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Even though rock and roll was born out of a diverse cultural womb, there is a strong sexist culture within the genre. Women often appear in the lyrics as sexual or affectionate objects, traditionally penned by men. Rarely were female characters portrayed with complexity, independence, or power. On stage, the genre was predominantly performed by male musicians and rarely a case of female singers. In the audience, the majority of fans were female, playing a significant role in the sexual awakening. Despite the genre’s conventions of unisex clothing, nonconformity, rebellion, and celebration of sexual freedom, sexism prevailed. However, there were those who swam against the current. Let's dive into their stories.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Another society’s blur is rock n’ roll being drums, bass, guitar, dark-coloured clothes, sometimes makeup and long hair, often portrayed on white bodies. However, it may not be widely known that this image was manipulated.
Most Black songwriters of those eras barely made a profit out of it, while white musicians found radio airtime, fame, money, and notoriety for generations using the exact same songs. Many Black creators died penniless and nameless, without receiving any credit for the music they brought to the world over the years through mainstream channels. Rock and roll is rooted in the Black community and became whitewashed over the years.
Tharpe remains an iconic figure in intersectionality as a queer black woman, having pioneered the beloved genre and paving the way for many other renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and Chuck Berry. The initial sounds of rock 'n' roll were a fusion of influences from Tharpe's childhood, including gospel, jazz, and blues. She is credited as the originator of pop gospel and a populariser of the electric guitar. The electric guitar was played in innovative ways by a woman who, despite not being allowed to perform at many music venues around the country, pushed boundaries that few could have imagined. These achievements have rightfully earned her the title of the godmother of rock 'n' roll.
Wanda Jackson
Wanda Jackson, known as the "Queen of Rockabilly," was one of the first female rock and roll singers. She started her career in country music but soon embraced the emerging rock and roll sound, blending the two genres into a distinctive style. Her powerful voice, spirited performances, and confident stage presence made her a standout figure in the 1950s and 1960s.
Jackson's hits like "Fujiyama Mama" and "Let's Have a Party" showcased her ability to deliver rock and roll with a fiery edge, challenging the male-dominated music scene. She was a trailblazer not only for her musical talent but also for her fashion sense, often wearing fringed dresses and high heels, which became her trademark.
Despite facing resistance from conservative audiences and industry insiders, Jackson's determination and passion for music helped her breakthrough barriers. She toured extensively, including with Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to pursue rock and roll. Wanda Jackson's impact wasn't confined to the United States; she also toured internationally, performing in countries like Japan and throughout Europe. Her overseas tours helped spread rockabilly music to a global audience, earning her international acclaim. Her influence can be seen in many female artists who followed, as she paved the way for women to express themselves boldly and freely in the genre.
Wanda Jackson's legacy is one of resilience and innovation. She demonstrated that women could rock just as hard as men and inspired future generations of female musicians to push boundaries and carve out their own spaces in the world of rock and roll. Her contributions have earned her a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the pioneering women of rock.
Janis Joplin
Joplin stood out as the first female rock star to sing songs written by men. Her journey began at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, followed by tours across the US, Canada, and a few European countries. It wasn't until 1995 that she was posthumously inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a decade later, in 2005, she received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Janis Joplin was an unwitting feminist ahead of her time. She embodied feminists' aspiration to achieve equality with men while embracing her unique femininity and expressing her sexual liberation. She dressed and behaved as she pleased, unapologetically pursuing her desires. In doing so, she paved the way for subsequent generations of female singers, particularly in rock, and played a significant role in breaking down barriers of sexism within the music industry. Beyond that, she is an intersectional feminist, her open bisexuality was another element that significantly contributed to her powerful posthumous influence, as well as shaped a generation as the became a role model for the youth and an enduring symbol of the hippie movement. She embodied the spirit of a 'groovy chick.'
The Liverbirds
They were a part of Beatlemania with the aim to be like The Beatles. Not only by their costumes and hairstyles. The band is Britain’s first all-female rock band, a cover band, except for three songs written by their guitarist and vocalist, Pamela Birch. In the backstages of Cavern Club, they bumped with Paul McCartney and John Lennon who discouraged them with “Girls don’t play guitars.” The insulting comment did not discourage them; it became their flying force.
