20 Famous Female Rock Singers

Female rock singers have played an important role in the development of rock music since its inception. From the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, women have challenged gender stereotypes and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for women in popular music. Their powerful vocals, bold stage presence, and uncompromising attitude have inspired countless fans and influenced generations of musicians.

Some of the most iconic female rock singers include Janis Joplin, who brought a raw, bluesy sound to rock music in the late 1960s, and Stevie Nicks, whose haunting vocals and mystical persona helped to define the sound of Fleetwood Mac in the 1970s. Other notable female rock singers include Joan Jett, whose rebellious attitude and punk-influenced sound made her a trailblazer for women in rock, and Pat Benatar, whose powerful vocals and arena-ready anthems made her a superstar in the 1980s.

In recent years, female rock singers have continued to make waves in the music industry, with artists like Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Their continued success and influence prove that female rock singers are not just a passing trend, but an essential part of the rock music canon.

1. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks is an American singer and songwriter who first rose to fame as a member of the rock band Fleetwood Mac. Known for her signature raspy voice and mystical lyrics, Nicks has become a music icon and a symbol of the 1970s rock scene.

Nicks’ musical career began in the late 1960s as a member of the band Fritz, but it was her joining of Fleetwood Mac in 1975 that brought her worldwide fame. As the band’s lead vocalist, Nicks wrote and performed some of their biggest hits, including “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and “Dreams.” She also enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing albums such as “Bella Donna” and “The Wild Heart.”

Nicks’ unique fashion sense and stage presence have also contributed to her iconic status. She is known for her flowing, bohemian style and her use of shawls and scarves in her performances. Nicks has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist, cementing her place in music history. Her music continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists.

2. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was an American singer and songwriter known for her powerful and distinctive voice. Born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1943, Joplin began singing in local clubs and coffeehouses in the early 1960s before moving to San Francisco in 1966 to join the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company.

With Big Brother and as a solo artist, Joplin became known for her bluesy, soulful performances and her ability to convey raw emotion through her music. Some of her most famous songs include “Piece of My Heart,” “Ball and Chain,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Joplin was a trailblazer for women in rock music, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future female artists. She was known for her unconventional style and unabashedly feminine wardrobe, which included colorful bohemian dresses, feathered hats, and round sunglasses.

Despite her success, Joplin struggled with substance abuse throughout her career and tragically died of a drug overdose at the age of 27 in 1970. She remains an icon of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and an inspiration to generations of musicians who have followed in her footsteps.

3. Tina Turner

Tina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who is widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in the history of music. Born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939, she began her career as a teenager, performing in various bands before she met Ike Turner, who became her husband and musical partner in the late 1950s. Together, they created a series of hits, including “A Fool in Love,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” and “Proud Mary.”

After their divorce in the mid-1970s, Turner embarked on a solo career, releasing a string of successful albums and singles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She became known for her powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and signature dance moves, which helped to cement her status as a pop culture icon.

Some of Turner’s most popular songs include “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” and “The Best.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including multiple Grammys and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to her music, Turner is also known for her acting work, having appeared in films such as “Tommy” and “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.”

4. Joan Jett

Joan Jett is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She first rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead singer of the all-girl rock band The Runaways, known for their hits “Cherry Bomb” and “Queens of Noise.” After the band disbanded, Jett launched a successful solo career with her band The Blackhearts, producing hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Crimson and Clover.”

Jett is often regarded as a trailblazer for women in rock music, challenging gender stereotypes and paving the way for female artists in the industry. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received numerous accolades for her contributions to music.

In addition to her music career, Jett has also acted in several films and television shows and is an animal rights activist. She continues to perform and record music, inspiring generations of musicians with her rebellious spirit and empowering lyrics.

5. Ann Wilson

Ann Wilson is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Heart. Born in 1950 in San Diego, California, Wilson was raised in a musical family and began singing at a young age. In the 1970s, she and her sister Nancy formed the band Heart, which quickly gained popularity with hits such as “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “Magic Man.”

Known for her powerful and distinctive voice, Wilson has been praised for her ability to convey emotion and deliver dynamic performances on stage. Her voice has been described as both gritty and soulful, and she has been cited as an influence by numerous artists in the rock and roll genre.

Over the course of her career, Wilson has released several solo albums in addition to her work with Heart, and has collaborated with a variety of musicians and songwriters. In 2013, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Heart, and has since continued to tour and record new music.

In addition to her musical contributions, Wilson is also known for her activism and philanthropy work, particularly in support of environmental causes and animal rights.

6. Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry is an American singer, songwriter, and actress best known as the lead singer of the rock band Blondie. Born on July 1, 1945, in Miami, Florida, Harry started her music career in the late 1960s as a backup singer and waitress at Max’s Kansas City in New York City. She then formed Blondie with guitarist Chris Stein in the mid-1970s and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “Rapture.”

Harry’s distinctive voice and iconic look, characterized by her bleached-blonde hair and punk style, quickly made her a pop culture icon. Beyond her success with Blondie, she has also had a successful solo career and has collaborated with artists like Iggy Pop and The Jazz Passengers. Additionally, Harry has acted in a number of films and television shows, including “Hairspray” and “American Horror Story: Hotel.”

Throughout her career, Harry has been a trailblazer for women in rock music and has influenced generations of artists with her rebellious spirit and unique style. In recognition of her contributions to music, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Blondie in 2006.

7. Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt is an American singer who gained widespread recognition for her versatile vocals and genre-defying style. Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1946, Ronstadt grew up in a musical family and began performing in local bands as a teenager. She gained national attention in the late 1960s as the lead singer of the folk-rock group The Stone Poneys, before launching a successful solo career in the 1970s.

Throughout her career, Ronstadt explored a wide range of musical genres, including rock, folk, country, pop, and Latin American music. Her powerful voice and ability to interpret songs with emotional depth made her a favorite of both critics and audiences alike. Her chart-topping hits included “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “When Will I Be Loved.”

Ronstadt was also known for collaborating with other musicians and championing the work of songwriters such as Warren Zevon, Karla Bonoff, and Dolly Parton. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, and has won numerous awards throughout her career, including 11 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.

In addition to her music, Ronstadt was also an advocate for social justice issues, including immigrant rights and environmental conservation. Despite retiring from performing in 2011 due to health issues, Linda Ronstadt’s influence on the music world and her legacy as a trailblazing artist continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.

8. Patti Smith

Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who rose to fame in the 1970s as a prominent figure in the punk rock movement. Born in Chicago in 1946, Smith grew up in New Jersey and moved to New York City in the late 1960s, where she began her career as a performance poet.

In 1975, Smith released her debut album, “Horses,” which has since become a landmark of punk rock and a critical darling. With her distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics, Smith quickly became known for her raw, unapologetic style and her fierce commitment to artistic integrity.

Throughout her career, Smith has released a series of acclaimed albums, including “Easter,” “Wave,” and “Gone Again,” and has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., and Tom Verlaine. She has also published several books of poetry and memoirs, including “Just Kids,” which won the National Book Award in 2010.

In addition to her artistic work, Smith has been an outspoken advocate for social justice causes, including environmental activism, LGBTQ+ rights, and opposition to war. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music and literature.

9. Courtney Love

Courtney Love is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and visual artist who rose to fame in the 1990s as the lead singer of the band Hole. Born in San Francisco in 1964, Love grew up in Oregon and Los Angeles and began her career as an actress in the 1980s, appearing in several films and television shows.

In 1991, Love formed Hole, and the band quickly gained a reputation for their raw, emotional sound and provocative lyrics. Their second album, “Live Through This,” was released in 1994 to critical acclaim and cemented Love’s status as a leading figure in the alternative rock scene.

Throughout her career, Love has also made headlines for her personal life, including her marriage to Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, who died by suicide in 1994. Love has been open about her struggles with addiction, mental health, and the challenges of balancing her artistic career with the demands of fame.

In addition to her music, Love has also pursued a career in acting, with notable roles in films such as “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and “Man on the Moon.” She has also been active in various social justice causes, including advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and raising awareness about sexual assault.

Despite controversy and criticism over the years, Courtney Love remains a singular and influential figure in the world of rock music, known for her raw talent, fierce independence, and unapologetic attitude.

10. Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, actress, and activist who rose to fame in the 1990s with her powerful vocals and deeply personal lyrics. Born in Ottawa, Canada in 1974, Morissette began her career in music as a teenager, releasing her debut album in 1991.

In 1995, Morissette released her breakthrough album, “Jagged Little Pill,” which became a cultural phenomenon and cemented her status as one of the most important voices in the alternative rock scene. With hits such as “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” and “Ironic,” the album earned multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 33 million copies worldwide.

Throughout her career, Morissette has continued to explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth in her music, releasing a series of acclaimed albums, including “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie” and “Flavors of Entanglement.” She has also acted in films and television shows and been an active advocate for various social causes, including mental health awareness and women’s rights.

