Women Who Rock: Past, Present, Future are Female

Even though rock and roll was born out of a Black, queer womb, there remains a strong sexist culture within the genre. Women often appear in lyrics as sexual or affectionate objects, traditionally penned by men.

Female characters were rarely portrayed with complexity, independence, or power. On stage, the genre was predominantly performed by male musicians, with female singers being the exception rather than the norm. In the audience, however, the majority of fans were women, playing a significant role in the genre’s sexual awakening.

Despite the genre’s conventions of unisex clothing, nonconformity, rebellion, and the celebration of sexual freedom, sexism still prevailed. Yet there were those who fully embraced its rebellious spirit.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Another societal blur is the image of rock ’n’ roll as drums, bass, guitar, dark-coloured clothes, occasional makeup and long hair—often portrayed on white bodies. However, it may not be widely known that this image was manufactured.

Most Black songwriters of that era barely made a profit, while white musicians gained radio airtime, fame, money, and notoriety for generations—often using the exact same songs. Many Black creators died penniless and nameless, without receiving any credit for the music they gave to the world through mainstream channels.

Rock and roll is rooted in the Black community and was gradually whitewashed over the years.

Tharpe remains an iconic figure of intersectionality as a queer Black woman, having pioneered the beloved genre and paved 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 as a populariser of the electric guitar.

The electric guitar was played in innovative ways by a woman who, despite being banned from many music venues across the country, pushed boundaries 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 break through 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 such as 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 within 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 several 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' aspirations 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 today’s context, her naturally authentic stage persona would be considered revolutionary. Amidst the hairspray era and hairbrush obsession, she fully embraced her wild, untamed spirit and liberated herself from the constraints of a brassière.

She also chose not to wear makeup during her performances, further emphasising her natural beauty. Additionally, her individualistic clothing choices made her stand out.

Beyond that, she can be viewed as an intersectional feminist. Her open bisexuality significantly contributed to her powerful posthumous influence and helped shape a generation. She became a role model for the youth and an enduring symbol of the hippie movement. She truly embodied the spirit of a 'groovy chick'.

The Liverbirds

They were part of Beatlemania, aspiring to be like The Beatles—not only with their costumes and hairstyles but also in spirit. The band was Britain’s first all-female rock band, a cover band, except for three songs written by their guitarist and vocalist, Pamela Birch.

Backstage at the Cavern Club, they bumped into Paul McCartney and John Lennon, who discouraged them with the remark, “Girls don’t play guitars.” The insulting comment didn’t deter them; it became their driving force.

The Liverbirds toured across England and performed with prominent 1960s British bands, such as The Kinks and The Rolling Stones. At one point, Brian Epstein became their manager.

They played at the Star-Club in Hamburg, where they became popular and were considered the female version of The Beatles. The girls topped the charts in Germany with their cover of “Diddley Daddy” by Bo Diddley.

They even performed with none other than Jimi Hendrix. They wanted to play in the United States, but the music industry wanted to sexualise them. The requirement was to perform topless in Las Vegas, which led them to remain in Europe, where they even toured Japan once.

Boys were not their priority. However, throughout their five years together, personal plans such as marriage and children began to separate them. The irreplaceable presence and the uncomfortable feeling of not fully belonging led to their disbandment. Each member went in a different direction, leaving only two of them alive to tell their story in the play Girls Don’t Play Guitars and the short documentary We’re Britain’s First Female Rock Band, That’s Why You Don’t Know Us.

They soared for a brief period, but their impact was enough to ensure they would always be remembered as pioneers of women’s rock bands in the United Kingdom. The Liverbirds were a striking presence in an era when girl singers were expected to be pretty on stage. They were four tough-looking Northern girls dressed in black, playing their instruments with undeniable 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 mentioned above; however, it has been largely whitewashed within the pages of history books and on the radio. 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 "Queen B," there was already a trailblazer in the form of the "Queen A."

Tina Turner was a trailblazer of the dual journey concept—as both a mother and a star. Beyond that, she broke the silence about domestic violence, which resonated after the "If anyone has any objections to this marriage, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace" moment. It inspired and empowered other women who had experienced similar aggression.

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, characterised by heavy guitar riffs and rebellious lyrics, epitomising 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 scepticism 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.

She has been a vocal opponent of traditional gender roles throughout her career, particularly within the music industry, and has been a powerful force for change and empowerment for women.

Rita Lee

Rita Lee died in 2023, and countless headlines referred 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 albums.

She was a part of “Os Mutantes,” a group influenced by The Beatles. The band was known for its extravagant performances, derisive lyrics, alternative effects, and techniques of the time—originating from equipment that did not arrive in Brazil until then—as well as its humorous aesthetics. They were pioneers in mixing Brazilian rhythms with foreign rock, and their sound attracted praise from other big names in the music industry.

After misunderstandings between the members, Rita Lee left the band in 1972. She then moved to London in the 1970s, a journey that changed her completely. While in Os Mutantes, she had a feminine hippie persona.

After her visit to 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, advocating for free speech, especially in the post-military dictatorship environment. Her songs touched on taboos in the conservative society of the time, particularly when coming from a woman’s perspective. Her rock and roll attitude prevailed, challenging the status quo—even if her songs were a mixture of many genres.

Her feminist lyrics addressed female sexuality and pleasure, menopause, and menstruation. She paid homage to national feminist icons such as Pagu and referenced repressed queer culture and homosexuality. She was one of the first women to write songs, arrange music, and play the electric guitar. Rita Lee paved the way for many female rockers in Brazil, such as Pitty and Paula Toller.

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, her unique vocal range, intense stage presence, and charismatic persona. Her art remains a 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. She even bared her breasts on stage, spat, and touched 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 leave on 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.

Her partner 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 recognising double motherhood for the first time when it granted guardianship of Chico to Maria Eugênia.

This was a decade before same-sex marriage was legalised 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 recognised belatedly.

Even in the present day, same-sex families in Brazil continue to face challenges, particularly regarding adoption, and must contend with the persisting stigmas that exist in contemporary society.

Viudas e Hijas de Roque Enroll

It was an Argentine rock band formed in the late 1970s. Comprised of female musicians, the band challenged gender norms in the male-dominated rock scene of Argentina. Their music was characterised 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 marginalised 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 did have a rock and pop-rock influence in her early music career, particularly in the 1990s. While she is now known for her blend of pop, Latin, and world music, her initial albums and musical style incorporated rock elements, especially within the Latin rock scene.

Shakira 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 worth mentioning  Stevie Nicks, Heart, Patti Smith, Dolores O'Riordan (The Cranberries), Debbie Harry (Blondie), Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders), and  Binkini Kill.

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 Generation Z: Olivia Rodrigo and Måneskin.