For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
From a slightly hoarse, smoky, soothing tone to a powerful voice that might make you think for a moment, “Is that a male vocalist?,” husky female vocals radiate a wide range of charms.
Many of my vocal training students admire husky voices as well.
This time, I’ve selected recommended works by female artists in Western music who showcase such captivating husky singing.
Some tracks are chosen from my perspective as a vocal producer, so I believe they’ll be helpful references for female singers with husky voices.
However!! No matter how wonderful a husky voice is, please never intentionally damage your own voice to get it, okay? I truly mean it—please be careful.
- [Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers
- [Healing & Cool] Female Vocalists with Captivating Husky Voices
- [Cool Female Vocals] Badass Women Singers Around the World [2026]
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
- Female Western music artists who are good singers
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Commercial Songs and Popular Hits by Western Female Singers [2026]
- [Western Music] Female vocalists known for their beautiful voices
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- Female vocal songs where women with low voices can shine
- Captivating female jazz singers who illuminate the history of jazz. Recommended jazz vocals from around the world.
- [70s Western Music] Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs by Female Singers
For Lovers of Husky Voices: Female Singers in Western Music (51–60)
She Cries Your NameBeth Orton
Beth Orton is a singer-songwriter with a distinctive blend of songs and a languid, ennui-tinged vocal atmosphere.
Originally from the UK and initially aiming to become an actress, she began building her career as an artist after meeting producer William Orbit.
Her voice, which seems to melt gently into the heart, is deeply captivating.
It isn’t a raspy, gravelly huskiness; instead, it carries a transparent quality with plenty of breath in the tone.
PressCardi B
Cardi B, a breakout female rapper who burst onto the hip-hop scene in the late 2010s, has made waves with her bold personality and outrageous behavior and remarks, earning a reputation as a scandal-stirring figure.
Yet her talent as a musician is undeniable.
Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, released in 2018, topped the U.S.
charts despite her newcomer status and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album—the first time a woman had received the honor.
With a Hispanic father and a Caribbean mother, her uniquely husky voice and straightforward lyrics sometimes draw criticism, but she exudes a strength that shrugs off such detractors.
Even if you don’t usually listen to rap, this is the perfect chance to give her a try!
Story Of My Life – IrelandLesley Roy
“Story Of My Life” is a dance-pop track released by Lesley Roy in 2020.
She is a singer-songwriter from Ireland who gained attention with her 2008 release “Unbeautiful.” Her appeal lies in her edgy, rock-vocalist-like voice.
With just the right amount of grit—not overdone—her spicy vocals bring out the best in the song.
You might be missing out if you’ve never listened to that voice!
LifeDes’ree
With rich, resonant low tones and a soaring vocal, she sets listeners’ hearts free.
If you like husky voices, I recommend the British singer-songwriter Des’ree.
Born and raised in London, she was taught reggae, calypso, and jazz from a young age by her mother, who is from Guyana.
Influenced by that, she came to develop a captivating voice—expansive and relaxing to those who listen.
In particular, the song “Life” makes you feel as if you can live with a heart set free.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
Born in 1945, Kim Carnes is a singer-songwriter known for her distinctive husky voice.
She debuted in 1971 and had a major breakthrough in 1981 with “Bette Davis Eyes,” which won a Grammy and topped the U.S.
charts for nine consecutive weeks.
She has been active across a wide range of genres from pop to rock, releasing over 20 albums.
Her duet with Kenny Rogers also drew attention.
Carnes’s appeal lies in the fusion of her sweet, lustrous vocals and powerful expressiveness.
She’s recommended for those who admire husky voices or enjoy vocals that convey a mature allure.