Top 20 Influential Women in Music of All Time

Born Joan Marie Larkin in Pennsylvania, Joan Jett carved her glam rock style at a relatively early age, reportedly inspired by revolutionary acts like David Bowie. Her first group, The Runaways, dissolved after a few years. But then, she founded her own band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. And their rendition of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” turned her into a bona fide punk icon. Jett pioneered feminism in rock music, providing a counter-culture push that greatly inspired the Riot Grrrl movement of the ‘90s. Her bravado and punk-rock sass set her apart from more pop-leaning rock goddesses like Pat Benatar, and earned her a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

#19: Shania Twain

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Taylor Swift may be largely responsible for the resurgence of country music in pop. But it was arguably Shania Twain who paved the way for such successful genre crossovers. Sure, she had a commercially dismal start. But her second album, “The Woman in Me”, had momentum. And her third one, “Come On Over”, further launched the Canadian star into international superstardom. She soon became known for breaking away from the traditional country music structure, expertly melding it with pop to appeal to a wider audience. Though certain country music “purists” have criticized her fusion of genres, Twain remains a defining figure in the industry today, and has inspired countless artists. Who could be more deserving of the “Queen of Country Pop” title?

Hailed as one of the most important songwriters in music history, Joni Mitchell got her start playing gigs as a folk musician in local Canadian venues before moving to the United States. Her fourth record “Blue” was a hit, and is still regarded as one of the best albums ever recorded. Her profoundly candid lyrics and evocative vocals were a breath of fresh air in the male-dominated scene, and her work touched many musicians like Prince, Jewel, and even Björk. Mitchell fought to maintain complete artistic and creative control over her music throughout the years, and set a remarkable precedent for future singer-songwriters while doing so. From folk, to rock, to jazz, Joni Mitchell’s impact in music remains undeniable.

#17: Cher

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Starting out as a duo with her then-husband, Sonny Bono, Cher quickly became a music and fashion icon starting in the ‘60s and ‘70s. She also launched a successful solo career, constantly reinventing herself every step of the way. Known as the Comeback Queen, her 1998 hit “Believe” marked her return to radio dominance after a lengthy lull, and heavily popularized the use of autotune across multiple genres. Far beyond just the music industry, Cher proved to be a well-rounded entertainer, receiving an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her performance in 1987’s “Moonstruck”. Her incredible talent and no-nonsense personality guaranteed her longevity in the industry, and have made her one of music’s biggest pop icons.

Carole King may not have the level of name recognition as some of the other women on this list, but her mighty pen speaks for her. One of the most successful songwriters of all time, King, alongside her then-husband, Gerry Goffin, crafted a plethora of hits for other artists in the ‘60s. Their work birthed such tracks as Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Although she was already a successful composer and songwriter, King attained even greater success as a performer with the release of her second album, “Tapestry”. The record was a critical and commercial hit, and laid the blueprint for songwriters yearning to become full-fledged stars in their own right.

#15: Janet Jackson

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The youngest child of the royal Jackson clan, Janet Jackson helped define pop music with her innovative genre fusion and groundbreaking music videos. Although she made her debut with her self-titled 1982 album, it was her third record, “Control,” that propelled her to pop icon status. The chart-topping album expertly blended a variety of musical styles, and saw Jackson stepping into her power as an artist while popularizing the new jack swing genre. Then, with, “Rhythm Nation 1814,” she pushed musical boundaries, addressing social issues such as racism and poverty in unprecedented ways. An ever-evolving artist, Janet remains a source of inspiration for generations of pop stars to come.

#14: Diana Ross

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As the lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross played an instrumental part in the group's astounding twelve number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. They remain one of the most successful acts in American history. Ross left the group in 1970, and began thriving as a solo artist. She ditched the restrained poise of her Supremes days for a more diverse and liberating sound. Her eleventh studio album featured the hit single, “I’m Coming Out” which has since been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community as an anthem of empowerment and self-acceptance. Over the years, the phenomenal singer has showcased her voice on both screen and stage, shining her light through virtually every medium of entertainment.

