When we think of the legends of Rock n’ Roll, some of the names listed might be Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, Axel Rose, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, Jon Bon Jovi or Kurt Cobain. A simple Google search would show mostly men popping up. I checked and found only two results with any women. Unfortunately, this isn’t surprising. Music, especially rock, has tended to be a male dominated field.
“I grew up in a world that told girls they couldn’t play rock and roll.” – Joan Jett
Since her statement, there have been many noteworthy and successful women in the rock music scene. Sadly, there is still a long way to go. As a woman in the rock music scene, I find it particularly important to have someone to look up to and to be inspired by.
I made a playlist with some bands of various popularity and time periods who have women in strong roles. Many of these bands have women in the front-person or singer’s position but not all. I’ve included women as drummers, bassists, guitarists, keyboardists and even fiddle/violin players.
Content Warning: Some of these songs have explicit content
Some of the more groundbreaking names on this list might be Suzi Quatro or Joan Jett.
Suzi Quatro is a singer and bass player and has been active since 1964. She is most known for her high energy on stage and for allegedly having a CCR song written about her. Joan Jett is also very well known for being one of the trailblazers of women in Rock n’ Roll.
Joan Jett is a singer and guitar player most known for Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Her work is recognized for her raspy voice and classically rock n’ roll style. She started her career in the all women’s band The Runaways in the 70s. She later rose to fame with her solo career in the 80s.
I have also included some names that are more modern and quite popular such as Paramore, Blondie, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Paramore and Blondie are very well known and popular. I credit that to Hayley Williams and Deborah Harry. Williams’ voice is strong and pleasing and I feel that her presentation and presence is perfect for the music they make. Harry’s voice is unique and adds so much to their songs. I always feel a little cooler when I listen to Blondie.
Lastly, among others I have included some smaller, less well known bands such as Cigarettes @ Sunset, My Kid Brother, and Flipturn.
Cigarettes @ Sunset are a small band made up of four skater dudes and Sarah Elizabeth Vann who plays the fiddle/violin. The backstory seems that the four asked her to join them for a performance and now they go on tours together. Their music in particular like it has so much emotion already but her violin playing adds so much more. Everytime I hear one of their songs, I can really feel their messages, especially live.
Flipturn is also a smaller band with Madeline Jarman as their bass player. I have seen them live as well and it was one of the best concert experiences I have had. Seeing Jarman jam out with the rest of the band and having fun gave me even more motivation for my own music. I think she is one of my biggest role models even if I don’t play bass.
Music is for anyone and everyone. I love music, especially grunge and alternative and many other subgenres. As a woman in the music industry, I can’t wait to see all the women in the same position as me emerge into success and recognition.
— dj dragonfly
