They're talented musicians, gifted singers, and proudly gay. These are the most notable lesbian singers, as ranked by music fans like you. The best lesbian singers have made their mark in different ways. Some talented openly gay female singers are solo artists, while other famous lesbian singers front popular bands. Many of the best lesbian singers have won Grammy Awards for their work. Who will you vote to the top of this list of the best lesbian singers? Maybe you'll move Melissa Etheridge to number one. She came out publicly in 1993, the same year that she released her smash hit album, Yes I Am. “Come to My Window,” “I'm the Only One” and “If I Wanted To” are just a few of the hits off the release. k.d. Lang is another iconic lesbian singer featured on this list. Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent, hasn't come out publicly, but has dated women. Other dynamic artists from rock and alternative to folk and pop who appear on this list include Dusty Springfield, Beth Ditto, and Tracy Chapman. You will also find country stars Brandy Clark and Chely Wright on this list. Vote up the best and your favorite lesbian singers and musicians.
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With a voice that's been described as hauntingly beautiful, this iconic folk-rock musician has made a significant impact on the music industry since the late '80s. Known for her thought-provoking lyrics and soulful sound, she's garnered multiple Grammy Awards and critical acclaim throughout her career. As an advocate for social change, her poignant storytelling continues to resonate with fans around the world.
As the frontwoman of one of the most iconic rock bands in history, this legendary musician is known for her raw vocal power and uncompromising attitude. A pioneer in the male-dominated world of rock music, she's been instrumental in paving the way for future generations of female musicians. Her rebellious spirit and undeniable talent have earned her a place among rock royalty.
A trailblazer in the pop music scene, this talented singer-songwriter has a knack for crafting catchy tunes with deeply personal lyrics about love and identity. Her powerful vocals and expertly crafted melodies have garnered a dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as the "Kiyokians." As an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, her music has inspired countless listeners to embrace their authentic selves.
Rocking arenas with her raspy alto voice and electrifying guitar skills, this powerhouse performer is renowned for her confessional songwriting and heartfelt ballads. A trailblazer both musically and socially, she's been honored with numerous accolades including two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. Paving the way for future generations of musicians, she remains a symbol of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
With a voice that could pierce your soul, this psychedelic rock legend remains one of the most influential singers of all time. Known for her raw emotion and electric stage presence, she captivated audiences with her unique blend of blues, folk, and rock music. Although her life was tragically cut short at just 27 years old, her impact on the music world continues to be felt today.
Hailing from Norway, this indie-pop artist has gained international recognition thanks to her candid songwriting style and dreamy soundscapes. With a soft yet powerful vocal delivery, she's able to convey raw emotion through her music, touching the hearts of countless fans. As an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, she's helped to break down barriers and encourage open dialogue about mental health and sexuality.
A multi-talented musician, actress, and television producer, this powerhouse artist has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With a voice that's both commanding and sultry, she's demonstrated her versatility as a singer by effortlessly transitioning between genres like hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. As a trailblazer in music and film, she's inspired countless women of color to pursue their dreams.
This indie-pop sensation burst onto the scene with a unique sound that effortlessly blends vintage influences with modern production techniques. Possessing a sultry voice that captivates listeners, she's quickly become one of today's most promising young talents. As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, her unapologetic authenticity has made her a role model for many.
This Canadian indie-pop duo has been enchanting listeners with their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics since the late '90s. Known for their tight harmonies and distinctive voices, they've consistently pushed boundaries throughout their career while remaining true to their roots. As outspoken advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, they've used their platform to raise awareness about important issues affecting the community.
This pop sensation rose to fame in the early '60s with her catchy tunes and girl-next-door charm. With a voice that could convey both vulnerability and strength, she became an icon for young women during a time of social change. Although she largely kept her personal life private, her impact on the LGBTQ+ community is undeniable.
This Grammy-winning Americana artist is known for her powerful, emotive vocals and poignant storytelling. With a unique blend of folk, rock, and country influences, she's captivated audiences around the world with her raw honesty and passion. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, her music serves as a powerful reminder of the power of love and unity.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female singers in history, this British soul icon was known for her incredible vocal range and emotive delivery. With a string of hits throughout the '60s and '70s, she became synonymous with the "blue-eyed soul" movement while also breaking down barriers in the music industry. As a trailblazer for women in music, her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists.
With a voice that's been described as "liquid gold," this Canadian singer-songwriter has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of country, pop, and jazz since the '80s. Known for her incredible vocal range and control, she's garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including four Grammy Awards. As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare, she's used her platform to raise awareness about pressing issues.
With a hauntingly beautiful voice that demands attention, this Irish singer-songwriter has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of folk, rock, and world music since the late '80s. Known for her fearless activism and unapologetic honesty, she's remained an influential figure in the music world despite numerous controversies throughout her career. As an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, she's paved the way for future generations of musicians.
This folk-rock duo has been enchanting audiences with their tight harmonies and powerful storytelling since the mid-'80s. Known for their passionate activism and deeply personal lyrics, they've used their music as a platform to raise awareness about important social issues. As trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community, they've inspired countless fans to embrace their authentic selves.