The Liverbirds toured over England and performed with reputed 1960s British bands, such as the Kinks and the Rolling Stones. At some point, Brian Epstein became their manager. They went to Star-Club at Hamburg. In Germany they were popular and considered the female version of the Beatles. The girls were in the top charts from Germanic lands with “Diddley Daddy” cover from Bo Diddley. They played with no one other than Jimi Hendrix. They wanted to play in the United States, but the showbusiness wanted to sexualise them. The requirement was to play topless in Las Vegas. That was the reason why, they kept on the Old Continent and even came to Japan once.
Boys were not their priority. However, throughout these five years of their career, they came across the girls' plans. Marriage and children separated them. Irreplaceable presences and the discomfortable feeling of not belonging to them made them stop playing. Each of them flown on one direction that led to only two of them being alive to tell their story on a play “Girls Don’t Play Guitars” and short documentary “We’re Britain First Female Rock Band That’s Why You Don’t Know Us.”
They soared for a short amount of time, enough to be forever remembered as the pioneers of a women's rock band in the United Kingdom. The Liverbirds were startling to look at in an era when girl singers were supposed to be pretty on stage. They were four tough-looking Northern girls dressed in black and playing their instruments with attitude.
Tina Turner
Not for nothing, Tina Turner is coined as the “queen of rock and roll.” She brought the genre back to its authentic roots. Rock music emerged from a blend of Black genres: R&B, gospel, jazz, and bluegrass. However, it has been largely whitewashed within the pages of history books and on the radio. The American mainstream music culture has been intricately entwined with racism and segregation.
Her iconic hip-shaking performances on television paved the way for numerous female performers, including the legendary 2000s diva, Beyoncé. Before the emergence of the "Queen B," there was already a trailblazer in the form of the "Queen A." In addition to her musical accomplishments, Tina Turner's impact extended even further. Both Mick Jagger and David Bowie credited her as a significant influence on their stage presence and clothing choices during performances.
The Runaways
The Runaways were a groundbreaking all-female rock band formed in the mid-1970s. Comprised of teenage girls, they were revolutionary in a music industry dominated by male rock bands. Their music was raw and energetic, characterized by heavy guitar riffs and rebellious lyrics, epitomizing the essence of rock and roll.
The band's lineup included Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, Jackie Fox, and Cherie Currie, each bringing a unique talent and presence to the group. They faced significant sexism and skepticism from the industry, with many doubting their ability to play their instruments or write their own music. Despite this, The Runaways broke barriers, inspiring countless young women to pick up guitars and form their own bands.
Their hit songs, such as "Cherry Bomb," became anthems for female empowerment and rebellion. Joan Jett, in particular, went on to have a successful solo career, further solidifying her status as a rock icon. The Runaways' influence extended beyond their music; they challenged the stereotypes of what women could achieve in rock, proving that they could be just as loud, aggressive, and unapologetically themselves as their male counterparts.
Rita Lee
Rita Lee died a year ago, there were countless headlines refer to her as ‘Brazil’s Queen of Rock’, ‘Tropicalia Pioneer’, or ‘Os Mutantes Founder’. None of them is a lie, but she was more. Her legacy extends beyond 40 discographies.
She was a part of “Os Mutantes”, who were influenced by The Beatles. The group was known for its extravagant performances, derisive lyrics, alternative effects and techniques from the time-as they originated from equipment that did not arrive in Brazil until then, humorous aesthetics. They were pioneers in the mixing of Brazilian rhythm with foreign rock. Their sound attracted and was complimented by other big names in the music industry.
After misunderstandings between the members, Rita Lee was no longer a part of the band in 1972. She came to London in the 1970s. This journey changed her completely. When she was part of Os Mutantes, she was a feminine hippie persona. After she visited the UK, she was influenced by glam rock, specifically David Bowie and Mick Jagger. Her famous persona adopted Bowie’s iconic androgynous style and red fringe hair, which became part of her identity. She became a queer icon, and a female vanguard.
She was a woman ahead of her time in favour of free speech, especially in the post-military dictatorship environment. Her songs touched upon taboos for the conservative society of the time, especially when they came from a woman’s perspective and her rock and roll attitude prevailed, challenging the status quo, even if her songs were a mixture of many other genres. Her feminist lyrics touched upon female sexuality and pleasure, menopause, and menstruation. Homages to national feminist icons such as Pagu. References to the repressed queer culture and homosexuality. She was one of the first females to do songwriting and musical arrangements and playing an electric guitar. She paved the way for many female rockers in the country.
