1967 — Early ‘70s Female Singer-Songwriters
As we entered the 2020s, the era of individuality dawned, with a singer-songwriter boom coinciding with the wave of the late ‘60s sexual revolution and hippie movement.
Laura Nyro
(By Charlotte Rochel)
In 1967, an American female singer-songwriter burst onto the scene with a startling debut, displaying prodigious talent on par with Buffalo Springfield. That artist was Laura Nyro. Songs such as “And When I Die” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” which she wrote before turning 20, were already dense works that fused jazz, pop, and soul into one seamless whole. However, reception was initially divided even in her hometown of New York, and her debut album hardly sold at all.
But the many outstanding records she released afterward—particularly Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968) and New York Tendaberry (1969)—solidified her reputation and showcased her abundant musical gifts. By blending elements of classical, jazz, and R&B, her music managed to be poetic yet bursting with vitality, sometimes conveying a powerful gospel feel. She built a unique world all her own, distinctly different from contemporaries like Joni Mitchell and Carole King.
Still, commercial success eluded her. After the 1970 release of Christmas and the Beads of Sweat, she temporarily paused her career. When she resumed, 1971’s Gonna Take a Miracle—recorded with Philadelphia soul icons Gamble & Huff—revealed a surprising turn, featuring covers of 1960s soul classics. However, she stepped away again in 1972 upon getting married. Though she continued to work sporadically thereafter, she passed away in 1997 from breast cancer at the age of 49—far too young. She remains one of those artists whose early death is deeply mourned.
Notable Albums
More Than a New Discovery
Her debut work, later re-released as The First Songs with a different jacket but identical content. Even at this early stage, you can already hear a rich mixture of jazz, soul, and gospel elements throughout. Many of its tracks—such as “Wedding Bell Blues” and “Stoney End,” both of which became hits—were subsequently covered by other artists.
Angel In the Dark
An album consisting primarily of previously unreleased material, including some of her final recordings. The title track, “Angel in the Dark,” is a highly spiritual piece with strong gospel undertones. It encapsulates the enduring passion and depth of her musical vision throughout her life.
New York Tendaberry
Released in 1969, this was her third album. Building on the sound she established with Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, she creates a dynamic yet delicate musical universe. Skillfully blending elements of jazz, gospel, and R&B, Nyro dramatizes both the atmosphere of New York City and her inner emotional world. Including such classics as “Time and Love” and “Save the Country,” it is widely regarded as one of her signature works.
Jackie DeShannon
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Put a Little Love In Your Heart
Debuting in the early 1960s, Jackie DeShannon is a singer-songwriter known for hits like “When You Walk in the Room” (1965) and “What the World Needs Now Is Love” (1965). Beyond performing her own songs, she also wrote material for artists such as Brenda Lee and The Byrds, and she recorded with Jimmy Page in the late 1960s—a testament to her wide-ranging career. This track, “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” (1969), is one of her best-known songs and the title track of the album by the same name. Its pop-soul sound pairs perfectly with lyrics carrying a strong message; the tune was later covered memorably by Annie Lennox & Al Green.
Vashti Bunyan
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Just Another Diamond Day
Vashti Bunyan, an English folk singer, made her debut in 1965. Soon afterward, she paused her music career to travel, writing songs along the way. The result of that journey is Just Another Diamond Day (1970). Produced by Joe Boyd and featuring members of Fairport Convention, the album is renowned for its gentle, delicate sound evocative of the English countryside, as well as Bunyan’s fragile yet clear singing voice. It went largely unnoticed upon its initial release, but was later rediscovered and is now celebrated as a classic of British folk.
Brigitte Fontaine
(By Tai Lawson)
Comme à La Radio
Brigitte Fontaine is a French avant-garde singer-songwriter who has carved out her own distinctive world since the late 1960s, consistently releasing poetic and experimental works. Comme à La Radio (1969), created in collaboration with the Art Ensemble of Chicago, features a bold fusion of jazz, chanson, and avant-garde styles. Her mysterious, seductive vocals intertwine beautifully with the improvisational playing, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind sonic landscape. It is one of her most highly regarded works and a touchstone of the French avant-garde scene. preserved for clarity.
Annette Peacock
(By Tai Lawson)
I’m the One
Annette Peacock is an American singer, composer, and keyboardist known for her avant-garde approach, fusing elements of jazz, rock, electronic music, and more. She was born in 1941 and began her career performing alongside her then-husband, the bassist Gary Peacock. Later, she immersed herself in experimental music, making innovative use of synthesizers (particularly the Moog) and other electronics in her work.