#13: Mariah Carey

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In her over three-decades long career, Mariah Carey has built a legacy on her world-class vocal prowess, earning the title of “Songbird Supreme.” Her impact in the music industry is unquestionable, and not just because of her five-octave range. Her frequent collaborations with rappers popularized song remixes that infused hip-hop and R&B into pop music. This format has since been widely used by stars such as Ariana Grande. And of course, there’s her out of this world songwriting ability. Plus, Carey changed holiday music forever with “All I Want For Christmas is You” which, in 2021, earned the honor of being the first holiday song to receive the RIAA’s Diamond Award.

#12: Selena

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Widely regarded as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena was well on her way to becoming an international pop star before her life was tragically cut short at the age of 23. The Latin-American singer got her start at a young age as a member of the Tejano band “Selena y Los Dinos,” which was created by her father. She also established herself as a solo star with albums that celebrated her family’s heritage, and broke barriers in the male-dominated Latin music market. Her posthumous album “Dreaming of You” bridged Latin music and American pop, helping to make the former mainstream in the States. Without Selena, we wouldn’t have stars like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, and we remain eternally grateful for her many contributions.

#11: Whitney Houston

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Her voice was so powerful it could fill a stadium, yet so soulful that it could bring tears to the driest eyes. So it’s no wonder Whitney Houston became a leading pop icon in the late 20th century. Her pure charm and incredible vocal technique helped modernize R&B in the ‘80s, while introducing jazz and gospel sounds into mainstream pop. At a time when radio was dominated by white male artists, Houston fought to be recognized, blazing a trail for generations of Black female singers. After giving the world unforgettable hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All,” she sadly passed away in 2012. Houston’s legacy lives on through her work, and the countless artists she inspired.

After studying at the Conservatory of Music in her native Cuba, Celia Cruz got her big break in the 1950s when she was hired as the lead singer for the popular band, La Sonora Matancera (mah-tahn-SEH-rah). The Cuban revolution meant she had to leave her home around 1960, and she launched her solo career in the U.S. later that decade. Her music intricately weaved different rhythms together to produce a truly unique sound. As the “Queen of Salsa,” Cruz entertained audiences with her exceptional albums, electric performances, and bold style. The world is undoubtedly lesser today without her in it. But her joy and determination to remain true to herself were invaluable assets that set a great example for Afro-Latin artists everywhere.

The impact Donna Summer had on electronic music cannot be overemphasized. She was more than just the “Queen of Disco”, Donna Summer was Disco. While in Germany in the ‘60s, she met the producing and songwriting duo, Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. Together, they essentially created what is now heralded as modern-day EDM. From her first international hit “Love to Love You Baby,” to the dance floor-ready “I Feel Love,” Summer’s sultry vocals over an infectious combination of beats, strings and synths broke new ground in pop music. With millions of records sold and a hold on the dance charts, Donna Summer’s legacy is certainly one for the books.

#8: Dolly Parton

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Born as one of twelve children to a poor family in Tennessee, Parton got into music early on, and seemingly never looked back. Her debut studio album, “Hello, I’m Dolly” introduced everyone to her clever yet passionate songwriting style and absolutely delightful personality. Although much of Parton’s success is in country music, her songs have crossed over into mainstream pop when covered by other artists. Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is a perfect example. Parton’s collaborative spirit also produced several landmark country records with Porter Wagoner in the 20th century. That same spirit has extended her legacy into the 21st century, on songs with artists like Kesha and her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. Of course, Parton’s solo works are also timeless masterpieces!

#7: Tina Turner

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With killer legs, hair that could touch the sky, and an untamable energy, she’s the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Turner earned her title through years of soaring hit songs as part of the duo Ike and Tina, and as a solo artist. A rock legend in her own right, Tina Turner is fierce yet vulnerable. She’s not afraid to delve into her personal experiences to examine love and femininity over a gritty blend of rock, soul and R&B. Faced with personal and professional troubles, Turner fought against unimaginable pain and hardship. But like a spiky-haired Phoenix, she rose from the ashes in a pioneering declaration of empowerment and liberation. We hope she rocks on forever.

