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 Western Music Singers (21–30)
Up on the RoofLaura Nyro
Singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, who captured the urbane atmosphere of New York in the melodies of her piano.
She is known for a musical style that uniquely fuses soul, jazz, and gospel.
After her debut in 1966, she achieved major success with songs she wrote for other artists, such as Wedding Bell Blues and Stoned Soul Picnic, which became big hits when covered by The 5th Dimension.
Her own vocal album Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is also highly regarded as a classic, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2012.
Alongside Carole King, she can be considered a pioneering female songwriter.
On nights when you want to feel solitude and love amid the city’s bustle, her passionate, deeply resonant voice is sure to touch your heart.
Stop This FlameCeleste
With a husky, soulful voice and an overwhelming presence that heralds the birth of a new diva for the 2020s, she is Celeste—born in Los Angeles, raised in Brighton in the UK, and of Jamaican descent.
Influenced by the great singers of classic jazz, soul, and blues, she began creating original songs at 16 and posted them on YouTube in 2014.
Her precocious talent was soon recognized, and in 2018 she signed with major label Polydor, drawing widespread attention.
She went on to take the top spot in the BBC’s “Sound of 2020,” and her name became known here in Japan as well.
If you’re a fan of singers like Adele or Amy Winehouse, she’s a must-listen.
For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music (31–40)
Back From The DeadElizabeth “Lzzy” Hale（Halestorm）
The vocalist with a powerhouse voice that can rival any male singer is Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
Halestorm is an American hard rock band formed in 1997 by the Hale siblings—Lzzy and her brother Arejay on drums.
Lzzy’s roaring, howl-like vocals while she thrashes on the guitar are absolutely electrifying.
Their song “Back From The Dead,” themed around mental survival, is a soul-shaking anthem—Lzzy’s cry of life will leave you trembling.
Move OverJanis Joplin
Janis Joplin, an iconic figure of the rock world who became a legend with her overwhelming vocal power and performances that could be called cries from the soul.
Known for her unique style that fused blues and soul into rock, she began pursuing her career in earnest around 1966.
Despite a brief but intense career, she left many masterpieces, including the classic album Pearl released in 1971 and Me and Bobby McGee, which posthumously reached No.
1 in the U.S.
Her contributions to music have been highly acclaimed, including receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Her ability to transform loneliness and pain into strength in her singing profoundly moves listeners’ hearts.
She is a highly recommended artist for those who want to feel authentic rock and blues, and for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a voice that lays bare raw emotion.
Genie In A BottleChristina Aguilera
Among American pop singers, the undeniably sexiest diva is Christina Aguilera.
Many people in Japan likely became captivated by her after the performances she showcased in the film Burlesque, which was also released here.
With a voice that combines both power and sensuality, she enchants the world.
Back To YouSelena Gomez
Selena Gomez, the singer and actress who rose to global fame starring in the hit TV series Wizards of Waverly Place, which was extremely popular in Japan as well.
Her cute looks paired with a wistful, husky singing voice—it’s hard not to be drawn in by that contrast.
She’s also well known as Justin Bieber’s ex-girlfriend.
Tell MeMacy Gray
The singer Macy Gray, often called the reincarnation of Nina Simone.
Her uniquely husky voice delivers an unforgettable impact the moment you hear it.
Her style—a blend of modern electronic music and classic jazz—is incredibly sophisticated and cool.
She’s a singer with outstanding vocal ability and musicality.