs such as “Physical,” “Heart Attack,” and “The Rumour.” These songs showcased Newton-John’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends and her powerful vocals.
Newton-John also contributed to the soundtrack of the hit film “Grease” (1978) and its sequel “Grease 2” (1982), with her duets with John Travolta becoming iconic cultural touchstones. Newton-John’s contributions to music during the 1980s helped establish her as a leading figure in pop music.
Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
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4. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the rock band Fleetwood Mac during the 1970s but continued to have a successful solo career throughout the 1980s.
In the 1980s, Nicks released several successful albums, including “Bella Donna” (1981) and “The Wild Heart” (1983), which featured hit songs such as “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” and “If Anyone Falls.” Nicks’s music from the 1980s was characterised by her unique blend of rock and pop, with a heavy emphasis on her haunting vocals and poetic lyrics.
Nicks also collaborated with other artists during the 1980s, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and contributed to the soundtrack of several films, including “Heavy Metal” (1981) and “American Anthem” (1986).
Nicks’s contributions to music during the 1980s helped establish her as a leading figure in rock music. Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
5. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with her unique blend of pop, new wave, and rock music. Lauper’s music from the 1980s was characterised by her powerful vocals, quirky lyrics, and colourful style.
Lauper had several hit songs during the 1980s, including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983), “Time After Time” (1984), and “True Colors” (1986). These songs showcased Lauper’s musical range and her ability to tackle serious social issues in her lyrics.
Lauper’s music videos from the 1980s were also known for their creative visuals and cinematic storytelling, with the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” video becoming an iconic cultural touchstone.
Lauper’s contributions to music and entertainment during the 1980s helped establish her as a trailblazer in the pop music scene. Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
6. Cher
During the 1980s, Cher’s music style was a blend of pop, rock, and disco, with a heavy emphasis on synthesisers and electronic instrumentation. Cher’s music from the 1980s was characterised by her powerful vocals, catchy hooks, and larger-than-life production.
Cher had several hit songs during the 1980s, including “If I Could Turn Back Time” (1989), “I Found Someone” (1987), and “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” (1990).
These songs showcased Cher’s ability to tackle a variety of musical genres, and her music videos from the 1980s were known for their glamorous visuals and iconic costumes. In addition to her music career, Cher also found success in film during the 1980s, starring in movies such as “Mask” (1985) and “Moonstruck” (1987).
Cher’s contributions to music and entertainment during the 1980s helped establish her as a cultural icon, and her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
7. Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with her blend of pop, R&B, and funk music. Jackson’s music from the 1980s was characterised by her sultry vocals, catchy hooks, and socially conscious lyrics.
During the 1980s, Jackson released several successful albums, including “Control” (1986) and “Rhythm Nation 1814” (1989), which featured hit songs such as “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” and “Miss You Much.” These albums showcased Jackson’s musical versatility and helped establish her as a leading figure in the pop music scene.
Jackson’s music videos from the 1980s were also known for their innovative choreography, stylish costumes, and powerful messages, with the “Rhythm Nation” video becoming a cultural landmark for its social commentary and impactful visuals.
Jackson’s contributions to music and entertainment during the 1980s helped establish her as a cultural icon. Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
8. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Supremes in the 1960s. In the 1980s, Ross embarked on a successful solo career that saw her continue to produce hit music.
During the 1980s, Ross’ music was a blend of pop, R&B, and disco, with hits such as “Upside Down” (1980), “I’m Coming Out” (1980), and “Chain Reaction” (1985) becoming chart-topping hits.
Ross’ music videos from the 1980s were also notable for their elaborate sets, extravagant costumes, and impressive choreography. In addition to her musical career, Ross also found success in acting during the 1980s, with roles in films such as “The Wiz” (1980) and “Out of Darkness” (1994).
Ross’ contributions to music and entertainment during the 1980s helped establish her as a cultural icon. Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
9. Kate Bush
Kate Bush is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer who gained fame in the 1980s for her unique music and eccentric persona. Bush’s music from the 1980s was characterised by her ethereal vocals, unconventional song structures, and poetic lyrics.
During the 1980s, Bush released several successful albums, including “Never for Ever” (1980), “The Dreaming” (1982), and “Hounds of Love” (1985), which featured hit songs such as “Babooshka,” “Running Up That Hill,” and “Cloudbusting.” These albums showcased Bush’s musical versatility and helped establish her as a leading figure in the alternative music scene.
