100+ Iconic 1960s Female Singers Who Defined a Generation

The 1960s were a golden era for music, and female singers played a huge role in shaping pop, soul, rock, and folk. From Motown legends to British Invasion stars, these 100+ women — as chosen by SiriusXM’s 60s Gold channel — delivered unforgettable hits that still resonate today.

Legendary 1960s Female Singers (Household Names)

These artists became global icons and helped define the sound of the decade.

Aretha Franklin
Barbra Streisand
Diana Ross & The Supremes
Dionne Warwick
Dusty Springfield
Etta James
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Tina Turner
Janis Joplin (Big Brother & The Holding Company)
Nancy Sinatra
Petula Clark
Shirley Bassey
Tammy Wynette
Judy Collins
Mama Cass Elliot
Carole King
Cher
Connie Francis

Motown, Soul, and R&B Queens of the 60s

These women powered the Motown and soul explosion.

Martha & The Vandellas
Mary Wells
The Marvelettes
The Shirelles
The Ronettes
The Crystals
The Dixie Cups
The Chiffons
The Shangri-Las
The Velvelettes
Barbara Acklin
Barbara Mason
Betty Everett
Bettye Swann
Brenda Holloway
Carla Thomas
Doris Troy
Fontella Bass
Irma Thomas
Kim Weston
Maxine Brown

Rock, Folk, and Counterculture Voices

These artists shaped the folk revival and psychedelic era.

Jefferson Airplane (Grace Slick)
The Stone Poneys (Linda Ronstadt)
Janis Ian
Norma Tanega
Sandy Posey
Spanky & Our Gang
The Seekers
Peter, Paul & Mary
The Original Caste

British Invasion and European Stars

The UK and Europe produced many influential female vocalists.

Cilla Black
Dusty Springfield
Lulu
Sandie Shaw
Helen Shapiro
Twinkle
Petula Clark
Mary Hopkin
Marianne Faithfull

Girl Groups and Pop Ensembles

The 60s were the golden age of girl groups.

The Angels
The Cookies
The Exciters
The Orlons
The Paris Sisters
The Pixies Three
The Toys
The Jaynetts
The Murmaids
The Honeys
The Ikettes
The Girlfriends
The Ad Libs
The Butterflys
The Secrets

International and Jazz Influences

These artists brought global sounds into mainstream music.

Astrud Gilberto
Miriam Makeba
Eydie Gorme
Nancy Wilson
Gale Garnett
Vikki Carr

Pop, Country, and Crossover Stars

Chart-topping artists across multiple genres.

Brenda Lee
Lesley Gore
Little Eva
Little Peggy March
Skeeter Davis
Jeannie C. Riley
Jody Miller
Patty Duke
Shelley Fabares
Ann-Margret
Annette Funicello

Hidden Gems and Underrated 60s Female Singers

These artists may not be as widely remembered, but they made notable contributions.

Alice Wonder Land
Andrea Carroll
Anita Harris
Barbara George
Barbara Lewis
Bernadette Carroll
Bobbie Gentry
Brasil ’66
Brenda & The Tabulations
Candy & The Kisses
Claudine Clark
Claudine Longet
Darlene Love
Dee Dee Sharp
Diane Renay
Donna Lynn
Emile Ford
Evie Sands
Flirtations
Four Jacks & A Jill
Ginny Arnell
Jackie DeShannon
Jackie Ross
Jan Bradley
Julie Rogers
Linda Scott
Mable John
Marcie Blane
Marilyn McCoo (The 5th Dimension)
Mercy
Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts
Millie Small
Patty & The Emblems
Reparata & The Delrons
Robin Ward
Rose Garden
Ruby & The Romantics
Shirley Ellis
The Essex
The Peppermint Rainbow

The influence of 1960s female artists is still felt today across pop, R&B, rock, and indie music. From Aretha Franklin’s powerhouse vocals to girl group harmonies that shaped modern pop, these singers paved the way for generations of artists.