[Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers

Lovin’ YouMinnie Riperton

loving you minnie riperton

Sung with an instantly recognizable, strikingly high-toned voice, Lovin’ You is a song that even people not particularly interested in soul or R&B have likely heard at least once.

The original version of this timeless classic—now a standard tackled by many singers—was sung by Minnie Riperton, the legendary artist born in Chicago, Illinois in 1947 who passed away from cancer in 1979 at the young age of 31.

Minnie began her music career as a teenager but struggled to find major hits; however, in 1971 she was selected as a backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder, who had recognized her talent early on.

In 1974 she released Perfect Angel, produced by Stevie, and the following year the single Lovin’ You became a hit, topping the U.

S.

charts.

Minnie continued to pursue ambitious projects—such as venturing into the disco sound that was popular at the time—so it’s heartbreaking to think how much more wonderful music she might have left behind had she lived longer.

Many people may only know Lovin’ You, but if this piece has sparked your interest in Minnie, please be sure to listen to her other works as well!

Real LoveMary J Blige

Mary J blige – Real Love

Mary J.

Blige, who delivered a commanding presence at America’s premier event, the Super Bowl Halftime Show held on February 14, 2022, is one of the most important female artists to debut since the 1990s, often hailed as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” Born in 1971 in South Bronx, New York, Mary signed with the hip-hop label Uptown Records in 1987 at the young age of 18, making history as the label’s youngest and first female artist.

Before her debut album, she recorded the song “You Remind Me” for the soundtrack of the 1991 film Strictly Business, which became a long-running hit.

In 1992, she released her debut album What’s the 411?, unveiling an innovative style later dubbed “hip-hop soul,” in which she sang R&B and soul over hip-hop beats—a direct reflection of her street-informed lifestyle.

The album not only became a massive hit, as expected, but also exerted a profound influence on subsequent R&B artists.

Even chart-friendly R&B ballads take on a completely different emotion when sung by Mary’s alt voice tinged with melancholy.

Experience the brilliance of soul through the lens of the hip-hop generation.

Hot StuffDonna Summer

Hot Stuff

When you think of Donna Summer, those who came of age in the 1970s might picture her as the “Queen of Disco.” As the first female artist in history to top the charts simultaneously with both an album and a single, and a five-time Grammy winner, Donna enjoyed a brilliant career, though she also experienced a downturn after the disco boom.

Even so, she made a comeback in 1989 with the hit “This Time I Know It’s for Real,” and her final album, 2008’s Crayons, along with its tracks, scored hits on the dance charts.

She was a towering figure who gave her all as an artist until her untimely passing from lung cancer in 2012.

The fact that she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the following year, in 2013, speaks to her tremendous achievements.

Many female artists, including Madonna and Beyoncé, have openly cited Donna as an influence.

If you’re new to her music, I recommend starting with her peak ’70s work in collaboration with the legendary Italian producer Giorgio Moroder—particularly 1979’s multi-platinum Bad Girls.

Her powerful vocals and sparkling disco sound feel both nostalgic and refreshing in the 2020s.

After that, be sure to explore her non-disco material to appreciate Donna’s remarkable vocal artistry in other styles as well.

Pieces Of MeLedisi

Ledisi – Pieces Of Me

Ledisi, born in 1972, is a singer-songwriter who thrives in both the R&B and jazz worlds, and she also has a career as an actress.

Born in New Orleans, a city rich in musical culture, she reportedly sang with symphony orchestras from a young age and even played Dorothy in the musical The Wizard of Oz, earning a nomination for the Shelley Award.

Although she had already built a devoted local following through cabaret casts and band activities, her full-fledged debut came with the indie release of her 2000 album Soulsinger.

Two years later, it was reissued as Soulsinger: The Revival by the renowned American label Tommy Boy Records.

In 2007, she made her major-label debut with the acclaimed Lost & Found, which became a smash hit and earned her a Grammy nomination for its refined neo-soul and R&B sensibilities.

Always independent and unshaken by others’ expectations, Ledisi is a rare figure whose undeniable talent as a singer-songwriter and pursuits beyond music have won her widespread support.

It’s no exaggeration to say she is one of the most trusted vocalists since the 2000s.

Smooth OperatorSade

Sade – Smooth Operator – Official – 1984

To avoid any misunderstanding for those unfamiliar with SADE: Sade is the name of the band, and the focus here is its vocalist, Sade Adu.

She has Nigerian roots, moved to the UK as a child, and studied fashion design during her student years.

In 1983 she met the other members of Sade and formed the band.

Their debut album, Diamond Life, released the following year, reached No.

2 on the UK chart, hit No.

5 in the U.

S.

, and ultimately became a monster album, selling 10 million copies worldwide.

The very next year they released their second album, Promise, which was also an explosive hit.

From the 1990s onward, their release pace visibly slowed, but despite their sparse output, every release has been exceptionally high in quality.

Their ensemble—blending elements of soul, jazz, and reggae while keeping the arrangements understated—is supremely tasteful and elegant.

Within that sound, Adu’s vocals are endlessly smoky and beautiful, and combined with her model-worthy looks, they exude a uniquely mysterious allure.

It’s no wonder that back in the ’80s they were prized in Japan as a stylish sound.

Younger music fans today may well find a fresh appeal in their supremely sophisticated music.

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)Natalie Cole

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (2003 Remaster)

Natalie Cole, the biological daughter of America’s legendary jazz pianist and singer Nat King Cole, began her own singing career in childhood.

She made a full-fledged professional debut in 1975, and her first album, Inseparable, topped the R&B chart.

The single This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), a superb fusion of sophisticated R&B, jazz, and soul, won two Grammy Awards: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Artist.

Although Natalie launched a promising career without relying on her father’s fame, she struggled from the 1980s onward with a lack of hits and turmoil in her personal life.

In 1989, she made a comeback with the hit R&B ballad Miss You Like Crazy, and in 1991, Unforgettable.

.

.

with Love—an album of covers of her father’s songs—reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts and became a massive success, selling seven million copies in America alone.

The album, which was also a hit in Japan, drew attention for making a duet with her late father possible.

This record, which seems to have awakened her identity as a jazz singer, is of course highly recommended for soul fans as well.

Although Natalie reportedly faced many misfortunes in her private life, we hope you’ll experience her remarkable talent as a singer at least once.