Female rockers have given new meaning to inspirational various genres in rock. Many female voices in various rock genres stir the soul. This article breathes light on the best female rock vocalists.

Since the 60s female vocalists have gained prominence in various rock genres. The flower power days sprung to life many female vocalists that led the way for young women. In present times, there are a number of female vocalists that enthrall audiences with the awe inspiring vocals and dynamic stage presence. Few bands in the early 60s had female vocalists. Towards the end of the 60s and the 70s many female vocalists took up vocal duties in bands.

All-female bands started becoming popular in the late 60s. Woman power in rock music established a firm footing in the 60s and 70s and since then the fraternity has grown.

The vocal prowess of women in various rock genres cannot be missed. From soul-stirring emotion, to raspy brilliance, women in rock have exhibited it all. The folk movement in the 60s and gave rise to a brigade of rock vocalists with varied influences and since then women have branched in different genres and sub-genres of rock.

Female vocalists in the hard rock genre started gaining popularity in the 90s. Female vocalists in punk rock started creating a movement in the 80s with Patti Smith pioneering the punk movement early in the 70s. Also, a number of female vocalists in progressive metal and other sub-genres of heavy metal emerged in the 90s and since the 2000s a number of female vocalists have taken vocal duties with their mesmerizing operatic vocals.

The list below has been compiled taking into consideration overall vocal abilities that include uniqueness, tonal quality, vocal range, vocal dynamics, and versatility in live performances. Below is a list of the best female rock vocalists.

100 Greatest female rock vocalists from various rock genres

1. Janis Joplin (Big Brother and the Holding Company)
2. Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane)
3. Patti Smith
4. Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
5. Tina Turner
6. Joni Mitchell
7. Melissa Estheridge
8. Joan Jett (Blackhearts)
9. Ann Wilson (Heart)
10. Pat Benatar
11. Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)
12. Rita Coolidge
13. Kate Bush
14. Suzanne Vega
15. Nanci Griffith
16. Suzi Quatro
17. Tori Amos
18. Susana Hoffs (The Bangles)
19. Liz Phair
20. Sheryl Crow
21. Bjork
22. Fiona Apple
23. Shirley Manson (Garbage)
24. Kate Pierson (B-52’s)
25. Delores O Riordan (The Cranberries)
26. PJ Harvey
27. Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention)
28. Doro Pesch (Warlock)
29. Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
30. Christina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil)
31. Alanis Morissette
32. Kim Deal (The Breeders)
33. Ani Difranco
34. Tanya Donelly (Belly)
35. Nancy Wilson (Heart)
36. Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac)
37. Joss Stone
38. Patty Smyth (Scandal)
39. Annette Peacock
40. Sheryl Crow
41. Amy Lee
42. Gwen Stefani (No Doubt)
43. Tarja Turunen (Nightwish)
44. Deborah Dyer (Skunk Anasie)
45. Nina Gordon (Veruca Salt)
46. Carrie Akre (Hammerbox)
47. Lana Lane
48. Harriet Wheeler (The Sundays)
49. Judy Henske
50. Chrissy Steele
51. Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star)
52. Debora Iyall (Romeo Void)
53. Amanda Marshall
54. Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes)
55. Amy Winehouse
56. Katrina Chester (Luxx)
57. Amy Lee (Evanescence)
58. Margo Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
59. Allanah Myles
60. Kat Bjelland
61. Lita Ford
62. Courtney Love (Hole)
63. Hayley Williams (Paramore)
64. Cherie Currie (The Runaways)
65. Siouxsie Sioux (Siouxsie and the Banshees)
66. Annie Lenox (Eurythmics)
67. Heidi Parviainen (Amberian Dawn)
68. Bonnie Tyler
69. Cyndi Lauper
70. Lisa Johansson (Draconian)
71. Linda Ronstadt
72. Carmen Elise Espenaes (Midnattsol)
73. Simone Simmons (Epica)
74. Natalie Merchant
75. Floor Jansen (After Forever)
76. Avril Lavigne
77. Jennifer Rush
78. Charlotte Wessels (Delain)
79. Leslie Rankine
80. Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf)
81. Morgan Lander (Kittie)
82. Anne Boleyn (Hellion)
83. Mia Zapatta (Gits)
84. Leather Leone (Chastain)
85. Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation)
86. Anette Olzon (Nightwish)
87. Lori Lewis (Therion)
88. Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy)
89. Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion)
90. Alexandra Pittracher (Darkwell)
91. Maria Brink (In This Moment)
92. Lazy Hale (Halestorm)
93. Julie Kiss (To-Mera)
94. Candice Clot (Eths)
95. Akane Liv (Liv Moon)
96. Anne Nurmi (Lacrimosa)
97. Maxi Nil (Vision of Atlantis)
98. Stephanie Luzie (Atargatis)
99. Alina Dunaevskaya (Markize)
100. Sabina Classen (Holy Moses)

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