Originating in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Rock and Roll is probably one of the most influential and revolutionary music genres of all time. It quickly gained popularity partly because this genre is created with a combination of different elements, taken from different music genres such as jazz, blues and rhythms, country music, gospel, and many more. The Rock music that we know today has its roots in Rock and Roll music, but the rise of hard rock and the birth of punk was in the 1970s.
Male-dominated rock music industry
Rock culture has always been male-dominated and making it to the industry and shining through the crowd is still challenging for female rock stars. From singers to songwriters, even instrumentalists, women have always struggled to shine among their male peers in rock music. This does not mean that women rock stars did not exist, but their talents have not been louden and established the same way as male rock stars throughout history. However, we can see that women in rock have always broken stereotypes and carved out a space for themselves. Rock stars like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, LaVern Baker, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and so many more have struggled and succeeded in solidifying themselves in rock music, and as a result, changing the narrative of rock music for everyone.
Female rock stars shaping the way
Female rock stars have always helped break stereotypes about what rock music “should be”. Fame musicians have always been the backbone of the music industry, so, rock music is not any exception. When we look at how the music culture has shifted over the decades, it is quite clear that women rock stars had a substantial role in how rock music progressed. This calls for more respect and recognition from not just the music industry, but also from the rock music fans. So, let’s look at the journey of female rock and how they have contributed to rock music evolution.
Pioneers of Female Rock
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe:
We can see that rock music has its roots in blues, jazz, and gospel music. However, not many people know that it was created by the genius mind of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She is now known as the “Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” She started her career in the mid-1930s as an openly queer musician who experimented with vocals guitar-playing and songwriting that paved the way for not just the upcoming musicians, but the entire genre of rock music. Her presence as a queer black musician in an industry that was already male-dominated definitely marked a radical shift in rock music culture. She is also the first musician who fused gospel music with electric guitar riffs, opening so many creative doors for the music industry, and influencing generations. Released in 1945, “Strange Things Happening Every Day” became one of the most well-known songs of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
- Janis Joplin:
She is another rock musician who has immense influence on the rock music industry. Known as the “blues mama,” she had almost no equals when it came to blues belting. Although she was influenced by singers like Big Mama Thornton, Odetta, etc., she brought an unhinged hard-rock energy to the scene that is both innovative and unparalleled. She is also one of the greatest rock music songwriters who wasn’t afraid to write about her beliefs, feelings, and life, which threw a direct challenge to the male-dominated industry. Her war vocals had an emotional depth, making her a defining figure in rock music.
- Stevie Nicks:
Stevie Nicks was one of the most influential names in the era of 1960s rock music. Just like the changing seasons, Stevie’s magical persona needs no further introduction. She was a vocalist for Fleetwood Mac who brought a unique and mystic blend of pop, folk, and rock music to the industry. Her career, both as the vocalist of Fleetwood Mac and as a soloist has created monumental waves in the music industry. Her rock star persona is so ecstatic that at the age of 76, she is still touring around the world, just like a true rock star she is. Not just rock music, her influence on songwriting and fashion remains strong to date, where songs like ‘Dreams’, and ‘Silver Springs’ are still relevant and popular on social media.
The ’80s and ’90s Rock Icons
- Joan Jett:
After the prestigious era of rock music in the 1970s, came the golden era of the 80s and 90s. To take a name that ruled this era’s rock music scene surely means talking about the legendary Joan Jett. She was the frontrunner for the Runaways and she always made a way for other female rock stars in a male-dominated industry. Songs like ’Cherry Bomb’ which she released early in her career and ‘I Love Rock and Roll’ which was released by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts much later set the tone for 80s rock music. She was also one of the first women to ever front a rock band, paving the way for the later artists. ‘I Love Rock and Roll’ still remains an iconic song as Jett combined rock music with punk and created her own unique sound in this song.
- Debbie Harry:
It was a time when music videos started to get popular and one band which fit right into the coming video era was Blondie. The Band was fronted by Debbie Harry, a blond bombshell who named the group after the taunts she received on the streets. The boundary-crossing and adventurous taste in music is something that the world still remembers Harry for. In her music, she combined new wave and Punk with Rock, creating an unmissable persona and voice that paved the way for others in the rock music industry.
