January 3rd is Women Rock! Day! Join the celebration of women’s invaluable contribution to Rock and Roll music throughout history.
Let’s take a minute to remember the legendary female icons that have left their mark in this genre, as well as acknowledge all the amazing female artists and bands who still continue to rock us today.
What is Women Rock! Day
Women Rock! Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Saturday of August. The day honors women who have made a significant impact in the world of music. This year’s event will feature performances by female musicians, as well as panel discussions and workshops led by industry professionals. The goal of Women Rock! Day is to empower and inspire women of all ages to pursue their musical dreams.
Where did the Women in Rock Movement start?
The women in rock movement started in the early 1970s with a handful of female-fronted bands emerging on the music scene. These pioneering groups paved the way for future generations of women in rock, pop and punk. Some of the most influential bands of the women in rock movement include The Runaways, Patti Smith Group and The Pretenders. These bands challenged the male-dominated rock world and inspired other women to pick up instruments and start their own bands. While the women in rock movement is often associated with America, it also had a strong presence in Britain with such bands as The Slits and Siouxsie and the Banshees leading the way.
The Different Genres of Female Rock Music
As the women’s liberation movement gathered pace in the 1970s, so too did the sounds of female rock. From the hard rock of bands like Heart and Jefferson Starship, to the punk of The Runaways and Blondie, to the more pop-orientated sounds of Fleetwood Mac and The Go-Go’s, women were making their presence felt in what had previously been a male-dominated genre.
In more recent years, female fronted rock bands have continued to make their mark with a whole host of different genres coming to the fore. Here are just some of the different genres of female rock music that you can enjoy…
Hard Rock – Bands like Halestorm and Evanescence are keeping the hard rock flame alive with their powerful riffs and attitude-laden anthems.
Alternative Rock – If you prefer your rock music with a more alternative edge then groups like No Doubt, Garbage and Bush could be right up your street.
Gothic Rock – For something a little darker, gothic rock bands such as Lacuna Coil and Within Temptation offer a menace-filled take on the genre.
Punk Rock – Punk may have been born in the 1970s but it’s still going strong today thanks to talented female fronted groups like Green Day, Blink 182 and Paramore.
Classic Rock – Love those classic ‘60s and ‘70s sounds
Famous Female Rockers
When it comes to rock music, women have been breaking barriers and slaying the competition for decades. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some of the most famous female rockers of all time.
From Patti Smith and Blondie to Joan Jett and the Runaways, these ladies proved that women can rock just as hard as any man. Check out our list of the top 10 famous female rockers below.
1. Patti Smith
Patti Smith is a punk pioneer and one of the most influential musicians of her generation. She first came onto the scene in the 1970s with her debut album Horses, which is now considered one of the greatest albums ever made. Throughout her career, Smith has continued to push boundaries and blaze her own trail, winning multiple Grammy Awards along the way.
2. Debbie Harry
As the frontwoman of Blondie, Debbie Harry helped usher in the new wave era with her fierce attitude and unique style. Harry quickly became a fashion icon and a pop culture phenomenon, thanks to hits like “Heart of Glass” and “Call Me”. Even today, at 74 years old, she is still touring with Blondie and showing the world that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
3. Joan Jett
Joan Jett is a true rebel who has been inspiring other women to pick up guitars since she started her career with the Runaways in the 1970s. Jett has gone on to have major solo success, including hits like “I Love Rock N’ Roll” and “Bad Reputation”. She is also well-known for her activism and her involvement with groups like the Blackheart Records label, which supports female artists.
4. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is considered one of the most influential female songwriters of all time. Her contributions as a member of Fleetwood Mac are invaluable, but it’s her long-standing solo career that has made her an icon. Nicks continues to write and perform infectious songs like “Landslide” and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”.
5. Janis Joplin
No list of famous female rockers would be complete without Janis Joplin. As a singer, songwriter, and pioneer of psychedelic rock music, she inspired countless women to pursue their musical goals. While she wasn’t around for long (Joplin died at age 27), her legacy lives on through her unforgettable and iconic performances of songs like “Piece Of My Heart ” and “Me and Bobby McGee”.
6. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde is an English rock singer-songwriter who first found success as the leader of The Pretenders. Hynde’s unique style, penchant for blending genres, and passionate performances make her one of the most formidable forces in music. Since forming The Pretenders in 1978, Hynde has released numerous albums and scored several hits like “Back On The Chain Gang” and “Brass In Pocket”.
7. Courtney Love
Courtney Love began her career as the lead singer of Hole and quickly established herself as a major player in the alternative rock scene with tracks like “Celebrity Skin” and “Violet”. She continues to produce music today and remains an outspoken activist for progressive causes, including feminism and LGBT rights.
8. Siouxsie Sioux
Siouxsie Sioux paved the way for many female punk-rockers when she co-founded the band Siouxsie & The Banshees in 1976. Her unique sense of fashion, soulful voice, and ability to mix genres have made her one of the most influential female musicians in history. Her hits include “Hong Kong Garden” and “Kiss Them For Me”.
9. Kim Gordon
Before releasing her acclaimed solo album in 2015, Kim Gordon had already made a name for herself as a member of Sonic Youth and an influential figure of the no wave music scene. Never one to shy away from controversy, she has earned a reputation as an outspoken critic of sexism and racism in the music industry. Her career continues to be inspiring and inspiring with tracks like “Don’t Look Down” and “Sketch Artist”.
10. Kathleen Hanna
Kathleen Hanna is well-known for being a pioneer of the feminist punk movement known as Riot Grrrl in the 1990s. As the former lead singer of Bikini Kill, Hanna often used her music to promote social change and make powerful statements about women’s rights issues. She has since released two critically acclaimed solo albums: 2004’s Julie Ruin album (with Le Tigre) and 2010’s Run Fast LP with The Julie Ruin.
The Legacy and Impact of Female Rockers
From the early days of rock and roll, women have been shaking things up and making their mark on the music industry. From groundbreaking artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Peggy Lee, to trailblazers like Janis Joplin and Patti Smith, female rockers have left a lasting legacy on the genre.
Their impact can be felt in both the mainstream rock world and underground scenes. In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of female-fronted bands and solo artists making waves in the industry. These artists are carrying on the torch lit by their predecessors, and proving that women can rock just as hard as any man.
So on this Women’s History Month, let’s take a look back at some of the most influential female rockers of all time, and celebrate their contributions to the genre.
How to Celebrate Women Rock! Day
In order to celebrate Women Rock! Day, we need to come together and support each other. We need to let our voices be heard, and fight for what we believe in. Here are some ways that you can celebrate Women Rock! Day:
1. Speak up for what you believe in
2. Stand up for yourself and others
3. Be confident in who you are
4. Support other women
5. Believe in yourself
6. Love yourself and others
7. Educate yourself and others on issues faced by women today
8. Donate to or volunteer for organizations or charities that support women’s issues
9. Recognize the successes of women throughout history and in contemporary times
10. Celebrate other inspiring women in your life
To sum up, Women Rock! Day is a great way to celebrate the inspiring women in our lives and remind ourselves what amazing things we can accomplish when we join together. This day provides us with the opportunity to show appreciation for those who inspire us and ultimately bring about positive changes in our world. Let’s continue to support each other as strong, powerful women and strive for equality on many fronts!
