@ sondeknz The question was top 3, not a list of 90. I have 42,000 LPs/78s/CDs. I chose my top three from recordings dating back 100 years, of which 20% have female singers. I don't doubt you prefer nearly all contemporary singers but there have been more accomplished singers over the period of recordings (although you mention Fitzgerald and Garland).@fleschler
Sorry you didn't enjoy my list.
I wasn't trying to show-off. I had simply hoped that going wider on list would help others to find some new favourites.
Certainly I have found a load of new voices myself, through this thread.
Based upon your own Top 3 picks, I think you would be most rewarded by exploring the music by STACEY KENT.
ELLA FITZGERALD was 4th on my list, but I have to admit the other three get heavier rotation these days.
I think my mentions of NINA SIMONE, JUDITH DURHAM and others qualify as "earlier" artists.
I never mentioned JUDY GARLAND. Just not my bowl of satsumas.
All highly subjective, of course.