We seem to get energized over music topics, so let's see what this does. There are singers who have popularity over decades, like Streisand and Dion, as well as others who pop up all the time.
This thread is asking for songstresses who have quite recognizable voices, though they may not be current.
I offer 3...
Jazz/soul artist from the 50's/60's who died too young, Dinah Washington
Country crossover lady with one big charter, Maria Muldaur
Lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and soloist too, Stevie Nicks
Your offerings?
This has been fun. I immediately thought of Billie Holiday but, as usual, it's not so simple. Are the chanteuses distinctive because of their voice or their association with a song(s), band, era, genre? Janis Joplin, Judy Garland, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrea, Ella, Joni mitchell, Judy Collins, Joan Armitrading, Bonnie Raitt, Madonna, Lesley Gore & more. BY has been helpful, but "Is that all there is?" Ms. Peggy Lee
And in celebrating today's weather, heretofore unmentioned Chicago-based denizen with distinction/cool, Patricia Barber from 1998s "Modern Cool".