In recent years, Morissette has continued to create new music and engage with her fanbase through touring and online platforms. Her legacy as a pioneering artist and champion of emotional honesty and vulnerability in music continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians around the world.

11. Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge is an American singer-songwriter and musician who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her soulful voice and bluesy rock sound. Born in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1961, Etheridge began playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.

In 1988, Etheridge released her self-titled debut album, which included the hit single “Bring Me Some Water.” Her follow-up album, “Brave and Crazy,” earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, and she went on to release a series of successful albums throughout the 1990s, including “Yes I Am,” which featured the hit singles “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window.”

Throughout her career, Etheridge has been known for her powerful, confessional lyrics and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and other social causes. She has sold over 25 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards and honors, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Need to Wake Up,” which was featured in the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”

In recent years, Etheridge has continued to tour and release new music, and has also been an outspoken advocate for medical marijuana use, having used it to manage her own health during her battle with breast cancer. Her legacy as a trailblazing artist and activist in the rock music world continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

12. Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with her powerful vocals and hard-edged rock sound. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1953, Benatar began her career as a classically trained singer before transitioning to rock music.

In 1979, Benatar released her debut album, “In the Heat of the Night,” which included the hit singles “Heartbreaker” and “We Live For Love.” She went on to release a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s, including “Crimes of Passion” and “Live From Earth,” earning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming one of the most iconic female rock artists of the era.

Benatar’s music often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment, and her dynamic stage presence and signature style influenced a generation of rock musicians. She was also known for her philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as the Children’s Health Fund and the Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

Although Benatar’s commercial success began to decline in the 1990s, she continued to tour and release new music, and has remained a beloved figure in the rock music world. Her legacy as a pioneering female artist and advocate for women’s rights and health continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

13. Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who first gained international fame in the early 2000s with her punk rock-inspired sound and rebellious image. Born in Belleville, Ontario in 1984, Lavigne began playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager and was discovered by music industry executives while performing at a local fair.

In 2002, Lavigne released her debut album, “Let Go,” which featured the hit singles “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi” and earned her multiple awards and nominations. She went on to release a series of successful albums throughout the 2000s, including “Under My Skin” and “The Best Damn Thing,” and was known for her angsty lyrics and pop punk sound.

Lavigne’s music often dealt with themes of teenage rebellion and relationships, and her fashion sense and image influenced a generation of young fans. She was also known for her philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics.

In recent years, Lavigne has continued to create new music and engage with her fanbase through touring and online platforms. She has also been open about her struggles with Lyme disease and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for research.

Lavigne’s legacy as a trailblazing female artist in the pop punk genre continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians around the world.

14. Ronnie Spector

Ronnie Spector is an American singer and musician who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of the girl group, The Ronettes. Born Veronica Yvette Bennett in 1943 in New York City, Spector began singing as a child and formed The Ronettes with her sister and cousin in the early 1960s.

The group’s signature sound combined Spector’s powerful vocals with Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production technique, and they scored hits with songs like “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.” Ronnie’s distinctive voice and glamorous image made her a cultural icon, and her influence on pop music and fashion continues to be felt today.

After leaving The Ronettes in the late 1960s, Ronnie embarked on a solo career and continued to release music throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She also became an actress and a sought-after collaborator, working with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Money.

In recent years, Ronnie has continued to perform and record new music, and has been recognized for her contributions to music with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Her legacy as a trailblazing female artist and icon of the 1960s continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

15. Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox is a Scottish singer-songwriter and musician who first gained fame in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the synth-pop duo Eurythmics. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1954, Lennox began her music career in the late 1970s as a member of the band The Tourists, before forming Eurythmics with her musical partner Dave Stewart in 1980.

Eurythmics achieved global success with hits such as “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “Here Comes the Rain Again,” and “Would I Lie to You?” Lennox’s powerful voice and striking image made her a beloved icon of the era, and she was known for pushing boundaries with her music and fashion.

After Eurythmics disbanded in the early 1990s, Lennox continued to release solo music and collaborate with other artists, earning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming known for her humanitarian work and advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s rights.

Lennox’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and social justice, and her powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics continue to resonate with fans around the world. Her legacy as a pioneering female artist and activist has made a significant impact on the music industry and beyond.

16. Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams is an American singer-songwriter and musician who first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Paramore. Born in Meridian, Mississippi in 1988, Williams formed Paramore with her friends in the early 2000s, and the band quickly gained a dedicated following with their emo-inspired sound and Williams’ powerful vocals.

