The 5 Leading Ladies in Rock'n'Roll

The Runaways

When talking about rock music, the conversation seems to be male dominant; no one ever seems to consider the women in rock, not even in the 21st Century world we live in.  Sure, we have the greats: Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Jack White, John Frusciante, Johnny Rotten and Dave Grohl.  But lingering behind the spotlight is the women of rock.  Although hiding in the shadow of their male counterparts, these five ladies of rock are the real ringleaders, just to name a few.

Alison Mosshart

Mosshart has been making definitive music for over a decade now, working alongside the prestigious Jack White in The Dead Weather, and Jamie Hince in The Kills.  Both bands having diverse sounds, switching from indie-pop to badass rock’n’roll. She has more talent, energy and drive than any woman in rock today.  She can switch from sweet, soft vocals to harsh screaming.  She has it all.

Alison Mosshart

PJ Harvey

Emerging in the 90’s with her own flare on grunge, this lady packs a punch.  Harvey’s music is punk personified, with a feminine touch.  I only discovered her music this year all thanks to a grunge disciple, Fiona Verran.  Her raw energy was so beautiful and poetic in the 90’s, and she’s still kicking. Harvey’s music has a bite; you've been warned.

Courtney Love

I may have few good words to say about Love, but you’ve got to admit, riot grrrl would be infamous if it wasn’t for her.  Creating music with her band Hole in the 90’s also contributing to grunge like her husband, Kurt Cobain. Always the centre of controversy, attention and the media, Love does deserve accreditation for what she contributed to the Seattle scene.

Courtney Love

Janis Joplin

She may have passed away 42 years ago, but Janis Joplin’s music still delivers.  Her music flourished with soul and vocals bled passion.  Joplin made it acceptable for women to be in the rock scene, so we owe her everything.

Joan Jett            

Creating the first ever all-girl rock band in the 70’s named The Runaways, Joan Jett set out the path for all these leading ladies.  Now still rocking it out with her band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, she keeps the energy she created in the 70’s alive and kicking.  She also worked with the Sex Pistols on their only album, one of the most influential albums to date.