13 Female Country Stars Who Ruled the ’90s

The 1990s were a golden era for female country artists, with a wave of talented singers helping take the genre to new heights. From heartfelt ballads to chart-topping anthems, these women won over fans with unforgettable voices, authentic storytelling and unforgettable stage presence. Here’s a look at 13 female country stars who helped define the decade and whose influence can still be heard today.

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire was one of the defining voices of ’90s country music, known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. According to PBS, her remarkable career earned her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2018. She remains one of the genre’s most beloved and influential stars.

Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, Emily Robison of the Chicks

Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison of  The Chicks  helped redefine country music with their powerful harmonies, sharp songwriting, and fearless attitude. They continued their success into the next decade when their 2002 album Home went straight to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to Billboard.

Wynonna Judd

Wynonna Judd became one of country music’s biggest stars thanks to her powerful voice and emotional performances. After finding success with The Judds, she launched a solo career in the early ’90s, according to The Kennedy Center. She quickly proved she was a star in her own right and remains one of the most respected and influential women in country music

Faith Hill

Faith Hill became one of the biggest stars in country music thanks to her powerful voice and string of hit songs. She scored five Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Breathe,” “The Way You Love Me,” and “This Kiss”, according to Billboard. Her success cemented her status as one of the defining female country artists of the decade.

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood‘s warm voice and relatable storytelling helped shape country radio throughout the decade. Her 1991 debut single, “She’s in Love With the Boy,” reached No. 1 and made her the first female artist to top the charts with their first single, according to The Boot.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton was already a country music legend by the 1990s, but her influence on the genre continued to grow throughout the decade. In 1999, she was formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in recognition of her remarkable career and lasting contributions. Her songwriting, unmistakable style and generous spirit have made her one of country music’s most beloved icons.

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker became a country music sensation after scoring her breakout hit “Delta Dawn” at just 13 years old, according to Rolling Stone. Throughout the ’90s, she remained a respected force in country music with her bold style, distinctive voice and fearless attitude.

Martina McBride

Martina McBride has earned praise for her powerful vocals and emotionally driven songs. Her signature hit, “Independence Day,” earned her first Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, while her album Martina became her first Top 10 release on the Billboard 200.

Alison Krauss

Alison Krauss earned widespread acclaim for her beautiful voice and extraordinary talent as a fiddle player, helping bring bluegrass to a broader audience. She has won 27 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most-awarded female artists in Grammy history, according to The Recording Academy.

Shania Twain

Shania Twain became one of the biggest stars of the 1990s by blending country and pop into a sound that appealed to fans around the world. Her 1997 album Come On Over has sold an estimated 40 million copies, making it the best-selling studio album by a solo female artist, according to Guinness World Records.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes became a country music sensation as a teenager thanks to her remarkable voice and breakout hit “Blue.” At just 14 years old, she became the youngest person ever to win a Grammy, taking home Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1997, as reported by The Recording Academy.