[Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by female artists from the 1970s
The 1970s were a golden era that saw the debuts of many female artists who left a brilliant mark on music history.
A distinctive feature of that time was the emergence of numerous singer-songwriters—women who wrote and composed their own music and created masterpieces that moved listeners with their remarkable expressive power.
Their debut songs, which can be considered the starting point of their journeys, brim with the radiance of young talents paving the way for a new era.
In this piece, we focus on the first singles of female singers who debuted in the ’70s, introducing a selection of gems that colored the music scene of the time.
- [1970s] Recommended Nostalgic Western Music: Female Singers
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
- [Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by Western Rock Bands of the 1970s
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1990s
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- [Timeless Melodies] A Collection of Classic 70s Western Ballad Masterpieces
- [80s Western Music] Debut Songs by Male Artists
[Western Music] Summary of debut songs by female artists of the 70s (1–10)
Come to MeFrance Joli
France Joli, a Canadian singer widely known for her disco classics, was a prodigy who showed her talent from a young age and was discovered by a producer at 13.
This track is her debut song.
Featured on her 1979 album “France Joli,” it spent three consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.
In it, she pleads with the object of her affection to “come to me,” delivering that earnest emotion with a powerful voice that belies her 16 years at the time.
The song is also famous for being included on the soundtrack of the film “54.” It’s a perfect pick when you want to feel the shimmering euphoria of the disco era.
I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out Of My EyesCrystal Gayle
Crystal Gayle, who is also known as the younger sister of country music icon Loretta Lynn, is an artist famed for her strikingly beautiful floor-length hair.
Her debut song was a single released in August 1970, written and composed by her sister Loretta.
The lyrics portray an achingly pure and poignant heartbreak—crying until the blue in her eyes has all washed away—brought to life by Gayle’s clear, luminous vocals.
Unlike her later, more polished country-pop style, this work is characterized by a traditional sound so classic it earned the nickname “Little Loretta.” Interestingly, after Gayle’s popularity became unshakable, the single was reissued in 1978 and re-entered the charts.
It’s a precious track that lets you feel the very starting point of a great singer’s brilliant career.
This Will BeNatalie Cole
Nat King Cole is known as a great jazz singer—many of you are probably familiar with him.
The artist featured here, Natalie Cole, who sings this debut track, is his daughter, a vocalist who inherited her father’s exceptional expressive power.
In this work, her soulful voice and gospel-rooted strength blend beautifully with a lively pop sound.
It feels as if she’s singing about the exhilarating joy and happiness of finding eternal love.
Released as her 1975 debut, it won two awards at the 18th Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
You may also recognize it from the film “While You Were Sleeping.” It’s a perfect song for a weekend morning when you want to lift your spirits!
[Western Music] Debut Songs by Female Artists from the ’70s (11–20)
Harpo’s BluesPhoebe Snow
Phoebe Snow, known for her vocal prowess that moves effortlessly between jazz, blues, and folk, stood out strikingly in the singer-songwriter scene of the 1970s, armed with a wide range said to span four octaves.
This piece, included on her classic album Phoebe Snow—which can be considered a cornerstone of her artistry—embodies that essence.
Released as a single in May 1975, the song reached No.
20 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
It’s crafted into a bluesy, laid-back number with a soothing acoustic guitar tone.
The scat singing, as if expressing feelings beyond words, is particularly memorable—making it a perfect companion for long nights when you want to drift into quiet reflection.
I’m Just A Sucker For Your LoveTeena Marie
Teena Marie, the soul singer known as the “Ivory Queen of Soul.” Though white, she signed with Motown, the storied home of Black music, after being discovered by the King of Funk, Rick James.
Her debut single, released in March 1979 from the album “Wild and Peaceful,” is a feel-good funk tune that passionately conveys the protagonist’s head-over-heels infatuation.
The real charm of the track lies in the fiery duet where Teena’s piercing vocals entwine with Rick’s.
There’s even an anecdote that, because her photo didn’t appear on the cover at the time, many assumed she was Black—a testament to her artistry.
It reached No.
8 on the U.
S.
R&B chart and is a perfect pick-me-up when you want to lift your spirits.
Think It OverCheryl Ladd
Actress Cheryl Ladd, who became a global star through the hit TV drama Charlie’s Angels.
While she’s best known for her acting, she actually made her debut as a singer in 1978, right at the peak of her popularity.
This track marks her first true step as a solo vocalist.
It’s a pop tune that embodies the late-’70s LA sound, crafted with shimmering strings and a breezy rhythm that feels just right.
In contrast to its glamorous arrangement, the lyrics seem to express a delicate plea to a drifting partner: “Please think it over one more time.” Released in July 1978, the song was also included on the album Cheryl Ladd and reached No.
34 on the U.
S.
charts.
Its sparkling sound is perfect for an afternoon drive.
Wuthering HeightsKate Bush
Kate Bush is a singer-songwriter who represents the UK.
Because she debuted at the age of 19, she was initially viewed somewhat like an idol, but her distinctive songwriting and powerful vocals earned her recognition for her talent, and she has energized the British rock scene for many years.
Her debut single is Wuthering Heights, which won Best Song at the BRITs 25.
It’s a classic that almost everyone has heard at least once.