A definitive ranking of the women who shattered glass ceilings and defined the sound of rock music during its golden era. From heavy metal pioneers to psychedelic blues-rock icons, these vocalists brought raw power, technical virtuosity, and undeniable charisma to the forefront of the genre.
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Possibly the most iconic female rock vocalist of the decade, Joplin blended blues, soul, and rock into a devastatingly powerful style. Her emotional intensity and distinctive rasp at Woodstock and Monterey Pop Festival changed the landscape of live performance for women in rock.
As the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, Nicks brought a mystical, poetic lyricism and a soaring alto voice to stadium-sized success. Her solo career and band work defined the late 70s soft-rock sound while maintaining a strong, independent artistic identity.
A master of slide guitar and soulful blues-rock singing, Raitt earned critical acclaim early in her career for her gritty, authentic voice. She paved the way for female musicianship and songwriting, influencing generations of rock and blues artists with her raw emotional delivery.
Known as the 'First Lady of Rock,' Ronstadt achieved massive commercial success with her crisp, operatic-influenced rock and country-rock vocals. Her ability to cross genres while maintaining rock credibility made her one of the most successful female artists of the era.
As the frontwoman of Blondie, Harry bridged the gap between punk, new wave, and mainstream rock in the late 1970s. Her cool, detached vocal style and charismatic stage presence helped bring underground aesthetics to the top of the pop charts globally.
The powerhouse vocalist of Heart, Wilson possessed a four-octave range and a screaming high note that rivaled any male rock singer. Her performance in the late 70s, particularly on albums like 'Dreamboat Annie,' established her as a leading figure in hard rock.
Wait, no, wrong era. Let's stick to 70s. Let's use Sandy Denny. Sandy Denny was the lead singer of Fairport Convention, pioneering the British folk-rock movement. Her clear, powerful voice brought a unique depth to traditional folk songs adapted for rock instruments, influencing the genre's direction significantly.
As the lead singer of Fairport Convention, Denny was instrumental in creating the British folk-rock genre. Her distinctive, powerful voice brought a unique depth to traditional songs adapted for rock instruments, influencing countless artists with her artistic integrity and vocal range.
Taking over Jefferson Airplane after their breakthrough hit 'White Rabbit,' Slick brought a commanding, psychedelic rock presence. Her bold stage antics and powerful vocals helped define the San Francisco sound and the counterculture movement of the late 60s and 70s.
Although The Pretenders gained major traction in the late 70s and early 80s, Hynde's formation and early gigs in London laid the groundwork. Her punk-infused rock style and distinctive voice challenged gender norms in the male-dominated punk scene of the era.
Starting her career with The Runaways in the mid-to-late 70s, Jett helped establish the template for female punk and hard rock musicians. Her aggressive guitar style and raspy vocals proved that women could play and sing hard rock with equal ferocity to their male counterparts.
While primarily known as a photographer and keyboardist, Linda McCartney provided essential backing vocals for Paul McCartney and Wings throughout the 70s. Her contributions helped soften the band's rock edge with a distinctive, supportive harmonizing style that became a hallmark of their sound.
Best known for her iconic guest vocals on the Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter,' Clayton was a sought-after session singer in the 70s rock scene. Her powerful, soulful screams and ad-libs brought a dramatic intensity to countless rock recordings by top artists of the decade.
The 'Godmother of Punk,' Smith merged poetry with raw rock music, creating a new artistic template for female rockers. Her spoken-word delivery and energetic performance style at CBGBs in the mid-70s influenced the punk movement and expanded the thematic boundaries of rock lyrics.
Before her 80s pop explosion, Carnes was a respected rock and country singer in the 70s. Her strong, bluesy voice and songwriting skills earned her a solid place in the Los Angeles rock scene, collaborating with major artists and performing on influential live stages.
Wait, she is 90s/00s. Let's use Joni Mitchell. Joni Mitchell transitioned from folk to complex jazz-rock fusion in the 70s. Her innovative vocal techniques and unconventional guitar tunings allowed her to explore sophisticated musical structures, challenging the rigid norms of male-dominated rock composition.
Transitioning from folk to complex jazz-rock fusion in the 70s, Mitchell’s innovative vocal techniques and unconventional guitar tunings allowed her to explore sophisticated musical structures. She challenged the rigid norms of male-dominated rock composition with deeply personal and artistic lyrics.
After divorcing Sonny Bono, Cher successfully transitioned into a solo rock and disco career in the late 70s. Her hit 'Dark Lady' and subsequent rock-influenced albums showcased her ability to adapt her powerful vocal style to contemporary rock trends, maintaining her superstar status.
By the 70s, Turner had fully established herself as the 'Queen of Rock and Roll' after leaving Ike. Her explosive live performances, raspy voice, and blues-rock roots made her a formidable solo artist, influencing the direction of rock and soul music with her unmatched energy.
Emerging in the late 70s, Bush brought a theatrical, art-rock sensibility to her music. Her unique vocal style and imaginative songwriting on albums like 'The Kick Inside' offered a progressive alternative to traditional rock, influencing the development of art-rock and alternative music.