Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer

Subject: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE FOLK SINGER
From: kendall
Date: 18 Nov 16 - 08:33 PM

PRISCILLA HERDMAN.

Subject: RE: wHO IOS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE FOLK SINGER
From: kendall
Date: 18 Nov 16 - 08:35 PM

DAMN CAPSLOCK

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Nov 16 - 08:49 PM

Hmmm. I'd say the trio of Herdman, Anne Hills, and Cindy Mangsen.
Emily Smith of Scotland is a close second, along with Janet Russell and also Niamh Parsons of Ireland.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Mike in Brunswick
Date: 18 Nov 16 - 10:26 PM

I'm not familiar with Ms. CAPSLOCK, but Herdsman is certainly in the top tier, along with Joan Baez, Karan Casey, and Debbie Smith.

Mike

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: gillymor
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 04:51 AM

Ms. CAPSLOCK was a major talent whose career was stifled by her given name, as I recall.
I like Connie Dover, Karine Polwart, Joni Mitchell among many others.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: BobKnight
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 05:58 AM

Siobhan Miller, Fiona Hunter (Malinky) Kathleen MacInnes, Karine Polwart, Iona Fyfe (a teenager with a sublime voice for Trad music) Check her out, she'll be a big star in Scots trad music, and is already well on her way. Shona Donaldson - First Female winner of the supreme bothy ballad champion of champions, and well deserved too. We have so many great female singers here in Scotland, it's difficult to narrow them down. No doubt in an hour, I can come up with half a dozen more to add to that wonderful selection.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Johnny J
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 06:07 AM

Was Sandy Denny..... and when I listen to her again, she probably still is.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Johnny J
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 06:25 AM

Lots of good ones around today, of course.

Bella Hardy from England. In Scotland, Fiona Hunter and Robyn Stapleton are two of my favourites. There are many more though.

I've also been to see Iona Fyfe too and I agree with Bob that she's very promising.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 09:06 AM

Julie Fowlis, limiting choice to people who are alive.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Effsee
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 10:40 AM

Dolores Keane

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,rewster
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 10:51 AM

Emily Smith

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: frogprince
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 11:09 AM

Did someone mention Herdman, Hills, and Mangsen ? : )

I have to say Anne Hills is my favorite of the three. They're all terrific; it's just that Anne is the one I've had the most chance to be addicted to for over thirty years now.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 12:14 PM

Frankie Armstrong...Norma Waterson...Belle Stuart...Jeannie Robertson...Maddy Prior...Jean Redpath...Dolly and Shirley Collins...June Tabor...Anne Briggs...

Linn

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 12:31 PM

I think Joan Baez is still tops !

Jo

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: keberoxu
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 12:35 PM

Who is like Odetta?

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Modette
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 01:07 PM

Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, closely followed by Karan Casey, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola. I've also a soft spot for Cara Dillon and her sister Mary.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: BobKnight
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 02:29 PM

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has the best voice, I even bought one of her CD's although I don't understand a word, like Kathleen MacInnes, the sound of the voice is enough.

Some more - Gillian Bowman, and nobody can beat Sylvia Barnes for emotional feel in a song. The aforementioned Robyn Stapleton is wonderful too, and Emily Smith is one of very few people I have three CD's of.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Some bloke
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 02:35 PM

The Watersons have always had a place in my ear and these days I find myself listening to Norma with Eliza quite often.

Nostalgically, Maddy Prior and her distinctive voice will always be up there.

Bella Hardy, June Tabor.... quite a list really. I could rattle on all day listing them.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Gurney
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 04:11 PM

Well, if you regard blues and jazz as folk.... Madeleine Peyroux.

If you don't, all the ladies listed above.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 05:29 PM

An idiosyncratic list. Apologies for including two to three in the categories; choices are hard to make and they all rate mention among the best.

American revivalists: Hally Wood, with Peggy Seeger a close second.

British/Irish revivalists: Isla Cameron. Second: Frankie Armstrong. Third: Maddy Prior, I think.

American early country: Sara Carter. I confess a manic fondness for the glorious Patsy Montana, not traditional at all, but one of the great voices of all time.

Blues: traditional:   Geeshie Wiley. Lottie Kimbrough.

