27 Best Female Country Singers Of The 70s

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John was a talented female country singer who left an indelible mark on the music scene in the 1970s. Originally from England (but raised in Australia), she went to the USA to pursue her career in country music. Olivia quickly became a rising star in the industry with her soft and gentle vocals.

In 1973, Olivia Newton-John burst onto the country music scene with her breakthrough hit single “Let Me Be There.” This song solidified her status as a popular country artist and earned her recognition as the best female vocalist of the year in 1974.

Later, she expanded her career into musical movies with hits like “Xanadu” and “Grease,” leaving a bigger mark on her musical career. She continued expanding her musical talents with many hits over the years and awards. All her fans felt her passing in 2022.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, one of the best female country singers of the 70s, is a music icon. She holds the title of Billboard's All-Time Top Female Country Artist. Dolly's success extends beyond just the 70s – she is the only woman who has achieved number-one records in three decades.

Dolly Parton has captivated audiences with her distinctive voice and memorable hits that have topped various charts. Whether it's “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” or any other classic tune from Dolly Parton's repertoire, there is no denying that she has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Sammi Smith

Sammi Smith was a talented country singer who made her mark in the 1970s. She had a successful music career until her passing on February 12, 2005. Sammi Smith is best known for her crossover hit in 1971, “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” which showcased her exceptional vocals and songwriting skills.

Despite being considered one of the most underrated artists in country music, she had several other successful covers like “Today I Started Loving You Again” and “The Longest Walk.” Sammi Smith's contributions to the music industry are not to be overlooked, as she left an incredible legacy with her soulful voice and timeless songs.

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker was a well-known female country singer of the 70s. She started her singing career at 13 years old and quickly made a name for herself with her hit song “Delta Dawn” in 1972.

What's interesting is that Tanya's older sister, LaCosta Tucker, also recorded country music during the same time period.

In addition to her successful music career, Tanya Tucker had a stormy relationship with fellow star Glen Campbell in the early 80s. However, as the 80s began, Tanya's chart fortunes declined. Despite this setback, her powerful voice and memorable songs significantly impacted the country's music industry.

Jody Miller

Jody Miller was an incredible singer who made her mark in country, folk, and pop music. She achieved great success and recognition during the 1960s and '70s. She even won a Grammy award in 1966 for “Best Country Performance—Female,” a testament to her talent and skill as a vocalist.

One of her most memorable songs was “Queen of the House,” which became a crossover hit in 1965. Jody Miller had an impressive total of six top 10 singles throughout her career, solidifying her status as one of the best female country singers of that era.

Connie Smith

Connie Smith is a talented American country music singer and songwriter. She was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Known for her distinctive contralto vocals, Connie Smith gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s as one of the best female country singers of her time.

Her debut single, “Once a Day,” quickly became a chart-topper, establishing her as a rising star in the country music industry. In an unusual love story, Connie Smith married country singer Marty Stuart in 1997 – even though Stuart is 17 years younger!

Tammy Wynette

Tammy Wynette was one of the most prominent female country singers in the 1970s. Her unique and tearful vocals struck a chord with many women, resonating deeply with their emotions.

Alongside Loretta Lynn, she was known as one of the First Ladies of Country Music. Their contributions to the genre made them pioneers for future generations of female musicians. Tammy Wynette's vulnerable singing style touched hearts all over America and contributed to her massive popularity during this era.

Stella Parton

Stella Parton is an influential artist in the American country music scene. As a singer-songwriter, she made her musical debut in 1967 and quickly gained recognition for her chart-topping hits during the country music era of the 1970s.

Stella Parton's talent runs in the family as she is the younger sister of the famous country music icon Dolly Parton. Throughout her solo career, Stella Parton has left a lasting impact on the country music industry with her unique style and powerful vocals.

Linda Martell

Linda Martell made history as the first commercially successful black female artist in country music. She broke barriers and paved the way for future African American females in the genre. Despite enduring racist abuse throughout her career, Linda Martell's passion for country music remained unwavering.

Her talent and dedication made her the first black woman to perform on the prestigious Grand Ole Opry stage. One of her notable achievements was when her song “Color Him Father” reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot Chart, further solidifying her impact on country music history.

Janie Fricke

Janie Fricke was known for her powerful and versatile vocals, which helped her become one of that decade's most popular female country singers.

Janie Fricke's music career took off when she signed with a record label and released several hit songs. Her musical versatility allowed her to tackle different styles within the genre, from traditional country ballads to more upbeat tunes. Janie also collaborated with various artists, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the country music scene.

In addition to singing, Janie Fricke has also delved into songwriting and producing records. Her passion for music goes beyond just performing; she wants to create meaningful songs that connect with listeners on a personal level.