Since the late 50s through the 70s and to the present, the music industry has witnessed vocal talents, skilled performers, and born entertainers rise to global fame. Across different genres, female artists have since dominated the scenes and held a significant impact on music culture, as well as on emerging talents. Despite being a male-dominated genre, these groups of women have kept the fire burning and produced some of the genre’s biggest hits. In no particular order of importance, this piece serenades the works and legacy of the 15 of the top best female rock singers of all time.
Janis Joplin
Despite being in the music industry for less than a decade, Janis Joplin had all the makings of a rock star. Kickstarting her career and spending a large part of it as a prominent member of Big Brother and the Holding Company, the popular singer is credited with ownership of two studio albums as a solo artist, and two albums while serving as a lead singer for her former band. Among these is her 4-time platinum certified and Billboard No. 1 sophomore, Pearl. A true wielder of fearless prowess and defying works, Joplin is credited as one of the greatest diving forces behind women’s freedom and confidence in the 60s. Over 50 years after her exit, the Texas-born performer is still referenced as one of the greatest singers of all time with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as one of the posthumous recognitions she received.
Stevie Nicks
An all-time legendary rock star! Standing strong in American entertainment since the early beginnings of rock ‘n roll, Stevie Nicks remains one of the genre’s most iconic performers. At 75 years old, the Arizona-born superstar proudly possesses credits to over 16 studio albums, including the right projects from her solo career. An eight-time Grammy-nominated singer, Nicks’ creations continue to stand out in contemporary music for her artistic songwriting prowess. In addition to possessing numerous Billboard solo hits, the blonde-haired rock music queen remains popular for her outstanding global tours and evergreen compositions.
Joan Jett
A guitarist with dexterity complemented by rich, luscious vocals, Joan Jett is one of the forerunners in the world of rock and a leading female figure. Starting as a teenage star, the Pennsylvania native takes the credit for leading a five-man group of musicians who make up ‘Joan Jett and the Blackhearts band. This group was established in the 1970s and has stayed active until now. The rock superstar herself is a multi-dimensional talent, combining music with occasional movie and TV appearances. A member of the Rock and Roll Hal of Fame since 2015, Joan continues to blow minds even at her veteran age of 65!
Debbie Harry
The blonde-haired singer-songwriter from Miami is a prominent oldie in America’s showbiz. Alongside winning as a solo artist, Debbie Harry is famous for co-founding one of the country’s most prominent rock bands since the foundational era. Combined with being a talented singer, the Miami-born was an all-round entertainer, showcasing her confident personality and iconic style while dropping banging hits. Her 1979 “Heart of Glass” single is one of such global bangers, landing at No. 1 on multiple national charts, including the United States Billboard and in the UK. Apart from being an on-arts, including the United States Billboard and in the UK. Apart from being a queen on the screen, stage, and radio, the Hollywood star has also invested in authoring books, comprising her autobiography and memoirs.
Pat Benatar
Four-time Grammy award winner, Pat Benatar had made a significant impact in rock music with her iconic music releases which ended up becoming fan anthems. With a charismatic persona and outstanding vocals, the New York City-born entertainer served as a trailblazer for women in 70s rock. Releasing big hits right from the release of her debut album, In the Heat of the Night, Patricia moved on to infuse more pop-inspired sounds and quickly became renowned for her outstanding ability to create across both genres. Alongside owning 12 solid studio albums, Benatar’s numerous accolades substantiate her rock icon status.
Tina Turner
Since forever, this name has been associated with the title, ‘Queen of rock n’ roll.’ Tina Turner is that entertainer with one-of-a-kind energy that’ll just naturally draw you in. Over 50 years since the 1950s, the Tennessee-born artist loved out an excellent music career, loaded with great, timeless records. The “What’s Love Got to Do with It” star takes a top spot among the world’s best-selling artists of all ages, and this is credited to her chart-topping successful productions, while in the duo rock band with Ike Turner, and as an excellent solo performer. Transcending Rock, the 12-time Grammy Award Winner, and proud inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was also popular for her influence in pop and R&B making her one of the few entertainers who effortlessly switch genres while maintaining creativity.
Patti Smith
Being an excellent singer and applaudable songwriter might not be so uncommon. But, artists like Patricia Lee Smith definitely raise the bar a notch higher. A brilliant word crafter, Pat Smith has a popular history of royal artistry, as she combined painting, photography, and poetry with her love for music. Introducing her talent into punk rock, the poet emerged with spoken word productions, teaming up with the likes of Bob Dylan, and making waves on all fronts of her dynamic career. Her release of the groundbreaking debut album and Grammy Hall of Fame project, Horses, remains one of the most historic in punk rock, and her position has been established over time as an authority in the genre.
