In celebration of women who make my heart sing

I’ve always been a sucker for women singers across a wide range of genres in a way that their male colleagues have never quite achieved. Of course I have my favorite male singers and bands but there’s some je ne sais quoi about contemporary musical divas that strikes a deeper chord.

So I thought I’d share some of them with you and hope you too derive some of the pleasure I get from their work.

Lisa Gerrard – Of course I had to start with an Australian and there is nothing more exotic and unmistakable than her ethereal vocal range. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIoJ5MNOihY

Patti Smith – Not only is ‘Free Money’ one of the great rock songs of all time, Patti has been a pioneer over decades. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kNj8nOIc28

Patty Griffin – A great songwriter and a beautiful voice that crosses musical boundaries. Long Ride Home is a beautiful example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdlFXfm7sQY

Chrissie Amphlett – Tragically no longer with us but an iconic Australian rock singer who pushed all the boundaries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5SeYI_FoxA&list=PLPajZHHF-q8-lljEDlI8mnULF0V-whxP1&index=120&t=0s

Odetta – A timeless folk voice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXQokJSqNWA

And finally, I have to include an English contender.

Dusty Springfield – Part of the soundtrack of my youth was Dusty songs like ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmoIywxxFFA&list=PL587A0831D47BAF57&index=13&t=0s

Join in the hit parade of great women singers.