No list of impressive female singers could ever be complete without the incomparable Aretha Franklin. Known as the “Queen of Soul,” Franklin actually got her career as a gospel singer in her church choir.

Aretha Franklin

Even though she probably never imagined becoming the musical sensation that she is today, she signed a deal with Columbia Records at age 18 and — throughout her life — has released 38 studio albums, as well as 131 singles. She became the first woman ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.