This multi-talented artist first gained fame as a model and television presenter before transitioning into music and acting. With a sultry voice that lends itself perfectly to electronic dance music, she's proven herself to be a formidable force in the entertainment industry. As an openly queer woman, she's served as an inspiration to countless fans around the world.
This enigmatic singer-songwriter possesses a truly unique voice that effortlessly soars through hauntingly beautiful melodies. With a distinctive style that blends elements of rock, pop, and folk music, her deeply personal lyrics resonate with fans from all walks of life. As an openly queer musician, she's pushed boundaries in an industry that often seeks to pigeonhole artists based on their sexuality.
This eclectic indie-rock musician is known for her innovative sound that effortlessly blends elements of art rock, electronic music, and pop. With a voice that's both ethereal and powerful, she's captivated audiences around the world with her unique stage presence and avant-garde aesthetic. As an openly queer artist, she's pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms throughout her career.
This singer-songwriter and spoken word artist first gained national attention for her poignant contributions to a Grammy-nominated hit song. With a soulful voice that conveys raw emotion, she's earned critical acclaim for her deeply personal lyrics about love, mental health, and self-acceptance. As an openly queer woman, she's become a powerful advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights.
As the lead singer of an alternative rock band in the '90s, this talented vocalist quickly gained recognition for her distinctive voice and emotive lyrics. After achieving success as a solo artist, she transitioned into a highly sought-after songwriter and producer, working with some of the biggest names in music. As an openly queer woman, she's helped to break down barriers in an industry that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices.
With a career spanning more than four decades, this British singer-songwriter has left an indelible mark on the world of folk-rock music. Known for her emotive vocals and deeply personal lyrics, she's garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase thanks to her unique sound that blends elements of rock, jazz, and reggae. As an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, she's inspired countless fans to embrace their true selves.
This trailblazing rapper burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with her hard-hitting lyrics and unapologetic attitude. Known for her distinctive flow and thought-provoking storytelling, she's been instrumental in breaking down barriers for women in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, she's used her platform to raise awareness about important issues affecting the community.
As the lead singer of an up-and-coming alt-rock band, this talented vocalist has quickly gained recognition for her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence. With a unique blend of punk, rock, and pop influences, their music has resonated with fans from all walks of life. As an openly queer woman, she serves as an inspiration to countless young fans struggling to find their own voice.
This Grammy-winning folk artist first gained fame in the '60s with her poignant lyrics and evocative storytelling. Known for her unique vocal style and impressive guitar skills, she's been a major influence on countless singer-songwriters throughout her career. As an openly queer woman, she's used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and raise awareness about important social issues.
This indie-folk artist has made a name for herself with her hauntingly beautiful voice and deeply personal lyrics that touch on themes of love, loss, and mental health. With a sound that effortlessly blends elements of folk, rock, and ambient music, she's earned critical acclaim for her evocative storytelling and raw emotion. As an openly queer musician, she's helped to break down barriers and inspire countless fans to embrace their true selves.
As one of the first openly queer country artists, this trailblazing singer-songwriter has made a significant impact on the traditionally conservative genre. With a voice that's both powerful and tender, she's captivated audiences with her heartfelt ballads and catchy tunes. Her bravery in coming out publicly has paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ musicians in the country music scene.
Best known as one-half of an electro-pop duo and for her acting roles on hit television shows, this multi-talented performer has made a significant impact on both the music and entertainment industries. With a sultry voice that lends itself perfectly to danceable tunes and heartfelt ballads alike, she's captivated fans with her undeniable talent and charm. As an openly queer woman, she's been a powerful role model for countless fans around the world.
Often referred to as the "Mother of the Blues," this legendary singer was a pioneer in the early 20th century, helping to shape the genre with her powerful voice and innovative style. As one of the first African American women to record blues music, she broke down racial barriers in an industry dominated by white performers. Although her personal life remained largely private, her influence on both blues music and the LGBTQ+ community is undeniable.
This fiercely independent singer-songwriter has been a major force in the world of indie-folk music since the early '90s. Known for her powerful vocals, intricate guitar work, and politically charged lyrics, she's earned a devoted fanbase thanks to her uncompromising artistic vision. As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and social justice, she's used her platform to raise awareness about important issues.
This talented singer-songwriter and producer first gained fame as a member of an influential hip-hop collective before branching out into a successful solo career. With a smooth, seductive voice that effortlessly glides over sultry R&B grooves, she's quickly become one of the most promising young talents in the music industry. As an openly queer woman of color, she's helped to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes in a genre that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices.
This Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter first gained fame in the early '90s with her unique blend of pop, rock, and jazz influences. With a soulful voice that can convey both heartache and joy, she's captivated audiences with her deeply personal lyrics and infectious melodies. As an openly queer artist, she's been an influential figure in both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
This multi-talented musician defies categorization with her eclectic blend of R&B, funk, jazz, hip-hop, and rock influences. With a sultry voice that can convey both vulnerability and strength, she's captivated audiences with her innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics. As an openly queer woman of color, she's broken down barriers in the music industry and paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ artists.