#6: Billie Holiday

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Born Eleanora Fagan, Billie Holiday is said to have derived her stage name from the actress Billie Dove and her musician dad, Clarence Holiday. After cutting her teeth singing in nightclubs in Harlem, Holiday got her biggest hit with the 1939 protest song “Strange Fruit.” Based on a poem, the harrowing record has been described as “the beginning of the civil rights movement.” Even with no formal music training, Holiday used her voice like an instrument, adjusting her pitch and tempo to evoke a myriad of emotions. Her innovative vocal stylings greatly influenced jazz music, with Frank Sinatra even naming her as his greatest source of musical inspiration.

#5: Madonna

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To be crowned the “Queen of Pop,” one must have pushed the boundaries in every facet of the genre. It’s safe to say that Madonna more than deserves that title. Throughout her illustrious career, she has proven to be not just a musician, but a cultural phenomenon. Her music has only filled dancefloors and topped charts around the world, while also giving way to important discussions on intimacy, power, and religion. An ever-evolving artist, Madonna reimagines her persona so frequently that reinvention is the only constant thing about her. Through all the backlash she’s faced, she’s kept her head high, changing the face of music and breaking down doors for women along the way.

This coal miner’s daughter from Kentucky shot to fame in the early ‘60s, often performing on the Grand Ole Opry. She dominated the country charts with her songs, which were written from a working-class feminist perspective and wrapped up in her traditional honky-tonk sound. Her warm and inviting voice belted out tunes about divorce, birth control, and gender double standards, which were quite controversial topics at the time. She’s recorded a slew of records, including a tribute album to fellow country legend, Patsy Cline. Lynn’s provocative style has repeatedly challenged the status quo, seemingly inspiring rebels like Kacey Musgraces and the Chicks.

Recognized as one of the greatest soul singers ever, Etta James got her start as a teen. But her career really took off with her 1960 debut album, “At Last!,” and the title track became her signature tune – and an all-time classic love song. Etta James didn’t have it easy, and listeners certainly felt her pain and emotions through her bold voice, set against R&B, soul, blues and jazz backdrops. For all her achievements, James was inducted into both the Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was also once dubbed one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone, which tells you everything you need to know about her impact.

As a child, Ella Fitzgerald’s first ambition was to become a dancer. But it’s been reported that as she got exposed to records by musicians like Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby, she fell in love with music. After striking a collaboration with revered bandleader Chick Webb, Fitzgerald had her breakthrough with her version of the nursery rhyme, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” in 1938. Her phenomenal voice was her defining quality - rich and flexible, with near-perfect diction and impeccable improvisational skills. She broke barriers in jazz music, and established the art of scat singing. More than just a legendary vocalist, the “First Lady of Song” was a civil rights activist – and the embodiment of an independent woman. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Lady Gaga This Enigma Changed the Game With Her Electrifying Dance Pop & Eclectic Fashion Sense Beyoncé A Cultural Icon, Queen Bey Revived the Album Format & Popularized Surprise Releases Taylor Swift This Singer-Songwriter With a Golden Pen Defined the Modern Country-Pop Music Era Janis Joplin Her Exciting Energy & Powerful Voice Inspired Artists Everywhere Sister Rosetta Tharpe Her Traditional Gospel Music & Unmatched Guitar Style Pioneered the Advent of Rock ‘n’ Roll

#1: Aretha Franklin

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For such a culturally ubiquitous woman, it’s pretty easy to lose sight of the prejudice Aretha Franklin had to overcome in the industry as a Black woman. She fought to be accorded her due R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and used her remarkable voice not just as a source of entertainment, but as an instrument of change. Needless to say, she earned her status as a music icon and the “Queen of Soul”. Her music, deeply rooted in gospel and a natural blend of R&B and rock ‘n’ roll, was a symbol of Black pride and redefined the role of women in the industry. Whether performing her own songs or putting a unique spin on other artists’ compositions, Franklin was – and still is – the epitome of musical excellence.