Male performers have always dominated the genre of rock. Nevertheless, despite how difficult it may be to believe, there have been female musicians who have become recognizable figures in the genre. Here are some of the most talented people female rock singers, some of whom are still living and some of whom have passed away. This post will explore the 25 most famous and accomplished female rock singers.
1. Stevie Nicks
| Stevie Nicks | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stevie Nicks |
| Birthdate | May 26, 1948 (age 75) |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | San Jose State University |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
| Years Active | 1966–present |
| Spouse | Kim Anderson (m. 1983; div. 1983) |
| Partners | Lindsey Buckingham (1969–1976) |
| Genres | Rock |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | Atlantic, Modern, Reprise, WEA, Warner Bros. |
| Member of | Fleetwood Mac |
| Formerly of | Buckingham Nicks |
| Recognitions | Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll |
| Awards | 8 Grammy Award nominations as a solo artist |
| Notable Albums | Rumours – certified 20× platinum, one of the best-selling |
In 1948, Stevie Nicks was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She joined her family’s band when she was just nine years old. Nicks later went to live with her father in California after being sent away by her drug-addicted, abusive mother. When she arrived in California, Nicks had the opportunity to meet some of the biggest rock stars of the age, including Jimmy Page and Keith Moon of The Who, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, and Gram Parsons. She started singing folk music regularly while attending high school in San Francisco.
2. Janis Joplin
| Janis Joplin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janis Lyn Joplin |
| Birthdate | January 19, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | October 4, 1970 in Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Heroin overdose |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Awards | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame |
| Genres | Psychedelic rock, soul, blues, blues rock |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years Active | 1962–1970 |
| Labels | Columbia Records |
| Formerly of | Big Brother and the Holding Company |
There’s no doubt that Janis Joplin is one of rock’s most iconic female artists. Though she never found lasting success in her own right, Joplin was responsible for several wildly popular songs many of which became No. 1 hits for other artists. In particular, three of her songs “Piece of My Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Cry Baby” all hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
If you are a fan of Janis Joplin’s music, you might be interested to know that she was born in Port Arthur, Texas. Check out our article on famous people born in Texas to learn about other notable musicians, actors, and athletes from the Lone Star State.
3. Tina Turner
| Tina Turner | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tina Turner |
| Born | Anna Mae Bullock (November 26, 1939) |
| Died | May 24, 2023 (aged 83) |
| Citizenship | United States (until 2013), Switzerland (from 2013) |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress, author |
| Years Active | 1958–2009 |
| Spouses | Ike Turner (m. 1962; div. 1978), Erwin Bach (m. 2013) |
| Children | 4 |
| Genres | Rock, R&B, soul, pop, rock and roll |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Sonja, Pompeii, United Artists, Capitol, Parlophone, Virgin |
| Formerly of | Ike & Tina Turner |
| Notable Nickname | Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll |
| Notable Songs | “Proud Mary”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, “Private Dancer”, “The Best” |
| Chart Success | Oldest female solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Film Career | Tommy (1975), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) |
| Autobiography | I, Tina: My Life Story |
| Best-Selling Records | Sold more than 100 million records worldwide |
| Grammy Awards | 12 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year |
| Rock and Roll Hall | Inducted twice: with Ike Turner in 1991 and as a solo artist in 2021 |
| Accolades | Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, 100 Greatest Singers of All Time |
Tina Turner is one of the most successful female rock musicians ever. Born in Nutbush, Tennessee, in 1939, Turner moved to Atlanta at age five and became a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue two years later. By the late 1950s, she was on her way to becoming one of rock’s most recognizable female performers. In 1960 she recorded “River Deep – Mountain High” with Ike & Tina Turner; this song became one of her most popular recordings.
4. Joan Jett
| Joan Jett | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joan Marie Larkin |
| Born | September 22, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, guitarist, record producer, actress |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Musical Career | Origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Labels | Blackheart, Epic, Boardwalk, MCA, CBS, Warner Bros., Polydor, Chrysalis, Bellaphon, Mercury |
| Member of | Joan Jett & the Blackhearts |
| Formerly of | The Runaways, Evil Stig |
| Notable Songs | – “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” |
| Achievements | – Mezzo-soprano vocal range |
| Residency | Long Beach, New York, U.S. |
| Early Life | – Born on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania |
| The Runaways | – Founding member of the Runaways at age 16 |
| Solo Career | – Released self-titled solo debut album in 1980 |
| Notable Projects | – Starred in the movie “Light of Day” with Michael J. Fox |
| Broadway Record | – First rock band to perform a series of shows at the Lunt–Fontanne Theatre on Broadway |
Joan Jett was born in New York City in 1958. By the early 1980s, she had become one of the most successful female rock musicians of that era and formed an all-female band, The Blackhearts. She became a central figure in New York City’s burgeoning punk rock scene, and her first band, The Runaways, became MTV’s inaugural video act, performing a cover of “Cherry Bomb.”