Cássia Eller
Cássia Eller was a significant figure in the Brazilian rock scene of the 1990s, known for her versatility in exploring various musical genres, a unique vocal range, an intense stage presence and charismatic persona with her art as her major legacy to Brazilian culture. During the height of the AIDS pandemic, which caused irreparable losses in pop culture, particularly in Brazilian music, and exacerbated prejudices leading to the deaths of many in the LGBT+ community, Cássia Eller stood out. She openly identified as a bisexual woman, challenging societal norms by speaking openly about her relationships with other women, questioning monogamy and femininity, and expressing her androgynous persona, even baring her breasts on stage, spitting and touching her genitalia. She pushed boundaries in an era marked by biases. While delivering songs that gained popularity on the radio, in telenovelas, and even on children's programs, Cássia Eller's career skyrocketed.
Cássia Eller was unaware of the mark she would make in Brazilian law posthumously. Her untimely death left her lifelong partner and son, who became an orphan at the time. However, her wife, Maria Eugênia, took on the responsibility of caring for their son, especially during Cássia's tours. Maria Eugênia faced a formidable legal battle to secure her right to continue raising their son, Chicão, who was just 8 years old at the time. In this custody battle, she found herself pitted against the boy's grandfather, Altair Eller, Cássia's father, who ultimately decided to relinquish his claim. Remarkably, Cássia Eller had granted an interview to Marie Claire in which she explicitly stated that her wife should be the guardian of their son if anything were to happen to her.
This interview played a pivotal role in the legal proceedings. In 2001, the Brazilian justice system made history by recognizing double motherhood for the first time when it granted guardianship of Chico to Maria Eugênia. This was a decade before same-sex marriage was legalized in Brazil. This case closely tracks the evolution of justice in acknowledging 'new' families — in quotation marks because they are not new; they have existed for a long time but were only recognized belatedly. Even in the present day, same-sex families in Brazil continue to face challenges, particularly regarding adoption, and they must contend with the persisting stigmas that exist in contemporary society.
Viuda e Hijas de Roque Enroll
Viudas e Hijas de Roque Enroll was an Argentine rock band formed in the late 1970s. Comprised of women musicians, the band challenged gender norms in the male-dominated rock scene of Argentina. Their music was characterized by a fusion of rock, punk, and experimental sounds, creating a unique and vibrant sonic palette.
Led by the charismatic and talented vocalist Claudia Sinesi, Viudas e Hijas de Roque Enroll gained a loyal following with their energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics. They addressed issues such as feminism, social inequality, and political unrest, making them a voice for marginalized communities in Argentina.
Despite facing obstacles and prejudice in the music industry, Viudas e Hijas de Roque Enroll persevered, becoming pioneers for women in Argentine rock. They released several albums and toured extensively, gaining recognition both domestically and internationally for their innovative sound and fearless attitude.
While they may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of their male counterparts, Viudas e Hijas de Roque Enroll left a lasting legacy as trailblazers for gender diversity and artistic expression in Latin American rock music. They inspired future generations of female musicians to defy expectations and make their voices heard in a male-dominated industry.
Shakira
Shakira rose to fame in the late 1990s with her breakthrough album "¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?" which showcased her distinctive voice, catchy melodies, and insightful lyrics. However, it was her 2001 crossover album "Laundry Service" that propelled her to international superstardom. With hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes," Shakira captivated audiences worldwide with her infectious energy and undeniable talent.
One of Shakira's most remarkable qualities is her ability to seamlessly blend genres and cultures in her music. Her songs often incorporate elements of rock, pop, reggaeton, and traditional Colombian rhythms, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. This fusion of styles has earned her a diverse and devoted fanbase across the globe.
Shakira's influence extends far beyond the music industry, as she takes advantage of her platform to advocate for causes, even though, she is in the centre of controversy with her traditional gender roles views. She has become a cultural icon and role model for women around the world, inspiring them to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on society. With her powerhouse vocals, electrifying performances, and unwavering commitment to her art, Shakira continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting legacy in the world of music and beyond.
embryos
Besides them and many more unmentioned, there are worthwhile mentions to Heart, Patti Smith, Dolores O'Riordan (The Creanberries), Debbie Harry (Blondie) and Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders). Respectively, Smith's fusion of rock and poetry, as well as her androgynous style, challenged traditional gender roles in music. Harry blended punk, new wave, and pop, becoming a major influence on the 1970s and 1980s music scene. Hynde's distinctive voice and songwriting helped define the sound of rock in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Together all of these uteruses paved the way for the contemporary and diverse embryos of the genre among the Generation Z: Olivia Rodrigo and Måneskin.
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