Blueswomen, classic: Ida Cox, I think. near tie: Ma Rainey. 3rd: Victoria Spivey, Sippie Wallace, and Bessie Smith is of course in there somewhere too.

American traditional: It is very hard to beat Cousin Emmy (Jo May Creasey) of Kentucky, though she made her career primarily singing non-traditional songs.

Purer American traditional: the "Barbara Allen" of Rebecca Tarwater (Library of Congress) is priceless. Lena Bare Turbyfill Brockwell (Library of Congress). Lily Mae Ledford certainly. I feel I'm leaving out two or three that haven't come to mind. The greatest current Appalachian traditional singer I've heard is Elizabeth LaPrell.

British/Irish traditional: being a yank I'm less of a judge, but: Sarah Makem. Belle Stewart. Triona na Dhomnaill. I know I am leaving out others that I haven't thought of.

Heartfelt best and grace notes to every one of them. Bob

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: michaelr
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 07:33 PM

Not a fan of the wispy childlike sopranos, I love Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Mairead Ni Dhomnaill, Niamh Parsons, the incomparable Karen Matheson (Capercaillie), and the much-maligned (unfairly so) Eddi Reader.

This side of the pond, Connie Dover. And Eva Cassidy was a bit good.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 07:51 PM

UK's Polly Bolton deserves more than a mention.
gecko

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 08:02 PM

Sandy Denny. Shirley Collins.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST, DTM
Date: 19 Nov 16 - 08:30 PM

Karine Polwart
Siobhan Miller

Best ever (eclectic folky) Eva Cassidy

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Thompson
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 12:51 AM

Nora Ghriallais, Dolores Keane, Kate Rusby…

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 01:53 AM

From UK, Marie Little, Eileen Pratt, Annie Dearman and Chris Coe
From US, Debra Cowan
From Canada, the late Vera Johnson
From Australia, Margaret Walters, and although not considered mainstream folk, Judith Durham from The Seekers

Collaborations: Can't go past Silly Sisters (Maddy and June)

All powerful voices (not a fan of the wispy childlike sopranos either!)

Thank you, ladies, for your great work.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: oldhippie
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 03:33 PM

Carolyn Hester. Always.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 04:01 PM

Karine Polwart

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,RA
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 05:55 PM

Scotland: Elizabeth Stewart... also, those no longer with us: Sheila Stewart, Lizzie Higgins, Jeannie Robertson, Flora MacNeil.

Ireland: Radie Peat... also, those no longer with us: Brigid Tunney, Elizabeth Cronin, Mary Delaney.

England: Shirley Collins, Anne Briggs, June Tabor... and, no longer with us, Lal Waterson.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 06:13 PM

Peta Webb

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Elmore
Date: 20 Nov 16 - 07:09 PM

Rosalie Sorrels, Debby McClatchy, Barbara Dane. {but really Priscilla Herdman.}

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 21 Nov 16 - 07:16 AM

I always equally rated Rosie Hardiman and June Tabor

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,silver
Date: 21 Nov 16 - 09:03 AM

Joan Baez, Anne Hills, Julie Fowlis and Debra Cowan have all been mentioned here, and I agree. I'd like to add Padraigín Ní Uallacháin.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,silver
Date: 21 Nov 16 - 09:04 AM

AND Anne Dodson!!!

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Dickmac
Date: 21 Nov 16 - 03:23 PM

Can't disagree with any of the above Scottish artistes. I don't know too much about the current English and Irish scene although there are some that I've seen perform and heard on CD that are very good.
Last Thursday I had the pleasure of going to a gig in the Irvine Harbour Arts Centre where Eleanor McEvoy gave a wonderful performance
A very talented and entertaining performer.
p.s.
And I almost forgot my wife, Maureen

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Nov 16 - 03:34 PM

Yes, pretty well everyone on Bob Knight's list for me, and I'd add in Mairi Campbell.
As a trio of female voices: Craig , Morgan and Robson: Sarah, of course, so sadly missed, but Carolyn and Moira sound great as a duo.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 21 Nov 16 - 04:16 PM