Consider also checking out the 35 women hairstyles in the 70s: stylish and iconic, which includes some of the popular hairstyles during Joan Jett’s time as a rock singer. These hairstyles, such as the shag and feathered style, are still popular today and could add some vintage rock chic to your look. Find it at 70s women hairstyles.
5. Ann Wilson
| Ann Wilson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ann Wilson |
| Birthdate | June 19, 1950 (age 73) |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Origin | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, hard rock, folk rock, pop rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Band | Heart |
| Notable Hits | “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda” |
| Albums | Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen, Dog & Butterfly, Immortal |
| Record Sales | Over 35 million records worldwide |
| Chart Success | 29 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 |
| Achievements | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ranked among the “Greatest Heavy Metal Vocalists” |
| Vocal Range | Lyric soprano with operatic abilities |
| Education | Attended Cornish College of the Arts |
| Family | Younger sister, Nancy Wilson, is also a member of Heart |
| Solo Work | Released solo albums: Hope & Glory, Immortal |
| Collaborations | Worked with renowned artists such as Elton John, k.d. lang, Alison Krauss, and more |
| Personal Life | Married Dean Wetter, has two children (adopted) |
| Health and Triumph | Overcame weight issues, battled alcoholism and substance abuse |
Ann Wilson is Heart’s lead vocalist and songwriter, one of the most famous rock bands ever coming out of the Pacific Northwest. She was born in California in 1950, but her family soon moved to Seattle. Wilson grew up loving music, especially folk and blues. By the end of the 1960s, she was a frequent visitor to local clubs and, after meeting guitarist Roger Fisher at a party, got involved with the burgeoning Seattle music scene.
6. Debbie Harry
| Debbie Harry | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deborah Ann Harry |
| Birthdate | July 1, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actress |
| Known for | Lead vocalist of the band Blondie |
| Achievements | Four No. 1 songs on the US charts with Blondie |
| Musical Career | Origin: New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, new wave, punk rock, disco, pop |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years Active | 1966–present |
| Labels | Chrysalis, Geffen, Epic, Sire, Eleven Seven |
| Member of | Blondie |
| Formerly of | The Wind in the Willows, the Jazz Passengers |
| Solo Career | Released albums “KooKoo” (1981), “Rockbird” (1986), etc. |
| Film Career | Appeared in films such as “Videodrome” (1983) |
| Notable Hits | “Heart of Glass,” “The Tide Is High,” “Rapture” |
| Fashion Influence | Iconic punk fashion sense |
| Artistic Collaborations | Andy Warhol, Fab Five Freddy |
By the end of the 1960s, Debbie Harry was a frequent visitor born in Hollis, Queens, New York, in 1946. Soon after, she decided to leave high school at sixteen and moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. Harry became involved with the Velvet Underground, with whom she recorded several songs. She also co-founded Blondie and went on to record some of rock’s most iconic songs.