Bush’s music videos from the 1980s were also known for their artistic and avant-garde nature, featuring elaborate costumes, complex choreography, and surreal imagery. Bush’s contributions to music and visual arts during the 1980s helped establish her as a trailblazing and influential artist.
Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
10. Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the Miami Sound Machine, a band that blended elements of Latin and pop music to create a unique sound.
During the 1980s, Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine released several successful albums, including “Primitive Love” (1985) and “Let It Loose” (1987), which featured hit songs such as “Conga,” “Bad Boy,” and “Anything for You.” These albums helped Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine gain a global following and established Estefan as a leading Latin pop artist.
In addition to her work with the Miami Sound Machine, Estefan also released successful solo albums in the 1980s, including “Cuts Both Ways” (1989), which featured the hit song “Don’t Wanna Lose You.” Estefan’s music from the 1980s helped establish her as a cultural icon and a trailblazing Latin artist, paving the way for future generations of Latin pop musicians.
11. Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained fame as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner in the 1960s. In the 1980s, Turner reinvented herself as a solo artist and created some of her most iconic music.
During the 1980s, Turner’s music was a blend of rock, pop, and soul, with hits such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984) and “Private Dancer” (1984) becoming staples of the era.
Turner’s live performances also gained notoriety, with her energetic stage presence and powerhouse vocals leaving audiences in awe. In addition to her musical career, Turner also found success in acting during the 1980s, with roles in films such as “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985).
Turner’s contributions to music and popular culture during the 1980s helped establish her as a legendary figure in entertainment. Her music continues to inspire and influence musicians today.
12. Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American rock singer known for her powerful vocals and high-energy performances. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Benatar established herself as a leading figure in rock music, releasing a string of successful albums and hit songs that showcased her exceptional vocal range and songwriting abilities.
Benatar’s music often blended elements of rock, pop, and new wave, resulting in a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience. Her most popular songs, such as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield,” featured driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses that remain popular to this day.
Benatar won four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in the early 1980s, cementing her status as one of the most influential and successful female rock artists of all time.
13. Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. She has had a successful music career spanning several decades, beginning in the 1960s. In the 1980s, Parton continued to release chart-topping country music that showcased her impressive vocal range and songwriting talent.
Parton’s music in the 1980s featured a mix of traditional country and pop-infused songs, with many of her hits crossing over to the mainstream charts. She released several successful albums during this time, including “9 to 5 and Odd Jobs” (1980), “Heartbreaker” (1982), and “Burlap & Satin” (1983), which featured the hit duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream.” Parton also wrote and performed the theme song for the popular film “9 to 5” (1980), which starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
Parton’s music from the 1980s helped establish her as one of the most influential and iconic figures in country music.
14. Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist who gained prominence in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the all-female rock band The Runaways. In the 1980s, Jett embarked on a solo career and continued to create hit music that blended elements of punk, rock, and pop.
Jett’s music in the 80s featured high-energy rock anthems with catchy hooks, showcasing her raw and powerful vocals and impressive guitar skills. Her breakthrough album, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” (1981), featured the hit title track and became one of the best-selling albums of the decade.
She continued to release successful albums throughout the 80s, including “Album” (1983) and “Good Music” (1986), which featured hit songs such as “Fake Friends” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Jett’s music from the 80s helped establish her as a trailblazing female rock artist and a cultural icon, influencing future generations of musicians.
15. Donna Summer
Donna Summer was an American singer and songwriter who had a successful music career throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1980s, she continued to release hit songs and albums, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and her ability to evolve with changing musical trends.
Summer’s music in the 1980s embraced the emerging genres of electronic dance music and synth-pop, resulting in hits such as “She Works Hard for the Money” (1983) and “This Time I Know It’s for Real” (1989).
She also collaborated with other artists, such as Giorgio Moroder and Quincy Jones, on successful albums such as “The Wanderer” (1980) and “Donna Summer” (1982). Summer’s contributions to music during the 1980s helped establish her as a legendary figure in popular music and paved the way for future generations of dance-pop and electronic music artists.
She continued to be a significant influence on music and pop culture until her death in 2012.
16. Debbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained prominence in the 1980s with her pop music. She was born on August 31, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, and began writing and producing her own music at a young age.
