Women Who Rock: The Best Female Rock Musicians
Contents
- Women in rock: the pioneers
- Women in rock: the ’90s and beyond
- Women in rock: the new generation
- The best female rock musicians of all time
- The best female rock singers of all time
- The best female rock guitarists of all time
- The best female rock bassists of all time
- The best female rock drummers of all time
- The best female rock songwriters of all time
- The best female rock producers of all time
See a list of the best female rock musicians of all time, including women who have shaped the sound of rock ‘n’ roll.
Women in rock: the pioneers
Women in rock have been making their mark since the early days of the genre. From the pioneers who paved the way to the modern stars who are keeping rock alive, here are some of the best female rock musicians of all time.
Pioneers
The first wave of women in rock were the pioneers who paved the way for future generations. These women were true trailblazers, breaking down barriers and boldly going where no woman had gone before.
-Joan Jett: Joan Jett is a true pioneer of women in rock. She started her career in the all-female band The Runaways, and went on to have a hugely successful solo career with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Bad Reputation.” She is also a founding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was inducted in 2015.
-Suzi Quatro: Suzi Quatro was one of the first women to achieve mainstream success as a rock musician. A bass player and singer, she had a string of hits in the 1970s with songs like “Can the Can” and “Devil Gate Drive.” She has also been credited with inspiring a generation of female bass players.
-Debbie Harry: Debbie Harry is best known as the lead singer of Blondie, one of the most successful bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. With hits like “Heart of Glass” and ” Call Me,” Blondie helped to define new wave music, andHarry’s style and attitude inspired many other female musicians.
Modern stars
The women on this list are keeping rock alive in the 21st century. They’re making great music, selling out concerts, and winning awards. If you’re looking for some new music to check out, look no further than these amazing women in rock.
-Sharon Osbourne: Sharon Osbourne is a legendary figure in the world of rock music. She first came to prominence as the wife of Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne, but has since carved out her own place in music history as a reality TV star, radio host, and producer. Sharon is also known for her work as a band manager, helping to launch the careers of artists like Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses. In recent years, she has served as a judge on The X Factor UK.
-Lzzy Hale: Lzzy Hale is best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Halestorm, a hard rock band that has achieved massive success since its formation in 1997. Hale is an acclaimed vocalist who can belt out powerful melodies with ease, and her guitar playing is nothing to scoff at either. In 2013, she became only the second woman ever to be featured on Guitar World’s list of Top 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time.” -Amy Lee: Amy Lee is co-founder and lead singer of Evanescence, one of the most successful bands 2000s
Women in rock: the ’90s and beyond
In the 1990s, with the advent of Nirvana and other grunge bands, alternative rock became mainstream. For women in rock, this meant more opportunities to be heard on the radio and to sell records. But it also meant more competition from male bands, and a more difficult time breaking through to become a headliner.
The following is a list of female rock musicians who have made an impact in the ’90s and beyond. These women have sureFire talent, great stage presence, and a rebellious attitude that rocks audiences of all ages.
-Sheryl Crow
-Alanis Morissette
-Avril Lavigne
-Gwen Stefani
-Pink
-No Doubt
-L7
Women in rock: the new generation
Women have been a part of the rock music scene since its inception, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that they began to be taken seriously as musicians. In the intervening decades, many women have made their mark on rock music and we’ve compiled a list of some of the best female rock musicians. These women are talented, creative, and most importantly, they’re rocking out on their own terms.
Recently, there has been a renewed interest in women in rock and we’re excited to see a new generation of female rockers taking the stage. While there are too many to list here, we’ve compiled a selection of some of our favorites. Check them out below.
-Thelma and the Sleaze: This all-female punk band from Nashville is fronted by singer/guitarist Thelma Deville. Thelma and the Sleaze write catchy, high-energy songs with themes that range from party culture to social commentary.
-Puppy: Hailing from London, Puppy is a three-piece grunge-pop band that formed in 2015. Led by singer/guitarist Jules Halliday, Puppy is known for their fuzzy sound and ethereal melodies.
-Hinds: This Madrid-based band is made up of four friends who bonded over their shared love of garage rock. With catchy riffs and infectious energy, Hinds is quickly gaining popularity both in Spain and abroad.
-Girlpool: This Los Angeles duo creates stripped down indie-rock with elements of punk and folk. Guitarist/vocalist Harmony Tividad and drummer Cleo Tucker met while working at a vegan food cooperative and they soon began writing songs together.
The best female rock musicians of all time
From the early days of rock and roll to the present, women have made their mark as some of the best rock musicians of all time. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic female rockers of all time.
The early years:
One of the earliest pioneers of rock and roll was Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a gospel singer who incorporated elements of blues and R&B into her music. In the 1950s, she influenced a generation of young guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix and Chuck Berry.
Another influential early rocker was Wanda Jackson, who helped popularize rockabilly in the 1950s with her high-energy performances. She was known as the “Queen of Rockabilly” and continued to perform into her 80s.
The 1960s:
In the 1960s, Janis Joplin rose to prominence as a member of the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She was known for her powerful vocals and emotive performances. After leaving Big Brother, she pursued a successful solo career before dying tragically at the age of 27.
Also in the 1960s, Grace Slick joined Jefferson Airplane as their lead singer. With hits like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit,” she helped define the sound of psychedelic rock. In later years, she fronted Jefferson Starship and released several solo albums.
The 1970s:
Punk rock emerged in the 1970s, and one of its most iconic figures was Debbie Harry of Blondie. With her distinctive voice and striking looks, she helped make punk accessible to a mainstream audience. Blondie had a string of hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including “Heart of Glass” and “Call Me.”