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7. Linda Ronstadt
| Linda Ronstadt | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Linda Maria Ronstadt |
| Birthdate | July 15, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, country, light opera, Great American Songbook, Latin |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, actress |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years Active | 1965–2011 |
| Labels | Capitol, Asylum, Elektra, Verve, Rhino |
| Awards | 11 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 2 Academy of Country Music awards, Emmy Award, ALMA Award, Tony Award nomination, Golden Globe nomination |
| Notable Achievements | Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, National Medal of Arts and Humanities recipient, Hollywood Walk of Fame star (with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris), Kennedy Center Honors recipient |
| Albums | 24 studio albums, 15 compilation/greatest hits albums |
| Chart Success | 38 US Billboard Hot 100 singles, including a number one hit (“You’re No Good”), 36 charting albums on the US Billboard Pop Album Chart, 10 top-10 albums, 3 number 1 albums |
| Collaborations | Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bette Midler, Frank Zappa, Rosemary Clooney, Philip Glass, Johnny Cash, Nelson Riddle, and more |
| Records Sold | Over 100 million records worldwide |
| Retirement | Announced retirement in 2011 due to degenerative condition |
| Public Appearances | Continued making public appearances and public speaking tours |
| Autobiography | “Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir” |
| Documentary | “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” |
| Family Background | Father of Mexican descent, mother of German, English, and Dutch ancestry |
| Early Musical Influences | Exposed to Mexican music, Gilbert and Sullivan, traditional pop, Great American Songbook, country, and Greek music |
| Influenced By | Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Maria Callas |
| Early Career | Formed folk trio, moved to Los Angeles to pursue music career |
Linda Ronstadt grew up in Tucson, Arizona. She joined the local band The Stone Poneys when she was a youngster and had developed into a skilled folk singer. In 1968, Ronstadt moved to Los Angeles, and soon after, Frank Sinatra had her signed to Capitol Records. She scored her first big hit with a cover of Roy Orbison’s “You’re No Good.”
8. Patti Smith
| Patti Smith | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patti Smith |
| Birth Name | Patricia Lee Smith |
| Birthdate | December 30, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Origin | Deptford Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Punk rock, art punk, proto-punk, art rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, clarinet |
| Years Active | 1967–present |
| Labels | Arista, Columbia |
| Debut Album | “Horses” |
| Hit Song | “Because the Night” |
| Awards | National Book Award for “Just Kids” |
| Honors | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee |
| Cultural Recognition | Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres |
| Influence | Ranked among Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time |
| Robert Mapplethorpe | Intense romantic relationship, lifelong friend |
| Fred “Sonic” Smith | Husband, musician, two children (Jackson and Jesse Paris) |
| Punk Rock Movement | Influential component of the New York City punk rock movement |
| Albums | “Horses,” “Easter,” “Wave,” “Dream of Life,” and more |
| Hit Single | “Because the Night” |
| Collaborations | Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M. |
| Literary Work | Memoir “Just Kids” |
| Legacy | Impactful fusion of rock music and poetry |
Patti Smith was born in Partick, New Jersey, in 1946. She was the daughter of a housewife and a truck driver. Smith began writing poetry and short stories at an early age, and by the time she was sixteen, she had formed The Patti Smith Group and had a solo career. She advanced to become one of the most recognizable punk rock vocalists worldwide.
If you’re a fan of Patti Smith’s rebellious style, you might also be interested in checking out our article on celebrities who support Johnny Depp. Both Patti and Johnny have reputations for going against the grain, making this article a great read for anyone who loves to see celebrities stand up for what they believe in.
9. Courtney Love
| Courtney Love | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Courtney Michelle Love |
| Birthdate | July 9, 1964 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actress |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Spouses | James Moreland, Kurt Cobain |
| Children | Frances Bean Cobain |
| Parent | Linda Carroll (mother) |
| Relatives | Paula Fox (grandmother), Phil Lesh (godfather) |
| Genres | Alternative rock, punk rock, noise rock, grunge, power pop |
| Formerly of | Hole, Sugar Babydoll, Pagan Babies, Faith No More |
1964 saw the birth of Courtney Love in San Francisco. She and her brother were raised by their mother, who worked as a stripper. Love eventually moved to Los Angeles and joined the band, The Go-Gos. She later became a central figure in the grunge movement, fronting The Breeders and forming Hole.
10. Alanis Morissette
| Alanis Morissette | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alanis Nadine Morissette |
| Birthdate | June 1, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Citizenship | Canadian-American |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Known For | Emotive mezzo-soprano voice and confessional songwriting |
| Albums | – Jagged Little Pill (1995) |
| Awards | 7 Grammy Awards, 14 Juno Awards, 1 Brit Award |
| Record Sales | Sold over 75 million records worldwide |
| Musical Genres | Alternative rock, post-grunge, electronica, hard rock, indie pop, pop rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, harmonica |
| Notable Songs | – “You Oughta Know” |
| Billboard Record | Holds the most No. 1s on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart for any female soloist, group leader, or duo member |
| Influence | Dubbed the “Queen of Alt-Rock Angst” by Rolling Stone |
Alanis Morissette was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, in 1974. After moving to Los Angeles at 13, Morissette got involved with the city’s punk rock scene. She moved to Los Angeles to start attending school, where she met guitarist Jeff Abbott. The two formed a band called Can-I-Bus, which became one of the most commercially successful bands to come out of Canada.