Gibson’s debut album, “Out of the Blue,” was released in 1987 when she was just 16 years old. The album featured hit songs such as “Only in My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love” and showcased her talent for writing catchy pop songs with relatable lyrics.
She continued to release successful albums throughout the 80s, including “Electric Youth” (1989), which featured the hit title track, and “Anything Is Possible” (1990). Gibson’s music from the 80s helped establish her as one of the most successful and influential pop stars of the era.
Her music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by fans today.
17. Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus. In the 1980s, she continued to create hit music and evolved her style to embrace the emerging genres of the era.
Khan’s music in the 80s blended elements of R&B, funk, and pop, showcasing her powerful vocals and dynamic range. She released several successful albums throughout the decade, including “I Feel for You” (1984) and “Destiny” (1986), which featured hit songs such as “Through the Fire,” “Eye to Eye,” and “Ain’t Nobody.” Her music videos were also popular on MTV, helping to solidify her status as a crossover artist.
Khan’s music from the 80s remains influential and celebrated today. She is recognized as one of the greatest voices of her generation.
18. Celine Dion
Celine Dion is a Canadian singer and songwriter who began her music career in the 1980s. She released her debut album, “La voix du bon Dieu,” in 1981 at the age of 13.
Her early music in the 80s featured French-language pop and adult contemporary songs that showcased her impressive vocal range and emotional delivery Dion’s popularity in Quebec quickly grew, and she continued to release successful albums throughout the 80s, including “Incognito” and “The Colour of My Love”, which featured the hit song “D’amour ou d’amitié.” Dion’s music from the 1980s set the foundation for her international success in the 1990s and beyond when she became one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
19. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, and model who rose to prominence in the 1980s with her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, and began singing in church as a child.
Houston released her debut album, “Whitney Houston,” in 1985, which included hits like “Saving All My Love for You” and “How Will I Know.” She continued to dominate the charts in the late 1980s with hit songs like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “So Emotional.” Houston’s success in the 80s established her as one of the most successful and influential singers of her generation, and she went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Her contributions to music and pop culture have continued to influence and inspire artists and fans around the world.
20. Patty Smyth
Patty Smyth is an American singer and songwriter who gained prominence in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the rock band Scandal. She was born in New York City and began her music career as a backup singer for the band The New York Flyers.
In 1982, Smyth formed Scandal, and the band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1984. The album featured the hit song “The Warrior,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Smyth had powerful vocals and a charismatic stage presence, and the band went on to release two more albums before disbanding in 1985. Smyth pursued a solo career and released her debut album, “Never Enough,” in 1987.
The album featured the hit song “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” a duet with Don Henley, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Smyth continued to release successful solo albums and collaborated with other artists, including Eddie Van Halen and Keith Richards.
21. Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s with her unique and powerful voice. She is best known for her hit song “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which was released in 1983 and became a worldwide sensation.
Tyler’s music in the 80s was characterised by her distinctive raspy vocals, powerful ballads, and rock-infused sound. She released several successful albums in the 80s, including “Faster Than the Speed of Night” (1983) and “Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire” (1986), which featured hit songs such as “Holding Out for a Hero” and “If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man).” Overall, Bonnie Tyler’s music in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer and songwriter and a prominent figure in popular culture.
22. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, an American singer-songwriter, continued to be a prominent figure in the music industry throughout the 1980s. Her music was highlighted by soul, R&B, and gospel sounds, which showcased her powerful and soulful vocals.
She released several successful albums in the 80s, including “Jump to It” (1982) and “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” (1985), which featured the hit songs “Jump to It” and “Freeway of Love.” Franklin’s music in the 80s was marked by its polished production, catchy hooks, and upbeat R&B grooves.
She was known for her ability to infuse her music with passion and emotion, and her songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and personal empowerment. Aretha Franklin’s music in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer, songwriter and prominent figure in popular culture.
23. Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, an American singer and songwriter, continued to be a prominent figure in the music industry throughout the 1980s. In the 80s, her music was a blend of soul, pop, and R&B sounds, which showcased her powerful and emotive vocals.
She released several successful albums in the 80s, including “Visions” (1983) and “All Our Love” (1987), which featured the hit songs “Save the Overtime (For Me)” and “Love Overboard.” Knight’s music in the 80s was marked by its polished production, catchy hooks, and smooth R&B grooves.
