Black women have played a vital role in shaping the music industry, and their contributions cannot be overlooked. From soulful ballads to catchy pop hits, black women have given us some of the most memorable and influential songs ever. Below are some of the most famous songs by black women, exploring their stories and their impact on music history.
"Respect" by Aretha Franklin
Released in 1967, "Respect" quickly became a feminist anthem and one of the most famous songs by a black woman. Aretha Franklin's powerful vocals and the song's catchy melody made it an instant classic. "Respect" was a call to arms for women everywhere, demanding that they be treated with the respect they deserve. The song's impact was so great that it earned Franklin the title "Queen of Soul."
Getty Images/ Shutterstock | Beyoncé Knowles, or Queen Bey, became popular in the ’90s as the singing lead for Destiny’s Child
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is arguably one of the most famous songs in history. Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974, Houston's cover became a chart-topping hit in 1992. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery made the song an instant classic, earning her numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
"Formation" by Beyoncé
Beyoncé's "Formation" was released in 2016 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The song, with its references to police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Hurricane Katrina, was a powerful statement about black pride and activism. Beyoncé's powerful message, infectious beats, and captivating choreography made "Formation" one of the most famous songs by a black woman of the 21st century.
UPENDRA SINGH SISODIA/ Studio | Black women have contributed a great deal to various genres of music
"Killing Me Softly With His Song" by Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song" was released in 1973 and quickly became a chart-topping hit. The song's haunting melody and Flack's soulful delivery captivated audiences worldwide. The lyrics, about being moved by a musician's performance, struck a chord with listeners and earned Flack numerous awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year.
"Superwoman" by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys' "Superwoman" was released in 2008 and quickly became an anthem for women everywhere. The song's message of empowerment, coupled with Keys' powerful vocals and piano playing, made it an instant classic. "Superwoman" was a reminder that women can do anything and everything, and it earned Keys numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
"I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" was released in 1978 and quickly became a disco classic. The song's catchy chorus and Khan's powerful vocals made it an instant hit. The lyrics, about celebrating womanhood and all its different facets, resonated with audiences worldwide.
"I'm Every Woman" became an anthem for women everywhere and earned Khan numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Getty/ Hollywood Bowl | Khan has won ten Grammy Awards and has sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross
Diana Ross' rendition of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was released in 1970 and quickly became a Motown classic. The song's uplifting lyrics and Ross' powerful vocals made it an instant hit. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was a celebration of love and the power of human connection. It earned Ross numerous awards, including a Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy.
