For decades, the soulful sound of singers like Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle and Al Green has been incorporated in jazz, blues and even country music. More specific, some of the greatest white female performers have admitted to being influenced by these legendary artists. Case in point: Janis Joplin. The Texas native often compared her unique sound as being a reincarnation of Bessie Smith and Billie Holliday. And although she may have likened herself to those soulful songbirds, Joplin was dubbed the queen of rock n’ roll.
Even 80s pop-icon Olivia Newton-John gave accolades to Black soul songsters she admired with her 2004 tribute CD titled “Indigo: Women of Song”. The album consisted of cover songs previously recorded by music influencers Nancy Wilson, Minnie Riperton and Nina Simone. It went on to be certified Gold in Australia.
Furthermore, many of today chart-topping female singers like Kelly Clarkson and Jessie J, vocals mimic those fervent sounds from Motown and the Soul Train era. And although most ethnomusicologist may list famed vocalists like Dusty Springfield and Janis Joplin as the top ‘blue-eyed’ soul singers of our time, we decided to list our picks for our top five ‘melanin-less’ female artists that can make the argument. See if you agree agree or disagree with our selections.
No.# 5: Lisa Stansfield
English singer-songwriter, Lisa Stansfield became a chart favorite with songs like “All Around the World” and “Change”. Her first studio album “Affections” released in the latter part of the 80s decade and spawned a world-wide selling track (‘Round the World) from it. Stansfield would later rerecorded the hit as a duo track with soul crooner Barry White. However, it’s the live version of her female anthem “All Woman” that really demonstrate how powerful her vocal’s are.
No.# 4: Christina Aguilera
Hailing from Staten Island, NY, this former Disney star rose to fame with the likes of some other famous mouseketeers — Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. However, because of her prolific nature, Aguilera took a somewhat different path on the music scene. Nabbing five Grammy awards, Aquilera also starred alongside the ironic, Cher, in the movie musical “Burlesque” as well as record the title track from Disney’s “Mulan”. Aguilera cogent pitch and rhythmic dance moves can be sampled in the video “Ain’t No Other Man”.
No.# 3: Adele
Coming on strong in the mid-spring of 2008, Adele has achieved phenomenal success. Her hit single “Rolling the In Deep” kept her rolling on the charts. Soon after, Adele followed up with the track “Skyfall” from the James Bond soundtrack and became a household name. However, it was the universal hit “Hello” released in 2016 that made Adele one of the most acclaimed singers today. The music video itself has received over nearly three billion views worldwide. Adele’s most notable musical influence can easily be recognized as Aretha Franklin as many critics have assumed.
No.# 2: Amy Winehouse
The British have invaded! The late English singer, Amy Winehouse, conquered the music charts in 2006 with her release “Back to Black”. The album itself went on to become the biggest-selling album in the U.K. Winehouse eclectic sound was a mixture of jazz, rhythm & blues and a bit of soul. Her hit single “Rehab” gave a her audiences a true glimpse of Winehouse’s personal struggles. Plagued by drug addiction, Winehouse would receive a host of music awards before succumbing to an overdose in 2011. Winehouse music still resonates in today’s audiences.
No.# 1: You guessed it… Teena Marie
If you ask anyone that knows real R&B music, “Who is the best ‘white” soulful singer of all-time?“—Teena Marie’s name will come up in some dialogue. In the 70s, Marie, who went by the name “Lady T” launched a solo career after collaborating with soul-funk king Rick James. Often referred to as the Ivory Queen of Soul, Teena Marie found her initial success with black audiences with hits like “Square Biz” and “Fire and Desire” with Rick James. Her untimely death in 2010 was a major loss for R&B music lovers everywhere. Thankful, “Lady T” has left today’s newcomers plenty of be influenced by. Her track “Out on a Limb” showcases her skills perfectly.