8 Powerful Female Gospel Artists You Should Know
This month, Today’s Purpose Woman celebrates some of today’s most influential female gospel singers making an unforgettable impact on the world in their own right. Their devotion to God, humility, and ability to lead others in praise are truly inspiring. Their music and ministry have touched the lives of countless individuals, providing comfort and encouragement through their personal stories and songs. Their kindness and grace have shown us the love of God in action.
Out of the countless powerful female artists who have dedicated their lives to serving God, here’s eight. May their inspiring actions motivate us to use our gifts to leave a lasting legacy as Women of Faith in the world.
Pastor Shirley Caesar
Often referred to as the “First Lady of Gospel Music”, and “The Queen of Gospel Music”. Pastor Shirley Caesar has been sweeping across America and the world, delivering her Christian message in electrifying song and sermon, picking up 12 Grammy Awards, 18 Dove Awards, 14 Stellar Awards, a Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and numerous other honors along her path. She has been a standard-bearer for traditional African-American gospel music, yet at the same time has been unafraid to challenge convention and take the genre in daring new directions.
She currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
CeCe Winans
CeCe Winans has long since cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in modern music history. Recording and performing as both a solo artist and as a duo with her brother BeBe, CeCe has influenced a generation of gospel and secular vocalists over the course of her astonishing career. Her mantel today holds a staggering 12 GRAMMY Awards, 20 Dove Awards, and 7 Stellar Awards. She’s been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame, just to name a few.
She touched millions with inspirational performances everywhere from Oprah to The White House, and even showed off her acting chops on television series like ‘7th Heaven’ and ‘Doc.’
Kari Jobe
For nearly two decades, well-respected worship leader Kari Jobe has been using her gifts to lead people into the presence of God. When she began leading worship at age 13, she never imagined she would be nominated for a GRAMMY®, win multiple Dove Awards, have a RIAA Gold Certified single or be praised by the New York Times. Originally from Texas and now residing in Nashville, Jobe tours the country with her husband and their two sons and they both serve at their home church The Belonging Co.
Jekalyn Carr
At the age of thirteen, Jekalyn Carr answered God’s call and added ministry work to her gift of singing. She now has four Dove Awards, six Stellar Awards, and numerous other industry nominations. She is recognized as one of the most inspiring and influential voices of her generation, and her consistency has earned the admiration and respect of millions worldwide. To this day, Jekalyn remains an independent artist and has achieved great success without backing of a major label, a true testament to the favor of God on her life and ministry.
One of the most important lessons her life teaches is the constant pursuit of goals and dreams, a message that resonates with the multi-generational audience she inspires. In addition to being a preacher, singer, and songwriter, she is also a published author, actress, radio personality, serial entrepreneur, conference host, and fashion and fragrance innovator.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Tasha Cobbs Leonard is a worship singer, songwriter, actress, author, musician, entrepreneur, GRAMMY® Award winner and an Executive Pastor at The Purpose Place where she Co-Pastors with her husband, Kenneth Leonard, Jr.
Tasha is a “worshipper first.” She is sure about her purpose and intentional about focus. She launched her solo singing career in 2010, after serving as Worship Pastor for several years at her local church home. Greater things were ahead for this passionately committed leader whose purpose in life is to “always bring awareness to the presence of God.” “My music gives me an opportunity to do something that changes people’s lives from the inside out. Few career choices can do that. I minister to hearts, minds and souls,” she says gratefully.
Tasha is also a savvy entrepreneur heading up several businesses including a trendy Eyewear Collection, Fritz Eyewear Collection, in honor of her late father, Fritz Cobbs and a Plus Size focused athletic wear line, Curve Athletics.
Riley Clemmons
Riley Clemmons is a rising artist from Nashville, TN who is an accomplished composer, performer, producer, and recording artist. Though youthful, Riley has a seasoned strength that shines throughout her music. She draws inspiration from life experiences. Her music is the intersection of her root in church music and love for fresh, upbeat pop.
Psalmist Raine
Psalmist Raine® is known internationally as one of today’s most popular modern-day worship artist. Recognized for her improvisational worship recordings with her amazingly talented ReFresh Team, she has set hearts and spirits ablaze with the worship she renders to the Lord. Her passion for God and her gifting of music collaborate to create dynamic and unforgettable worship experiences. Those who have witnessed this anointed vessel first-hand know that her sole goal is to move the heart of God. Her mission is to open the Heavens so that God’s people can clearly hear Him speak though song.
As an apostolic leader, serial entrepreneur and affectionately known as “Mother Nations”, she wears many hats in ministry & in her life’s service in addition to what has been shared above, such as: President & Founders of ReFresh Global and CEO of Cultivate Solutions, Inc.
Anne Wilson
With a transcendent vocal, down-to-Earth storytelling and a Heaven-sent desire to glorify Jesus, Anne Wilson is one of Nashville’s most inspiring young trailblazers – a Lexington, Ky. native mixing the heart of Contemporary Christian Music, and the sound of Country. Finding her musical mission in the wake of tragedy, Wilson delivered her first public performance at 15 while singing “What a Beautiful Name” at her brother’s funeral in a moving expression of faith which soon went viral.
Christian/Gospel, and also publishing a bestselling book titled My Jesus: From Heartache To Hope last fall. Her uplifting anthem “Hey Girl” has led to the creation of Hey Girl Nation, a community for fans to connect and encourage self-worth. Wilson is looking ahead to a new chapter – one that builds on her vision, and continues to blur the musical divide. “It’s the heart of Christian Music, the sound of Country … and the hope of Jesus,” she says. “I hope it all points back to Him.”
Anne has been honored with two GMA Dove Awards and a GRAMMY nomination, in addition to receiving other prestigious recognition.