If you are a big fan of Alanis Morissette, you may want to check out our list of 50 celebrities who overcame eating disorders. It is a great read that highlights some of the most inspiring stories of recovery out there.
11. Nancy Wilson
| Nancy Wilson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nancy Lamoureux Wilson |
| Birthdate | March 16, 1954 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Origin | Bellevue, Washington, U.S. |
| Occupation | Musician, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter |
| Genre | Hard rock, folk rock |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Associated Acts | Heart |
| Notable Works | “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda,” “These Dreams” |
| Achievements | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee |
| Education | Pacific University, Portland State University, University of Washington |
| Sisters | Ann Wilson, Lynn Wilson |
| Early Influences | The Beatles |
| Guitar Style | Blend of flamenco and classical with hard rock |
| Rank | Ranked 8th in Gibson’s list of greatest female guitarists |
| Awards | Hollywood Walk of Fame star |
Nancy Wilson was born in 1951 in Burbank, California. She became one of the most popular and successful female rock musicians of the 1970s. She was a founding member of the preggy band Heart, which was formed in 1972. In 1974, she became a member of Ann Wilson’s band, The Runaways, which saw success in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
12. Melissa Etheridge
| Melissa Etheridge | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa Lou Etheridge |
| Birthdate | May 29, 1961 (age 62) |
| Birthplace | Leavenworth, Kansas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Guitarist |
| Debut Album | “Melissa Etheridge” (1988) |
| Grammy Awards | 2 wins, 15 nominations |
| Mainstream Breakthrough Album | “Yes I Am” (1993) |
| Notable Hits | “Bring Me Some Water,” “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One” |
| Sales Achievements | RIAA-certified 6× Platinum album: “Yes I Am” |
| Advocacy | Gay and lesbian activist since coming out publicly in 1993 |
| Honors and Awards | Academy Award for Best Original Song, ASCAP Founders Award, Hollywood Walk of Fame star |
Melissa Etheridge was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1961. She was in her mid-twenties; by that point, she had established herself as a regular participant in the Los Angeles rock scene. She had mastered the piano and guitar by the time she was a teenager. Her first big hit was “Bring Me Some Water” from her 1988 EP of the same name. Later, she became one of the most popular female rock musicians.
13. Pat Benatar
| Pat Benatar | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patricia Mae Giraldo (née Andrzejewski; formerly Benatar) |
| Birthdate | January 10, 1953 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, hard rock, pop rock |
| Occupation(s) | Rock singer, songwriter |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Labels | Chrysalis, CMC International, Bel Chiasso |
| Spouse(s) | Dennis Benatar (m. 1972; div. 1979), Neil Giraldo (m. 1982) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Four-time Grammy Award winner |
| Induction | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022 |
| Albums Sold | Over 35 million worldwide |
| Breakthrough Album | “In the Heat of the Night” (1979) |
| Successful Albums | – “Crimes of Passion” (1980) – “Precious Time” (1981) – “Get Nervous” (1982) – “Live from Earth” (1983) – “Tropico” (1984) – “Seven the Hard Way” (1985) – “Wide Awake in Dreamland” (1988) |
| Hit Singles | – “Heartbreaker” – “We Live for Love” – “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” – “Fire and Ice” – “Shadows of the Night” – “Love Is a Battlefield” – “We Belong” – “Invincible” – “Sex as a Weapon” – “All Fired Up” |
| Significant Awards | Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance (1980) |
Pat Benatar was born in Washington, D.C., in 1949. When they arrived in New York City, she was 14 years old and had her breakthrough as a singer when she formed the Zebra group. A few years later, she began working with Neil Giraldo, the guitarist in Giraldo & the Jacksons. Their biggest hit was “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
If you want to learn more about Pat Benatar, check out our list of short female celebrities, where you may find some of her fellow petite stars. At only 5’0″ tall, Benatar proved to be a giant in the industry with her powerhouse vocals and edgy style that cemented her as one of the top female rock singers of all time.
