If you’re looking for some of the best female singers of the 80s, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll look at Whitney Houston, Pat Benatar, Kim Wilde, and Belinda Carlisle. These women were not only popular in the 80s, but they also have their own following today.
Belinda Carlisle
The 80s were a golden age for female singers, and Belinda Carlisle was one of them. She made an impact on the music industry by releasing four solo albums between 1989 and 1996. Her breakthrough came with the hit single “Real”, which peaked at number one in the UK and the US. She collaborated with The Mamas & the Papas’ Michelle Phillips and songwriter Diane Warren. Thomas Dolby played keyboards on the track.
Carlisle began her career with the Gems, a band that she joined when she was a teenager. She and two friends soon went on to form the Go-Go’s, becoming one of the most popular female groups of the 80s. Their debut album reached number one in the Billboard charts, and it became a classic.
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is one of the most influential female singers of the 1980s. Her sound inspired many wannabes to emulate her. In fact, it’s possible to find her influence in singers such as Lisa Marie Presley, Christina Aguilera, and Pink. She embodied an 80s female voice that challenged the chauvinistic record company execs.
Pat Benatar’s career has spanned four decades. Her breakthrough hit “I’m No Angel” spawned a successful solo career, and she quickly gained recognition as a member of the music industry. Benatar signed with Chrysalis Records in 1978 after performing at New York’s Tramps nightclub. Later, producer Mike Chapman introduced Pat to Neil Giraldo, a guitarist who was a key member of Rick Derringer’s band at the time. In addition to Benatar’s exemplary talent, Giraldo’s talent allowed him to work together with Benatar, and they formed a dynamic duo.
In 1984, Benatar released her fifth studio album, Tropico. It reached number 17 in the US and reached number two on the Rock Tracks chart. It also reached number one in the Netherlands and Australia, where it charted for seven weeks. In addition to this, Benatar’s single “We Belong” reached number one in Australia and West Germany.
Kim Wilde
One of the most successful female singers of the 1980s was Kim Wilde. Her self-titled debut album was released in June 1981 and reached No.3 on the UK album chart. Kim’s sound was a mix of rock and futuristic synths. One of her singles, “Water On Glass,” reached No.11 in the UK singles chart. Although the song’s album version is slightly different from the single version, it’s still a great example of a 1980s pop song.
The daughter of a successful pop singer, Kim Wilde launched her pop career at the age of 20 with her worldwide hit “Kids in America”. She is still incredibly popular today and despite her age is embarking on a pandemic-delayed Greatest Hits tour. Before deciding to pursue a career in music, Kim Wilde had a very complicated relationship with the industry.
Sheila E.
American singer and percussionist Sheila E. Escovedo began her career in the mid-70s with the George Duke Band. She toured the world and won a Grammy for her compositions. She has recorded several albums and performed at major jazz festivals. Her work has won her many fans.
Born in 1957, Sheila E. grew up in a musical family, immersed in the diverse music scenes of the San Francisco Bay Area. Her father, percussionist Pete Escovedo, and uncles Coke and Alejandro Escovedo, as well as her godfather Tito Puente, inspired her. Her family surrounded her with musical instruments and encouraged her to sing.
After the release of her debut album in 1984, Sheila E. opened for Prince on the Purple Rain tour. Her first solo album, The Glamorous Life, was a Billboard hit and won her multiple Grammy and MTV awards. In 1985, Sheila E. returned to music, performing with her band, the E-Train, and appearing on Magic Johnson’s talk show The Magic Hour. Her final studio album, 1991’s Lovesexy, was a critical failure and failed to sell.