African American female artists were the first to plant the seeds of rock music with gospel and blues tunes. Nowadays, rock music is dominated by a press written for men and by men, forgetting the innovative women who won the hearts of millions of fans with their brilliant skills. Female artists of rock ‘n’ roll with electric guitars can be as good as the favored male singers, and that is why women should be considered a gender, not a genre when it comes to rock music. Here are the most memorable female rock artists of all time:
1. Tina Turner
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock is a famous singer, actress and dancer that dominated the stage for fifty years. Known for her powerful voice, immortal beauty and of course, her long legs, Turner is a legend of the rock ‘n’ roll music. The ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ became a huge success in the 60s and 70s with hits like River Deep – Mountain High and Proud Mary. She is considered one of the most successful female artists in the music industry. Her 8 Grammy awards stand as evidence.
2. Janis Joplin
Janis Joplinn, nicknamed Pearl, was a famous singer and songwriter who debuted in 1966 as the lead singer of the band Big Brother and the Holding Company. Later she pursued a solo career with several backing groups, including The Full Tilt Boogie Band and the Kozmic Blues Band. Joplin had an electric stage presence and many called her ‘The Queen of Psychedelic Soul’. She was ranked number 46 on the Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list.
3. Joan Jett
The American singer, rock guitarist, producer and songwriter started her career as a founding member of the band The Runaways. She became famous as the leader of The Blackhearts, nine of their hits reaching Top 40. The band has eight platinum and gold albums. Jett is considered a feminist icon and has been referred to as the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’.
4. Alanis Morissette
Alanis Nadine Morissette is a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer who won 7 Grammy Awards and 16 Juno Awards. Jagged Little Pill is the first album the Canadian-American artist recorded. Havoc and Bright Lights, her eighth album, sold more than 60 million copies globally. Morissette is considered the ‘Queen of alt-rock angst’, because of her strong mezzo-soprano voice.
5. Bonnie Tyler
Born Gaynor Hopkins, Bonnie Tyler is a singer, songwriter and one of the most known female artists of rock ‘n’ roll. Her single It’s a Heartache from 1978 was number one in America and other European countries, breaking all the charts. Bonnie won three Grammy Awards, three Goldene Europa awards and sold a total of 100 million records.