Courtney Love
Finding purpose in a nightclub isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for Courtney, it was the key to a breakthrough. Courtney Mitchelle Love has been in the business of entertainment since 1981 and still kills it every time she shows up on our screens. Aged 59, the California-born singer entered into the world of showbiz seemingly like every other rock star in the 80s – through rock bands. Taking inspiration from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, led by Lindsey Buckingham. Love founded her major band ‘Hole,’ alongside Eric Erlandson in 1989. In addition to the multiple successful song releases she had with the group, Courtney’s musical prowess is showcased in America’s Sweetheart, her debut studio album, and a US Billboard 200’s No. 53. Alongside her musical career, Michelle remains influential for being a screen goddess and excellent actor.
Lita Ford
Rising as a teenage youngster with The Runaways, Lita Ford’s music career is undoubtedly one showbiz rollercoaster. Despite the historic hiatus which had her being absent from the entertainment scenes for well over a decade, Ford remains a notable figure in the rock genre, mainly for her unique style and stage talent. Although a UK-born artist, “Close My Eyes Forever” has excelled considerably as a vocalist and instrumentalist, doing commendable work with her skills, and getting accolade-worthy recognitions.
Ann Wilson
In the history of rock n’ roll, the esteemed position of Ann Dustin Wilson cannot be displaced. The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has had a successful solo career is also credited for leading a group of entertainers to make up one of America’s highly successful rock bands, ‘Heart.’ With her powerful vocals, the soulful singer stands high as one of the early vocalists in the genre of hard rock, with over 50 years in the business of making good music. A recent feature on “Don’t Tell Me” with Divisive reveals that the 73-year-old California hard rock star isn’t about to stop showing up in our faces. 
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Hayley Williams
At 34, Hayley isn’t just one of the best female singers of all time. Despite being relatively young, compared to the older age range of women on this list, Hayley Williams stands as a recipient of numerous awards from some of the most prestigious institutions in rock history. Rising to fame with her co-founded ‘Paramore’ rock band in the early 2000s, the Meridian singer, alongside other members has steadily released charting projects. These include the band’s UK Rock Charts No. 4 debut album, All We Know Is Falling, as well as their 3-time RIAA platinum-certified second album, Riot!. With a four-octave soprano, William has also won hearts with her powerful vocals, which perfectly complement her dexterity on the guitar and keyboard.
Shirley Manson
While a number of backup singers might leave it at that, Shirley Manson definitely knew that she was made for more. Using her artistic abilities, Shurley moved from being in the background to the spotlight as a talented and soulful singer, charming many with her incredible vocals and formidable outlook on stage. A member of a Wisconsin-originated rock band, ‘Garbage,’ whose self-titled debut album earned mainstream success, Shirley also stars as an excellent actor. Whether on stage, radio or on a TV show, this 59-year-old kills it whenever she shows up.
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Linda Ronstadt
Linda Maria Ronstadt is an Arizona-born rock star with an excellent portfolio in different genres. More than being a multi-genre entertainer, the artist, who had over forty years of success is an embodiment of career success with an impactful. Her iconic stance in American entertainment is proven by the magnitude of hits recorded from her works, which includes over a score of studio albums, among other major projects. A proud recipient of multiple recognitions from accolade bodies, Linda has got in her bad 11 plaques from the Grammy Awards. An iconic performer, Ronstadt continues to live a legendary life with her legacy making the noise of her success. 
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Gwen Stefani
From the ‘No Doubt’ rock bank to releasing her debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby Gwen Stefani hit solo commercial success and was succeeded with subsequent hit records. Due to her unique vocals, great skills as a songwriter, and enthralling stage presence, Gwen quite easily garnered attention to her craft in the late 80s. Alongside serving as the recurring coach of America’s top singing talent show, The Voice, the talented singer has had some of the most iconic tours in the music industry.
Chrissie Hynde
Following a tumultuous start and several failed attempts at joining the trend as a member of any rock band, Chrissie took the big step of forming her own bad, ‘The Pretenders.’ For all the years waiting with little record of victory, Chrissie was compensated with mainstream success on the band’s very first single. In subsequent years, this brainchild would go on to earn Hynde her spot in the league of leading rock stars. After almost five decades in the game, the formidable frontwoman continues to lead her talented performers to success.