She was known for her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. Her songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and personal empowerment. Gladys Knight’s music in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer, songwriter, and prominent figure in popular culture.
24. Patti Labelle
Patti LaBelle, an American singer-songwriter, continued to be a prominent figure in the music industry throughout the 1980s. Her music in the 80s was influenced by a blend of soul, pop, and R&B sounds, which showcased her powerful and dynamic vocals.
She released several successful albums in the 80s, including “I’m in Love Again” (1983) and “Winner in You” (1986), which featured the hit songs “On My Own” (a duet with Michael McDonald) and “New Attitude.” LaBelle’s music in the 80s was marked by its polished production, catchy hooks, and infectious energy., She was known for her ability to deliver passionate and soulful performances.
Overall, Patti LaBelle’s music in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer, songwriter, and prominent figure in popular culture.
25. The Bangles
The Bangles were an American all-female band that rose to fame in the 1980s with their unique blend of pop, rock, and folk music. Their music in the 80s was characterised by jangly guitar riffs, catchy hooks, and intricate harmonies, which showcased the band’s musical talent and creativity.
The Bangles had several hit songs in the 80s, including “Manic Monday” (1986), “Walk Like an Egyptian” (1986), and “Eternal Flame” (1988). Their album “Different Light” (1986) was a commercial and critical success and established the band as one of the most successful and influential acts of the decade.
The Bangles’ music in the 80s was marked by its upbeat and catchy nature and its ability to create memorable pop songs that still resonate with audiences today.
26. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand continued to be a prominent figure in the music industry throughout the 1980s, releasing several successful albums and hit songs. Her music in the 80s was characterised by a blend of pop, rock, and adult contemporary sounds, which showcased her powerful and emotive vocals.
She collaborated with various artists, including Barry Gibb and Neil Diamond, and their songs “Guilty” (1980) and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” (1980) were both commercial and critical successes. Streisand’s album “The Broadway Album” (1985) also garnered critical acclaim and featured her renditions of classic Broadway songs.
Her music in the 80s was marked by its polished production and catchy hooks and Streisand’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music. Barbra Streisand’s music in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer, songwriter, and prominent figure in popular culture.
27. Carly Simon
In the 1980s, Carly Simon continued to be a prominent figure in the music industry, achieving success with a string of hit songs and albums. Her music in the 80s was characterised by a blend of pop, rock, and adult contemporary sounds, which showcased her powerful and emotive vocals.
Her album “Coming Around Again” (1987) was a commercial and critical success, featuring the hit songs “Coming Around Again” and “Give Me All Night.” Simon’s music also appeared in several films, including “Heartburn” (1986) and “Working Girl” (1988), for which she received an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Her music in the 80s was marked by its polished production and catchy hooks and Simon’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music. Carly Simon’s music in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer, songwriter, and prominent figure in popular culture.
28. Sinead O’Connor
Sinead O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who gained prominence in the late 1980s for her powerful and emotive vocals and socially and politically charged lyrics. She released her debut album, “The Lion and the Cobra,” in 1987, which included the hit single “Mandinka.” Her follow-up album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” released in 1990, featuring the critically acclaimed and commercially successful song “Nothing Compares 2 U.” O’Connor’s music in the 80s was characterised by its unique blend of traditional Irish sounds and contemporary rock and pop music, along with her raw and emotional vocals.
She was also known for her controversial public appearances and activism, particularly for her vocal opposition to the Catholic Church and the British government. Overall, Sinead O’Connor’s music in the 80s cemented her status as a powerful and influential voice in the music industry.
29. Anita Baker
Anita Baker is an American singer-songwriter, known for her smooth and soulful vocals and her ability to blend various genres, including R&B, jazz, and pop. In the 1980s, she released three highly successful albums, “The Songstress” (1983), “Rapture” (1986), and “Giving You the Best That I Got” (1988).
These albums showcased Baker’s powerful and emotive voice, which often explored themes of love and heartache. The album “Rapture” was particularly successful, featuring the hit songs “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture,” and earning her several Grammy Awards.
Baker’s music was characterised by its sophisticated and understated style and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. Anita Baker’s music in the 80s cemented her status as one of the most iconic and influential R&B artists of the decade.
