20 greatest female rock and roll singers of all time

A few years back, both Billboard and Ultimate Classic Rock put out lists featuring the top rock and roll vocalists of all time. Billboard selected 50, while UCR went with 40, leaving us ordinary folks guessing why these specific numbers were chosen.

At Audiophix, we’ve taken a slightly different approach to what you might find on Billboard and UCR. My music aficionado partner Joel Wagler and I have independently compiled our own lists of the top female rock singers throughout history. Similar to their methods, we’ve narrowed down our selections to two numbers and corresponding lists.

Indeed, it’s natural to find some similarities given the results, and there’s a notable overlap at the beginning of our lists. However, for the most part, our findings were developed separately from one another, leading us to distinct outcomes.

Who are the greatest female vocalists in rock & roll history?

Billboard/UCR compiled a list of 77 top rock vocalists, with only 13 appearing in both rankings. This suggests that personal bias or subjectivity might significantly influence the creation of such lists. It’s likely that similar trends hold for guitarists, drummers, and other instrumentalists, but it seems to me that vocalists tend to spark more passionate disagreements among fans than any other musical category.

Beauty, after all, is in the ear of the listener.

It’s clear when examining these lists, as well as many others like them, that men are receiving more recognition than women. On the Billboard list, only about a quarter of the vocalists mentioned are female, and even that percentage drops to 13 if one disagrees with counting Laura Jane Grace due to political beliefs.

UCR had even less representation, with seven out their 40 spots going to women.

It’s clear to me. Throughout the development of rock and roll, many female artists have been perceived as either gimmicky novelties or pop singers pretending to be rock musicians. This outdated bias continues to persist, albeit it’s growing harder to justify as time goes by.

My ratings are based solely on personal opinion, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Anyone who attempts to determine the “top” of anything should expect a variety of strong opinions in return. It adds to the excitement!

It’s more challenging for me to zero in on something meaningful. In other words, defining what specifically makes someone a “rock singer” can be tricky. This question has sparked quite a bit of discussion, even causing controversy within the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as they consider artists who have connections to rock music but may not strictly fit the traditional definition of a “rock singer.

Were Cher, Adele, Pink, and Gwen Stefani known for their work in rock music? Is that the genre they primarily sing in? In the case of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, though she had a significant impact on the development of rock and roll, her main focus was gospel singing. It’s important to note that these exceptional artists are not being discussed here.

In making this list, I opted to apply a stricter criteria than what’s typical for me. Some of my picks might lean towards the border of rock, but I am confident that every one of the next 20 vocalists produced a significant amount of rock ‘n’ roll music, regardless of their overall career genre diversity.

And so, with that out of the way, on to the list…

20. Genya Ravan

Genya Ravan demonstrated versatility in her music, whether it was with Goldie and the Gingerbreads or Ten Wheel Drive. She excelled at both sweet, lyrical tunes and bluesy rock numbers that rivaled the best in the industry. As Goldie, she gave a confident twist to Herman’s Hermits’ “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat”, a popular song originally sung by Peter Noone.

In the ensuing years, she demonstrated her exceptional ability to emulate Janis Joplin, particularly on tracks such as “Ain’t Gonna Happen” and “Morning Much Better”, through her more psychedelic band Ten Wheel Drive.

19. Kelli Mayo

Kelli Mayo has been a part of Skating Polly, the band she shares with her half-sister Peyton Bighorse, since she was nine years old. She effortlessly combines sweet, nursery rhyme-like vocals with intense punk screams, standing out among contemporary musicians in this regard. Tracks such as “Hail Mary” showcase their edgy yet endearing sound, while “Camelot” is a full-on punk screamfest. The unique blend of cowpunk perfection in “Baby on My Birthday” is hard to rival by any other artist.

18. Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt’s voice, characterized by a bluesy tinge, spans various decades and lends a unique flavor to all her recordings. Her sound may drift towards folk or sway more towards pop, yet the essence of blues-rock is always palpable within her.

