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10 soul greats who came before Adele

Julian TompkinNovember 19, 2015

Adele carries on a rich tradition of female soul singers going back to the 1950s, from Aretha Franklin to Janis Joplin and more. We take a look back at those who paved the way.

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Adele grammy
Image: Reuters

Each is in a league of her own: powerful voices like those of Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Shirley Bassey, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Macy Gray, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone und Amy Winehouse.

Click through the gallery to learn more about some of the best female vocalists in the history of soul.

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Adele at the 2012 Brit Awards in London, Copyright: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

Adele in 10 songs

Adele in 10 songs

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