by vivrant thang on my favorite things
Once again, this is not the post I planned for today. However, this is probably a good way to round out Women’s History Month. Normally, I would give ya’ll some rudimentary collage of pictures and some videos. I just don’t have it in me today.
I am coming down with a case of the nasties and I can tell it’s going to be a bad one if I don’t nip it in the bud. I don’t even know if getting that ‘Tussin down in it is going to work. Ya’ll pray that it does. A sista is on the move. I got a date with Sy Smith tomorrow night and will be up in NYC this weekend enjoying Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The show has got to go on.
I came up with the idea for this post while riding home today, berating myself for the fleeting thought I had last week that it would be “nice” if I got sick again like I did a couple of years ago when I lost 12lbs in three days. I couldn’t hold anythingon my stomach, not even water. Folks, be very careful what you let enter your mind. Lizz Fields’ excellent album, By Day, By Nightwas caressing my ears and I got to thinking about how I wish I could hear more of the soul sistas (and brothers) with true talent on the radio instead of the bs they play fifty eleven times a day.
I don’t have the energy for that rant.
Anyhow, here’s a list of female soul singers that I enjoy. Not an exhaustive list BY ANY MEANS. It’s just what I captured from the ‘pod and my Myspace friends list. I didn’t even go through my cd’s. We would have been here all night!
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Alison Carney
myspace -
Algebra Blessett
myspace | ‘Behind the Groove’ interview -
Angela Johnson
myspace -
Marie Tweek
myspace
If you haven’t already, get into these artists. Purchase their albums. Support real music.
Again, this is not the list. It’s my list and it’s not exhaustive, by any means. Please feel free to add your favorite underrated female soul singers in the comments. I am always looking for new inspiration. Look out for more posts using songs from artists like these.
30 Comments
March 25, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Interesting…a lot of ladies that I have not heard of. You have now expanded my musical horizons. Thanks!
March 26, 2008 at 3:17 am
Lovely list, but I got to give it up for the DC soulsistas:
Wayna (LOVE HER!)
Alison Carney (on the come up)
Emoni Fela (hip hop phenom)
Green Tea (heard some good things about her)
I’m sure there are more, but it’s 3 am and I’m a little loopy.
March 26, 2008 at 8:18 am
Will you be in the house for Sy tonight in DC?
March 26, 2008 at 11:51 am
ABSOLUTELY!! Most of these artists I’m VERY familiar with. There are a few that I’m gonna check out. People sleep on the true artists… but It just makes them more accesssible to me. lol.
Music is my true love and I love to see it being PROPERLY appreciated.
March 26, 2008 at 11:58 am
@ Sabrina – That’s what I’m here for
Enjoy!
@ Butta – Wayna was on the list BUT I wasn’t really feeling her at the HWSNBN tribute. I think I might need to catch her doing her own music. If she gets your stamp of approval, she is definitely worth another looksee. Green Tea was nice when I saw her once. It was a while back. I will definitely have to take a looksee at Emoni and Alison. If we’re talking hip hop, definitely need to add Jean Grae, Ursula Rucker, and Stacey Epps to the list too. That’s just off the top of my medicine head.
@ nOva – Nothing but death could keep me from it. And it may come to that!
March 26, 2008 at 12:01 pm
@ Amishah – Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Love your Myspace name “musickvessel.” I love to confab with people that love good music. Don’t be a stranger! And be sure to come through whenever you discover someone new that we need to hear!
March 26, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I’m checking out Teedra Moses on Friday night. You’ve got some of my favorites on that list. I try to put folks up on them as much as possible.
March 27, 2008 at 9:02 am
You made me think about the joke Chris Rock once made about Robitussin. He said back in the day it was used to cure everything. “Gotta broke leg? Take some Robitussin.” LOL.
Your taste in music has always been second to none, from what I can see. Often you shed light upon certain musicians that I wasn’t even aware of. I usually YouTube them and can then understand why you enjoy your music.