Another punk icon was Patti Smith, who formed The Patti Smith Group in 1974. With songs like “Because the Night” and “Rock n Roll Nigger,” she infused punk with an experimental edge. She was also an accomplished poet and visual artist.
The 1980s:$nThe 1980s saw the rise of hard rock and heavy metal, with bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus$nand Pantera making their mark on the musical landscape.$nOne of the most influential figures in hard rock/heavy metal was Dee Snider°of Twisted Sister° He fronted one°of°the most successful bands°of°the decade with hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock,” while also becoming one°of°the genre’s most outspoken advocates.$nIn 1985 he testified before Congress in support °of free speech rights for musicians.$nIn later years he hosted his own radio show◊and appeared on reality TV.$n
$nSlayer’s bassist/vocalist Tom Araya is also worth mentioning – he is often credited as one°of°the pioneers °of death metal.$nt$bAraya has said that he checks himself for lumps regularly because his father died °of cancer.$nt
The best female rock singers of all time
The best female rock singers of all time have been responsible for some of the greatest songs and moments in music history. They have left their mark on the genre in a way that few others have, and their influence is still felt today.
These are the best female rock singers of all time, as determined by public opinion and mainstream appeal. Some may not be considered “rock” by purists, but they have all made an impact on the genre in their own way.
The best female rock guitarists of all time
The women on this list are not only some of the best female rock guitarists of all time, but they’re also some of the best guitarists, period. These talented musicians have shredded their way to the top, changing the face of rock music along the way.
So whether you’re a fan of classic rock or modern metal, there’s bound to be a guitarist on this list that you’ll love. So crank up the volume and get ready to headbang, because these are the 50 best female rock guitarists of all time.
The best female rock bassists of all time
There are many talented female rock bassists out there, but who are the best of the best? Here’s a list of the greatest female bassists in rock history, including both rhythm and lead players.
1. Gail Ann Dorsey
Gail Ann Dorsey is best known for her work with David Bowie, but she’s also worked with Tears for Fears, Lenny Kravitz, and Gwen Stefani. She’s an incredible bass player and a versatile musician, playing both electric and upright bass.
2. Tal Wilkenfeld
Tal Wilkenfeld is a young bassist who has already made a name for herself in the rock world. She’s played with some of the biggest names in music, including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Herbie Hancock. She’s an amazing talent and definitely one to watch in the future.
3. Kim Deal
Kim Deal was the bassist for The Pixies and also had a successful solo career with her band The Breeders. She’s known for her unique playing style and her ability to create catchy hooks. Deal is considered one of the most influential bassists of all time.
4. Melissa Auf der Maur
Melissa Auf der Maur is a Canadian bassist who was a member of Hole and Smashing Pumpkins. She also has a solo career and has released two albums. Auf der Maur is known for her powerful playing style and her use of effects pedals.
5. Suzi Quatro
Suzi Quatro is a British bassist who was one of the first women to achieve success in rock music. She’s best known for her hit singles “Can the Can” and “Devil Gate Drive”. Quatro is considered a pioneer in the world of female rock musicians.
The best female rock drummers of all time
In rock music, the drummer is typically the backbone of the band, providing the beat that propels the rest of the musicians forward. And while there have been countless great male rock drummers over the years, there are also many incredibly talented women who have left their mark on the genre.
Here are some of the best female rock drummers of all time:
Mona Best – The Beatles
Mona Best was the mother of Ringo Starr, and she ran a Liverpool nightclub called The Casbah where The Beatles often played. She gave them their start by letting them use her club as a base of operations, and she also encouraged them to audition for Decca Records. When Ringo joined the band full-time, she became their official manager.
Karen Carpenter – The Carpenters
Karen Carpenter was a master of pop drumming, infusing her playing with a delicate touch that helped to create The Carpenters’ signature sound. Her work on hits like “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “Superstar” showcased her versatility and earned her widespread acclaim.
Maureen Tucker – The Velvet Underground
Maureen Tucker was an unconventional drummer who often used her hands instead of traditional drumsticks. She was an integral part of The Velvet Underground’s sound, and she can be heard on many of their classic tracks, including “I’m Waiting for the Man” and “Sweet Jane.”
Sandy West – The Runaways
Sandy West was one of the co-founders of The Runaways, and she served as their drummer during their heyday in the 1970s. She was known for her powerful playing style, which helped to propel hits like “Cherry Bomb” and “Queens of Noise.”
The best female rock songwriters of all time
There are many great female rock songwriters, but these are some of the best of all time.
Carole King is a legendary figure in the world of pop music. She wrote her first hit song, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” when she was just 17 years old. She went on to write many other classic hits, such as “ natural woman” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Her 1971 album Tapestry is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Joni Mitchell is another legendary female songwriter. She is known for her innovative style and for her deeply personal lyrics. Her songs have been covered by many other artists, including James Taylor, who had a hit with her song “Fire and Rain.” Other well-known Joni Mitchell songs include “Big Yellow Taxi” and “River.”
Stevie Nicks is best known as the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, but she is also an accomplished solo artist and songwriter. Her best-known solo songs include “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” which she co-wrote with Tom Petty. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, she wrote or co-wrote many of their greatest hits, including “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams.”
Ani DiFranco is a singer-songwriter who emerged in the 1990s with a unique style that blended folk, rock, jazz, and hip-hop. She has released more than 20 albums over the course of her career and won numerous awards for her work. DiFranco is also an outspoken political activist and has been involved in various social justice causes.
The best female rock producers of all time
Women have been making a huge impact in the music industry for many years, especially in the rock genre. In recent years, there have been more women than ever before who are making a name for themselves as producers. Here are some of the best female rock producers of all time.
processing…