I’m the One is a groundbreaking album showcasing her distinctive vocal style—ethereal yet powerful—set against sparse yet cutting-edge arrangements. Peacock’s bold experimentation includes the use of early electronic processing on her voice, melding it with jazz-like improvisational structures. Although it did not achieve mainstream success at the time, this record is now recognized as a pioneering work that anticipated many trends in electronic and experimental music.
Linda Perhacs
(By Tai Lawson)
Parallelograms
Linda Perhacs is an American singer-songwriter whose sole album from 1970, Parallelograms, was little known upon its initial release but gradually became an underground classic. Its shimmering, psychedelic folk sound—featuring gentle vocals, dreamy melodies, and subtle studio effects—attracts listeners who appreciate its contemplative atmosphere. After decades of obscurity, Parallelograms was rediscovered and reissued in the late ’90s and 2000s, earning Perhacs a devoted following among fans of acid folk and psych-folk. She eventually returned to music in the 2010s, releasing new material and performing live for the first time in many years.
Nico
(By Tai Lawson)
Desertshore
Nico, born Christa Päffgen, was a German singer-songwriter, model, and actress who first gained fame through her association with The Velvet Underground. After her debut album Chelsea Girl, she pursued a darker, more avant-garde musical direction in works like The Marble Index and Desertshore.
On Desertshore, Nico’s deep, haunting voice is accompanied by sparse, brooding arrangements, creating an unsettling yet hypnotic atmosphere. John Cale’s production and instrumental contributions accentuate Nico’s ethereal presence, resulting in a stark and introspective work that remains influential in underground and experimental circles. Though not a commercial success, the album is now regarded as a milestone in the evolution of gothic and avant-garde music.
Anne Briggs
(By Tai Lawson)
The Time Has Come
Anne Briggs is a British folk singer who, though not widely known in mainstream circles, had a significant influence on the British folk revival. She made her debut in the 1960s, known for her pure, unaccompanied singing and her role in shaping the style of many later folk artists.
The Time Has Come is her second album, and it departs somewhat from her earlier, more traditional folk approach by incorporating some modern, singer-songwriter elements. Briggs’s clear, emotive voice still shines through, but the instrumentation here is more varied and contemporary. Despite its modest initial reception, the album is now prized by folk enthusiasts for its graceful, understated style and remains a cult favorite.
Essra Mohawk
(By Jill Wannasa)
Essra Mohawk
Essra Mohawk is an American singer-songwriter whose early work included collaborations with Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention (under the name Sandy Hurvitz). Her music spans folk, rock, and psychedelic pop, often featuring spiritually tinged lyrics and inventive melodic structures.
On this self-titled 1974 release, Mohawk showcases her soulful vocals and genre-blending approach, moving between introspective ballads and more upbeat, groove-oriented tracks. While she never achieved the same level of fame as some of her contemporaries, she is respected by aficionados for her distinctive voice, bold songwriting, and willingness to experiment with different styles.
Sandy Denny
(By Jill Wannasa)
The North Star Grassman and the Ravens
Sandy Denny was a British singer-songwriter best known for her work with Fairport Convention and the band Fotheringay. She is often celebrated for her crystalline vocal tone and her role in defining the British folk-rock sound. After leaving Fairport Convention, she formed Fotheringay and then launched a solo career.
The North Star Grassman and the Ravens, her first solo album, highlights Denny’s songwriting prowess and evocative singing, set against arrangements that blend folk, rock, and subtle orchestral touches. Though not a commercial smash, it is revered among fans for its atmospheric quality and the way it showcases Denny’s emotional depth. Her untimely death in 1978 cut short a remarkable career, yet her legacy continues to grow.
Carole King
(By Jill Wannasa)
Tapestry
Carole King started her career in the late 1950s as a songwriter, penning hits with her then-husband Gerry Goffin. By the early 1970s, she had become a successful solo artist. Tapestry is the pinnacle of her work, featuring deeply personal lyrics and piano-driven melodies that resonated with a broad audience.
Released in 1971, Tapestry was a massive critical and commercial success, producing enduring hits like “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” The album’s blend of pop, folk, and soul influences, along with King’s warm, heartfelt vocals, helped define the singer-songwriter era of the early ’70s. Even decades later, Tapestry remains a staple on lists of the greatest albums of all time.
Joni Mitchell
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Born Roberta Joan Anderson in Canada, Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the late 20th century. She emerged in the mid-1960s folk scene but quickly expanded her musical palette, delving into pop, jazz, and experimental sounds over the course of her career. Known for her literate, introspective lyrics and innovative guitar tunings, Mitchell carved out a distinct space in popular music.
Her 1971 masterpiece Blue is a prime example of her early style—intimate, confessional, and richly melodic. Later, in albums like Court and Spark (1974) and Hejira (1976), she embraced jazz textures and more expansive arrangements. Despite shifting musical trends, Mitchell consistently maintained an unwavering commitment to her artistic vision, earning widespread acclaim and influencing countless artists.
