Best Rock and Pop Female Singers

[MyriVerse]

Agree with everyone mentioned so far.

Aretha Franklin
Diana Ross
Joni Mitchell
Donna Summer
Patti Smith
Bonnie Raitt (very underappreciated, imo)
Gladys Knight
Annie Lennox

Edit: Grace Slick

[KOSLOX]

Add in Kim Deal and Kate Bush.

[Overhazard]

Amy Lee. At first listen, I thought that Evanescence was some early 2000's nu-metal garbage. Turns out, that rapper in "bring me to life" was an add on from the studio. Amy HATES the rap part, and did a new version of the song without it. She also isn't as serious as she seems, she did a whole kids album.

There's also Lzzy Hale. Raw vocal power, charismatic as the day is long, and very aggressive.

[Javasaurus]

I always felt that Maria KcKee (of Lone Justice) has good, solid voice; able to hold her own in the midst of any rock track. It's too bad she never seemed to get more recognition.

On the more country-esqe end of the music spectrum, Neko Case has a voice that I could listen to all day. Her voice has a good dynamic range with a warm quality. As a musician, she manages to write music that really capitalizes on her vocal abilities. One thing that I rally like about her is that she sometimes flirts with that torch singer style of vocals; which seems rare these days.

Zola Jesus has voice that can be both haunting and powerful at times. Like Neko, she seems a well rounded artist who can write material that allows her to make the most of her vocal abilities; while blending it with some wonderful instrumentation.

[seismic-2]

Emmylou Harris is a country singer rather than rock, but she can do a really fine turn with a Beatles tune, too.

[seismic-2]

If Alison Krauss can record with Robert Plant (as she has done), then I'll include her as a pop singer, so she has to be on the list.

[seismic-2]

British "folk rock" (Steeleye Span, Pentangle, The Incredible String Band, etc.) counts as "rock" or at least "pop", doesn't it? If so, then the list should include Sandy Denny, of Fairport Convention.

[WestPhillyPunisher]

Madonna
Cher
Dolly Parton

[Attila Kiss]