From the artist you listed:
Joy Denalane
Teedra Moses
Ledisi
Leela james
Definitely underrated songstress.
Folks, be very careful what you let enter your mind.
Words of wisdom. The tongue is powerful.
March 27, 2008 at 10:13 am
@ krush- GREAT! Glad to see you getting out to some live shows. You certainly get some good ones coming through there. I’d be broke as a joke if I lived there. You will enjoy her!
@ Don – Yup, that’s where I got the Tussin reference
Let that ‘Tussin get down in there! Ha!
Actually, you’re the one that made me think of Joy. You saying “I can’t believe I slept on this album” made me put her on my radar. I knew I needed to check her out!
And yeah, we know how you feel about The Young Lioness
March 27, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I have been aware of most of these artists for quite some time, now. i actually got to meet N’ Dambi at a concert at The Red Cat Jazz Cafe in Houston. She was amazingly humble and kind. She took loads of pics with my cousin and I. She even joked around and kicked her boots off onstage, because she had driven her own van from dallas to make the show. N’ Dambi dubbed me her #1 fan for the night and asked me what song did I want to hear? Then she started singing “Ode To Nina.” right in my face!!!! I’m not complaining… Just tired.
March 27, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Great list! The only singer I’d add is Alice Smith.
March 27, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Very nice list. N’Dambi and Vivian Green in particular are among my favorites.
March 28, 2008 at 9:47 am
@ vivrant thing:
lol. Ever since I heard Chris Rock say that I always think of that joke whenever I hear someone else mention Robitussin.
Yeah, Teedra is a johnt.
And I still listen to Joy Denalane’s album. That lady is one of the best singers out here. It’s shocking that it took me so long to even hear of her. Yep, blame it on hip hop.
March 28, 2008 at 12:13 pm
@ famous – Thanks for stopping by and commenting
Isn’t it great when you have fab encounters with these artists offstage? I’m not surprised N’Dambi is cool like that. I find that is usually the case with a lot of independent artists. One I can think of in particular is Keite Young. Even though our encounter was brief, I could tell he was in awe that we were lined up to buy his album. They really like me! LOL! He seemed really genuine. Gotta love that. Of course Erro is always cool like that. Don’t be a stranger! Folks that love good music are always welcome!
@ SoftJune – Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Folx are starting to get into AS. That Grammy nod certainly helps! I saw her live at the Black Lily last year. She has a commanding stage presence.
@ S Flem – Indeed, indeed!
@ don – You know you need to get back over here and ’splain johnt. Ha! I have an idea but I need details. That brings up a question I been wanting to ask – where are you from?
March 29, 2008 at 3:48 am
I absolutely love Algebra’s “Purpose”. I wish people would give her more attention. I have been meaning to check out Conya Doss. Her name seems to come out alot. Heading to her myspace NOW. I’m from Oakland, so Goapele is definitely a staple. I’ve seen Hil St. Soul on Vh1 Soul and was definitely impressed. I saw Jaguar live at a spoken word festival out here and even though she was late as all hell, and spoke very negatively about other artists, it was one of the best live performances I have ever seen. I am in love with Ledisi’s new album and Leela James has always been on heavy rotation in the iPeezy. I remember Lina from way back and I noticed her singing in the “This Christmas” movie. I wondered what had happened to her. I’m feeling Lizz Wright’s new project. Can’t wait for Teedra to bless us with more music. And I wish I could find my 1st Yahzarah album.
Have tou heard of Jazmine Sullivan? Her voice reminds me of Nina Simone mixed with Lauryn H. and a gospel singer whose name I can’t remember. She’s only 19 and is working on her 1st album now. Here’s her myspace page that includes a beautiful rendition of “‘Round Midnight”. She has a song, In Love With Another Man, that you can hear here. Touches my soul to hear it lol
Unfortunately, Missy has gotten hold of her so she may not be soulful for long.