Court and Spark
On Court and Spark, Mitchell expanded her musical horizons with a more pronounced jazz-pop sound. Supported by top-tier session players (including members of the jazz fusion group The L.A. Express), the album became her most commercially successful, spawning hits like “Help Me” and “Free Man in Paris.” This work further demonstrated her gift for melodic invention and sharp lyrical insight.
Hejira
Hejira stands out for its meditative, road-inspired themes and the fluid, spacious bass work of Jaco Pastorius. The album balances folk and jazz elements in a uniquely atmospheric blend, with Mitchell’s impressionistic lyrics and open-tuned guitar chords anchoring the introspective mood. Though not as commercially successful as Court and Spark, Hejira is widely praised by fans and critics for its haunting beauty.
Blue
Often cited as one of the greatest singer-songwriter albums ever, Blue features spare arrangements and confessional songs that chart Mitchell’s emotional landscape. Tracks like “River” and “A Case of You” showcase her crystalline vocals and vivid, poetic storytelling. The album’s openness and vulnerability proved influential on countless artists, helping to define the personal, introspective style of the early ’70s.
Lesley Duncan
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Sing Children Sing
Lesley Duncan was a British singer-songwriter active from the late 1960s through the 1970s. She had a gentle, unassuming vocal style and wrote reflective songs with folk and pop influences. Her most famous composition is “Love Song,” later covered by Elton John. Although her own work didn’t achieve major commercial success, she drew critical praise for the sincere warmth and subtlety of her music. Sing Children Sing is a charming album featuring introspective lyrics and understated arrangements. It didn’t make much of a splash at the time of release, but has since gained a devoted following among fans of mellow singer-songwriter fare.
Bridget St. John
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Songs for the Gentle Men
Bridget St. John was one of the key figures of the British folk scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She recorded for John Peel’s Dandelion label and is known for her deep, slightly husky voice. Her style combined traditional folk with a more modern, introspective singer-songwriter approach, giving her work a quietly haunting quality. While she never became a household name, she earned a loyal fan base drawn to her serene, intimate style. Songs for the Gentle Men continues her gentle folk sound, pairing her distinctive vocals with delicate guitar work and subtle orchestration.
Judee Sill
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Judee Sill
Judee Sill was an American singer-songwriter who emerged in the early 1970s and became the first artist signed to David Geffen’s Asylum label. Drawing on folk, gospel, and baroque pop influences, she created music marked by intricate arrangements and spiritually tinged lyrics. Though she only released two full-length studio albums during her lifetime—her self-titled debut in 1971 and Heart Food in 1973—both have since become cult classics. Sill’s pure, almost ethereal voice and deeply personal songwriting continue to captivate listeners. Sadly, she struggled with drug addiction and died in 1979, leaving behind a small but enduring body of work.
Linda Lewis
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Lark
Linda Lewis was a British singer whose remarkable vocal range and blend of folk, soul, and pop influences made her a standout figure in the 1970s music scene. Born in London, she began her career as a teenager and eventually caught the attention of major labels with her bright, nimble singing style. Lark showcases Lewis’s ability to seamlessly shift between gentle folk ballads and more soulful numbers, revealing both her technical skill and her playful sense of melody. Though she achieved modest chart success, she’s often described as an underappreciated talent who influenced future generations of singer-songwriters.
Melanie
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Gather Me
Melanie (Melanie Safka) gained fame with songs like “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” and her performance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. She wrote and sang in a warm, folksy style often infused with a youthful idealism. Gather Me came out in 1971, featuring some of her best-known material. With its mixture of pop-folk sensibilities and earnest, uplifting themes, the album further established Melanie’s reputation as a prominent voice of her era. Though her mainstream popularity waned after the early ’70s, she retains a loyal following for her sincere, heartfelt songwriting.
Catherine Howe
(By Charlotte Rochel)
What a Beautiful Place
Catherine Howe is an English singer-songwriter who briefly appeared in the early 1970s folk scene. What a Beautiful Place is a delicate, pastoral album characterized by her light, soothing vocals and gentle, introspective songwriting. Although it was not widely promoted at the time of its release, it was rediscovered years later, earning critical acclaim for its understated charm and quietly haunting quality. Howe’s voice and style often evoke comparisons to other folk-leaning singer-songwriters of the period, but her work retains a unique, timeless feel.
Wendy Waldman
(By Charlotte Rochel)
Love Has Got Me
Wendy Waldman is an American singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, recognized for her involvement in the city’s vibrant ’70s music scene. Love Has Got Me was her debut album, showcasing a blend of folk, pop, and rock elements supported by skilled studio musicians. Waldman’s voice carries a breezy confidence, and her lyrics reveal a keen observational sense. Though she didn’t become a mainstream star, she earned respect among peers and fans for her solid songwriting craft. Her work would later influence the California soft-rock and singer-songwriter movements.
