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)
BoyfriendsGrace VanderWaal
Grace VanderWaal is attracting attention as a new-generation singer-songwriter.
At age 12, she won the audition show America’s Got Talent and instantly joined the ranks of the stars.
Since then, she has continued to flourish, appearing at the Olympic opening ceremony and making her acting debut.
In addition to her beautiful husky voice, her conversational singing style is a major draw, so I hope you’ll keep an eye on her.
Also, be sure to check out her YouTube videos covering other artists’ songs.
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.
Edge Of A Broken HeartJanet Patricia Gardner（VIXEN)
Do you know the band that was called the female Bon Jovi? Vixen is a band that delivers catchy rock tunes with a husky, powerful voice reminiscent of Bon Jovi.
Many people were captivated by their high-impact performances paired with flashy style.
One of their signature songs is Edge of a Broken Heart.
Sung with a husky high tone, it’s a track whose fresh yet wistful melody is truly moving.
Free MeSia
A female singer-songwriter from Australia who is also popular in Japan.
This work is a slow ballad featuring a beautiful, ear-pleasing ensemble of piano and strings.
Her husky, full-bodied voice makes it a piece perfectly suited for the end of the day.
For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music (61–70)
Поживи в моей шкуреАлла Пугачева
Alla Pugacheva is a Russian female singer known for her distinctive husky voice.
A veteran performer active since 1965, she kept releasing hit songs up until her retirement at age 60.
Her popularity was immense; including the Soviet era, her record sales are said to exceed 250 million.
Her singing voice is extremely powerful, and combined with that husky tone, she has a vibe similar to Japan’s Yuki Katsuragi.
If It Makes You HappySheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s 1993 debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, became a worldwide smash hit and helped spark the boom in female singers from the ’90s onward.
While grounding her music in rootsy genres like country and folk, she has continued to create superb songs that appeal to a wide range of ages.
Her greatest charm lies in her distinctive voice.
As evidenced by her work singing backup for major artists—including Michael Jackson—her vocals, which seem to combine freshness with a robust huskiness, continue to shine, captivating not only listeners but fellow musicians as well.
Quelqu’un m’a ditCarla Bruni
Carla Bruni, the Italian fashion model and singer who now feels famous as the wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Many may have first heard her name through gossip, but her music—armed with a whispery, languid yet sexy husky voice—is truly captivating.
Her 2002 debut album, “Quelqu’un M’a Dit,” is a masterpiece that blossomed with her talent as she transitioned from top model to singer-songwriter.
Despite her glamorous background, the songs, rooted in an acoustic sound, are filled with simple, comfortable melodies.
Set aside your preconceptions and give it a listen!