Chart-Topping Black Women Throughout History

To kick off Black History Month, Hers Magazine has compiled a list of some chart-topping women throughout the years. Ranging from the classic Billie Holiday to the infamous stylings of Cardi B, these women have paved the way for musicians everywhere.

Sarah Vaughan

This soul singer hit secured a spot in the top 10 in 1959 with her hit song, “Broken Hearted Melody”, which spent 19 weeks in this spot.

Ella Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald’s song “Mack the Knife” spent 14 weeks in the top 100.

Etta James

In 1968 Etta James’ “Tell Mama” spent 16 weeks as number 10.

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday’s album “The Billie Holiday Story” stayed on the top album chart for a total of 21 weeks in 1973 with her top song being “Strange Fruit”.

Minnie Ripperton

Ripperton secured the top number 1 spot in 1975 for her song “Lovin’ You.”

Roberta Flack

Flack had 4 hits that were number 1 during her career, including: “If I Ever See You Again” (1978), “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1974), “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” (1972), and “Where is the Love” (1972).

Aretha Franklin

Franklin’s album “Lady Soul” was a top hit in 1968, and her famous song “Respect” was number one in 1967.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight’s scored a total of 10 number one hits during her career with 33 songs in the top 10 category.

Whitney Houston

The late Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” spent 29 weeks as the number one song in 1992. Houston had 11 songs in the number one spot throughout her career according to Billboard.

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan had a total of 9 number one hits during her career, including “I’m Every Woman” (1978), “Ain’t Nobody” (1983), and “Sweet Thing” (1976).

Anita Baker

Baker had two number one hits during her career, “Giving You the Best That I Got” (1988) and “Just Because” (1989).

Mary J Blige

Blige’s number one hit “Family Affair” spent a whopping 41 weeks as number one in 2001.

TLC

TLC’s hit “No Scrubs” was number one for 26 weeks in 1999.

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Surprisingly, Hill’s only top song was “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998.

Destiny’s Child

The trio had 4 number one hit songs while they were together, lasting a total of 15 weeks as number one.

Alicia Keys

Keys had the honor of hosting the 2020 Grammy’s last week. The star has had a total of 4 songs in the number one spot according to Billboard.

Mariah Carey

It’s no surprise that Mariah Carey has had a total of 19 number one songs during her career.

Beyoncé

This may come as a shock, but this queen has had only two songs to secure the number one spot.

Rihanna

While Rihanna has been denying us new music for the past two years, the star has had a total of 14 songs secure the number one spot according to Billboard.

Cardi B

Cardi B first debuted in 2017 with her number one song “Bodak Yellow”. The singer has since had two other songs acquire the same position, surpassing Beyoncé.

Lizzo

Lizzo stepped out on the scene just last year, her song “Good as Hell” spending 22 weeks in the number one spot.