14. Avril Lavigne
| Avril Lavigne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Avril Ramona Lavigne |
| Birthdate | September 27, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Belleville, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Record Label | Arista, RCA, Epic, BMG, Avril Lavigne Music, DTA, Elektra |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Musical Genres | Pop-punk, alternative rock, pop rock, post-grunge |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, drums |
| Debut Album | “Let Go” (2002) |
| Best-Selling Album | “Let Go” (2002) |
| Billboard Chart Success | Number 1 album (“Under My Skin” in 2004) |
| Notable Hits | “Complicated”, “Sk8er Boi”, “I’m with You”, “My Happy Ending” |
| Grammy Awards Nominations | 8 nominations |
| Influence on Music | Pioneered female-driven, punk-influenced pop music |
In Belleville, Ontario, in 1984, Avril Lavigne was born. She began writing songs at fifteen and had her first big hit with 2002’s “Complicated.” She scored several other hits over the next few years, including “Sk8er Boi.” Her debut album, Let Go, sold more than 12 million copies.
15. Ronnie Spector
| Ronnie Spector | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronnie Spector |
| Birth Name | Veronica Yvette Greenfield (née Bennett) |
| Birthdate | August 10, 1943 |
| Birthplace | East Harlem, New York City, U.S. |
| Death | January 12, 2022 (aged 78) |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Known As | Original “bad girl of rock and roll” |
| Genres | Pop, rock |
| Co-founded | The Ronettes |
| Notable Hits | “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You,” “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up,” “Do I Love You?,” “Walking in the Rain” |
| Solo Albums | Siren (1980), Unfinished Business (1987), Something’s Gonna Happen (2003), Last of the Rock Stars (2006), English Heart (2016) |
| Notable Collaborations | Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight” (1986), The Misfits’ “This Magic Moment” and “You Belong to Me” (2003) |
| Awards | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Ronettes in 2007 |
| Memoir | Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette (1990) |
| Ethnicity | African American, Cherokee, and Irish heritage |
Ronnie Spector, born in Brooklyn in 1946, has been a pioneer of the girl group revolution. She was one of the most successful postwar American rock musicians and helped revitalize the concept of girl groups by forming The Ronettes with her sister, Bobby, in 1963. Following her solo career, she formed a new group called Ronnie and the Redcaps.
16. Annie Lennox
| Annie Lennox | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Annie Lennox |
| Birth Name | Ann Lennox |
| Birthdate | December 25, 1954 |
| Age | 68 |
| Birthplace | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Genres | Pop, pop rock, rock, soul, blue-eyed soul, new wave, R&B, synth-pop, electronic, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Chancellor for GCU, songwriter, activist, humanitarian ambassador |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Labels | RCA, Arista, Island, Decca |
| Formerly of | The Catch, the Tourists, Eurythmics |
| Notable Achievements | Brit Awards: 8 wins, including 6 for Best British Female Artist Grammy Awards: 4 wins MTV Video Music Award: 1 win Billboard Century Award recipient |
In 1954, Annie Lennox was born in Scotland. She moved to London at fourteen and got involved with the city’s punk scene. In 1977 she joined a local band called The Tourists and became hugely successful as a solo performer. She formed the duo Eurythmics with Dave Stewart, which was hugely commercially successful.
17. Karen O
| Karen O | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen O |
| Birth Name | Karen Lee Orzolek |
| Also Known As | Marshmellow |
| Born | November 22, 1978 (age 44) |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean-American |
| Genres | Indie rock, alternative rock, art rock, punk rock |
| Occupation | Singer, musician, songwriter |
| Band | Yeah Yeah Yeahs |
| Education | The Elisabeth Morrow School, Dwight-Englewood School, Oberlin College, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts |
| Collaborations | The Flaming Lips, Santigold, Swans, N.A.S.A., James Iha, Trent Reznor, Danger Mouse |
| Fashion | Known for unique and eccentric fashion sense, often wearing outfits designed by Christian Joy |
| Notable Performances | Memorable live performances known for energetic and unpredictable stage presence |
| Awards and Nominations | Nominated for Academy Award for Best Original Song |
| Personal Life | Married to director Barnaby Clay; has a son named Django |
Karen O was born in 1983 in Providence, Rhode Island. A family of musicians raised her, and soon after moving to New York City, She started establishing herself as a live performer. She co-founded the band Yeah Yeahs, which took its name from an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story.