April 6, 2008 at 2:17 am
I just read the list of underrated soul singers. Two words…marry me. (LOL) You’re a true professional appreciator.
April 6, 2008 at 8:12 pm
@ suga – Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I need to get Algebra’s Purpose. I know it’s hotness. And yes, I think you’ll enjoy Conya. Check out some of her performances on YouTube. She’s phenomenal live. I have heard of Jazmine but haven’t checked her out just yet. Well, now I don’t know if Missy steals the soulful from her artists. I think she turns them out and then turns them loose. So THAT may steal their soulfulness for a while as they recover.
However, I like the music from the artist she she has been involved with like Aaliyah, Tweet, Monica, etc.
@furiousstyles – Loving the screenname. Hell, I should be proposing to you! I LOVE a man that shares my appreciation of good music! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
April 21, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Girl! I love this list. I need a men and group list from you
You got all of my favorites and some i need to know. Thanks
June 24, 2008 at 1:16 am
[...] Ladies first. [...]
July 25, 2008 at 9:59 am
[...] know the answer – yes they can! Stay tuned for more info on that in the coming weeks. Some of the artists I’ve mentioned here just may be up there rocking the [...]
September 9, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Enjoyed this list!! I had to pull my Algebra out again and Irealized how much I love this album! Solid effort! A lot of goodies on this list: Goapele, Hil St. Soul, Leela James, Sy Smith, Teedra Moses, and Ms. Viv Green!
October 5, 2008 at 10:17 pm
[...] Wednesday in DC, Can A Sista Roc A Mic? kicks off it’s 4th year of showcasing underrated female soul singers and hip hop artists from across the nation. The festival continues through Saturday with a free [...]
November 12, 2008 at 1:13 am
[...] in Germany back in April of this year. However, I had no idea that he had joined Dwele, Tweet, and underrated German female soul singer Joy Denalane for the Dresden Soul Symphony concert, where they performed classic soul hits backed by the MDR [...]
February 11, 2009 at 2:21 am
[...] been all about the females. Time to give the men some love! Here’s an advance of this week’s Urban Thought [...]
February 12, 2009 at 1:09 am
I love the list and made some new discoveries.
My favorite is Lizz Wright.
Ever hear of Pamela Anderson-
former lead vocalist for British bands Incognito and D*Note? She is amazing. I recently discovered her on Myspace. I absolutely fell in love with this song she sings called “Garden of Earthly Delights”
You should definitely check her out
http://www.myspace.com/anayarythmns
Apparently she has changed her name (understandably) and working on a new
solo album.
When will strong and powerful female soul voices like this return to mainstream radio – or will that ever happen again? Something needs to give…
Seriously folks, we need a revolution or something.
March 21, 2009 at 2:12 am
Does anyone know the name of the song and artist of these lyrics “Hope is the life, the life ,the life,etc. The beat was kind of uptempo, hip hop somewhat and I think this song was featured in a beer commercial that aired on BET. The video was played on the neo-soul BET show years ago. The artist is a sista, fair-skinned,with wavy curly hair. She was singing walking and sitting on a couch in the video. I used to sing this song all the time. I need to get her album!!! Please assist me anyone?!
April 16, 2009 at 1:55 am
You should check out an awesome singer name Alexandrah. She sings with an underground group called Sollilaquists of Sound but is working on her own solo project. Check her out at http://www.myspace.com/alexandrah517
April 22, 2009 at 3:43 pm
what about Shamekia Copeland?
May 27, 2009 at 12:10 am
I agree with this list … (Lol I got up on my Algebra Blesset a while back)…. but Where is the Alice Smith? Now that sista is seriously underrated but powerful nonetheless. Def. go check her out.
October 17, 2009 at 8:31 pm
thank you so much for expanding my horizons. I wish more people would listen to soulful women such as the ones you have listed…I have never even heard of them and I’m excited to see what I hear when I download their music. Thanks once again