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 singers in Western music (31–40)
SmileMadeleine Peyroux
Madeleine Peyroux, an American singer-songwriter often described as the “Billie Holiday of the 21st century” and a “post–Joni Mitchell,” moved to Paris in her teens.
After discovering music, she began busking on the streets of France and has since lived in various countries, building a richly varied background.
She made her major-label album debut in 1996, and without getting swept up in the surrounding buzz, she has maintained her own pace and carved out a unique position.
While rooted in genres with strong traditions—jazz, gospel, and blues—she doesn’t cling to any single style.
At the heart of her music is her distinctively husky voice, tinged with a poignant melancholy.
From captivating original songs to tastefully chosen covers, she can do it all—highly recommended listening even if you’re not typically a jazz fan!
Feeling GoodNina Simone
She is Nina Simone, an American jazz and blues singer.
She fought against racial discrimination and the poverty of her early years.
In her voice, you can feel the countless moments of anger, sorrow, and joy that she experienced.
That profound voice has encouraged many people around the world.
Her signature song, “Feeling Good,” has been covered by many musicians, including the jazz singer Michael Bublé and the rock band Muse.
Back To BlackAmy Winehouse
A soul and R&B singer-songwriter from the UK, often called one of the greatest singers of the 21st century.
She struggled with issues related to drugs and alcohol, but her uniquely husky voice and performances were undeniably powerful and deeply moving.
She passed away in 2011, yet she will continue to be loved by many music fans.
The self-titled album of the featured track, Back to Black, is also a masterpiece—be sure to give it a listen.
Story Of My Life – IrelandLesley Roy
“Story Of My Life” is a dance-pop track released by Lesley Roy in 2020.
She is a singer-songwriter from Ireland who gained attention with her 2008 release “Unbeautiful.
” Her appeal lies in her edgy, rock-vocalist-like voice.
With just the right amount of grit—not overdone—her spicy vocals bring out the best in the song.
You might be missing out if you’ve never listened to that voice!
You’d Be So Nice To Come Home ToHelen Merrill
Helen Merrill is known as a songstress who left an indelible mark on the jazz scene.
Her 1954 debut album, Helen Merrill, brought her into the spotlight through her collaboration with Clifford Brown.
While she is known for her “cool” style, her supple timbre and richly expressive delivery resonate deeply with listeners.
She began her career in 1951 as a vocalist with the Earl Hines band, and went on to excel not only in jazz but also across a wide range of genres, including Latin and pop.
Her singing—marked by horn-like phrasing and a sense of being one with the ensemble—earned the respect of many musicians.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully savor the allure of jazz vocals.
For lovers of husky voices: Female Western music singers (41–50)
Genie In A BottleChristina Aguilera
Among American pop singers, the undeniably sexiest diva is Christina Aguilera.
Many people in Japan likely became captivated by her after the performances she showcased in the film Burlesque, which was also released here.
With a voice that combines both power and sensuality, she enchants the world.
Woman (feat. Lana Del Rey)Cat Power
This woman, who performs under a distinctive artist name, is a singer-songwriter who enjoys enduring popularity in the American indie scene.
She debuted during the heyday of 1990s alternative rock and, as a flagship artist on the prestigious Matador Records, has been highly regarded by connoisseurs for her natural, uncompromising approach and a smoky, truthful voice tinged with sorrow, earning her many fans among fellow musicians as well.
If anything, those who know her tend to be listeners fairly well-versed in Western music, but that doesn’t mean her sound is obscure or willfully eccentric.
If you want to savor a quintessential ’90s atmosphere, we recommend the 1998 classic Moon Pix, and if you’re new to her music, start with her breakout 2003 release You Are Free.