30. Linda Ronstadt
In the 1980s, Linda Ronstadt continued to be a prominent figure in the music industry, achieving success across a range of genres. She released several critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including “Hasten Down the Wind” (1976), “Mad Love” (1980), and “Canciones de Mi Padre” (1987), which explored her Mexican heritage.
She collaborated with various artists, including James Ingram, Aaron Neville, and Dolly Parton and their album “Trio” (1987) was a commercial and critical success. Ronstadt’s music in the 80s was characterised by her versatile vocals, which could move seamlessly between rock, country, pop, and Latin music.
She was also known for her activism and social commentary, using her platform to advocate for various causes, including environmentalism and human rights. Overall, Linda Ronstadt’s career in the 80s solidified her status as a legendary singer and influential figure in the music industry.
31. Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle is an American singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the all-female rock band The Go-Gos. In the 1980s, she went on to have a successful solo career, with her debut album “Belinda” (1986) achieving platinum status in the US.
It features the hit singles “Mad About You” and “I Feel the Magic”. Her subsequent albums “Heaven on Earth” (1987) and “Runaway Horses” (1989) were also commercially successful, featuring hit songs such as “Heaven is a Place on Earth,” “I Get Weak,” and “Leave a Light On.” Carlisle’s music was characterised by its upbeat and catchy pop-rock sound, showcasing her powerful and dynamic vocals.
She was also a style icon known for her distinctive looks and fashion sense. Belinda Carlisle’s career in the 80s cemented her status as a successful solo artist and pop culture icon.
32. Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading is a British singer-songwriter, known for her soulful and emotive voice and ability to blend various genres, including folk, rock, and jazz. In the 1980s, she continued to release successful albums, including “Me Myself I” (1980), which featured the hit title track.
She also released “The Key” (1983), which included the popular songs “Drop the Pilot” and “The Power of Love.” Armatrading’s music was notable for its personal and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery.
She was also a trailblazer as a black female artist in the predominantly white music industry. Joan Armatrading has earned three Grammy nominations, two Brit Award nominations and received an Ivor Novello Award.
33. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde was the lead singer and songwriter of the British rock band The Pretenders, which she founded in 1978. During the 1980s, the band continued to release successful albums, including “Pretenders II” (1981), which featured hit songs like “Message of Love” and “Talk of the Town.” Their 1984 album “Learning to Crawl” was their most successful, featuring hit singles “Back on the Chain Gang” and “Middle of the Road.” Hynde’s distinctive vocals and punk rock attitude were a major influence on the alternative and new wave music scenes of the decade.
She also collaborated with other artists, including UB40 and Frank Sinatra. Overall, Chrissie Hynde’s musical career in the 1980s cemented her status as a rock icon and influential figure in the music industry.
34. Grace Jones
Grace Jones is a Jamaican-American singer, model, and actress. During the 80s, Grace Jones continued to push boundaries in the music industry, exploring various genres such as reggae, new wave, and funk.
Her albums “Nightclubbing” (1981) and “Slave to the Rhythm” (1985) were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, featuring hit songs like “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm.” Jones’s music was characterised by her deep, commanding vocals, electronic beats, and experimental soundscapes.
She also incorporated elements of fashion, performance art, and gender-bending into her music videos and live performances, becoming an influential icon for queer and alternative communities. Overall, Grace Jones’ music in the 80s showcased her unique artistic vision and avant-garde approach to pop music.
35. Kim Carnes
Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter born in Los Angeles in 1945. She is best known for her distinctively raspy, throaty voice and her prolific songwriting career. Carnes’ musical style blends elements of pop, rock, and country, earning her the nickname “The Queen of Rasp ‘n’ Roll.”
Her most notable hits include the Grammy-winning “Bette Davis Eyes” (1981) and “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” (1981), both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Carnes’ songwriting talents have also garnered recognition, with her compositions charting for artists like Barbra Streisand and Kenny Rogers.
Throughout her career, Carnes has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, solidifying her status as a pop-rock icon. She also won 2 Grammy Awards along with multiple more nominations and awards.
36. Lita Ford
Lita Ford rose to fame in the late 1970s as the lead guitarist of the all-female rock band The Runaways. After the band’s breakup, she launched a successful solo career, with her 1984 album “Dancin’ on the Edge” achieving gold status in the US.
