Your Favorite Female Singers

[PenguinHead]

No doubt that we all share a devotion to Stevie. It would be interesting to see the commonalities we might share with other female singers. Even more interesting would to see the diversity of tastes among us.

Here's my initial list of songstresses who have lingered around my life in varying degrees of significance.

Janis Joplin
Cass Elliot
Michelle Phillips
Grace Slick
Dusty Springfield
Joni Mitchell
Carly Simon
Linda Ronstadt
Ann/Nancy Wilson
Suzanna Hoffs
Edie Brickell
Chrissie Hynde
Maria McKee
Alanis Morrisette
Tori Amos
Aimee Mann
Sheryl Crow
Sam Phillips
Amy Winehouse
Christine McVie - duh!

[SisterNightroad]

Janis Joplin
Patti smith
Ann Wilson
Carole King
Debbie Harry
Grace Slick
as singers but not songwriters:
Christina Aguilera
Lana Del Rey

[PenguinHead]

Janis Joplin
Patti smith
Ann Wilson
Carole King
Debbie Harry
Grace Slick
as singers but not songwriters:
Christina Aguilera
Lana Del Rey

Carole King! Debbie Harry! I missed them.

Initially I was thinking just singer/songwriters (like Stevie), but then I had to acknowledge amazing artistry of vocalists such as Dusty Springfield, Cass Elliot and Linda Ronstadt.

[SisterNightroad]

Carole King! Debbie Harry! I missed them.

I initially was thinking just singer/songwriters (like Stevie), but then had to acknowledge amazing vocalists such as Dusty Springfield, Cass Elliot and Linda Ronstadt.
And I missed Pat Benathar and a lot of italian female artists like Mia Martini and Loredana Berté etc.
These lists could go on to eternity, but since it's the favourite singers I skimmed and left all the singers that have emotional impact on me.
But I feel I have to add Gianna Nannini and Mina to represent italian great female vocalists:

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[nicole21290]

I guess the easiest way to do this is to go through my iPod quickly. I'll include those who I have several complete albums from (that I listen to regularly) rather than every female singer/artist, obviously. I listen to a lot of music so...

Agnes Obel
Alela Diane
Alison Goldfrapp (from Goldfrapp)
Alison Krauss
Ane Brun
Ann Wilson (from Heart)
Anna Ternheim
Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent)
Annie Lennox
Anouk
Aoife O'Donovan

Bat For Lashes
Beth Orton
Bonnie Raitt
Brandi Carlile

Carole King
Cat Power

Dusty Springfield

Eddi Reader
Édith Piaf
Elena Tonra (from Daughter)
Ella Fitzgerald
Emmylou Harris
Etta James

Feist
Florence Welch (from Florence + The Machine)

Gillian Welch

(Este, Daniella + Alana) Haim
Hayley Williams (from Paramore)
Holly Throsby

Imogen Heap
Ingrid Michaelson

Janelle Monáe
Janis Joplin
Jessie Ware
Joan Baez
Johanna and Klara Söderberg (First Aid Kit)
Joni Mitchell
Joy Williams (from The Civil Wars)
Julia Stone (from Angus + Julia Stone)

Karen Carpenters (from The Carpenters)
Karen Marie Ørsted (aka Mø)
Kate Bush
Kate Rusby
Kimbra

Lana Del Rey
Laura Marling
Laura Mvula
Linda Ronstadt
Lisa Hannigan
Lissie
Lou Doillon
Lucinda Williams
Lykke Li

Marina Diamandis (aka Marina & the Diamonds)
Marissa Nadler
Marketa Irglova (solo, from The Swell Season)
Missy Higgins

Neko Case
Nina Simone

Paloma Faith
Patti Smith
Patty Griffin
PJ Harvey

Rickie Lee Jones
Regina Spektor
Roberta Flack
Roseanne Cash

Sandy Denny (from Fairport Convention)
Sara Bareilles
Sarah Jarosz
Serena Ryder
Sia (Furler)

Thea Gilmore
Tori Amos
Tracy Chapman
Tristan Prettyman

[PenguinHead]

And I missed Pat Benathar and a lot of italian female artists like Mia Martini and Loredana Berté etc.
These lists could go on to eternity, but since it's the favourite singers I skimmed and left all the singers that have emotional impact on me.
But I feel I have to add Gianna Nannini and Mina to represent italian great female vocalists:

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Wow! Did/do these singers have long careers and wide acclaim in European markets?