- Courtney Love:
Courtney Love was another iconic rock and roll artist from the 90s who took the world of music by storm. She was the lead singer of Hole, a rock band that was all over the rock music scene and continues to inspire rock musicians to date. Courtney Love helped define grunge rock’s rebellious and angsty spirit in the 90s taking the traditional notions of womanhood and turning them into ugly reality. The singer, through her songs, took the extension of “beauty” and contorted them into “ugly”, and “uncomfortable” shapes. Courtney Love took the whole concept of femininity and created an entire collection of contradictions by darting between brutality and aggression, vulnerability, and sexuality.
Modern-Day Powerhouses
- Hayley Williams (Paramore):
Rock music, especially women in rock music has come a long way. Since sister Tharpe, women rock stars continued to experiment with music, their feelings, songwriting, and vocals, much more than male rock stars. One of the greatest stars of today’s modern rock generation is Hayley Williams, who is a combination of all the great things rock music has to offer. She is the frontwoman of rock band Paramore and is known for her energetic performances on stage. The versatile voice of Williams is something that makes her unique in the industry. Williams is also someone who helped bring alternative rock music back into mainstream pop culture.
- Amy Lee (Evanescence):
The early 2000s was another golden age of rock music and Evanescence, the band had a major role in that. However, we are here to talk about the lead singer, Amy Lee who has shown versatility in not only her vocals but also her songwriting and composition. She is the one who combined rock music with Goth, and metal. With Amy’s ability and talent, Evanescence is classified as a gothic alternative metal and hard rock band, opening doors for many musicians, and even genres to come forward and become one of the most iconic rock bands of the 2000s.
- Lzzy Hale (Halestorm):
The early 21st century also saw a major rise in rock music and women in rock music. Halestorm is another modern hard rock and metal icon that is still relevant and hailed for breaking stereotypes of their music today. Fronted by Lizzy Hale, the lead vocalist and guitarist, she is also one of the key players behind the band’s success today. Her untamable spirit and presence on stage attracted people just as much as her vocals on CDs did. Hale stands out for her impressive guitar skills and powerful vocals, which are still a treat to watch.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Future
How women empowered the next generation of female rock stars
Despite the odds such as male domination and less recognition in the rock music scene, women have never backed down from earning their place as successful artists. From time to time, women musicians like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Joan Jett, Courtney Love, and more broke stereotypes, and changed the notion of womanhood, especially how women are treated or perceived as in rock music. It is definitely true that female rock stars today are more powerful than they have been before, but there is still a long way to go. In fact, female rock stars of this generation are the most powerful they have been in decades. In 2021, an all-female Best Rock Performance category was introduced at the Grammy Awards, showing how the struggles and daring of so many women before them have paved the way for the next generation of female rock musicians.
The growing presence of women in rock
The recognition of women in rock music is long overdue and absolutely necessary. There is nothing like seeing a powerful woman shredding on a guitar or singing her heart out on stage. In truth, the times are changing. Metal, which was a notoriously male-dominated subgenre of rock music is seeing quite a rise in female musicians, especially bands with female frontrunners. Acts like Poppy, Lzzy Hale ofHalestorm, and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless are dominating the rock charts while artists like Phoebe Bridgers, sister group Haim, Fiona Apple, Big Thief (featuring frontwoman Adrianne Lenker), and Grace Potter are smashing the rock music scene of today. There is also a growing presence of women in rock festivals, breaking the stereotype that rock music only entertains boys and men. This is a continuous shift that the world witnessed in gender dynamics with the genre of rock music.
The ongoing influence of female rock stars
As mentioned before, there is nothing that brings out more joy in female rock fans than seeing a true female rock star on stage in her full glory. Seeing women slowly, steadily, but surely taking their hard-earned place in rock music is not only influential for musicians in the upcoming generation but also inspiring for music listeners. The increment of female rock music acts shows signs of inclusion and progression that we can only hope will enhance even more in the future, becoming a norm in rock music.
We are done with the macho male image of rock and roll where only male rock stars get to get up on stage and perform their heart out. It is time for the female rage to rise and channel them through metal and rock music like never before. It is now time to hear the voices of female rock musicians and give them their overdue recognition. And for that, the most important thing is love from the audience. So, if you are interested in rock music, it is time for you to try out female rock stars and their playlists, trust us, it will make your day!
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