1. “Something to Talk About” had a more bluesy and relaxed vibe compared to typical pop songs.

2. “Thing Called Love” retained the confidence of John Hiatt’s version, but with an extra dash of endearing quality.

3. “Love Me Like a Man” is nothing short of pure, delightful blues rock.

17. Taylor Momsen

Many former child actors have transitioned into pop stars, some of whom might have made this list. Currently, Olivia Rodrigo is my top pick among them, but I find that she leans too heavily towards pop music for my personal preference to include her here. In contrast, Momsen’s rock influence is more pronounced and makes her a strong contender for this list.

Originally a child actress (who missed out on the Hannah Montana role to Miley Cyrus), Momsen, however, has immersed herself deeper into rock music than most of her acting peers through her band, The Pretty Reckless. Is it true that Miley Cyrus has released an album titled “Death By Rock and Roll“? Let’s take a listen to the title track from the 2014 album “Going to Hell“.

16. Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks doesn’t require my approval; she’s already earned it. She’s among only three female singers who have made it onto both the Billboard and UCR rankings, with Mick Jagger being the only one ahead of her on the Billboard list. While I might find that position a bit too lofty, Nicks is undeniably an iconic vocalist who continues to perform at a remarkable level today.

She infused a whispery, enigmatic essence into tunes such as “Rhiannon” and “Sara,” but kept them from becoming overly gentle.

15. Shirley Manson

As the lead vocalist of Garbage, Shirley Manson imbued her songs, such as “I’m Only Happy When It Rains” and “Stupid Girl,” with a heavy, serious tone. Her ability to perform a controlled contralto on songs like “#1 Crush” and “Queer” showcased the same force as any high-volume singer.

14. St. Vincent

If someone claims that rock and roll is no longer alive, they’re likely not tuning into the right musical acts. Anne Clark, better known as St. Vincent, is an exceptional songwriter and guitarist who continues to create powerful music. Her songs like “Broken Man” and “Flea” showcase her ability to deliver alt-leaning tunes with the same intensity she had in tracks such as “Birth in Reverse” and “Digital Witness”, which were from her self-titled album over a decade ago.

13. Tatiania Shmayluk

Tatiania Shmayluk is the lead vocalist for Jinjer, an impressive heavy metal group hailing from Ukraine. If this combination seems unusual to you, simply listen to any one of their six albums featuring Shmayluk, and if you’re a fan of metal music, I promise you will be captivated.

She’s capable of singing harmonious tunes, growling, shouting, panting, and even blowing a house away with her powerful voice. She stands out among contemporary metal singers, both male and female.

12. Poly Styrene

X-Ray Spex, fronted by the iconic Poly Styrene, didn’t produce a large number of original albums, but each one was impactful. As a solo artist, Poly Styrene also released only a few albums. Her distinctive voice turned songs like “Identity” from their debut album and “Beautiful Sneakers” from her last album before passing away in 2011 into powerful anthems.

In the early 1980s, a trailblazing punk rock artist named Marianne Joan Elliott-Said (also known as Poly Styrene) faced the same prejudices as Debora Iyall from Romeo Void. The music industry was more interested in polished celebrities rather than authentic female singers. It was a great shame not to hear Poly Styrene’s voice during the 1980s.

11. Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry formed the band Blondie when she was nearly 30 years old, which is considered relatively late in the world of rock and roll. However, this didn’t stop her from achieving significant success quickly. In just five years, Debbie and her band had several number-one hits and top-twenty albums. Blondie emerged during the peak of dance music in NYC clubs, and Debbie’s stylish performance was incredibly appealing. Her delivery was versatile enough to incorporate a range of influences.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m always ready to level up my music knowledge. Harry, in his unique style, delivered one of the early hip-hop-pop fusion anthems with “Rapture.” He also brought dance rock infused with ska beats in “The Tide Is High.” However, nothing quite compares to the raw, snarling rock ‘n’ roll he served up in “One Way or Another.