[Jondalar]

Joni Mitchell
Patti Griffin
Karen Carpenter
Whitney Houston
Dusty Springfield
Bjork
Trisha Yearwood
Dolly Parton
Celine Dion
Nina Simone
Ann Wilson
Courtney Love
Loretta Lynn
Tracey Chapman
Ella Fitzgerald

[SisterNightroad]

Wow! Did/do these singers have long careers and wide acclaim in European markets?
Mina is one of the few italian artists that were acclaimed in foreign countries since the 60's, she's even been a musical muse for director Federico Fellini, but she's been retired for a long time and doesn't do public appearances anymore. Now, even if she keeps recording and is regarded as a legend, she doesn't get much attention and her records are niche products, much like Joni Mitchell.
Gianna Nannini is a 70s icon, the one that brought punk and rock in Italy and still is the only woman representative of the genre here. She's been and continue to be known in the UK and keeps on recording but is above all an elderly new mom.

[Danielle]

Streisand
Joni Mitchell
Nina Simone
Diana Krall
Lila Downs
Lana Del Rey
Norah Jones
Annie Lennox

And I love Madonna, maybe not musically, but I love her.

[PenguinHead]

Streisand
Joni Mitchell
Nina Simone
Diana Krall
Lila Downs
Lana Del Rey
Norah Jones
Annie Lennox

And I love Madonna, maybe not musically, but I love her.

That's funny:laugh: I'm glad Madonna didn't get hurt when an apparel mishap yanked her off the stage and she stumbled to the ground at the beginning of her performance at the Brit Awards. Did you see the brief video clip?

Luckily she was not injured. She got up and finished the song. The incident reveals that she was not lip-syncing. The second she fell and lost hold of her mike, the vocal stopped, but the band continued. It would have made a bad situation worse if her voice was still "singing" while she's several feet away from her mike.

I'm not a fan, but she is very impressive.

[FuzzyPlum]

Christine McVie
Carole King
Kate Bush
Barbra Streisand
PJ Harvey
Tracy Chapman
Dolores O'Riordan

[DauphineMarie]

Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow)
Cass Elliot
Debbie Harry
Dusty Springfield
Edith Piaf
Florence Welch
Grace Slick
Janis Joplin
Lana del Rey
Nina Simone
Patti Smith

[sorcerer999]

In order of "obsession"...:laugh:

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Kate Pierson/Cindy Wilson of the B-52's (Looooooooove how they harmonize)
3. Sade
4. Patti Smith
5. Dolly Parton
6. Cyndi Lauper
7. Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde (soooooo powerful)
8. Debbie Harry
9. Janis Joplin
10. Kate Bush

and my other favorite ladies...
Belinda Carlisle, Bessie Smith, Alison Goldfrapp, Ann Wilson, Laura Nyro, Loretta Lynn, Madonna, Patti LaBelle, Nina Simone, Rickie Lee Jones, Siouxsie Sioux, Suzi Quatro, Tina Turner, and Tristen.

And Tori Amos' first 5 albums...:laugh:

[FuzzyPlum]

In order of "obsession"...:laugh:

3. Sade


Ah yes. One of the most under-rated artists of all time.
A voice as smooth as silk.

[Rod~A~Little]

My main Femme Fatales!

Stevie Nicks
Johnette Napolitano
Pat Benatar
Ann Wilson
Annie Lennox

...and many more, but these are the ones I find myself listening to the most!

