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With the release of the movie Bohemian Rhapsody, classic rock is enjoying a bit of a boom with generations which might not have been quite so familiar with that era of music in general. While Freddie Mercury was certainly one of the most iconic and incomparable front men of his time, there were also plenty of female rockers out there strutting the stuff and lighting up the stage with their incredible energy and considerable talent. These ladies paved the way for many of the musical acts we enjoy today and were true trailblazers of the genre. If you’re not already listening to these sirens sing, you need to start.
Though she tragically died at the young age of 27 in October of 1970, Janis still deserves a spot on this list. While smooth and melodic folk music and pop was dominating the sound waves of the late 60’s, Janis was bucking the system and gravitating towards an unapologetically rough-around-the-edges, raw sound that mingled rock, blues, and soul. And her music had that in spades: soul. Her voice is instantly recognizable with it’s raspy inflections and anguished filled growled notes laced with soft sweet croons. She never masked the emotion in her voice. She was an absolute dynamo and one of the very first true ladies of rock.
Must Listen to Tracks: “Piece of My Heart”, “Cry Baby”. “Maybe”
Tina is a goddess who pretty much invented the word “fierce”. This woman is still rocking out at age 79 and she has an absolute legacy of fantastic music. Coming onto the scene in the 60’s as a duo with her then-husband, Tina left that abusive relationship behind and went solo in the late 70’s. Regarded by many as the “Queen of Rock and Roll” her uncompromising ability to belt out notes is visceral. Hers is another one of those voices that you just can’t mistake for anyone else. You almost have to watch Tina as much as you have to listen, her stage presence is something to behold, showmanship at its best.
Must Listen to Tracks: “Proud Mary”,“Nutbush City Limits”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, “We Don’t Need Another Hero”
Sometimes affectionately referred to as simply, ‘The Gypsy of Rock”, Stevie Nicks joined the band Fleetwood Mac in the 70’s and contributed as both a singer and a songwriter. Her unique style which people describe as part gypsy, part Wiccan, is as much a part of her as her beautifully husky voice and emotional lyrics. She would eventually have her own solo career, but no matter if it was on her own or with the band, she produced some completely spell-binding music.
Must Listen Tracks: “Silver Springs”, Landslide”, “Rhiannon”, “The Chain”
Ann and Nancy Wilson were the front women of a band called “Heart” in the 70’s. They were pure rock. While both of them have incredible voices with some truly staggering range, Nancy is also a mean guitarist. They are largely considered to be the first women to front a hard rock band, talk about seriously BA! The all-out rock of their music paired with their sometimes angelic, sometimes anger filled belted notes of female anthems and war cries are something that’s a lot of fun to listen to.
Must Listen to Tracks: “Barracuda”, “Crazy on You”, “Magic Man”
Nicknamed “The Godmother of Punk”, Patti Smith’s lyrics are often pure poetry. Melding punk, rock, and poetry, her album “Horses” is widely considered to be an important and influential piece of work. She’s another female rocker whose voice has that near other-worldly ability to raise goosebumps with how it can morph from sweetly lilting to words just dripping with a mix of emotions. She makes you feel what she is singing. At 72, she’s still rocking it out, hard!
Must Listen to Tracks: “Because the Night”, “Redondo Beach”, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
