When rock music began to emerge from its pop, folk and blues roots in the late ’60s to become a distinct genre, women played a major role in how it developed and who it affected. Here are the 10 most powerful women from rock roots.
Pat Benatar
One of the first women associated with hard rock, Pat Benatar rose from banker to meteoric rock star. Success began with her first album “In the heat of the night” in 1979. The second album “Crimes of Passion” put her in the best position as one of the first and most frequently played artists on MTV, which she produced. 1981
Watch a live performance of Benatar’s first Top 10 song “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”
Peter Harry
In 1974, Debbie Harry was singing in sextile a popular rock group when she was supposed to join him as an apprentice. finally Blondie (thanks to Harry’s distinctive two-tone hair color.) It was their third album “Parallel Lines” in 1978 that gave them worldwide recognition, and them in the first signs of the punk / new wave movement that flourished in it. 80s After a disappointing breakup in 1982, Harry achieved success as a solo artist and actress when Blondie re-formed in 1997.
Watch Blondie’s Live Performance “One Way or Another”
Chrissie Hynde
After spending much of the ’70s trying in vain to form or permanently join a band, Chrissie Hynde finally got that demo tape to a record label. the master whose supporter gave him this ability to procure the pretenders. On the strength of their self-recorded album in 1979, the band rode the new rock movement through the “80s“. succeeding in spite of internal conflict and numerous changes of personnel.
Watch live performances of “First Strike”, “Copper in the Pocket”
Joan Jett
After success in the mid-70s with one of the first all-female rock bands, The Runaways, Joan Jett went on to greater success with her own band, The Blackhearts. Their first album “I Love Rock ‘n” Roll in 1981 became an instant hit. In addition to his talent as a vocalist, Jett distinguished himself as a guitarist, singer and producer.
Watch the original video for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts first hit, “Love Rock n’ Roll”
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin was one of the first female artists to break the “girl singer” mold in folk and pop music. a> in the mid 60s. Her fusion of rock and blues inspired both male and female artists. She made her breakthrough at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. She performed at Woodstock in 1969. She was nearing the height of her success in 1970 when she died of a drug/alcohol overdose.
Watch Janis Joplin perform “Peace of My Heart” live
Steve Nicks
Stevie Nicks established herself as a major vocal and songwriter talent with Fleetwood Mac, which she joined in 1975. a member of the band, also a solo career in 1981. Artists in various genres have cited nicknames as a major influence in their music.
“Dreams” featuring Stevie Nicks
Grace Slick
Grace Slick sometimes exclaims her voice and “it all depends” lifestyle (she once removed her shirt on stage and because hot weather) made it a perfect fit for psychedelic rock pioneer Jefferson Airplane (and its successors, Jefferson Starship and Starship.) Singer Slick author it was two of the band’s best-known songs, “The White Rabbit” and “Somebody’s Love.” He retired from the music business in 1989 and began painting and drawing on his own.
Watch Jefferson Airplane performing at Woodstock, featuring Grace Slick
Patti Smith
She’s been nicknamed the “Mother of Punk,” but artists inspired Patti Smith to run the gamut from U2 to Shirley Manson. Her classic debut album, “The Horse” (1975) ranked in the “greatest album” charts of commentaries like Rolling Stone , Time, NME. In addition to performing, the author is also prolific and a social activist.
Watch Patti Smith’s “Due to the Night”, which she wrote with Bruce Springsteen in 1978
Anna Wilson
Nancy Wilson
When Hearts arrived in 1976, it soon became apparent that two beautiful women (sisters, no less) fronting a rock band was more than just a youthful fantasy. After their album “Dreamboat Annie” in 1975, Ann (vocalist) and Nancy (lead guitarist) Wilson, as Heart, had Top 10 albums in each decade.
Watch Hearts’ 1977 live performance of “Crazy in You”