[Danigirl]

Linda Ronstadt
Edie Gorme
Patsy Cline
Aretha Franklin
Rocio Durcal
Stevie Nicks

[gssmith]

I'm picky about female singers. But my top few besides Stevie: Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Heart, Christine McVie, Loretta Lynn, The Pretenders. Maybe Reba and Sheryl Crow.

Not too familiar with Linda Ronstadt, but I've been meaning to check her out. I was not impressed with Carly Simmon. Your so vain is a great song, but everything else on her greatest hits album bored me to death. I can't stand Janis Joplins voice!! She sounds terrible!

[DauphineMarie]

I'm picky about female singers. But my top few besides Stevie: Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Heart, Christine McVie, Loretta Lynn, The Pretenders. Maybe Reba and Sheryl Crow.

Not too familiar with Linda Ronstadt, but I've been meaning to check her out. I was not impressed with Carly Simmon. Your so vain is a great song, but everything else on her greatest hits album bored me to death. I can't stand Janis Joplins voice!! She sounds terrible!

I say Janis' voice is an acquired taste... I would recommend Maybe and Summertime. Those two songs are beautiful, and her voice doesn't sound as bad as it does on say, Piece of My Heart or Cry Baby.

[Autumn Ocean]

Not to everyone's taste but I love Marianne Faithfull. Between 24KG and her latest album Give My Love To London, my top two new albums last year were from ladies in their 60s.

Also, Martha Wainwright.

And most of the ladies listed in this thread.

[annabellee]

Stevie Nicks
Sheryl Crow
Maria McKee
Christine McVie
Kate Bush
Bonnie Tyler
Tina Turner
Annie Lennox
ABBA (Frida and Agnetha)
B-52s (Kate and Cindy)
Salt-n-Pepa
Alanis Morissette
Bonnie Raitt
Dolly Parton
Olivia Newton-John
Bette Midler
Carly Simon
Pat Benatar
Patsy Cline
Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum
Early Madonna
Early Melissa Etheridge

[PenguinHead]

Joni Mitchell
Patti Griffin
Karen Carpenter
Whitney Houston
Dusty Springfield
Bjork
Trisha Yearwood
Dolly Parton
Celine Dion
Nina Simone
Ann Wilson
Courtney Love
Loretta Lynn
Tracey Chapman
Ella Fitzgerald

Shame on me for forgetting Karen Carpenter!

[PenguinHead]

I was not impressed with Carly Simmon. Your so vain is a great song, but everything else on her greatest hits album bored me to death. I can't stand Janis Joplins voice!! She sounds terrible!

Yeah, Cary Simon only made my list for handful of songs, including the brilliant song You're So Vain - the ultimate F-you song aimed at ego maniac Warren Beatty. If you go beyond some great hit singles, the songs are tedious. With Janis, there is no fence; you either love her or hate her.

[johnnystorms]

Stevie Nicks
Whitney Houston
Billie Holiday
Shirley Manson
Sade
the Abba gals
Alison Moyet
Tammy Wynette
Tori Amos
Sophie B Hawkins

[Macfanforever]

Too many to list.

I love mostly older female artists around Stevie age as some mention below.

Some of the younger artist are ok.

[gssmith]

I say Janis' voice is an acquired taste... I would recommend Maybe and Summertime. Those two songs are beautiful, and her voice doesn't sound as bad as it does on say, Piece of My Heart or Cry Baby.

I got her greatest hits cd for $5. I'll have to dig it out and give those songs another listen. Thanks!
Also, Pat Benetar and Tina Turner have good songs but I can't call myself a fan of either. I consider myself a fan if I can go thru a greatest hits album and enjoy every song. I go from there and get thier best regular albums.

I love Shania Twain and her recent concert just came on tv! The songs were all great, but she was obviously lip singing. Her costumes were excessive and kind of tacky and too much on stage gimicy stuff. The best part about it proves that there is only one Stevie Nicks!

[sorcerer999]

Johnette Napolitano!

