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The Best Female Rock Singers Of The '80s, Ranked
Vote up your favorite female rock singers of the '80s.
The 1980s marked an exhilarating era in rock music, with female artists stepping into the spotlight and commanding the stage like never before. These trailblazing women not only challenged gender norms, but also left a mark on the rock genre with their raw talent, powerful voices, and distinctive styles.
Joan Jett, often hailed as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," emerged as a powerful force with her band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. She was known for her rebellious persona and raspy voice, and her anthem "I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll" became an iconic track of the decade. Tina Turner, another luminary of the '80s, redefined rock and pop with her electrifying stage presence and dynamic vocal performances. After a tumultuous period in her personal life, Turner made an extraordinary comeback with the release of her solo album Private Dancer. Stevie Nicks, both as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist, also made an unforgettable impact on the rock genre in the '80s. With her mystical stage presence, airy voice, and poetic songwriting, Nicks created timeless hits such as "Gypsy" and “Edge of Seventeen.”
These artists are just a few among many who defined the rock landscape of the '80s. The achievements of the best female rock singers of the '80s continue to resonate through the decades.
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Ann Wilson is the lead vocalist of Heart, a band she co-founded with her sister, Nancy Wilson. Known for her powerful, multi-octave voice and emotional delivery, Ann helped Heart become a major force in rock music with hits spanning from the '70s through the '80s.
Band: Heart
Standout Song: "Alone"
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Nancy Wilson is known as the guitarist and backing vocalist for Heart, a band she co-founded with her sister Ann Wilson. Her exceptional guitar skills, ranging from intricate acoustic work to powerful electric solos, have been a defining element of Heart's sound. In addition to her musicianship, she has contributed significantly to the songwriting, helping create some of the band's most memorable hits.
Band: Heart
Standout Song: “These Dreams”
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Stevie Nicks is both a solo artist and a member of Fleetwood Mac, where her distinctive voice and mystical stage presence made her famous. Known for her poetic songwriting, Stevie had a solo career that took off in the '80s with hits like "Edge of Seventeen."
Band: Fleetwood Mac
Standout Song: “Gypsy”
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Known for her electrifying stage presence, powerful voice, and dynamic performances, Tina Turner is a legend in the rock and pop genres. She made an incredible comeback in the '80s with the release of her solo album Private Dancer, which featured several hit singles.
Band: N/A (Solo artist during her '80s comeback)
Standout Song: “What's Love Got to Do with It”
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Joan Jett is a rock musician best known for her work with the Blackhearts as well as her earlier band, The Runaways. She has been called the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" for her rebellious persona, distinctive raspy voice, and influential presence in the rock music scene.
Band: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Standout Song: "I Love Rock ’n’ Roll"
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Grace Slick is best known for her role as the lead vocalist of Jefferson Airplane and later Jefferson Starship. Her powerful, operatic voice and charismatic stage presence made her a symbol of the '60s counterculture and psychedelic rock era. In the '80s, she continued to perform with Jefferson Starship. Grace's ability to deliver politically and socially charged lyrics with her distinctive voice has made her a lasting icon in rock music.
Band: Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship
Standout Song: “We Built This City”
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Christine McVie was best known as a vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Her smooth, soulful voice and elegant keyboard playing were crucial to the band's sound. Her ability to craft memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics made her an integral part of the band's enduring legacy.
Band: Fleetwood Mac
Standout Song: “Little Lies”
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Debbie Harry is best known as the lead singer of Blondie, a band that melded punk, new wave, and pop. Her glamorous persona and striking image, combined with her versatile vocal abilities, helped Blondie achieve mainstream success. The band's song "Call Me" was a massive hit in the '80s, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of the most memorable tracks of the era.
Band: Blondie
Standout Song: “Call Me”
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Pat Benatar is famous for her powerhouse vocals and strong performance style. Her classical training in opera allowed her to bring technical precision and dramatic intensity to rock music. With hits like "Love Is a Battlefield," she became a defining voice of '80s rock, known for her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability. Pat's dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess have earned her multiple Grammy Awards and a lasting legacy in rock history.
Band: N/A (Solo artist)
Standout Song: “Love Is a Battlefield”
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Chrissie Hynde is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for The Pretenders, a band known for blending punk rock with mainstream pop. Her distinctive voice and tough, no-nonsense persona have made her an enduring figure in rock music. Her ability to convey emotion through both her singing and songwriting has solidified her status as a rock icon.
Band: The Pretenders
Standout Song: “Back on the Chain Gang”
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Kate Bush is renowned for her eclectic and highly inventive approach to music, blending rock, art pop, and experimental genres. Known for her theatrical vocal style and poetic, often fantastical lyrics, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of popular music. Her use of technology and unconventional instruments in her compositions has made her a pioneer in music production.