10. Hayley Williams

In the 2000s, Hayley Williams has been a significant figure, often leading the charge for female rock and roll artists throughout much of the century. Her vocal abilities are widely acknowledged as exceptional. With a voice powerful enough to move alt-rock into mainstream rock genres in songs such as “Still Into You,” she also excels at delivering heartfelt ballads like “All I Wanted” without sacrificing her unique style.

Twenty years since its formation, Williams continues to impress with tracks such as “The News” and the cool dance-rock tune “C’est Comme Ca.

9. Tina Turner

Is it accurate to classify Tina Turner as a rock singer? While she indeed sang various genres, the song “Proud Mary” is undeniably a testament to her mastery of rock and roll. Even if one argues that her interpretation differs from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s version, her soulful and gospel-infused style adds depth and uniqueness to the song.

However, when she tackles the tough sections of the song, it’s nothing short of a raw, electrifying display of rock and roll. Songs like “What You Get is What You See” or “Nutbush City Limits,” from her Ike Turner era, are filled with funk, but they also overflow with a lot more than the usual dose of rock and roll.

8. Allison Mosshart

Highlighting The Kills, Allison Mosshart embodies an abundance of dramatic flair and potency characteristic of a captivating rock and roll vocalist. Similar to the other singers featured here, she skillfully manipulates her performance to generate impressive crescendos, as demonstrated in songs such as “Sour Cherry” and “List of Demands.

1. Her voice is captivating enough to make hits out of songs such as “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the usual dramatic build-up. Instead, it charges ahead relentlessly. Additionally, she manages to prevent grungy tracks like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly contemplative.

2. Her voice is engaging enough to sell songs like “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the typical build-up found in most songs. Instead, it plows ahead forcefully without pause. Furthermore, she keeps grungy numbers like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly thoughtful or heavy.

3. Her voice is compelling enough to sell tracks like “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the usual construction found in most songs with a build-up. Instead, it moves ahead steadily without pause. Moreover, she prevents grungy tunes like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly introspective or heavy.

4. Her voice is intriguing enough to sell songs such as “Cheap and Cheerful,” which don’t have the typical structure with a build-up. Instead, it marches ahead resolutely. Furthermore, she keeps grungy numbers like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly philosophical or weighty.

5. Her voice is captivating enough to make songs like “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the standard progression with a build-up, successful. It moves ahead decisively without pausing. Moreover, she prevents grungy tracks like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly deep or heavy.

6. Her voice is enticing enough to sell songs like “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the usual development with a build-up. Instead, it moves ahead persistently without hesitation. Furthermore, she prevents grungy numbers like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly introspective or weighty.

7. Her voice is enthralling enough to make songs such as “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the common structure with a build-up, successful. It plows ahead relentlessly without pause. Moreover, she prevents grungy tracks like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly introspective or heavy.

8. Her voice is enticing enough to sell songs like “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the typical advancement with a build-up. Instead, it moves ahead resolutely without hesitation. Furthermore, she prevents grungy numbers like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly introspective or weighty.

9. Her voice is enticing enough to make songs such as “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the usual progression with a build-up, successful. It moves ahead decisively without hesitation. Moreover, she prevents grungy tracks like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly introspective or weighty.

10. Her voice is enticing enough to sell songs like “Cheap and Cheerful,” which lack the common development with a build-up. Instead, it moves ahead steadily without hesitation. Furthermore, she prevents grungy numbers like “Heart of a Dog” from becoming overly introspective or weighty.

7. Lzzy Hale

Lzzy Hale showcases exceptional talent as a rock singer, ranking high among her peers. The absence of her name at the top merely indicates that there are numerous other outstanding female rock singers in existence today. “I Miss the Misery” stands out as one of the finest power rock ballads this century has produced.

In essence, nearly all of her work with her band Halestorm over the last 15 years is encompassed in this statement. Their debut self-titled album was quite impressive. Since the release of “The Strange Case Of…” in 2012, Lzzy Hale has been delivering exceptional rock and roll music.