You and I are psychic twins! :D:laugh:

[pattyfan]

Yeah, Cary Simon only made my list for handful of songs, including the brilliant song You're So Vain - the ultimate F-you song aimed at ego maniac Warren Beatty. If you go beyond some great hit singles, the songs are tedious. With Janis, there is no fence; you either love her or hate her.

I suggest listening to Boys in the Trees. I think it's Carly's best CD by far. Then if you still don't like her, you really don't like her :)

Also, I always thought that You're So Vain was about WB, but then I heard it was about David Geffen. Wikipedia has a whole page about it :) Apparently it's not about either.

[pattyfan]

Other than the obvious (Stevie and Christine)...

Patty Griffin

Mary Chapin Carpenter
Emily Saliers and Amy Ray
Jill Sobule
Lucinda Williams
Carly Simon
Dar Williams
Roxanne Cash
Tori Amos
Natalie Merchant
Kim Carnes
Suzanne Vega
Alison Moyet
Joan Baez
Nanci Griffith
Aimee Mann
Rickie Lee Jones
Tracy Chapman

I think that just about does it for absolute faves.

[PenguinHead]

I suggest listening to Boys in the Trees. I think it's Carly's best CD by far. Then if you still don't like her, you really don't like her :)

Also, I always thought that You're So Vain was about WB, but then I heard it was about David Geffen. Wikipedia has a whole page about it :) Apparently it's not about either.

To be fair, I never went too deep into her catalog. I guess I was too judgemental, knowing so little. I will follow up on your suggestion. I've been to Martha's Vineyard many times. Always wished I'd run into her.

[annabellee]

Johnette Napolitano


You and I are psychic twins! :D:laugh:

I saw Johnette live when she performed with The Heads in NYC a long time ago - she was AMAZING! I wish she would get back into the spotlight...

[pattyfan]

To be fair, I never went too deep into her catalog. I guess I was too judgemental, knowing so little. I will follow up on your suggestion. I've been to Martha's Vineyard many times. Always wished I'd run into her.

OK, let me give you 10 songs to listen to. I agree that her"greatest hits" are not always her best songs.

1. Back Down to Earth (a song that I always listen to whenever a relationship ends)
2. Boys in the Trees
3. Do the Walls Come Down?
4. Two Hot Girls (On a Hot Summer Night)
5. We Just Got Here
6. Never Been Gone
7. One Man Woman
8. Tired of Being Blonde
9. What Shall We Do With the Child?
10. Jesse

But I also have to say that she has done some, to be polite, less than stellar stuff. Her box set has a cover of Angel from Montgomery that is truly and wholly awful.

Kevin

[Macfanforever]

I love Carly Simon myself.She was my late sisters favorite.Karen Carpenter had a beautiful voice too.She was my late dads favorite.I also enjoyed the Carpenters too.I wonder how Richard is doing today.

I was listening to Joan Baez today.She 's got a beautiful voice and music right to the point storytelling.I always enjoyed folk and country music with a story in the tune without repeated lyrics and over produced music tracks plus loud elect guitar noise that covers up the artists or the the bands lead vocalist.

[starshine]

I'd add Natalie Merchant to that list as well, her voice has changed a lot recently but so has Stevie's too. Love Dolly Parton, Nanci Griffith, The Wilson sisters from Heart (Ann & Nancy), Linda Ronstandt, Karen Carpenter --such a beautiful natural voice, gone too soon. Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox, The ABBA girls, Rosanne Cash, Carly Simon, etc....I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. Of course Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie:D

[PenguinHead]

I'd add Natalie Merchant to that list as well, her voice has changed a lot recently but so has Stevie's too. Love Dolly Parton, Nanci Griffith, The Wilson sisters from Heart (Ann & Nancy), Linda Ronstandt, Karen Carpenter --such a beautiful natural voice, gone too soon. Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox, The ABBA girls, Rosanne Cash, Carly Simon, etc....I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. Of course Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie:D

She crossed my mind. I was a big fan of Ten Thousand Manics. I attended four of their shows. But for some reason, I never followed Natalie''s solo career. I do have a couple of her CDs. She has a unique voice, penning intelligent songs with poetic sophistication. A creative but very understated artist.