Paramore’s breakout album, “Riot!”, released in 2007, featured hit singles like “Misery Business” and “Crushcrushcrush,” and earned the band a Grammy nomination. Williams’ distinctive voice and energetic performances made her a beloved icon of the emo and pop punk scenes, and she was known for her colorful hair and fashion sense.

In 2020, Williams released her debut solo album, “Petals for Armor,” which showcases a more experimental and introspective sound, blending elements of alternative rock, pop, and electronic music. The album’s themes explore mental health, self-discovery, and personal growth, and Williams has been praised for her vulnerability and honesty in her songwriting.

Williams’ music continues to inspire and connect with fans around the world, and her influence on the rock and alternative music scenes has made her a significant figure in contemporary music.

17. Dolores O’Riordan

Dolores O’Riordan was an Irish singer-songwriter who was best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band, The Cranberries. Born in Limerick, Ireland in 1971, O’Riordan joined The Cranberries in 1990 and quickly became known for her distinctive voice, which blended powerful vocals with a unique and haunting style.

With hits such as “Linger,” “Zombie,” and “Dreams,” The Cranberries achieved global success in the 1990s, and O’Riordan’s songwriting and vocal prowess played a significant role in the band’s popularity. Her distinctive voice and emotive performances made her a beloved figure in the alternative rock scene, and she was known for her expressive stage presence and passionate performances.

O’Riordan’s solo career also saw her release several albums, showcasing her musical versatility and ability to experiment with different genres. Her work often explored themes of personal struggle, heartbreak, and the complexities of the human experience, and her powerful lyrics and emotive performances continue to resonate with fans around the world.

Tragically, O’Riordan passed away in 2018 at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing female artist and a beloved figure in alternative rock music.

18. Kim Deal

Kim Deal is an American musician and singer-songwriter who first gained fame as the bassist and co-founder of the alternative rock band Pixies. Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1961, Deal began her music career in the 1980s with the band The Breeders, which she formed with her sister Kelley Deal.

Pixies’ 1989 album “Doolittle” was a critical and commercial success, and Deal’s distinctive bass playing and backing vocals helped to define the band’s signature sound. In the early 1990s, Deal continued to release music with The Breeders, earning commercial success with hits such as “Cannonball” and “Divine Hammer.”

Deal’s musical versatility and creativity have made her a beloved figure in alternative rock, and she has also worked with other artists and bands, such as The Amps and The Last Hard Men. She is known for her distinctively melodic bass playing style and her warm, soulful vocals, which often showcase a dry sense of humor.

Deal’s influence on the alternative rock scene is significant, and her contributions to the genre continue to inspire and connect with fans around the world.

19. Pink

Pink, also known as Alecia Beth Moore, is a highly successful singer, songwriter, and actress from the United States. Born on September 8, 1979, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Pink first gained recognition in the early 2000s with her edgy pop-rock sound and rebellious attitude. She quickly became known for her powerful vocals, energetic live performances, and empowering lyrics that spoke to young women everywhere.

Pink has released eight studio albums over the course of her career, with her most recent release, “All I Know So Far: Setlist,” coming out in 2021. Her discography includes hit singles like “Get the Party Started,” “Just Like a Pill,” “So What,” and “What About Us,” which have all topped charts around the world. Pink’s music is known for its blend of pop, rock, and R&B influences, with her signature sound often characterized by soaring choruses and raw, emotional vocals.

In addition to her music career, Pink has also acted in several films, including “Thanks for Sharing” and “Happy Feet Two.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards, seven MTV Video Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award. Known for her outspoken personality and dedication to social causes, Pink is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and is involved in several charitable organizations.

20. Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt in the 1990s. Born on October 3, 1969, in Fullerton, California, Stefani started her music career as a teenager, performing with her brother Eric’s band before joining No Doubt as its frontwoman.

As a member of No Doubt, Stefani helped to popularize the ska and pop punk genres, and the band’s hits, including “Don’t Speak,” “Spiderwebs,” and “Just a Girl,” became anthems of the era. Stefani also embarked on a solo career in the early 2000s, releasing hit singles like “Hollaback Girl,” “The Sweet Escape,” and “Rich Girl.”

Known for her distinctive voice and eclectic fashion sense, Stefani has been recognized with three Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a Brit Award, among other accolades. She has also acted in several films and television shows, including “The Aviator” and “The Voice.”

In addition to her music and acting careers, Stefani has been involved in several philanthropic efforts, including supporting various charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of children and families. She is also a fashion designer and has launched her own clothing line, L.A.M.B.