In 1988, she released her most commercially successful album, “Lita,” which included the hit singles “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever” (a duet with Ozzy Osbourne). Ford was known for her heavy metal sound, guitar prowess, and provocative stage presence.
She continued to release albums throughout the decade and toured extensively, cementing her status as one of the most iconic female rockers of the era. She also ventured into acting with short appearances in films and TV series.
37. Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan was an American singer who had a successful music career during the 1980s. Her music was known for its blend of pop, rock, and dance influences, and her powerful vocals made her a standout performer.
She released several successful albums during the decade, including “Branigan” and “Self Control,” which included hits such as “Gloria” and “Self Control.” Branigan’s music was often featured in films and television shows during the 1980s, and she also performed the theme song for the film “Flashdance,” “Ghostbusters,” “Miami Vice,” etc.
Her contributions to pop music during the 1980s helped establish her as one of the era’s most popular and enduring artists. She was nominated for Grammy Awards, Billboard Year-End Awards, American Music Awards, etc.
38. Dalida
Dalida was an Italian-Egyptian singer who achieved great success in the 1980s. Her music was characterised by a blend of European and Middle Eastern influences. Her powerful voice made her a standout performer.
She released several successful albums during the decade, including “Gigi In Paradisco” and “Mourir Sur Scène,” which included hits such as “Lucas” and “Soleil.” Her other popular hits include “Bambino”, “Gondolier”, “Les enfants du Pirée”, “Le temps des fleurs”, etc.
Dalida was known for her flamboyant fashion sense and elaborate stage shows, which helped to cement her status as an iconic figure in French music. Her contributions to French pop music during the 1980s helped establish her as one of the era’s most beloved and influential artists.
39. CeCe Winans
CeCe Winans began her music career as part of the gospel group The Winans in the 1980s. She sang alongside her brother BeBe Winans and the group released several successful albums during the decade, including “Tomorrow” and “Let My People Go.” The Winans’ music was known for its blend of traditional gospel sounds with contemporary R&B influences and their powerful vocals made them standouts in the genre.
CeCe Winans also began to establish herself as a solo artist during this time, releasing her debut album “Alone in His Presence” in 1995. Her contributions to gospel music during the 1980s helped pave the way for her later success as a solo artist.
She remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in gospel music today.
40. Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde was an English pop singer who had a successful music career during the 1980s. She first gained attention in 1981 with her hit single “Kids in America,” which reached the top 10 in several countries.
Wilde continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, including “Select” and “Catch as Catch Can,” which included hits such as “Cambodia” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” Her music was known for its energetic, upbeat pop sound and Wilde’s distinctive voice.
She also became known for her music videos, which often featured her performing in dramatic, visually striking settings. Wilde’s contributions to pop music during the 1980s helped establish her as one of the era’s most iconic artists.
41. Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire had a successful music career during the 1980s as a country music artist. She released several albums during the decade, including “Just a Little Love” and “Heart to Heart,” which included hits such as “Can’t Even Get the Blues” and “I Know How He Feels.” McEntire’s music was known for its blend of traditional country sounds with contemporary pop influences and her powerful vocals made her a standout performer in the genre.
In addition to her music career, McEntire also appeared in several films and television shows during the 1980s, including a starring role in the sitcom “Reba.” Her contributions to country music during the 1980s helped pave the way for her later success as a crossover artist in the 1990s and beyond.
She aptly earned the nickname “the Queen of Country”.
42. Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani is an American singer and songwriter who rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the rock-ska band No Doubt. With their album “Tragic Kingdom”, No Doubt achieved mainstream success, with Stefani’s distinctive vocals and fashion sense.
Stefani began her music career in the mid 1980s with No Doubt, but tasted success in the 90s. She embarked on a solo career in 2004, releasing her debut album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” The album explored pop, dance, and electronica influences, spawning hits like “Hollaback Girl” and “What You Waiting For?”
Her voice, with its distinctive raspy quality and expressive range, adds a unique flair to her music. Stefani’s fashion sense is equally dynamic, ranging from sporty streetwear to glamorous red carpet looks.
43. Tori Amos
Tori Amos is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who began her music career in the 1980s. During this decade, she was part of several bands, including Y Kant Tori Read, which released its only album in 1988.