18. Hayley Williams
| Hayley Williams | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hayley Nichole Williams |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1988 (age 34) |
| Birthplace | Meridian, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, musician, businesswoman |
| Associated Band | Paramore |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Musical Career | Origin: Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop punk, emo, alternative rock, pop rock, power pop, art pop, new wave, pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards, guitar |
| Labels | Fueled by Ramen, Atlantic |
| Spouse | Chad Gilbert (m. 2016; div. 2017) |
| Collaborations | B.o.B, Zedd, Taylor Swift, American Football, and more |
| Solo Albums | Petals for Armor (2020), Flowers for Vases / Descansos (2021) |
| Other Ventures | Good Dye Young, Kiss-Off music series |
The principal vocalist and songwriter for the band Paramore is Hayley Williams. She was born in Meridian, Mississippi, in 1987. When she was young, she began teaching herself how to play the guitar at 15 years old, and soon after, she joined the local group “Rise Against Me.” The two groups merged under the name Paramore, and before long, they had become one of rock’s hottest up-and-coming bands.
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19. Dolores O’Riordan
| Dolores O Riordan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dolores Mary Eileen O’Riordan |
| Birthdate | September 6, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Ballybricken, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Singer, Musician, Songwriter |
| Associated Band | The Cranberries |
| Vocal Style | Lilting mezzo-soprano voice |
| Genre | Alternative rock, Indie rock, Irish folk, Jangle pop, Pop rock, Post-punk |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Piano |
| Record Labels | Sanctuary, Cooking Vinyl |
| Years Active | 1990–2018 |
| Spouse | Don Burton (married 1994, divorced 2014) |
| Children | 3 |
| Solo Albums | “Are You Listening?” (2007), “No Baggage” (2009) |
| Contributions with | “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?” (1993) |
| The Cranberries | “No Need to Argue” (1994) |
| Awards and Honors | Ivor Novello International Achievement Award |
| Death | January 15, 2018 |
| Cause of Death | Drowning due to alcohol intoxication |
| Legacy | Grammy-nominated album “In the End” (2019) featuring her final vocal recordings |
Dolores O’Riordan was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1971. She formed a local band called The Cranberry Saw Us with her brother Dermot, who played guitar and drums. By the mid-1990s, their band had become one of Ireland’s most recognized rock acts. In 1999, O’Riordan joined the multi-platinum selling rock group The Cranberries and became one of the biggest female rock stars in history.
20. Kim Deal
| Kim Deal | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Deal |
| Birthdate | June 10, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Other Names | Mrs. John Murphy, Tammy Ampersand |
| Occupations | Musician, Singer-songwriter |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Spouse | John Murphy (1985-1988) |
| Relatives | Twin sister: Kelley Deal |
| Genres | Alternative Rock, Noise Pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Drums |
| Labels | 4AD, Elektra |
| Member of | The Breeders |
| Formerly of | Pixies, The Amps |
| Notable Achievements | Co-vocalist and bassist in Pixies |
Kim Deal was born in 1965 in Dayton, Ohio. She moved to Indiana when she was three years old, and her family later relocated to Massachusetts. The deal became involved in the Boston scene and formed a group called Pixies, which included Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering. The band got its start playing alternative rock venues across the United States.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to rock a short hairdo like Kim Deal, check out this list of attractive female celebrities with short hair. From pixie cuts to bobs, these celebrities prove that short hair can be just as stylish and versatile as long hair.
21. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
| Sister Rosetta Tharpe | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sister Rosetta Tharpe |
| Birthdate | March 20, 1915 |
| Birthplace | Cotton Plant, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Death | October 9, 1973 |
| Genres | Blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and roll |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals (mezzo-soprano), guitar |
| Unique Style | Fusion of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar |
| Musical Influence | Pioneer of gospel music, influenced early rock-and-roll musicians |
| Guitar Technique | Early use of heavy distortion on electric guitar |
| Impact on British Blues | Influenced British guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards |
| Notable Hits | “Rock Me,” “This Train,” “Down by the Riverside,” “Strange Things Happening Every Day” |
| Popularity | Nicknamed “the original soul sister” and “the Godmother of rock and roll” |
| Recording Achievements | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence |
| Controversial Stance | Performed gospel music in secular settings, pushing boundaries |
| Collaborations | Toured and recorded with Marie Knight and the gospel quartet The Rosettes |
| International Tours | European tour with Muddy Waters in 1964 |
In Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was born in 1915. She started playing the guitar at twelve years old, and shortly after that, she started her radio show on the KFFA station. In 1938 she became a full-time musician and sang alongside Louis Armstrong two years later.
