LIST: Influential women who rocked the music industry

The music industry has been impacted by many talented women over the decades, however, women are often overlooked in the genre of rock and roll. Notable artists including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Tom Petty, and Keith Richards have cited female musicians among their biggest influences. Women shaped rock and roll into what it is known as today; without them, the genre would be missing a large portion of its history. Here is a list of 12 influential women in rock and roll.

 

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

(March 20, 1915 – Oct. 9, 1973)

Sister Rosetta Tharpe began recording in the 1930s gaining fame with hits like “This Train.” Tharpe played in nightclubs across the nation while also battling the institutional racism of the time period. Tharpe was known for her loud and bold sounding vocals accompanied by her mastery of the guitar. Artists like Chuck Berry and Keith Richards have named Tharpe amongst their biggest influences. Tharpe was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Tina Turner

(Nov. 26, 1939 – Present)

Tina Turner’s career began in the late 1950s where she began singing with Ike Turner as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue with hits like “Proud Mary.” However, it is her solo resurgence in the 1980s that earns her a spot on this list where she dominated the charts for years to come with hits like “Better Be Good to Me.” Known for her energetic live performances and long, successful career, Turner has earned the nickname “the Queen of Rock and Roll.” Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Aretha Franklin

(March 25, 1942 – Aug. 16 2018)

The first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, “the Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin tops many “Greatest Singers of All Time” lists and her voice is unmistakable. Franklin amassed 18 Grammys in her prosperous career where she had 112 singles on the Billboard charts, with her rendition of “Respect” being perhaps the most recognizable. Franklin was most dominant in the 1960s but saw a career resurgence in the 1980s through the 1990s.

Janis Joplin

(Jan. 19, 1943 – Oct. 4, 1970)

Joplin’s short career left an impact on rock and roll, with her trademark unique vocals and emotional stage performances. Joplin is an icon of 1960s American rock and roll with hits like her version of “Me and Bobby McGee.” With five Billboard Hot 100 singles, including two number one hits, Joplin is one of the best-selling artists of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Ann & Nancy Wilson

(June 19, 1950 – Present) (March 16, 1954 – Present)

With Ann on lead vocals and Nancy on guitar, the sisters formed the band Heart in 1970 with a style that was often referred to as “The Female Led Zeppelin.” However, it was their debut studio album “Dreamboat Annie” in 1975 that launched the sisters into stardom with hits “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man.” The sisters’ hard rock sound of the ’70s and ’80s helped them become one of the best-selling bands of all time and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Heart in 2013.

Stevie Nicks

(May 26, 1948 – Present)

The first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and once as a solo artist in 2019. Stevie Nicks’ illustrious career is marked by her iconic voice and numerous Billboard-charting hits. Songs like “Landslide” during her time with Fleetwood Mac and solo hits like “Edge of Seventeen” are just a few examples of her many hit songs from the 1970s and ’80s.

The Runaways

A punk rock band comprised entirely of women, featuring an all-star lineup including Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and Cherie Currie, The Runaways did not just open the door for future women in punk rock, they kicked it down. The Runaways were a global sensation in their short run in the late 1970s on the punk scene with hits such as “Cherry Bomb” and many of the members went on to have successful solo careers. The Runaways featured a rotating lineup during their time on the global stage.

Alanis Morissette

(June 1, 1974 – Present)

One of the top-selling and most notable artists of the ‘90s, Alanis Morissette rose to stardom with her 1995 album “Jagged Little Pill” featuring international hits like “Ironic.” The album is one of the best-selling of all time and Morissette is a staple of the ‘90s alt-rock genre. Canadian, Morissette was a frequent headliner of music festivals of the time such as Woodstock 99.

Karen O

(Nov. 22, 1978 – Present) 

Lead singer of the indie-rock band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen Orzolek, stage name Karen O, paved the way for Asian-American women in rock and roll charting hits like “Maps” during the early 2000s. O has been nominated for several Grammy awards in her career, both with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and through her solo ventures. O is known for her ostentatious fashion style and energetic live performances and continues to perform with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Hayley Williams

(Dec. 27, 1988 – Present)

Breaking into the alternative rock genre in the early 2000s fronting the band Paramore, Williams has become one of the most popular women in modern rock, charting hits with Paramore like “Misery Business.” Known for her wide vocal range and hair that never seems to be the same color twice, Williams announced her solo career in January 2020 with her debut single, “Simmer.”

Meg White

(Dec. 10, 1974 – Present)

Female drummers are somewhat of a rarity in rock and roll, and none are as decorated as Meg White of the White Stripes. White formed the White Stripes with her then-husband, guitarist and singer Jack White, in 1997. With Meg on drums alongside her husband, the duo would amass multiple Grammy nominations and awards during the 2000s before splitting in 2011. “Seven Nation Army” is their biggest hit and the best example of Meg White’s prowess on the drums.

Brittany Howard

(Oct. 2 1988 – Present)

Rounding off our list of influential women rockers is Brittany Howard, one of the most decorated musicians of the modern era. Howard’s fame arose in the early 2010s as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Alabama Shakes with hits like “Don’t Wanna Fight.” With Alabama Shakes, Howard has won several Grammy awards and been nominated for even more. Howard continues to create hits and launched her solo career in September 2019 with her debut solo album, “Jaime.”