10 Best Black Female Artists

It's time to ready up that iPod, so go to your favorite music download site and check out this list of the 10 best black female artists. Whether you enjoy R&B, jazz, pop or classic oldies, these gorgeous girls are sure to satisfy. If you're looking for a list of the best black female artists, check out these sirens.

1. Aretha Franklin: Recently earning top props as Rolling Stone's #1 singer of all time, Aretha has a powerful voice that can really belt out the tunes. If you don't know her music, be sure to check out this talented black female artist.
2. Tina Turner: She survived being married to the infamous Ike Turner and then managed to dig her way out of more than half a million dollars' worth of debt. One of the best black female recording artists of all time, she's known for her big hair, her big voice and those gorgeous legs. Everyone wished she was their "Private Dancer."
3. Etta James: Another great survivor, Etta James has overcome numerous drug addictions and tragedies to become one of the best black female artists ever known on the R&B or blues scenes. Influenced by the talented Billie Holiday, her disc "Mystery Lady" is a tribute to her idol.
4. Gladys Knight: Beginning her career as lead vocalist in Gladys Knight & The Pips, Gladys Knight is a beautiful and talented black female artist who has gone on to build a successful solo career as well as acting in film and on the stage. Listen to her sing "Midnight Train to Georgia," and you will know why she's on this list.
5. Billie Holiday: Jazz great Billie Holiday was famous, not only for being one of the best black female artists in history, but also for her sheer creative genius. Able to take nearly any song and make it her own, she was talented and considered quite the phenomenon in her day.
6. Ella Fitzgerald: Known as "Mama Jazz" and "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was one of history's all-time jazz greats. She came from humble beginnings and lived a long (and often times rough) life, filled with music. Her voice was versatile and unforgettable, earning her a well-deserved place amid the 10 best black female artists of all time.
7. Diana Ross: Considered to be the best black female recording artist of all time, Diana Ross broke into music as the lead singer of The Supremes, back in the 1960s. Together, they had twelve number one hits before Diana went off on a solo career in the '70s. There certainly "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to stop this beautiful diva's driving force.
8. Dionne Warwick: While she may have been raised, singing in a church, Dionne Warwick is not a gospel singer and, while she was inspired by many of the popular talents on this list, she didn't follow in their footsteps. Instead, she forged her own path as a pop great, earning herself a place on our list of best black female artists.
9. Mariah Carey: Known for her angelic looks as well as her angelic voice, Mariah Carey earned her place midst the best black female artists by being the first artist to send her first five singles straight up the charts to the number one position. With a stunning voice that has an uncanny five-octave range, her music varies from ballads to hip-hop.
10. Janet Jackson: While she may have grown up in the shadows of her brother, Michael, Janet Jackson strove to become every bit as popular. Known as one of the biggest stars of the '80s and '90s, she mixes catchy beats with great lyrics and an infectious quality that is sure to get you dancing. She is certainly one of the best black female artists of all time and has earned her own place in the spotlight. Watch her shine!