Who are your three favorite female singers?

May I suggest as one of the true great vocalists of any era:
Elis Regina
One of the few who was born to convey the full spectrum of emotion and life through sound.  Could hit any note on a bullseye, but the real magic lies in the shades and colors in between the notes.  Would love for more of her recordings to be offered in hi-res formats...
Sade and Kacey Musgraves round out my current list.  Beyonce honorable mention.

@fleschler
I do understand Brazil Folklore music and Brazilian Folk and two different types of music...And she has an American heritage to boot!

The only American singer of her day that I may even try attempt any contemporaneous similarities is maybe Marion Anderson?

Thank you introducing me to the music of Elsie Houston.
Such power, softness and control in her voice...I had no idea...It’s as if she’s singing in incantations!

+1 on Elis Regina too!

At this moment:

Dionne Warwick
Dusty Springfield
June Christy

It depends on my mood.

jachan,  June Christy is like a great glass of champagne....perhaps a bad comparison. 

+1 LULU - To Sir With love
A hauntingly good song.