Decades of Influence: The Most Impactful Female Musicians from the ‘60s to Today

It’s finally Women’s History Month! This year, especially this year, it’s so important to remember the women who have impacted our society for the better. More specifically, today I want to go over some of the most influential female musicians of each decade, from the 1960s to the 2020s. These women aren’t necessarily my personal favorites, and there are certainly others who could rival them in terms of influence and popularity, but their impact on culture, both in their respective decades and beyond, is undeniable. 

1960s: Diana Ross

Who hadn’t heard of Diana Ross? She’s widely considered the Queen of Motown music, and for good reason. She led The Supremes, an incredibly influential and popular all-female group, and helped it become one of the best-selling bands of all time. As a Black female artist during a time of intense racial division, she experienced racism and sexism, both from the music industry and the public, and has since been a staunch activist for civil rights. She’s also known as an LGBTQ+ icon. 

Song I Love: I’m Coming Out (1980)

1970s: Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is, I believe, one of the most iconic folk singers in American history. As an artist known for her part in the counterculture movement, much of her music touches on social issues, from deforestation and war to women’s rights and female empowerment. She has faced plenty of sexism over her life, and isn’t as widely known as some of her contemporaries, but her artistry is unique and timeless.

Song I Love: River (1969)

1980: Cyndi Lauper

Back in the ‘80s, girls just wanted to be like Cyndi Lauper! She is known for her eclectic fashion style and energetic stage presence, and used her platform to encourage girls to celebrate themselves and their quirkiness alongside her. She was the first woman to have four top-five singles from her first album, and became one of the biggest stars in the world for years. She’s also a fierce LGBTQ+ activist. Even today, her music and style remain iconic and second-to-none.

Song I Love: Time After Time (1983)

1990s: Mariah Carey

It’s tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime! We may know Mariah Carey as the Queen of Christmas, but she ruled the 90’s and beyond with her genre-blending work. She’s considered one of the most famous female singers of all time, and has influenced countless modern vocalists. Her voice, which spans an incredibly impressive five octaves, is also considered one of the best voices of all time. So yeah, pretty impressive. She’s also broken racial barriers as a biracial artist, is a philanthropist, and is also a huge LGBTQ+ ally. 

Song I Love: Fantasy (1995)

2000s: Britney Spears

Britney Spears is truly the “Princess of Pop.” One of the best-selling artists of all time (150 million records sold) and the youngest female artist to have five albums debut at number one before she turned 20, she is credited with the revival of “teen pop” and is the recipient of countless awards, including Billboard’s Millennium Award, which recognizes outstanding career achievements and influence in the music industry. She has become a cultural icon. 

Song I Love: Toxic (2003)

2010s: Taylor Swift

What is there to say? If you want to understand why Taylor Swift is so influential and how she connects with listeners, just read anything and everything here. Ribbon Magazine has its own terrifically talented Taylor aficionado!

Song I Love (out of far too many): Nothing New (2021)

2020s: Billie Eilish

Last but certainly not least, I personally feel Billie Eilish deserves all the flowers. Her unique artistry and style, both musically and aesthetically, have attracted millions to her fanbase over a relatively short timespan. She is widely regarded as a powerful voice for Generation Z, and uses her platform to advocate for mental health, climate change, and politics in general––she is not afraid to speak her mind. With three incredibly successful studio albums under her belt, I for one am thrilled for what comes next in her career.

(Not to be political, but zero Grammy awards for Hit Me Hard and Soft? What?)

Song I Love (again, out of many): Male Fantasy (2021)

There are so many female musicians I could include on this list, but there are only so many words one can reasonably fit on a page (screen). If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out not only these artists, but the plethora of artists currently making a name for themselves out in the world. Happy Women’s History Month, Ribbon Readers!