This Australian singer-songwriter first gained fame in the early 2000s with her unique blend of pop, folk, and rock influences. Known for her emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics, she's captivated audiences around the world with her honest storytelling and infectious melodies. As an openly queer artist, she's been an influential figure in both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
This multi-talented performer has been captivating audiences since childhood with her acting roles on hit television shows before transitioning into a successful music career. With a powerful voice that lends itself perfectly to pop and R&B tunes alike, she's demonstrated her versatility as a singer while also remaining true to her roots as an entertainer. As an openly queer woman, she's served as a role model for countless young fans around the world.
With her wry wit and deadpan delivery, this Australian indie-rock artist has quickly become one of the most distinctive voices in modern music. Known for her clever wordplay and catchy melodies, she's garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase around the world. As an openly queer musician, she's helped to challenge stereotypes and promote visibility for LGBTQ+ artists.
This up-and-coming singer-songwriter has quickly gained recognition for her soulful voice and deeply introspective lyrics. With a unique sound that blends elements of R&B, indie-pop, and spoken word, she's captured the hearts of fans around the world. As an openly queer artist, she's been an influential figure in both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
With a career spanning more than two decades, this indie-folk artist is known for her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Her unique blend of folk, rock, and punk influences has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase throughout her career. As an openly queer musician, she's been a trailblazer in the industry and an inspiration to countless fans.
This influential folk musician has been captivating audiences with her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics since the early '70s. A pioneer in the women's music movement, she's been instrumental in creating a space for female musicians within the traditionally male-dominated industry. As an openly queer woman, she's been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ artists and an inspiration to countless fans.
As one-third of an iconic indie-rock band, this talented vocalist and guitarist has been pushing boundaries in the music world since the mid-'90s. Known for her distinctive voice and electrifying stage presence, she's played a major role in shaping the sound of modern indie-rock. As an openly queer woman, she's been a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility within the music industry.
As one of the founding members of an iconic new wave band, this talented vocalist has made a significant impact on the music world with her distinctive voice and energetic stage presence. Known for her soaring harmonies and infectious melodies, she's helped to shape the sound of modern pop music. As an openly queer woman, she's paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ musicians.
As a pioneer in the women's music movement, this influential folk singer has been captivating audiences with her powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics since the early '70s. Known for her activism and commitment to social justice issues, she's used her platform to raise awareness about important causes throughout her career. As an openly queer woman, she's been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ artists and an inspiration to countless fans.
This singer-songwriter first gained fame in the '90s with her catchy pop tunes and clever lyrics. With a voice that's both sweet and powerful, she's captivated audiences with her unique blend of folk, rock, and pop influences. As an openly queer musician, she's been a trailblazer in the industry and an inspiration to countless fans.
With a voice that's both powerful and tender, this country singer-songwriter has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most promising talents in the genre. Known for her heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies, she's earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase throughout her career. As an openly queer artist, she's helped to break down barriers within the traditionally conservative world of country music.
This Canadian singer-songwriter has been enchanting audiences with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics since the late '70s. A major figure in the women's music movement, she's played a significant role in creating space for female musicians within the industry. As an openly queer artist, she's inspired countless fans to embrace their authentic selves.
This powerhouse vocalist first gained fame as the frontwoman of an indie-rock band before embarking on a successful solo career. Known for her raw emotion and commanding stage presence, she's captivated audiences with her unique blend of punk, rock, and soul influences. As an outspoken advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights, she's become a powerful role model for countless fans.
As the frontwoman of a heavy metal band, this powerhouse vocalist has made a significant impact on the music world with her raw emotion and commanding stage presence. Known for her thought-provoking lyrics and uncompromising attitude, she's pushed boundaries both musically and socially throughout her career. As an openly queer woman, she's been a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility within the metal scene.
As the lead singer of a punk rock band, this talented vocalist and guitarist has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics. Known for her raw emotion and fearless activism, she's played a major role in shaping the sound of modern punk music. As an openly transgender woman, she's been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ musicians and an inspiration to countless fans.
This British rapper burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s with her distinctive flow and unapologetic attitude. Known for her clever wordplay and infectious beats, she quickly gained recognition as one of the most promising young talents in hip-hop. As an openly queer artist, she's helped to break down barriers within a genre that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices.
This Grammy-nominated Christian rock artist first gained fame in the late '90s with her powerful vocals and deeply personal lyrics about faith and spirituality. Despite facing backlash from some conservative fans after coming out as a lesbian, she has continued to captivate audiences with her unique blend of rock, folk, and pop influences. As an openly queer musician within the Christian music scene, she's been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ artists and an inspiration to countless fans seeking acceptance within their communities.
This critically acclaimed singer-songwriter first gained recognition in the late '90s with her unique blend of folk, country, and Americana influences. Known for her evocative storytelling and soulful voice, she's earned a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades throughout her career. As an openly queer artist, she's been an influential figure in both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
