African-American Actresses Who Are Also Singers

Hollywood has a long history of talents who possess the dual ability to command the screen and captivate audiences with their vocals. These African-American women have successfully navigated the demanding industries of both film and music, often achieving high acclaim in each field. From Golden Age pioneers who broke racial barriers to modern superstars attaining EGOT status, their versatility defines their careers. The following list highlights notable women who have established themselves as both actresses and professional singers.

Whitney Houston

Widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, Whitney Houston successfully transitioned into acting with her feature film debut in ‘The Bodyguard’. The film’s soundtrack became the best-selling soundtrack album in history, featuring her iconic rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. She continued her film career with leading roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, proving her box office draw. Houston produced movies such as ‘The Princess Diaries’ and ‘Cinderella’, the latter of which she also starred in as the Fairy Godmother. Her legacy remains a touchstone for vocal excellence and crossover success in the entertainment industry.

Beyoncé

Starting her career as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé established herself as a global music icon before pursuing serious acting roles. She demonstrated her comedic timing in ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’ and her dramatic capabilities in ‘Cadillac Records’, where she portrayed Etta James. Her performance in ‘Dreamgirls’ earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Beyond live-action roles, she voiced Nala in the photorealistic remake of ‘The Lion King’ and produced the accompanying soundtrack ‘The Lion King: The Gift’. She continues to integrate cinematic visuals into her musical projects, such as her film ‘Black Is King’.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on the third season of American Idol before making a historic film debut. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White in the musical drama ‘Dreamgirls’. Hudson has maintained a dual career, releasing Grammy-winning R&B albums while starring in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Respect’, where she played Aretha Franklin. Her work in television and theater eventually led her to achieve EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She currently hosts her own daytime talk show while continuing to perform musically.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah began her career as a beatboxer and rapper, becoming a pioneering feminist figure in hip-hop. She successfully pivoted to acting with the sitcom ‘Living Single’ and acclaimed film roles in ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Secret Life of Bees’. Her performance as Matron “Mama” Morton in the movie musical ‘Chicago’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. In addition to rap, she has released jazz and traditional pop vocal albums, including ‘The Dana Owens Album’. She remains a prolific producer and actor in both television and film.

Diana Ross

As the lead singer of The Supremes, Diana Ross became the face of Motown success in the 1960s. She transitioned to film by portraying Billie Holiday in ‘Lady Sings the Blues’, a performance that garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Ross continued to combine her acting and singing talents in projects like ‘Mahogany’ and the musical adventure ‘The Wiz’. throughout her career, she has received the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her influence extends across generations, setting the blueprint for the singer-turned-actress trajectory.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson began her career as a child actor on television shows such as ‘Good Times’ and ‘Fame’ before exploding as a pop music phenomenon. She returned to acting in adulthood with a lead role in John Singleton’s ‘Poetic Justice’ alongside Tupac Shakur. Jackson continued to take on film roles in the ‘Nutty Professor II: The Klumps’ and the ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ franchise. Her music videos are often noted for their cinematic quality and complex choreography. She remains one of the best-selling music artists in history while holding a respected filmography.

Mary J. Blige

Known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige has released over a dozen studio albums and won multiple Grammy Awards. She expanded her repertoire into acting with guest spots on television shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her breakthrough film role came in the period drama ‘Mudbound’, for which she received Academy Award nominations for both Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song. Blige also stars in the hit crime drama series ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. Her ability to convey deep emotion serves her well in both her soulful ballads and her dramatic performances.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey first gained attention as one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, earning multiple Grammy nominations. She was cast as Ariel in Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’, bringing her into the global spotlight. Bailey also showcased her acting skills in the musical film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’, playing the role of young Nettie. Her casting in major productions highlights a new generation of talent proficient in both vocal performance and screen acting. She continues to release solo music alongside her film projects.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe established a unique musical identity with concept albums founded on Afrofuturism and funk. She made a significant impact in Hollywood with supporting roles in the critically acclaimed films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe starred in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, earning praise for her versatile performance. She often integrates theatrical elements into her music videos and live performances. Her work consistently challenges genre boundaries in both audio and visual storytelling.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood became a teenage star with her self-titled debut album and her starring role in the sitcom ‘Moesha’. She made history as the first Black actress to play Cinderella in the 1997 television musical ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’, appearing alongside Whitney Houston. Her film credits include ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ and ‘Tyler Perry’s Temptation’. Vocally, she is often referred to as the “Vocal Bible” by peers due to her distinctive tone and complex runs. She continues to act in films like ‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’ while releasing new music.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams launched her career as the first African-American woman to receive the Miss America title before pivoting to music and acting. Her singing career produced hits like “Save the Best for Last” and the Academy Award-winning “Colors of the Wind” from ‘Pocahontas’. On screen, she is well-known for her roles in the film ‘Soul Food’ and the television series ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. Williams has also enjoyed a successful career on Broadway, starring in productions such as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. She consistently balances her work between recording studios, television sets, and the stage.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer gained recognition as a child actor in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and as the star of the Nickelodeon sitcom ‘True Jackson, VP’. She released her debut album ‘So Uncool’ early in her career and has continued to drop EPs and singles. Palmer demonstrated her dramatic range in Jordan Peele’s horror film ‘Nope’ and the crime drama ‘Hustlers’. She keeps a strong connection to her musical roots, often incorporating singing into her hosting gigs and social media presence. Her career is marked by a steady evolution from child star to multifaceted adult entertainer.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career on Disney Channel sitcoms ‘Shake It Up’ and ‘K.C. Undercover’, where she also recorded songs for the soundtracks. She released a self-titled debut album in 2013 featuring the hit single “Replay”. While she has shifted her primary focus to acting with Emmy-winning roles in ‘Euphoria’ and blockbusters like ‘Dune’, she returned to music for ‘The Greatest Showman’. In the film, she performed the duet “Rewrite the Stars” with Zac Efron. She also contributed vocals to the ‘Euphoria’ soundtrack, co-writing songs like “I’m Tired”.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino rose to national fame as the winner of the third season of American Idol. She transitioned to acting by playing the lead role of Celie in the Broadway musical ‘The Color Purple’, receiving rave reviews. She later reprised this role for the 2023 film adaptation of the musical, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Her discography includes a Grammy-winning R&B career with hits like “When I See U”. Fantasia’s powerful voice is a central element of her acting roles, particularly in musical theater and film.

