Important Female Artists of the 1980s and 1990s
There are several notable female artists in the 1980s and 1990s. Here are a few examples: Whitney Houston, Belinda Carlisle, Joan Jett, Gwen Stefani, and more. What do they have in common? If you are interested in learning about the career paths of these artists, read on!
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston is one of the most popular and best-selling female artists of all time, selling more than 200 million albums worldwide. She landed a record deal at the age of nineteen and went on to record eight more albums, all of which have been certified platinum, gold, or diamond. “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, which was released in 1993, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling over forty million copies worldwide.
Whitney Houston was one of the best-known female artists of the 80s, reaching the number one spot in the US R&B charts on several occasions. She had a long career that included success in the movie industry and in the music industry. She sang a cover of Prince’s “I Feel For You” and recorded a song called “Ain’t Nobody” with her first band, Rufus.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani is an American singer-songwriter. She was born in Fullerton, California, and was raised Catholic. Her middle name, Renee, comes from the Four Tops song “Walk Away Renee.” Her parents were of Irish descent and were avid fans of folk music. She has two younger sisters and an older brother.
After leaving No Doubt, Gwen Stefani became a solo artist. Her solo album was titled Love. Angel. Music. Baby, which signified her desire to move away from the ska punk style she embraced during her first years. She also collaborated with hip hop and R&B legend Dr. Dre to produce the album, and her style was transformed from a teen-y teeny-bohemian diva to a modern street-chic diva.
Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle is an American singer-songwriter who found fame as a lead singer in the Go-Go’s and as a solo artist in the 1980s. She later wrote an autobiography, Belinda, which was a bestseller. She credits her Buddhist faith for helping her quit drugs, and she continues to tour and record.
In the early 80s, Belinda Carlisle was a member of the all-girl band The Go-Go’s. Their hit songs included “Vacation” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” In 1989, she released her solo debut album, A Woman and a Man. Carlisle covered the song for the album, which became a top 10 hit in the UK. She also worked with the Go-Gos guitarist, George Harrison.
Joan Jett
While still a teenager, Jett began her musical career with a band called the Runaways. Jett served as lead vocalist, guitarist, and bass player in the band. She also played drums. Later, she worked as a producer for various other bands. She was influenced by the glam rockers of her day, such as T. Rex’s Marc Bolan, and found inspiration in their music.
In the 1980s, the image of a female singer was still a lot different than it is today. Many women were expected to wear skirts and move their bodies in sync with the music. But Joan Jett challenged that image by donning a biker jacket and a scarf, and snarling into a mic with a rock song like “I Love Rock ‘N Roll.” Her music helped change the stereotypes of what a woman should look like.
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper and other important female musicians of the 1980s and 1990s have had an impact on the music industry. Their music and popularity have helped shape the genre of pop music today. They have received numerous awards for their work. While they were not as famous as their male counterparts, they are still important to female music fans. Here are some of their biggest hits:
Cyndi Lauper has sold more than 50 million records. Her quirky personality and distinct voice have made her a pop icon. Lauper began writing songs at the age of twelve, when she was influenced by the Beatles and Judy Garland. She had her first solo album released on CBS imprint Portrait Records, which included the hit single ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’. The album was a commercial success, and she went on to record a number of hit singles. Cyndi Lauper even won a Tony award for her musical, Kinky Boots.
Myra Ellen Amos
Myra Ellen Amos was a pioneer in the music industry during the 1980s. She was able to establish a career in the genre of folk rock, and she is regarded as one of the most influential female artists of her generation. Her tenth studio album, ‘Abnormally Attracted to Sin,’ was released in May 2009. It was her first album for Universal Republic, and it became her seventh Top Ten debut on the charts. She also released a holiday album, Midwinter Graces, which received warm reviews.
Amos had homemade demo tapes when she was just 17, which her father sent out to record labels. One of the tapes received a response from Atlantic Records, and the A&R man, Jason Flom, flew to Baltimore to see Amos in person. In 1984, Amos was signed to the label and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career.
Angelique Kidjo
Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese singer and actress. She was born in Ouidah, Benin. Her father is from the Fon people, while her mother is from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The singer grew up listening to Yoruba and Beninese traditional music. She also grew up listening to James Brown, Otis Redding, Fela Kuti, and Stevie Wonder. She began performing on stage at an early age and became a professional singer when she was twenty. Her first album, Pretty, was released in 1981. The album was a hit for Kidjo.
Angelique Kidjo’s 1991 album, Logozo, marked her breakthrough into the international music scene. Her unique music style combines different genres and eras to create a unique sound. She has collaborated with many artists, including Philip Glass, the Kronos Quartet, Alicia Keys, and Branford Marsalis. She has also released a number of critically acclaimed albums for Island Records.