Rock and roll has always been something of a boy’s club through the decades, but there have still been plenty of women who’ve left their indelible legacies to this genre of music. While there are only a fraction of female rock vocalists compared to the wealth of options available for male vocalists, the quality is incredible.
Who makes a great rock vocalist, and what makes them so, is incredibly subjective. What appeals to one may not appeal to someone else. Twenty people may have 20 completely different lists. That would undoubtedly be the case with male rock vocalists.
Because there are fewer options, lists for female rock vocalists might have more commonality. However, that doesn’t mean everyone can or should agree. Everyone will have their favorites, singers who struck the heartstrings just so, or stir up personal memories. That is what music does for us.
The greatest female vocalists in rock and roll history
Honorable mention: Grace Slick, Debbie Harry, Sheryl Crow, Lzzy Hale, Florence Welch, Joan Jett, Gwen Stefani, and Chrissie Hynde
No. 9: Hayley Williams - Paramore
This list was going to be only eight singers long, but it came down to three for the last two spots, and all deserved recognition. So here we are.
It is so hard for women to establish themselves in the rock world, regardless of the generation. Paramore has enjoyed success for nearly two decades and it is largely due to Williams’ vocals.
She’s able to deliver gritty tunes like “Decode” and songs that lean more toward pop, like “Still Into You.” She can also nail the true rock and roll songs like “Miserable Business.”
Paramore has enjoyed great commercial success as well. They’ve charted 26 songs on the Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart, with three top 10 hits, and they topped the chart with “Ain’t it Fun?” Their continued success wouldn’t be possible without the highly talented Williams on vocals.
Continued on next slide...