For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
From a slightly hoarse, smoky, soothing tone to a powerful voice that might make you think for a moment, “Is that a male vocalist?,” husky female vocals radiate a wide range of charms.
Many of my vocal training students admire husky voices as well.
This time, I’ve selected recommended works by female artists in Western music who showcase such captivating husky singing.
Some tracks are chosen from my perspective as a vocal producer, so I believe they’ll be helpful references for female singers with husky voices.
However!! No matter how wonderful a husky voice is, please never intentionally damage your own voice to get it, okay? I truly mean it—please be careful.
- [Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers
- [Cool Female Vocals] The World’s Coolest Female Singers [2025]
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
- Female Western music artists who are good singers
- [Western Music] Female vocalists known for their beautiful voices
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- Foreign female singers' commercial songs: CM/commercial/popular song ranking [2025]
- [1970s] Recommended Nostalgic Western Music: Female Singers
- Beautiful high notes that feel so good! Classic Western songs where you can fully enjoy high-tone vocals.
- Introducing artists with whisper vocals
- Classic R&B songs recommended for women
For Lovers of Husky Voices: Female Western Music Singers (21–30)
MaybeJanis Joplin
A legendary singer with a one-of-a-kind voice and exceptional vocal prowess, she passed away at the young age of 27, yet even now, whenever an outstanding newcomer appears, the highest praise they receive is to be likened to Janis Joplin.
Though her career, which began in the ’60s, was brief, every performance she left behind showcased extraordinary talent and continues to profoundly influence subsequent artists.
Her energetic intensity could make an average rock band run for the hills, and her passionate, bluesy vocals were imbued with her soul through and through.
Even if you’ve never heard her voice before, please take this opportunity to experience Janis’s soul.
I Only Want to Be With YouDusty Springfield
Born in London, England, she is a legendary singer who lit up the music scene of the 1960s.
She debuted in a group called The Springfields with her two older brothers, but later left to pursue a solo career.
Heavily influenced by the popular American Motown sound of the time, her upbeat debut single “I Only Want to Be with You” became a massive hit and instantly made her a star.
Armed with powerful vocals and a captivating husky voice, her deeply emotional singing led many to call her a “white soul singer who sings with a Black heart,” making her a true pioneer of blue-eyed soul.
Her life story was later adapted into a musical.
For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music (31–40)
Tell MeMacy Gray
The singer Macy Gray, often called the reincarnation of Nina Simone.
Her uniquely husky voice delivers an unforgettable impact the moment you hear it.
Her style—a blend of modern electronic music and classic jazz—is incredibly sophisticated and cool.
She’s a singer with outstanding vocal ability and musicality.
LoveLana Del Rey
A singer-songwriter from New York who describes her musical style as “sadcore,” she shines in her ability to distill profound sorrow into polished pop music.
Her major-label debut album, Born to Die, released in 2012, was a massive success with over 12 million copies sold worldwide, establishing her as one of the definitive, ethereal divas of the post-2010s.
Rather than relying on vocal gymnastics or an expansive range, her languid, smoky husky voice perfectly suits the introspective worlds her songs evoke.
She’s highly recommended if you’re looking for a voice that isn’t about belting high notes, but offers a different, more atmospheric kind of allure.
Strange fruitBillie Holiday
A great American jazz singer also known as “Lady Day.” Her life was far from smooth, yet her voice—seemingly shaped by her constant battles with troubles and hardships—has a gravitas that sets her apart from other singers.
Its appeal can’t be measured by simple criteria like volume or technique; it’s the raw emotion infused with life’s sorrows that shakes the listener’s soul.
From her signature number “Strange Fruit” to many other standard tunes, her achievements will never fade and will continue to be sung for generations to come.
Happy Ever AfterJULIA FORDHAM
“Happy Ever After,” a signature song by British singer-songwriter Julia Fordham.
Released in 1988, it drew attention in Japan when it was used as an insert song for the drama “Set Your Heart on Fire!” starring Yuko Asano.
Contrary to the impression she gives, Julia has a rich, powerful voice.
It’s a mysterious kind of voice that seems to calm a troubled heart just by listening.
Back To YouSelena Gomez
Selena Gomez, the singer and actress who rose to global fame starring in the hit TV series Wizards of Waverly Place, which was extremely popular in Japan as well.
Her cute looks paired with a wistful, husky singing voice—it’s hard not to be drawn in by that contrast.
She’s also well known as Justin Bieber’s ex-girlfriend.