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 (41–50)
A Whiter Shade of PaleAnnie Lennox
Among many female singers, Annie Lennox is particularly known for her beautifully resonant low voice.
She is a British singer-songwriter, a strikingly handsome woman whose closely cropped hair suits her very well.
Her talent is such that she was ranked among Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Here, Annie is singing “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” the signature song by the band Procol Harum, known in Japanese as “Aoi Kage” (“Blue Shadow”).
The beauty of the song is accentuated by Annie’s vocals.
She Cries Your NameBeth Orton
Beth Orton is a singer-songwriter with a distinctive blend of songs and a languid, ennui-tinged vocal atmosphere.
Originally from the UK and initially aiming to become an actress, she began building her career as an artist after meeting producer William Orbit.
Her voice, which seems to melt gently into the heart, is deeply captivating.
It isn’t a raspy, gravelly huskiness; instead, it carries a transparent quality with plenty of breath in the tone.
FlowersLauren Spencer Smith
“Flowers” is a poignant ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith.
Rather than relying on a catchy chorus, the song is built around simple piano accompaniment, with her singing in an intimate, conversational style.
Much like “Back to Friends,” which quickly made her famous in 2021 after surpassing six million views on TikTok, she shines over a sparse arrangement that lets her unhurried, husky voice take center stage—utterly irresistible.
She also uses a scooping vocal delivery to great effect, showcasing her technical prowess; she’s an artist to watch ever more closely in the future.
BoyfriendsGrace VanderWaal
Grace VanderWaal is attracting attention as a new-generation singer-songwriter.
At age 12, she won the audition show America’s Got Talent and instantly joined the ranks of the stars.
Since then, she has continued to flourish, appearing at the Olympic opening ceremony and making her acting debut.
In addition to her beautiful husky voice, her conversational singing style is a major draw, so I hope you’ll keep an eye on her.
Also, be sure to check out her YouTube videos covering other artists’ songs.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
Born in 1945, Kim Carnes is a singer-songwriter known for her distinctive husky voice.
She debuted in 1971 and had a major breakthrough in 1981 with “Bette Davis Eyes,” which won a Grammy and topped the U.
S.
charts for nine consecutive weeks.
She has been active across a wide range of genres from pop to rock, releasing over 20 albums.
Her duet with Kenny Rogers also drew attention.
Carnes’s appeal lies in the fusion of her sweet, lustrous vocals and powerful expressiveness.
She’s recommended for those who admire husky voices or enjoy vocals that convey a mature allure.
LukaSuzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega is a singer-songwriter who drew attention in the flamboyant music scene of the 1980s for her socially conscious, literature-minded poet persona and her style centered on voice-and-guitar performances.
Her classic song “Luka,” included on her second album Solitude Standing released in 1987 and issued as a single, became a hit and marked her first appearance on the U.
S.
charts.
While “Luka” is a bright, accessible pop song with a memorable melody, it is in fact about child abuse, and the plain, matter-of-fact way she delivers it with her distinctive husky voice gives it a striking sense of realism.
Although she later ventured into a wide range of musical styles, the appeal of her singing voice has never changed.
I Hate Myself for Loving YouJoan Jett & The Blackhearts
When it comes to female rock singers, it has to be Joan Jett.
Not only is she a singer-songwriter, she also played guitar for the girls’ band The Runaways, who enjoyed charismatic popularity.
Her punkish look and mischievous, high-spirited songs are indispensable when talking about music history!