Jill Scott

Jill Scott debuted as a poet and neo-soul singer with her acclaimed album ‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1’. She moved into acting with Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ films and the HBO series ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’. Scott also played James Brown’s wife in the biopic ‘Get on Up’. Her performances are often characterized by a strong, maternal presence and emotional depth. She continues to tour as a musician while taking on dramatic television and film roles.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a classically trained pianist and 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter. She made her film debut in the action movie ‘Smokin’ Aces’ and later starred in ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘The Nanny Diaries’. Keys has also worked behind the scenes as a producer for Broadway plays and films. Her acting roles often lean towards dramatic, grounded characters that contrast with her stage persona. She remains one of the best-selling music artists of her generation while maintaining a selective acting portfolio.

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu is a central figure in the neo-soul movement, known for her eccentric style and soulful albums like ‘Baduizm’. She acted in the film ‘The Cider House Rules’, playing the role of Rose Rose, and appeared in ‘Blues Brothers 2000’. Badu also had a supporting role in the comedy ‘What Men Want’ and the drama ‘House of D’. Her acting choices are often as eclectic and distinct as her musical output. She continues to perform live and influence fashion and culture.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ before becoming a Disney Channel icon with ‘That’s So Raven’. She enjoyed a successful singing career with The Cheetah Girls and as a solo artist, releasing four studio albums. Her film credits include ‘Dr. Dolittle’ and ‘The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement’. She has returned to her most famous role in the spin-off series ‘Raven’s Home’, where she also directs. Her career highlights a seamless blend of physical comedy and musical performance.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a Tony Award-winning actress known for her extensive work in theater and film. She voiced Tiana, Disney’s first African-American princess, in the animated musical ‘The Princess and the Frog’. On screen, she played Lorrell Robinson in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’ alongside Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson. Her television credits include roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’. Rose is celebrated for her powerful soprano voice and her command of both dramatic and musical roles.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley gained widespread recognition for her role as Mercedes Jones on the musical comedy-drama series ‘Glee’. She won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Effie White in the West End production of ‘Dreamgirls’. Riley also won the 17th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and released her debut EP ‘RILEY’ in 2020. She has appeared in films such as ‘Nobody’s Fool’ and television movies like ‘The Wiz Live!’. Her career is defined by her powerhouse vocals and stage presence.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a trailblazing entertainer who broke racial barriers in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. She signed a contract with MGM and appeared in musicals like ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and ‘Stormy Weather’, the latter of which featured her signature song. Due to segregation, her scenes were often filmed so they could be cut for Southern audiences, but her talent was undeniable. Horne focused on her nightclub and recording career when film roles became scarce due to her civil rights activism. She later won a Tony Award and a Grammy Award for her one-woman show on Broadway.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was known for her distinctive singing style and her controversial, outspoken personality. She gained fame for her recording of “Santa Baby” and her role as Catwoman in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series. Her film career included roles in ‘St. Louis Blues’ and later, voicework as Yzma in Disney’s ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’. Kitt was a versatile performer who sang in multiple languages and performed in cabaret acts worldwide. She remained active in the industry, winning Daytime Emmy Awards for her voice acting in her later years.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge began her career as a nightclub singer before becoming one of the first Black sex symbols in Hollywood. She made history as the first African-American woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’. Dandridge also starred in the film adaptation of ‘Porgy and Bess’, showcasing her ability to handle complex musical roles. Despite her talent, she faced significant racial discrimination that limited the roles available to her. Her legacy paved the way for future generations of Black actresses in cinema.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a pioneering actress and singer who garnered critical acclaim on stage and screen. She starred in the sitcom ‘Julia’, becoming the first African-American woman to lead a TV series in a non-stereotypical role. Carroll won a Tony Award for the musical ‘No Strings’ and was nominated for an Academy Award for the film ‘Claudine’. As a singer, she released several albums and performed in Las Vegas and nightclubs. Her career spanned decades, including iconic roles in the soap opera ‘Dynasty’.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones began her career on the Disney Channel movie ‘Let It Shine’, showcasing her acting and singing abilities. After a period of industry struggle, she revitalized her career with the role of Hilary Banks in the drama series ‘Bel-Air’. Simultaneously, she released her major-label debut EP, earning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance for her single “ICU”. Jones represents a modern example of a star successfully balancing a hit television show with a rising music career. She continues to tour and release new music while filming.

Tell us which of these multi-talented entertainers is your favorite in the comments.