Memphis, Tennessee, renowned worldwide for its profound musical heritage, continues to shine brightly with the talent and voices of remarkable female artists. These influential Memphis female singers have profoundly shaped the city’s music scene, contributing to genres ranging from soul and blues to rock and hip-hop. Memphis is not just the birthplace of legendary musiciansâitâs home to trailblazing women whose voices and artistry continue to inspire generations. Hereâs a closer look at some of the most influential female singers from Memphis who have carved lasting legacies and continue to enrich the cityâs vibrant culture.
Liz Brasher
Bringing together the sounds of her longtime home of Memphis and her birthplace of rural North Carolina, Liz Brasher offers a new take on soul for this millennium. According to her site, âLiz Brasher makes her kind of southern music â one thatâs caught halfway between the garage, the church, the bar, and the bedroom.â At once a soul singer and a guitar-playing rocker, Brasher is a master storyteller, weaving retro-inspired sounds with the influence of her multi-ethnic upbringing into her music. âBy nature, Iâm mixed. Thatâs been my whole life â having to reconcile two different cultures, or the religious and secular world, or the different genres that have all influenced me.â Let Liz Brasher take you to church by watching her Jam in the Van performance of âBlood of the Lamb.â
Louise Page
With sounds that will make you think of Regina Spektor and Lana Del Rey, Louise Page is an impressive vocalist and pianist. But what makes her even more interesting is how she uses her music as a way to bridge gaps and give the underrepresented a voice. âI am deeply interested in using music as a way to bring communities together. If there is a cause that helps disadvantaged communities â queer folx, POC, women, the homeless â music, specifically live shows, can be a way to bring light and love to that cause and that community in an exuberant and accessible way.â With passion unparalleled and a voice to match, listening to Page is the perfect soundtrack for your mood swing listening pleasures. Jam out to one of her 2019 songs, âFuture Runaway Bride,â below.
Alicja Trout
From Lost Sounds to River City Tanlines to Sweet Knives to Alicja Pop, Alicja Trout has been creating some of the defining sounds of Memphis music since the 90s. The good news for Memphis music lovers is that sheâs nowhere near done. The guitarist, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is making new music and repping Memphis on stages across the country. In 2019, she toured with Sweet Knives and became a resident artist at Crosstown Arts. âMusic is like meditating with my hands on instruments, waiting to see where they take me. My lyrics come from thoughts that have been swirling in my head in confusion, as if a little brain monkey is teasing me. Finally, she canât resist organizing my thoughts into a nice packaged daydream or soundscape. Iâve been addicted to this cathartic satisfaction since I began.â Hear her rock out with Sweet Knives and enjoy this video for âI DONâT WANNA DIE,â and then go on a sonic journey through her many projects over on Spotify.
Talibah Safiya
If youâre looking to vibe out or maybe even get a little in your feelings, Talibah Safiya is the soundtrack you need. A soul singer born and raised here in Memphis, she uses minimal but impactful instrumentation paired with moving visuals to create a listening experience unlike any other that is sure to bewitch. âI grew up in a house where we listened to a lot of music as a means of lifting us from our circumstances. Everybody uses music as healing, and for me, I recognized at a young age the necessity for music in my life.â Most recently, she toured the country with A Deep Water Sound â an experience that took her on the road coast to coast, playing intimate shows that created a one-of-a-kind, exported Memphis experience. Experience the dark and light in heartbreak by listening to her song âHealing Creekâ below.
Marcella Simien
Daughter of two-time Grammy award-winning Zydeco artist Terrance Simien, music runs in Marcella Simienâs blood. And you might think that she would ride the wave of her familyâs success, but Marcella has blazed her trail and made a name for herself here in Memphis and beyond. âA lot of my words come from journals Iâve carried with me since I was 14. I started writing songs when I was 12 in an attempt to try and keep up with an imagination that was always running away from me. Itâs still like that now, in a way.â A multi-talented artist, Marcella moved to Memphis from her hometown of Lafayette, La., to study at Memphis College of Art, but she found a home in the music scene. Described as a living testament that soul music is alive and well, Marcella is an accordion-wielding powerhouse of spunk and full-bodied sound. Catch the vibe by watching her Jam in the Van session below.
Aretha Franklin
No list of famous singers from Memphis would be complete without the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Arethaâs powerful voice and emotional depth established her as a global icon. Her legacy includes timeless hits like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “Chain of Fools,” making her an indelible figure in music history. Franklin’s groundbreaking career spanned decades, earning her numerous Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the first female inductee. Her music remains influential, empowering women and artists across the world.
Carla Thomas
Often hailed as the “Queen of Memphis Soul,” Carla Thomas is one of the pioneering female singers from Memphis. Her smooth voice brought hits like “Gee Whiz” and “B-A-B-Y” to life, solidifying her role in shaping the soul music genre and paving the way for future generations of Memphis female singers. Daughter of legendary singer Rufus Thomas, Carla collaborated frequently with Stax Records, significantly impacting the label’s growth and prominence in the music industry.
Ann Peebles
Memphis singer Ann Peebles became synonymous with Southern soul through hits like “I Can’t Stand the Rain.” Her evocative style and soulful expression continue to influence contemporary artists, solidifying her legacy as a pivotal figure in Memphis music history. Peebles recorded extensively for Hi Records, where she worked closely with renowned producer Willie Mitchell, helping define the sound of Memphis soul in the 1970s.
Valerie June
Blending folk, blues, soul, and country, Valerie June stands out among modern Memphis singers. Her unique, genre-defying music showcases her distinct voice and creative authenticity, earning her widespread acclaim and recognition in the global music scene. Juneâs critically acclaimed albums, such as “The Order of Time,” reflect her versatility and have led her to perform at major international music festivals and collaborate with various esteemed artists.
Gangsta Boo
An influential figure in hip-hop, Gangsta Boo was among the first female rappers from Memphis to gain national attention. As a member of Three 6 Mafia and through her successful solo career, she blazed trails for female artists in the predominantly male-dominated hip-hop scene, solidifying her legacy as an iconic Memphis artist. Her confident lyrical style and pioneering presence in the hip-hop community inspired many female rappers who followed.
Julien Baker
Julien Baker, one of the standout contemporary Memphis female singers, captivates listeners with her emotional honesty and compelling songwriting. Known for her indie rock and folk influences, Baker’s powerful and introspective music continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. Her albums, such as “Sprained Ankle” and “Little Oblivions,” have received widespread acclaim for their raw vulnerability and insightful lyricism.
K. Michelle
Memphis-born singer-songwriter K. Michelle has made a significant mark in R&B and soul. Known for her powerful voice, authenticity, and candid storytelling, K. Michelleâs dynamic performances and chart-topping hits have earned her recognition as one of the prominent female singers from Memphis currently active in the music industry. Her honest narratives about love, loss, and personal growth have resonated deeply with fans, securing her position as a celebrated figure in contemporary R&B.
Wendy Moten
From soulful ballads to country hits, Wendy Motenâs versatile vocal prowess places her among Memphisâ standout female artists. Her extensive career includes collaborating with legends like Vince Gill and touring extensively, showcasing Memphisâ diverse musical roots worldwide. Motenâs notable performances on “The Voice” further highlighted her exceptional talent, introducing her remarkable voice to broader audiences and underscoring Memphis’ rich musical diversity.
These extraordinary women represent the ongoing strength and diversity of female artists from Memphis. Their voices, creativity, and enduring legacies continue to inspire and shape the musical heritage of this iconic city.
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