Amos’s solo career began in the early 1990s, but her music during the 1980s set the foundation for her later success. Her music during this era was known for its blend of rock and classical influences, with Amos showcasing her virtuosic piano skills and powerful vocals.
Her lyrics often explored themes of personal and emotional struggle, and her music had a raw and confessional quality. Amos’s contributions to music during the 1980s helped pave the way for her later success as a solo artist.
44. Sade Abu
Sade Adu, commonly known as Sade, had a successful music career during the 1980s. Her music was a blend of soul, jazz, and pop, and her smooth, sultry voice became a defining feature of her sound.
In 1984, Sade released her debut album, “Diamond Life,” which became an international hit and included the popular songs “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.” She went on to release several more successful albums during the decade, including “Promise” and “Stronger Than Pride.” Sade’s music was known for its elegant, sophisticated style, and her timeless sound has influenced countless artists in the years since.
She remains a beloved figure in the music industry and a symbol of the sophisticated cool of the 1980s.
45. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and artist who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. During the 1980s, Mitchell continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “Wild Things Run Fast” and “Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm.” Her music during this decade showcased a more contemporary sound, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and pop into her folk-influenced style.
Mitchell collaborated with several other artists during the 1980s, including Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, and Willie Nelson among others. Her music continued to explore themes of love, loss, and social and political issues, and her songwriting remained as insightful and poignant as ever.
Mitchell’s contributions to music during the 1980s solidified her status as one of the most important and influential artists of the era.
46. Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman began her music career in the mid-1980s. In 1986, she released her self-titled debut album, which featured the hit song “Fast Car.” The song’s introspective lyrics and Chapman’s raw, emotive voice made her an instant sensation and the album became a multi-platinum success.
Chapman’s music was known for its socially conscious themes and ability to convey complex emotions through her lyrics. Her songs tackled issues such as poverty, racism, and injustice, and her music resonated with audiences around the world.
Chapman continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s, including “Crossroads” and “Matters of the Heart,” cementing her status as a beloved singer-songwriter and a voice for social change.
47. Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. She began her career in the late 1980s as an actress on the Australian soap opera “Neighbours.” In 1987, she released her debut single “Locomotion,” which quickly became a hit and topped the charts in Australia for seven weeks.
The song’s success led to a contract with PWL Records. Minogue went on to release several more hit singles, including “I Should Be So Lucky” and “Got to Be Certain.” Her music was known for its catchy pop hooks and danceable beats, and she became a sensation in both Australia and the UK.
Minogue’s career continued to flourish in the 1990s, and she remains one of the most iconic pop stars of all time.
48. Irene Cara
Irene Cara was an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She had a successful career in the 1980s, with her music primarily focused on the genres of pop and R&B. Cara’s most successful song from the decade was “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” which was featured in the hit movie “Flashdance” and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1984. She also recorded the theme song for the film “Fame” and starred in the television series adaptation.
Additionally, Cara had several other hit songs, including “Why Me?” and “Breakdance.” Her music was known for its catchy melodies and upbeat sound, and her contributions to the pop culture of the 1980s made her an iconic figure of the era.
49. Sheena Easton
Sheena Easton had a successful career as a singer during the 1980s. She achieved mainstream success with the songs “9 to 5 (Morning Train)” and “For Your Eyes Only,” both of which topped the charts in 1981.
Easton continued to release hit songs throughout the decade, including “Strut” and “Sugar Walls,” which were known for their catchy hooks and upbeat sound. This Scottish singer is a six-time Grammy nominee, winning the award twice.
She also acted in films and television shows, including a role in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.” Easton’s music blended elements of pop, rock, and R&B, and her distinctive voice and style made her a beloved icon of the era.
50. Alison Moyet
Alison Moyet is a British singer who rose to fame as one-half of the synth-pop group Yazoo. Her contralto voice defined her music style during her days with Yazoo and her solo career.
She had many hits with Yazoo during the early part of the 80s but disbanded in 1983. Soon, she launched her solo career with her debut album Alf. The album rose to the number 1 spot in the UK charts.
She had many international hits, including “Love Resurrection”, “Invisible”, “All Cried Out”, “That Ole Devil Called Love”, etc. She also collaborated with artists like Paul Young, Bob Geldof, Paul McCartney, etc.
Both as a part of a band, solo performer or collaborating with other artists, Moyet was outstanding in her style and synth-pop ballads.