[Angel69]

In random order. Stevie is tops for me....always was and always will be.

Christine McVie
Chrissie Hynde
Natalie Merchant
Whitney Houston
Joni Mitchell
Diana Ross
Bonnie Raitt
Etta James
Renee Fleming
Linda Ronstadt
Sandy Denny
Pat Benatar
Grace Slick
Rosemary Clooney
Debbie Harry
Bette Midler
Peggy Lee
Kate Bush
Toni Braxton
Eartha Kitt
Patti Smith
Gladys Knight
Sade
Ella Fitzgerald
Mary J Blige
Judy Garland
Madonna
Donna Summer
Karen Carpenter
Dorie Lake

[Richard B]

Besides Stevie Nicks, I love these female singers:

Susanna Hoffs
Christine McVie
Loreena McKennitt
Debbie Harry
Kim Carnes
Dionne Farris
Tina Turner
Agnetha Faltskog
Frida
Ann Wilson
Sia
Bjork
Olivia Newton-John
Linda Ronstadt
Shakira
Bonnie Raitt
Terri Nunn
Bebel Gilberto
Bonnie Tyler
Sarah Brightman
Nena
Cesaria Evora
Adele

[pryderi]

Toni Wille of Pussycat
Sheila Ferguson of Three Degrees

[Macfanforever]

Toni Wille of Pussycat
Sheila Ferguson of Three Degrees


I love Three Degrees.

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Also I have to mention Marilyn McCoo of 5th Dimension.Shes got a beautiful voice

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Plus I love Maxine Nightingale.

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The list can go on and on from that era.

[Rod~A~Little]

You and I are psychic twins! :D:laugh:

...And we live in the same city!

;)

[Rod~A~Little]

I saw Johnette live when she performed with The Heads in NYC a long time ago - she was AMAZING! I wish she would get back into the spotlight...

I've seen her twice live and both times she brought down the house...just an amazing, underrated artist.

:nod:

[WatchChain]

Patty Griffin
Maria McKee
Ann Wilson
Linda Ronstadt
Dolly Parton
Natalie Merchant
Suzanne Vega
Lee Ann Womack
Tracy Chapman
Brandi Carlisle
Deborah Harry
Christina Amphlett
Lucinda Williams
Mary J Blige
Johnette Nopolitano
Bonnie Raitt
Rickie Lee Jones
Patty Loveless
Melissa Etheridge
Adele
Amy Winehouse

[PenguinHead]

OK, let me give you 10 songs to listen to. I agree that her"greatest hits" are not always her best songs.

1. Back Down to Earth (a song that I always listen to whenever a relationship ends)
2. Boys in the Trees
3. Do the Walls Come Down?
4. Two Hot Girls (On a Hot Summer Night)
5. We Just Got Here
6. Never Been Gone
7. One Man Woman
8. Tired of Being Blonde
9. What Shall We Do With the Child?
10. Jesse

But I also have to say that she has done some, to be polite, less than stellar stuff. Her box set has a cover of Angel from Montgomery that is truly and wholly awful.

Kevin

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to make that list for me. I really appreciate it!:D

[WildHearted]

For me:

Stevie (obviously)
Carole King
Joni Mitchell
Karen Carpenter
Jewel
Tori Amos
Dolly Parton

[pattyfan]

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to make that list for me. I really appreciate it!:D

You are very welcome. It just took a second. :) Take a listen when you have some time and let me know what you think. Carly is definitely more pop than Stevie but I still like a lot of her stuff, though the stuff I don't like can be pretty bad. :)

Kevin

[PenguinHead]

You are very welcome. It just took a second. :) Take a listen when you have some time and let me know what you think. Carly is definitely more pop than Stevie but I still like a lot of her stuff, though the stuff I don't like can be pretty bad. :)

Kevin

I just listened to all of the songs you suggested. I gravitated to these songs:

Back to Earth
Boys in the Trees
One Man Woman
Tired of Being Blonde
Never Been Gone
Jesse - the only song familiar to me

I hate you now --for exposing me to her! :xoxo: Because I'm an obsessive completest, and when I get a hook on an artist I feel compelled to obtain everything they've done. (My latest obsession was Matthew Sweet.)

