The Jambar
Now and then, The Jambar will publish an editorial ranking our favorite songs or musicians. Whether it’s guitarists, bassists or albums, The Jambar has a very musical editorial board.
This time around, The Jambar will rank the greatest female rock singers to grace a stage.
The criteria for the list is simple, as any female musicians whose music has been classified as rock will be included. Do not expect to see Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus or Mariah Carey, as they are more pop than rock. Soul artists such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin will also be excluded.
Before starting, our honorable mentions include Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Gos, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Patti Smith, Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and Debbie Harry of Blondie.
Starting at No. 5 is Pat Benatar. First appearing in 1979, Pat Benatar emerged as a hard rock vocalist with an impressive 4.5-octave range. Her best-known hits include, “I Need a Lover,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “We Belong,” “Heartbreaker” and “Love is a Battlefield.”
Benatar, alongside her guitarist and partner Neil Giraldo, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 by Sheryl Crow. They are often considered the most iconic husband-and-wife duo in rock.
At No. 4 is Kate Bush. One of rock’s most iconic, unique voices, Kate Bush got her start in 1975 at the age of 17, when she was discovered by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. Her first album, the progressive-tinged “The Kick Inside,” was released in 1978.
Bush and her four-octave voice scored multiple hits in England, including “Wuthering Heights,” “Babooshka” and “Running Up That Hill.” The latter became a major international hit in 2021 following its inclusion in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” Bush, now considered a progressive rock icon, was inducted into the RRHOF in 2023.
Annie Lennox takes the No. 3 spot. Getting her start with Eurythmics in 1981, alongside Dave Stewart, Lennox broke boundaries with her androgynous stage presence. Her three-octave contralto vocals have been a staple of international radio stations since Eurythmics’ debut album was released in 1981.
Other than Eurythmics’ smash hit, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” Lennox can be heard on “There Must Be an Angel,” “Love Is a Stranger,” “Here Comes the Rain Again” and her solo hit “Walking On Broken Glass.” Lennox and Stewart were inducted into the RRHOF in 2022 as Eurythmics.
Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks comes in at No. 2. Perhaps the most easily identifiable voice on the list, Nicks’ ability to capture the soul of her songs sets her apart from most other female vocalists.
Having joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, Nicks can be best heard on their 1975 self-titled album and the follow-up, “Rumours,” often considered to be the greatest rock album of all time. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Nicks was inducted into the RRHOF in 1998. She was later inducted as a solo artist in 2019.
No. 1 goes to Ann Wilson of Heart. Alongside her sister and guitarist Nancy, Ann Wilson has perhaps the most emotive, iconic voice in rock. With hits including “Magic Man,” “Crazy On You,” “Barracuda,” “Never” and “Alone,” Heart has been a domineering force in American rock since the release of their debut album in 1975.
A dramatic soprano, Ann Wilson’s vocal range spans three octaves, and her ability to hold notes sets her apart as one of the greatest women to hold a microphone. Heart was inducted into the RRHOF in 2013.
