by Olivia Rosenberg
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, WONC is honoring the women who defined the genre of rock n’ roll. From the 1950s onward, women were the voices and writers behind many infamous rock eras.
Trailblazers
One of the original female rock stars was Wanda Jackson, dubbed the “Queen of Rockabilly,” and like other musicians in the 1950s, she was originally a country singer turned to rock n’ roll with the influence of Elvis Presley. Her well-known hits include “Let’s Have a Party” and “Right or Wrong.”
From the Chicagoland area in the 1950s, LaVern Barker began her career in R&B before transitioning to rock n’ roll. She was one of the first advocates for striking down copycat practice to protect artists’ creative work. Her hits include “Tweedlee Dee” and “See See Rider.”
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” was not only known for her powerful gospel voice, but also for her electric guitar skills. Her influences can be heard in artists like Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Despite being renowned as a pioneer of rock, she was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame until 2018.
The Queens
The “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner first began her career in a duo with her husband Ike Turner before going solo in 1976. Her 1984 album, Private Dancer, is labeled one of the greatest musical comebacks. Turner has won 12 Grammys, was the subject of a biographical film and jukebox musical, and is considered one of the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone.
Aretha Franklin, aka the “Queen of Soul,” has been hailed by Rolling Stone as the greatest singer of all time not once, but twice. She was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Franklin has won 18 Grammys, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.
Genre Definers
Stevie Nicks, known for Fleetwood Mac and her following solo career, is renowned for her vulnerable and powerful songwriting. Nicks was the first female artist to be entered in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first in 1998 as a member of Fleetwood Mac and again in 2019 as a solo artist.
Janis Joplin was a blues-influenced rock musician and began her career with Big Brother and the Holding Company. She was well known for her sultry voice and intense stage presence. Her vocal style was groundbreaking and influenced a new style for female rock vocalists.
Mold Breakers
Joan Jett, “Godmother of Punk,” originated with the band the Runaways before going solo and creating Joan Jett and the Blackhearts after their dissolution. Jett is responsible for iconic hits like “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and “Cherry Bomb.” Jett was a leader in the “riot grrrl” era, a feminist punk-rock movement in the 90s.
Alanis Morissette, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “queen of alt-rock angst,” is most known for her chart-topping, alternative rock album Jagged Little Pill for which she won four Grammys. She’s famous for her confessional and confrontational lyrics, encouraging other female artists to have more freedom in their song writing.
