[Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers

Young Hearts Run FreeCandi Staton

Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free (Official Music Video) [HD]

When it comes to Southern soul divas known for gospel-infused vocals, surely Alabama-born Candi Staton comes to mind.

She began her career in the late 1960s and drew attention in 1970 with her cover of the country song “Stand By Your Man.” Later, the title track of her 1976 album “Young Hearts Run Free” became a worldwide hit.

With multiple Grammy nominations, her talent is beyond question.

Her greatest appeal lies in her urgent, convincing vocals, which seem to reflect her tumultuous personal life.

She’s a singer you’ll want to hear if you resonate with strong, independent women or are seeking soul music that truly moves the heart.

Up on the RoofLaura Nyro

Laura Nyro ” Up On The Roof ” (Studio Recording)

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.

When Will I See You AgainThe Three Degrees

The Three Degrees – When Will I See You Again (Audio)

The Three Degrees are a female vocal group that has been loved around the world for more than half a century as a leading act of Philadelphia soul.

Since their formation around 1963, they have continued to perform as a trio, maintaining that format despite multiple lineup changes.

Their signature song is undoubtedly “When Will I See You Again,” released in 1974, which achieved international success, reaching No.

2 in the U.S.

and No.

1 in the U.K.

In addition, their collaboration with MFSB, “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” was used as the theme for the music program Soul Train and reached No.

1 in the U.S.

Their sophisticated harmonies are said to have captivated even the then–Prince Charles, making them a group that every soul music lover should hear.

Don’t Leave Me This WayTHELMA HOUSTON

Thelma Houston – Don’t Leave Me This Way (Long Version) • TopPop

The talented singer Thelma Houston, who hails from Mississippi and has roots in gospel.

She began her career in the late 1960s and is known for leaving behind classic soul and disco recordings on labels such as Motown.

Her career gained full momentum with the 1969 album Sunshower, but it was the 1976 single “Don’t Leave Me This Way” that cemented her worldwide popularity.

With that song, she earned high acclaim, including winning the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in February 1978.

It’s also well known that she is not related to Whitney Houston.

If you’re looking to lift your spirits with a powerful voice, why not give her work a listen?