Though I may not get too crazy with Carly, but you made me aware that I should give her work more attention. Can you name a few essential albums?

Most of my massive collection is currently residing on the opposite side of the country. I vaguely recall purchasing a Carly Simon box set or substantial compilation. I think I became bored with too many slow songs (Jackson Brown has the same effect on me).

[pattyfan]

I just listened to all of the songs you suggested. I gravitated to these songs:

Back to Earth
Boys in the Trees
One Man Woman
Tired of Being Blonde
Never Been Gone
Jesse - the only song familiar to me

I hate you now --for exposing me to her! :xoxo: Because I'm an obsessive completest, and when I get a hook on an artist I feel compelled to obtain everything they've done. (My latest obsession was Matthew Sweet.)

Though I may not get too crazy with Carly, but you made me aware that I should give her work more attention. Can you name a few essential albums?

Most of my massive collection is currently residing on the opposite side of the country. I vaguely recall purchasing a Carly Simon box set or substantial compilation. I think I became bored with too many slow songs (Jackson Brown has the same effect on me).

I'm glad you liked some of the songs. I would honestly just get Boys in the Trees. It's the only CD of hers that I really like from start to finish. It's dated, but it's the best. That way you save money and you start not being an obsessive completest, which I totally understand because I do exactly the same thing and am only now starting to get over. :)

Kevin

[PenguinHead]

I'm glad you liked some of the songs. I would honestly just get Boys in the Trees. It's the only CD of hers that I really like from start to finish. It's dated, but it's the best. That way you save money and you start not being an obsessive completest, which I totally understand because I do exactly the same thing and am only now starting to get over. :)

Kevin

Thanks for narrowing it down. I'm sure I can find the Boys in the Tree at Everyday Music, a large record store close to home. Has that album been remastered with bonus tracks? I'd have to have that in instead!:laugh: With a select few artists, I'm okay with having just a sample amount of their work -such as a compilation CD and a signature album. I suggest you check out Sam Phillips' album Martinis & Bikinis or any of her work. (I'm a fan fanatic -- she makes it in the top ten list of my favorite singer/songwriters (though she might be an acquired taste for some).

[GarboSpeaks!]

Nicks & McVie...total given. I love these ladies.

SUPER devoted to Siouxsie Sioux.

Then:
Debbie Harry
Johnette/Concrete Blonde
Sinead O'Connor (might be a crayon or 2 short in the box-but vocally she's amazing!)
Florence Welch
Danielle Dax
Hannah Reid (New girl on block from London Grammar-holy moly, totally into her vocals)
Mazzy Star/Hope Sadnoval
KT Tunstall
Cut out the pop art and vocally P!nk's got a set of pipes on her I never expected to appreciate. (Not that I don't love the pop stuff too)
Annie Lennox
Julie London
Marlene Dietrich (not thought of right off bat as singer, but wow-pretty awesome!)
Noelle Scaggs (Of Fitz & The Tantrums)
Fairuz
Lena Horne
Bette Midler
Early Tori Amos
Up thru the 80's Cher
80's Dale Bozzio
Mahalia Jackson (I need to know more of her work)



Live Through This angry Courtney
Whole trippy art package Bjork
Wizard of Oz singing Judy Garland if I need a good cry

That's about the bulk of my taste.

[PenguinHead]

Nicks & McVie...total given. I love these ladies.

SUPER devoted to Siouxsie Sioux.