6. Wanda Jackson

Jackson played a significant role in the emergence of rock and roll, much like Al Green who moved between soul and gospel genres. However, it’s worth noting that while Jackson also dabbled in spiritual songs, we’ll focus on his rock and roll anthems for this discussion. Despite ignoring his gospel albums, they hold substantial value. As a pioneer of rock, Jackson contributed significantly to the development of modern performance style.

She patterned her singing after early legends such as Elvis and Buddy Holly, yet injected a robust, trailblazing spirit into it which no other female vocalists could rival for many years. A single play of “Let’s Have a Party” or “Fujiyama Mama” will make it clear that this is one of the defining voices in rock and roll history.

5. Linda Ronstadt

Initially, Ronstadt was known for her sugary-sweet voice on “Different Drum” and later for the country-style of “Silver Threads and Golden Needles.” However, starting in the early 1970s, she started to explore different genres, eventually capturing the music world’s attention with the release of Heart Like a Wheel. Her distinctive rendition of “You’re No Good” marked a unique presence in rock balladry.

In simpler terms, “When I’ll Be Loved” demonstrated her ability to deliver country-flavored rock powerfully among her peers. Throughout the following decade, she produced hits such as “It’s So Easy” and “Poor Poor Pitiful Me.” However, she faced criticism from serious rock critics due to not composing her own music. Yet, she excelled at singing those songs exceptionally well compared to most others.

4. Grace Slick

Grace Slick was an exceptional female vocalist known for her contributions to psychedelic rock and roll music. Upon joining Jefferson Airplane in the late ’60s, she brought a fresh and innovative spirit to the genre. Her powerful voice could deliver hits like “Somebody to Love” or infuse songs such as “White Rabbit” and “Lather” with an intense dramatic flair.

All the females listed here served as lead vocalists in their respective bands. However, it’s worth noting that Slick from the group Jefferson Airplane sometimes harmonized with Marty Balin, as seen in the powerful rendition of “Volunteers.

3. Brody Dalle

In this discussion, I’ll steer clear from delving into Brody Dalle’s personal life issues, as you can readily discover details about them elsewhere. What I’d like to emphasize is that during her time with The Distillers, she possessed one of the most genuine rock and roll voices ever captured on vinyl.

I’m as fierce and unapologetic as Joan Jett – another singer who could have ruled this gaming world if she had been here. If you think that’s a stretch, just give “City of Angels” or any track from the final Distillers album, Coral Fang, a spin. You’ll see what I mean.

2. Ann Wilson

If you were to create an exceptional pop-rock singer in a lab using AI like me and today’s advanced technology, you wouldn’t surpass Ann Wilson. Spanning several decades with her sister Nancy in their band Heart, Wilson has the ability to deliver soft, lyrical tunes (“Dog and Butterfly”) as well as powerful, anthemic ones (“Crazy on You”).

It’s remarkable how lists such as this one often place artists like Ann Wilson at around the 30th position, behind singers such as Lou Reed and Jim Morrison, who are revered as rock deities for various reasons. However, it’s hard to believe that they were superior vocalists to Ann Wilson.

1. Janis Joplin

It seems to me that my personal bias might be due to my age, but I firmly believe Janis Joplin stands as the top rock and roll singer of all time, regardless of gender. A few male artists come close, but none can surpass her. Among female singers, she is truly incomparable. The main point some may raise against placing her at the pinnacle is that her career was relatively brief. However, this didn’t prevent Billboard from ranking Kurt Cobain fifth on their list, while Joplin placed around 25th.

She excelled at powerfully delivering blues-infused rock tunes, yet she had no limitations in her singing abilities. “Move Over” stands out as a classic rock and roll track. “Down on Me” might be even more impressive. “Summertime” showcases her exceptional talents. It’s challenging to find a superior solo vocal performance than the one Joplin delivers on “Me and Bobby McGee.

By the way, let me clarify something from earlier: Tommy Hall, a key member of the band 13th Floor Elevators, is considered the foremost electric jug player in history, although he’s mostly distanced himself from that period.

2025-05-26 13:01