22. Sharon Van Etten
| Sharon Van Etten | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharon Katharine Van Etten |
| Birthdate | February 26, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Belleville, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Indie rock, indie folk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, piano, percussion, omnichord, harmonium |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Labels | Jagjaguwar, Ba Da Bing, Language of Stone |
| Notable Albums | Because I Was in Love, Epic, Tramp, Are We There, Remind Me Tomorrow, We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong |
| Notable Collaborations | Queens of the Stone Age, Angel Olsen |
| Notable Film/TV Appearances | The OA, Twin Peaks, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, How It Ends |
| Notable Features | Contralto vocal range, confessional songwriting style, blend of folk tradition and indie rock, introduction of electronic sounds in later works |
Sharon Van Etten was born in 1983 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She began playing the guitar at the age of thirteen. She and her twin brother formed The Darling Buds after they moved to New York City. They released an album of their early material titled Say It First in 2007 and disbanded soon after.
23. Amelia Fletcher
| Amelia Fletcher | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amelia Fletcher |
| Birthdate | 1 January 1966 |
| Birthplace | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Genres | Indie pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, guitarist, economist |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Notable Bands | Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, Marine Research, Tender Trap, The Catenary Wires, Swansea Sound |
| Collaborations | The Wedding Present, The Pooh Sticks, The 6ths, The Hit Parade, The Brilliant Corners |
| Education | St Edmund Hall, Oxford (B.A. Economics), Nuffield College, Oxford (D.Phil. Economics) |
| Career | Chief Economist at the Office of Fair Trading, Senior Director of Mergers, Professor of Competition Policy at the University of East Anglia |
| Honors | Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) |
| Family | Partner: Rob Pursey; Children: Two; Parents: Jean and Winston Fletcher |
Amelia Fletcher was born in London in 1972 and raised by her single mother on the south coast of England. At age five, she picked up the piano and became interested in classical music. When she was thirteen, she started a career as a professional musician and joined forces with Lisa Hannigan to establish the Fotini Kiss band. The group issued three albums before its dissolution in 2009.
24. Hayley Williams (Paramore)
| Hayley Williams | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hayley Williams (Paramore) |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1988 (age 34) |
| Birthplace | Meridian, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, musician, businesswoman |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Spouse | Chad Gilbert (m. 2016; div. 2017) |
| Origin | Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop punk, emo, alternative rock, pop rock, power pop, art pop, new wave, pop |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, keyboards, guitar |
| Labels | Fueled by Ramen, Atlantic |
| Member of | Paramore |
| Band Formation | Co-founded rock band Paramore |
| Albums with Paramore | All We Know Is Falling, Riot!, Brand New Eyes, Paramore, After Laughter, This Is Why |
| Solo Work | Solo EPs: Petals for Armor I, Petals for Armor II, Solo album: Petals for Armor, Flowers for Vases / Descansos |
| Collaborations | Featured in songs with various artists such as B.o.B, Zedd, Taylor Swift, American Football |
| Other Ventures | Created music series Kiss-Off and hair dye company Good Dye Young |
Hayley Williams was born in 1987 in Meridian, Mississippi. At fifteen, she began teaching herself how to play guitar and writing her own songs soon after. She joined the local band “Rise Against Me” when she was sixteen after meeting them when a friend introduced them to her. The result was Paramore, which included William’s lead vocals. The band became one of their generation’s most popular American rock bands with hits like “Misery Business.”
25. Kate Pierson (The B-52s)
| Kate Pierson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kate Pierson (The B-52s) |
| Birth Name | Catherine Elizabeth Pierson |
| Born | April 27, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, new wave |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion |
| Years Active | 1979–present |
| Vocal Range | Mezzo-soprano |
| Notable Collaborations | The Ramones, Iggy Pop, R.E.M., Sia |
| Solo Album | “Guitars and Microphones” (released in 2015) |
| Solo Singles | “Better Not Sting the Bee” and “Venus” |
| Relationship Status | Married to Monica Coleman since 2015 |
| Business Ventures | Owner of Kate’s Lazy Desert, Kate’s Lazy Cabin, |
| Sexual Orientation | Bisexual |
Kate Pierson was born in 1953 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her father was a soldier killed in the Vietnam conflict when she was two. She attended Bishop Griswold High School, and by the time she was a senior, she had developed an interest in music inspired by her brother’s record collection. A few years later, she moved to New York City and met Fred Schneider and Keith Strickland, who had been members of a local band called Television Personalities.