The top of the list is a 100% - Joan Baez
Also, Sandy Denny, Judy Collins would be next on my list but Joan Baez at # 1.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: cetmst
Date: 24 Nov 16 - 08:34 AM

Listing only those I've seen in person and in no specific order:
Jean Ritchie. Jean Redpath, Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills, Cindy Mangsen, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Maddy Prior, Susan Reed, Peggy Seeger, Connie Dover, Buffy Ste.-Marie, Jane Wilcox Hively, Custer LaRue, Ann Mayo Muir, Bonnie Rideout.
Among those heard but not seen: June Tabor, Joni Mitchell, Rosalie Sorrels, Ann Dodson, Judy Small, Cynthia Gooding, Cathy Barton.
Overall favorite? probably Jean Ritchie, but changes depending on whom I'm listening to.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Nov 16 - 08:47 AM

Judith Durham. Sinead O'Conner. Annie Lennox.

Shall we start a bunfight about what is folk music? :-)

DtG

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Anglo
Date: 24 Nov 16 - 02:59 PM

Hedy West. Unfortunately no longer with us.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Nov 16 - 04:48 PM

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Stewie
Date: 24 Nov 16 - 07:28 PM

Eleanor Shanley, Niamh Parsons, Ginny Hawker, Barbara Dane, Jean Redpath

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,RA
Date: 25 Nov 16 - 12:06 PM

Emily Portman from England is a great contemporary singer.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 03:01 AM

Gretchen Peters.

Interesting that no-one has mentioned Kate Rusby...

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 04:05 AM

Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Dave Illingworth
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 04:20 AM

Dolores Keane

Hazel Dickens -   no longer with us but, to my mind, the finest (and rawest) female singer in the American tradition.

Carole Prior (now living near Edinburgh)

Sylvia Couchman (now living in Surrey)

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 04:49 AM

Add Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Sylvia Barnes and Maddy Prior to my list.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: gillymor
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 07:18 AM

Aoife O'Donovan who like Karan Casey is quite a versatile singer. Should mention Molly Andrews as well and all 3 ladies in the Waylin' Jennies. Also the late Ola Belle Reed who also wrote some great songs.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: gillymor
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 07:30 AM

How could I forget Carol Elizabeth Jones who did (does) some of the definitive versions of old time songs for me. Also tops is Pharis Romero who performs with her husband Jason.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 11:39 AM

Looking forward to tonight. We're off to Bolton to support and accompany Janet Russell.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 02:20 PM

There are so many that I haven't heard, it's hardl;y fair to name one.
Caroline Paton, Jean Redpath, Cilla Fisher,Kathy Westra, Helen Schneyer, now deceased. Ann Mayo Muir.Sara Grey, All near the top of my list.

I'm not a guest, been here for years.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: MaineDog
Date: 26 Nov 16 - 02:34 PM

Custer LaRue, especially when she sings old ballads with the Baltimore Consort, or early music like "O Mistress Mine" !

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Hrothgar
Date: 27 Nov 16 - 05:20 AM

Joan Baez
Judith Durham
Jenny Fitzgibbon

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Teribus
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 04:14 AM

Judy Dinning sadly no longer with us.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: frogprince
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 11:33 AM

Kendall was wiser than to ask for "the BEST" of the lot; there would be no justifiable way to even begin to narrow down a list of stellar people like we've built up. I skimmed thru again to verify that Peggy Seeger has been mentioned; I've just been listening to some of her great stuff.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Alan Day
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 12:38 PM

Megan Wisdom a young Folk Singer from Suffolk.
Al

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 03:18 PM

Ann Briggs in the late 60s and very early 70s was superb. There was an excellent singer from Yorkshire, pretty much a contemporary of Ann Briggs called Janet Jones. Amongst the US singers, Hedy West.

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 02 Dec 16 - 11:14 AM

Peta Webb Sings Moorlough Shore

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 03 Dec 16 - 03:38 AM

Not in any order of preference:.......June Tabor..........Chris Coe........the McGarrigles.........Janis Ian

Subject: RE: Who Is Your Favorite Female Folk Singer
From: Dug
Date: 03 Dec 16 - 08:23 PM

June Tabor, Karine Polwart, Margaret Walters, Jennifer Lees, Christine Wheeler.