The 1980s was a pivotal decade for pop music, with numerous groundbreaking artists emerging and captivating global audiences. Among them, female pop singers became the face of the era, contributing their powerful voices, innovative styles, and unforgettable hits. These artists not only shaped the sound of the decade but also influenced generations of musicians and fans. This article highlights 24 of the most influential 1980s female pop singers, their music, and their impact on the Pop Music Genre.
24 Iconic 1980s Female Pop Singers Still Loved Today
1. Madonna
Madonna, often referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” became a global sensation in the 1980s. Her debut album in 1983 marked the start of a career that would change the landscape of pop music. With iconic hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Holiday,” Madonna’s innovative music videos and rebellious attitude made her an unforgettable force in pop culture.
2. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s vocal talent was unmatched in the 1980s. Her debut album in 1985 was a huge success, featuring hits like “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All.” Whitney’s voice and powerful ballads set a new standard for pop music artists in the industry.
3. Cyndi Lauper
Known for her quirky style and unique voice, Cyndi Lauper captured the hearts of millions with her 1983 album “She’s So Unusual.” Hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time” made her a pop icon of the ’80s.
4. Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s blend of pop, R&B, and funk made her one of the top female pop stars of the 1980s. Her 1986 album “Control” signaled a shift in her musical style, with hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and “Nasty.” Janet’s ability to seamlessly combine music and dance solidified her as a global superstar.
5. Tina Turner
With her electrifying stage presence and gritty voice, Tina Turner redefined the notion of a pop diva in the 1980s. Her 1984 album “Private Dancer” included chart-toppers like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” cementing her as a pop music legend.
6. Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar was known for her powerful vocals and rock-inspired sound. Songs like “Love is a Battlefield” and “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” made her a household name and one of the era’s most successful female pop singers.
7. Debbie Harry (Blondie)
Debbie Harry, as the lead singer of Blondie, helped to pioneer the new wave and punk-pop genres in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Hits like “Call Me” and “Heart of Glass” ensured Blondie’s place as one of the most innovative pop acts of the decade.
8. Belinda Carlisle
As the lead singer of The Go-Go’s and later as a solo artist, Belinda Carlisle achieved immense popularity in the 1980s. Her solo hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” became a global anthem, solidifying her place as a top female pop artist.
9. Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan brought a Latin flair to the 1980s pop scene with her band, Miami Sound Machine. Her hit “Conga” was a global sensation, blending pop with Latin rhythms and making her a trailblazer in the pop music world.
10. Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan’s powerful voice was showcased in hits like “Gloria” and “Self Control.” Her emotive performances and heartfelt ballads earned her a devoted following during the 1980s.
11. Sade
Sade Adu’s smooth, soulful voice and the band’s sophisticated blend of jazz, soul, and pop made Sade a unique presence in 1980s music. Hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King” remain timeless classics.
12. Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde achieved international success with her 1981 hit “Kids in America,” which became an anthem of the 1980s. Her catchy pop songs and new wave aesthetic helped her maintain popularity throughout the decade.
13. Stevie Nicks
Known for her distinctive voice and mystical persona, Stevie Nicks was a major figure in both Fleetwood Mac and her solo career. Her 1981 hit “Edge of Seventeen” remains one of the most iconic songs of her solo career.
14. Sheena Easton
Sheena Easton burst onto the pop scene with her 1980 hit “Morning Train (Nine to Five),” which topped the charts in multiple countries. Her wide vocal range and ability to switch between pop and dance music made her a versatile artist of the ’80s.
15. Samantha Fox
English singer Samantha Fox became a pop sensation in the 1980s with her hit “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).” Known for her catchy tunes and bold, daring image, Samantha Fox was a defining figure in the era’s pop scene.
16. Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler’s raspy voice made her a standout in the 1980s pop-rock scene. Her 1983 hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is one of the most recognizable power ballads of the decade, cementing her place in pop history.
17. Kim Carnes
Kim Carnes’ hit song “Bette Davis Eyes” became one of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s. Her unique voice and distinctive sound made her a one-of-a-kind artist during the era.
18. Joan Jett
Joan Jett, known for her raw, rock-inspired sound, became a pop and rock legend in the 1980s with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Her bold and rebellious persona paved the way for future female artists in rock and pop music.
19. Carly Simon
Carly Simon was an established artist before the 1980s, but her songs from this era, including “Let the River Run” (1988), earned her renewed fame. She was known for her emotional depth and connection to her audience.
20. Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee Jones’ unique style combined elements of jazz, rock, and pop. Her 1981 hit “Chuck E’s in Love” was a fusion of pop and jazz influences, making her stand out as a singer-songwriter in the 1980s.
21. Natalie Imbruglia
Although Natalie Imbruglia achieved major success in the late 1990s, her influence began in the 1980s with her early pop tracks. Her captivating voice and music videos became a key element of pop culture as she grew into a significant figure.
22. Exposé
Exposé, an all-female Latin freestyle group, achieved immense popularity during the 1980s. Hits like “Point of No Return” and “Seasons Change” solidified them as one of the most influential pop groups of the era.
23. The Bangles
The Bangles’ catchy pop songs and harmonies made them a major force in the 1980s. Their 1986 hit “Walk Like an Egyptian” became one of the most memorable songs of the decade.
24. Ann Wilson (Heart)
Ann Wilson, the lead singer of Heart, was a major figure in 1980s rock-pop. With hits like “Alone” and “These Dreams,” Ann’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery made her one of the most respected female artists of the decade.
SEE ALSO: 16 Pop Singers from the 1930s Who Defined an Era of Music
Conclusion
These 24 female pop singers of the 1980s not only shaped the Pop Music History but also left an indelible mark on music and pop culture. Their diverse voices, captivating performances, and chart-topping hits continue to resonate with audiences today, ensuring their place in the annals of pop music history.
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