Carly Simon
(By Tai Lawson)
No Secrets
Carly Simon emerged in the early 1970s with a series of introspective, piano-driven hits. With her elegant voice and confessional lyrics, she quickly gained popularity. No Secrets features her best-known song, “You’re So Vain,” and cemented her status as a leading figure in the singer-songwriter genre. The album balances intimate, revealing tracks with more upbeat pop arrangements, reflecting Simon’s knack for both catchy melodies and personal storytelling. Her success in this era, alongside peers like Carole King and Joni Mitchell, helped define the sound of early ’70s adult contemporary music.
Lynsey De Paul
(By Tai Lawson)
Surprise
Lynsey De Paul was an English singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the early 1970s. Known for her bright pop hooks, she also stood out as one of the few female producers in the music industry at the time. Surprise displays her penchant for catchy melodies and witty lyrics, often framed by lush orchestral or piano-based arrangements. Though she achieved a handful of UK chart hits, she remains something of a cult favorite, admired for her trailblazing role as a woman taking control of her own songwriting and production.
Pamela Polland
(By Tai Lawson)
Pamela Polland
Pamela Polland is an American singer-songwriter who began her career as part of the folk duo The Gentle Soul. Her self-titled album from 1972 highlights a crystalline vocal style paired with folk-rock influences, reflecting the Californian singer-songwriter scene of the time. Though she never broke into the mainstream, Polland earned respect for her songwriting craft and for the reflective, intimate nature of her music. Over the years, her work has attracted a small but devoted following among aficionados of early ’70s West Coast folk-pop.
Minnie Riperton
(By Jill Wannasa)
Perfect Angel
Minnie Riperton was an American singer celebrated for her extraordinary five-octave vocal range. She began her career with the girl group The Gems and later joined the experimental rock-soul collective Rotary Connection. Perfect Angel is her breakthrough solo album, produced with the help of Stevie Wonder (under the pseudonym “El Toro Negro”). Its signature track, “Lovin’ You,” became a worldwide hit, showcasing Riperton’s effortless high notes. Though her career was tragically cut short when she died of cancer in 1979 at age 31, she remains an iconic figure in soul and R&B for her unparalleled vocal ability.
Dolly Parton
(By Jill Wannasa)
We the People / Jolene
Dolly Parton is one of country music’s most enduring stars, known for her sharp songwriting and distinctive soprano. She began performing on local radio as a child and rose to fame through her partnership with Porter Wagoner. Her early ’70s albums, including We the People and Jolene, solidified her status in mainstream country, balancing heartfelt storytelling with commercial appeal. Her crossover success in the late ’70s and beyond would turn her into a global icon, but even in these earlier works, her genuine warmth and knack for memorable melodies were already evident.
Janis Ian
(By Jill Wannasa)
Between the Lines
Janis Ian made her debut as a teenager in the mid-1960s with the socially conscious hit “Society’s Child.” She continued to write introspective songs that combined a folk sensibility with pop arrangements. Between The Lines became her commercial and critical peak, featuring the classic ballad “At Seventeen,” a poignant reflection on teenage insecurity. The album’s delicate instrumentation and Ian’s intimate vocals resonated with a wide audience, earning her a Grammy Award. She would remain a respected figure in singer-songwriter circles for her honest, often autobiographical storytelling.
Melissa Manchester
(By Jill Wannasa)
Melissa
Melissa Manchester began her career as a session singer and backup vocalist for Bette Midler before releasing her own material in the 1970s. She studied songwriting under Paul Simon, and her music blends pop, rock, and the theatrical flair of New York’s Broadway scene. Melissa continued her streak of chart presence, showcasing her strong, emotive voice and polished songwriting. Though best known for later hits like “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” she’s also admired for her earlier, more intimate work that helped define her as a versatile vocalist and composer.
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
(By Jill Wannasa)
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Kate and Anna McGarrigle were Canadian sisters whose gentle, rootsy sound and heartfelt harmonies captured listeners’ imaginations in the mid-1970s. Their self-titled debut album introduced a blend of folk, country, and occasional French-Canadian elements. With its warm acoustic arrangements and personal, sometimes whimsical lyrics, it quickly gained critical acclaim. Though they never reached mainstream pop stardom, the McGarrigle sisters cultivated a devoted following and influenced numerous folk and Americana artists. Their songs, often reflective of familial bonds and rural life, maintain a timeless appeal that resonates well beyond the era in which they first recorded.
Really informative and wide ranging post.