Then:
Debbie Harry
Johnette/Concrete Blonde
Sinead O'Connor (might be a crayon or 2 short in the box-but vocally she's amazing!)
Florence Welch
Danielle Dax
Hannah Reid (New girl on block from London Grammar-holy moly, totally into her vocals)
Mazzy Star/Hope Sadnoval
KT Tunstall
Cut out the pop art and vocally P!nk's got a set of pipes on her I never expected to appreciate. (Not that I don't love the pop stuff too)
Annie Lennox
Julie London
Marlene Dietrich (not thought of right off bat as singer, but wow-pretty awesome!)
Noelle Scaggs (Of Fitz & The Tantrums)
Fairuz
Lena Horne
Bette Midler
Early Tori Amos
Up thru the 80's Cher
80's Dale Bozzio
Mahalia Jackson (I need to know more of her work)



Live Through This angry Courtney
Whole trippy art package Bjork
Wizard of Oz singing Judy Garland if I need a good cry

That's about the bulk of my taste.

When I see lists like yours, with singers that I only know by name, or have never heard of before, I feel sort of like I must be missing out- having overlooked some great artists.

I can't account for my taste. It's just the luck of the draw and personal preference with who I'm drawn to. It's enough to keep up with my established group of singers. At this point I have my limits -- there are just so many worlds to which I can travel. I'm much more choosy now in welcoming anyone else into my musical family.

[GarboSpeaks!]

All that ever matters is you have music in your life and it means something to you. Hate to sound like a lame Hallmark card...but it's true.

[PenguinHead]

All that ever matters is you have music in your life and it means something to you. Hate to sound like a lame Hallmark card...but it's true.

It's perfectly fine if you sound like a Hallmark card. What you said is true. I am grateful and content with the artists and music I have. Music, like air, is essential to my life.

[sasja]

Regina Spektor

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Kate Rusby

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[He's So Unusual]

In no oder:

Janis Joplin
Lissie
Joni Mitchell
Alanis Morissette
Beth Orton
Grace Slick
Bic Runga
Kate Bush
Patti Smith
Karen Carpenter
Cat Power
PJ Harvey
Imogen Heap
Bjork
Kathleen Edwards
Cyndi Lauper
Dido
Joan as Police Woman
Emiliana Torrini
Fiona Apple
Eva Cassidy
Lou Rhodes
Anja Oyen Vister
First Aid Kit
Laura Nyro
Florence Welch
Ann Wilson
Natalie Imbruglia
Carole King
Lisa Hannigan
Kylie Minogue
Skin
Cass Elliot
Say Lou Lou
Bette Midler
Neko Case
Alison Goldfrapp
Roisin Murphy
Shawn Colvin
Natalie Merchant
Tracy Chapman
Sandy Denny
Sia
Nina Persson
Tina Dico
Tracey Thorn
Martina Topley-Bird
Agnes Obel


.....and a few more.

[SorcererJP]

I used to ' discover' a new female voice every week a few years ago. My friends often said that as long as it was a girl with a guitar or a piano JP liked it!

That's why I do not file Stevie under the singer-songwriters. Yes she sings, yes she writes songs but in a different kind of way. Cannot explain.

Anyway's, my list:

Tori Amos
Heather Nova
Sarah McLachlan
Ane Brun
Nina Kinert
Nathalie Merchant
Lisa Loeb
Sheryl Crow
Mindy Smith
Trish Murphy
Lucinda Williams
Kasey Chambers
Rebecca Pigeon
Anneke van Giersbergen (singer of The gathering)
Syd Straw
Suzanna Rhattigan
Suzanne Vega
An Pierle
Paula Cole
Liz Phair
etc.

[The Highwayman]

1. Stevie Nicks
2.Billie Holiday
3. Ann Wilson

...and the rest in no particular order: .

Sara Bareilles
Tammi Terrell
Chrissie Hynde
Darlene Love
Ronnie Spector
Sarah Vaughan
Ella Fitzgerald
Deborah Harry
Joni Mitchell
Aretha Franklin
Joan Jett
The Bangles