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- Stevie Nicks. 15,983 votes. Ethereal, mystical, and hauntingly beautiful are just a few ways to describe the enchanting voice of Stevie Nicks. As the frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac and as a successful solo artist, Nicks dominated the rock scene with her signature blend of folk-rock and poetic lyrics.
- Ann Wilson. 14,093 votes. An extraordinary voice coupled with a mesmerizing stage presence allowed Ann Wilson to etch her name into the annals of rock history.
- Pat Benatar. 12,468 votes. Armed with a powerful and passionate soprano voice, Pat Benatar stormed onto the rock scene in the late 1970s and left an indelible mark.
- Janis Joplin. 12,132 votes. A raw, emotive, and uninhibited force of nature, Janis Joplin was a transcendent talent that set the world ablaze. Her unmistakable raspy voice brought songs like "Piece of My Heart" to life, capturing the pain and longing within every note.
- Sharon Van Etten
- St. Vincent
- Hayley Williams
- Kate Pierson
- Donita Sparks
- Alice Bag
- Gwen Stefani
- Dolores O’Riordan
- Brittany Howard
- Jenny Lewis
Sharon Van Etten didn’t get widespread recognition until her third studio album, Tramp, landed in 2012, but when she did, she had the kind of viral success most singer-songwriters are rarely afforded. Stunning listeners with her emotional candor, Van Etten sang songs about abusive relationships, love and self-discovery. She has since grown as a mus...
The only thing more agile than St Vincent’s legendary guitar playing is her exquisite vocals. For over a decade, Annie Clark has traversed different styles and sounds, and is equally at home in singer-songwriter mode as she is recording avant-rock concept albums with David Byrne. A musical shape-shifter, Clark takes on a new persona with each album...
In the male-dominated pop-punk scene, Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams felt like she was starting a revolution with her music and attitude, inspiring other girls and women to play in bands. Now five albums deep into her 15-year career, Williams has grown up and become more eclectic in her tastes with the group’s 2017 release, After Laughter, br...
As one of the founding members of The B-52s, Kate Pierson’s infectious pop-rock vocals made party tracks such as “Love Shack” and “Roam” what they are today. Alongside her vocal prowess, the singer-songwriter’s campy image and charming persona has made her one of rock’s beloved cult icons. When not touring with The B-52s, Pierson has also fostered ...
In 1992, L7’s Donita Sparks threw her bloody tampon at festival-goers after they berated the band onstage. In her career with the pioneering all-female group L7, she’s always defied expectations both inside and outside of music. It doesn’t get any more rock’n’roll than that.
As one of the only Latina musicians from the first wave of 70s LA punk, Alice Bag became an icon and an inspiration. As lead singer of The Bags, she has used her platform to bring representation center-stage, sending messages to survivors of abuse and addressing the detainment of immigrants.
Before Gwen Stefani branched out into pop stardom, she was known as the alluring lead singer of early 90s ska and punk-rock band No Doubt. With early songs “Just A Girl” and “Spiderwebs,” from their breakthrough record Tragic Kingdom, Stefani proved she wasn’t going to play by the rules and quickly became one of the best female rock singers of the ...
With her lofty Limerick accent, Dolores O’Riordan made some of the greatest rock songs of the 90s with her band, The Cranberries. From “Linger” to “Zombie,” O’Riordan’s emotive range and Gaelic lilt made the band stand out. What made her even more of a rock star? Speaking openly about her battle with bipolar disorder in 2017. The outpouring of emot...
As lead singer for Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard is best known for her soulful, blues-tinged vocals. Since the Shakes took off, Howard started Bermuda Triangle, a side project with Becca Mancari and Jesse Lafser. Being the badass she is, Howard is also lead singer of rock band Thunderbitch, who rarely do live appearances. An unstoppable force amo...
While she got her start over 20 years ago as the frontwoman of Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis has gone onto have an even more esteemed solo career. The actress-turned-musician is a master of storytelling, praised for her vulnerable songwriting about love, sexuality, relationships, and coming of age. Lewis has garnered a cult fanbase for her lyrical wisdom...
- Ilana Kaplan
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- 9 min
- Stevie Nicks. Topping our list, we have Arizona native Stevie Nicks. Growing up in the ’50s, she got her start in music by singing duets with her grandfather.
- Janis Joplin. Born in 1943 in Texas, Janis Joplin’s name is nearly synonymous with rock. Joplin originally began singing with a band but became famous as a solo artist for her exciting concerts.
- Tina Turner. Widely referred to as the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner’s career has had its ups and downs. Born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939, she was the youngest daughter of a Tennessee family.
- Joan Jett. Born in 1958, Joan Jett offered an exciting new era of rock and roll. She came to fame with the all-girl band The Runaways and their song “Cherry Bomb.”
- Wanda Jackson. Early rocker Wanda Jackson had a robust career. She shared the stage with Elvis Presley in the mid-’50s and became known as the Queen of Rockabilly.
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Sometimes called “the Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the daughter of two cotton pickers who were also singers.
- Ruth Brown. Ruth Brown was an R&B singer who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1928. When she was a teenager, her friends pooled their money and sent her to New York to a talent contest at the Apollo Theater where she came in first place.
- LaVern Baker. LaVern Baker (born 1929) was another R&B singer signed to Atlantic who crossed over to rock ‘n’ roll. She began singing in the clubs of Chicago.
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- Stevie Nicks. Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen (Official Music Video) Stevie Nicks is a legend and a hero in the world of rock music. She first rose to fame as the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and has since gone on to have a hugely successful solo career.
- Janis Joplin. Janis Joplin - Cry Baby (Official Audio) Janis Joplin was one of the most influential singers of her generation. She was known for her raw and powerful vocal style, as well as her onstage persona.
- Etta James. Etta James Performs "At Last" at the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction. Etta James was a true pioneer in the world of music. She was one of the first African American singers to find mainstream success, and her impact is still felt today.
- Aretha Franklin. Aretha Franklin "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" | Archive INA. Aretha Franklin is a true icon in the world of music. She is often referred to as the “Queen of Soul,” and for good reason.
Jun 22, 2012 · Women Who Rock: 50 fiercest albums that female musicians – from Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell and Patti Smith to Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Adele.
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Sep 2, 2023 · 1. Blondie is one of the most influential female-fronted rock bands of all time. Fronted by Debbie Harry, Blondie was a pioneer of new wave and punk rock in the late 70s and early 80s. They had a string of hits such as Heart of Glass, Call Me, Atomic, and Rapture, blending rock, pop, disco, and rap.