Band: N/A (Solo artist)
Standout Song: “Running Up That Hill”
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Annie Lennox gained fame as one-half of the Eurythmics, blending synth-pop with new wave music to create a unique sound. Her androgynous fashion and deep, rich voice set her apart from her contemporaries. Her ability to combine powerful lyrics with distinct musical arrangements and her haunting voice have made her an influential figure in pop and rock music.
Band: Eurythmics
Standout Song: “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
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Belinda Carlisle rose to fame as the lead singer of The Go-Go's, one of the most successful all-female rock bands of all time. Known for her sweet voice and charming stage presence, she successfully transitioned to a solo career in the '80s. Belinda's knack for catchy melodies and her charismatic personality have made her a beloved figure in '80s music.
Band: The Go-Go's
Standout Song: "Heaven Is a Place on Earth"
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Susanna Hoffs is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of The Bangles, a band that achieved considerable success with their blend of rock and pop. Her clear, melodic voice and engaging stage presence were central to the band's appeal. Susanna's talent for crafting catchy, memorable pop-rock songs helped the band secure numerous hits.
Band: The Bangles
Standout Song: “Walk Like an Egyptian”
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Bonnie Raitt is celebrated for her exceptional skills as a slide guitarist and her ability to blend rock, blues, and country influences into her music. Her soulful voice and thoughtful songwriting have earned her widespread acclaim. Throughout the '80s, she continued to build her reputation, with her 1989 album Nick of Time marking a significant comeback while highlighting her heartfelt storytelling and masterful guitar work.
Band: N/A (Solo artist)
Standout Song: “Nick of Time”
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Bonnie Tyler is known for her distinctive husky voice and her ability to convey deep emotion in her music. Her dramatic vocal style and powerful ballads made her a prominent figure in the rock and pop scenes of the '80s. The song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is her most popular track from the decade, highlighting her unique voice and emotional delivery and becoming a timeless classic.
Band: N/A (Solo artist)
Standout Song: “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
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Lita Ford is best known for her work as a guitarist and vocalist, both as a member of The Runaways and as a solo artist. Her exceptional guitar skills and commanding stage presence have made her a standout figure in rock and heavy metal.
Band: The Runaways
Standout Song: “Kiss Me Deadly”
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18Kim Deal is renowned for her work as the bassist and co-vocalist of the alternative rock band The Pixies, and later as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Breeders. Her distinctive bass playing and unique vocal style were fundamental to The Pixies' groundbreaking sound in the late '80s. Her inventive approach and ability to push musical boundaries have cemented her status as a pivotal figure in alternative rock.
Band: The Pixies, The Breeders
Standout Song: “Gigantic”
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Siouxsie Sioux is the lead singer of Siouxsie and the Banshees, a band that pioneered the gothic rock and post-punk movements. Her distinctive voice, bold fashion sense, and innovative approach to music set her apart from her contemporaries. Her band's song "Cities in Dust" is a standout track from the '80s that highlights Siouxsie's unique style and artistic vision.
Band: Siouxsie and the Banshees
Standout Song: “Cities in Dust”
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L:inda Ronstadt is celebrated for her versatile voice and ability to cross genres, including rock, country, and pop. Her interpretive skills and emotional performances have earned her critical acclaim and commercial success throughout her career.
Band: N/A (Solo artist)
Standout Song: “Hurt So Bad”
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Patty Smyth rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the band Scandal, known for their energetic rock sound and heartfelt lyrics. Her powerful voice brought depth to the band's music, helping them achieve commercial success.
Band: Scandal
Standout Song: “The Warrior”
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Sinéad O'Connor was known for her powerful and soulful voice, as well as her provocative public persona. She made a significant impact with her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, in the late '80s, which showcased her unique vocal style and intense emotional delivery. Her willingness to address controversial social and political issues through music also marked her career.
Band: N/A (Solo artist)
Standout Song: “Mandinka”
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Kim Gordon is known as a founding member of Sonic Youth, a band that helped define the alternative and indie rock scenes. Her experimental bass playing, unique approach to music, and distinctive voice have made her a trailblazer in the rock genre. Her artistic vision and commitment to challenging the status quo have earned her a lasting influence in rock music.
Band: Sonic Youth
Standout Song: “Kool Thing”
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Edie Brickell is the lead vocalist of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, a band known for their unique blend of rock, folk, and jazz influences. Her relaxed vocal style and thoughtful lyrics brought dimension to the band's music. Edie's personable and chill stage presence helped the band gain a dedicated following.
Band: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
Standout Song: “What I Am”
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