22 Female Pop Stars of the 1980s Every Music Fan Should Know

The 1980s was a defining decade for pop music. It saw the rise of many female stars who shaped the sound, style, and culture of the time. These women broke records, influenced generations, and remain legends in the pop music genre today. This article explores 22 iconic female pop stars from the 1980s. Each of them brought unique talent and flair to the world stage.

22 Female Pop Stars of the 1980s Every Music Fan Should Know

1. Madonna

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Madonna Louise Ciccone started her career in New York City as a dancer and singer. Her 1983 debut album, “Madonna,” included hits like “Holiday” and “Borderline.” She quickly became a pop culture phenomenon.

Legacy and Influence

Known as the “Queen of Pop,” Madonna influenced fashion, music videos, and pop music performance. Her bold style and provocative lyrics pushed boundaries throughout the decade.

2. Whitney Houston

Breakthrough and Vocal Power

Whitney Houston debuted in 1985 with her self-titled album. She had a powerful, clear voice that captivated millions. Hits like “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All” made her a global star.

Contribution to Pop and R&B

Whitney bridged the gap between pop and R&B, setting new standards for vocal excellence. Her influence still echoes in contemporary music.

3. Cyndi Lauper

Unique Style and Hits

Cyndi Lauper’s colorful fashion and quirky personality made her stand out. Her 1983 album “She’s So Unusual” produced classics like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time.”

Impact on 80s Pop Culture

Her music was upbeat and empowering, especially for women. Lauper remains an icon for individuality in pop music.

4. Janet Jackson

Breaking Out from a Famous Family

Janet Jackson stepped out from the shadow of the Jackson family with her 1986 album “Control.” She mixed pop with funk and R&B to create a fresh sound.

Innovations in Music and Dance

Janet’s choreography and music videos set new trends. Songs like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately” became anthems of empowerment.

5. Pat Benatar

Rock-Influenced Pop

Pat Benatar combined rock and pop with her powerful vocals. Hits like “Love Is a Battlefield” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” defined her strong female image.

Chart Success and Awards

Benatar won four Grammy Awards during the 80s and sold millions of records worldwide.

6. Tina Turner

Comeback and Iconic Hits

Tina Turner had a major comeback in the 1980s with the album “Private Dancer.” Songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” became timeless classics.

Energy and Stage Presence

Known for her electrifying performances, Tina set the bar for live pop concerts.

7. Debbie Harry

Blondie’s Frontwoman

Debbie Harry was the face of the new wave and punk-inspired pop band Blondie. The band scored hits like “Call Me” and “Rapture.”

Style and Influence

Harry’s cool, edgy look inspired many female artists in the pop genre.

8. Kim Wilde

British Pop Star

Kim Wilde made waves with her debut hit “Kids in America” in 1981. She continued to deliver catchy pop tunes throughout the decade.

Legacy in Pop Music

Wilde’s blend of synth-pop and rock helped shape the UK pop scene of the 80s.

9. Paula Abdul

Dancer Turned Pop Star

Paula Abdul started as a choreographer before launching a successful singing career. Her debut album “Forever Your Girl” produced hits like “Straight Up.”

Dance-Pop Icon

Her upbeat songs and dynamic dance moves made her a staple on MTV and radio.

10. Belinda Carlisle

From Go-Go’s to Solo Success

Belinda Carlisle left the all-female band The Go-Go’s to pursue a solo career. Her hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” was a major 80s anthem.

Pop and Rock Fusion

Her music combined pop catchiness with rock energy, appealing to a broad audience.

11. Laura Branigan

Power Ballads and Dance Hits

Laura Branigan became famous with “Gloria” and “Self Control,” blending strong vocals with dance rhythms.

Pop Music Success

Her voice and style contributed to the global pop music sound of the 1980s.

12. Stevie Nicks

Fleetwood Mac and Solo Career

Stevie Nicks was both a member of Fleetwood Mac and a solo artist. Her mystical style and hits like “Edge of Seventeen” defined 80s rock-pop.

Distinctive Voice and Songwriting

Nicks combined poetic lyrics with unique vocals to leave a lasting mark on music.

13. Sheena Easton

Pop and Dance Sensation

Sheena Easton rose to fame with songs like “Morning Train” and “For Your Eyes Only.” Her voice was versatile across pop and dance genres.

International Appeal

Easton’s success extended across the US, UK, and Europe.

14. Kim Carnes

Distinctive Raspy Voice

Kim Carnes became well-known for the hit “Bette Davis Eyes” in 1981. Her unique voice stood out in the pop world.

Grammy Awards and Recognition

She won multiple Grammys and was a key figure in 80s pop music.

15. Debbie Gibson

Teen Pop Sensation

Debbie Gibson was one of the youngest singer-songwriters to top the charts. Songs like “Lost in Your Eyes” showcased her talent.

Influence on Young Audiences

Her fresh, innocent image connected with teens worldwide.

16. Tiffany

Mall Tour Star

Tiffany rose to fame through mall tours and her hit “I Think We’re Alone Now.” She brought a youthful energy to 80s pop.

Pop Music Appeal

Her style was simple and relatable, helping to define teen pop in the decade.

17. Laura Pausini

Early Career and Style

Though Laura Pausini rose to global fame in the 1990s, she began singing in the late 1980s. Her melodic voice and emotional delivery resonated with fans.

Legacy and Growth

Pausini later became one of the biggest Italian pop stars worldwide.

18. Toni Basil

One-Hit Wonder and Dance Icon

Toni Basil is best known for the catchy “Mickey.” The song’s cheerleading choreography remains iconic.

Influence on Music Videos

Basil helped pioneer creative dance videos in the 80s pop scene.

19. Pat Benatar

Rock-Influenced Pop

Pat Benatar blended powerful rock vocals with pop sensibilities. Hits like “We Belong” showcased her dynamic range.

Longevity and Awards

She won multiple Grammys and remains influential in both rock and pop music circles.

20. Sade Adu

Smooth Jazz-Pop Fusion

Sade Adu’s voice brought a cool, jazzy feel to 80s pop music. Songs like “Smooth Operator” stood apart from mainstream pop.

Unique Sound and Style

Her band Sade combined soul, jazz, and pop into a timeless sound.

21. Kate Bush

Artistic and Experimental Pop

Kate Bush was known for her theatrical and avant-garde approach. Her 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill” showed her innovation.

Influence on Later Artists

Her unique style inspired many artists in pop and alternative music.

22. Paula Abdul

Dance and Pop Star

Paula Abdul’s career blended choreography and pop music. She became a household name with upbeat dance tracks like “Opposites Attract.”

Contribution to Music Videos

Her creative and energetic videos helped popularize dance-pop in the 80s.

Conclusion

The 1980s was a golden age for female pop stars. These 22 women defined the era with their voices, style, and charisma. Their impact on the pop music genre is still felt today. From Madonna’s boundary-pushing art to Whitney Houston’s vocal mastery, these stars changed the music landscape forever.

Their songs continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, marking the 1980s as a crucial chapter in pop music history.