Updated September 16, 2023 509.2K votes 37.9K voters 924.1K views
Over 37.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Female Rock Singers
Voting Rules
Female rock vocalists only!
Best female rock vocalists of all time include some of the greatest girl rock singers ever. This list includes some of the most memorable rock goddesses ever -- women whose voices ring out powerfully in every single song. Who deserves the top spot? That's up to you to decide, with your votes! Be sure to vote up the female rock vocalists you like the most, and vote down any that you just don't like.
Any list about the best female rock singers should include iconic names like Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar and Joan Jett. These women have been belting out amazing tunes for decades, and none show any signs of slowing down. And of course, anyone who appreciates great rock music knows that Heart's Ann Wilson has one of the most stunning, awe-inspiring voices in rock history. Amy Lee, the lead singer of Evanescence, is a huge favorite as well. Her vocal prowess is astounding.
Those choices are pretty obvious, but there are others who might not be. This list includes the best female rock vocalists from all types of rock music: Glam punk, hard rock, pop rock and more. Nothing is off limits, so vote away, and enjoy!
An extraordinary voice coupled with a mesmerizing stage presence allowed Ann Wilson to etch her name into the annals of rock history. As the lead singer of Heart, her soaring vocals in iconic songs like "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You" showcased her exceptional range and versatility. Though her powerful voice is what she's most renowned for, it's her ability to emote and connect with audiences that sets her apart from other rock vocalists.
Ethereal, mystical, and hauntingly beautiful are just a few ways to describe the enchanting voice of Stevie Nicks. As the frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac and as a successful solo artist, Nicks dominated the rock scene with her signature blend of folk-rock and poetic lyrics. Her unforgettable style and spellbinding stage presence only contributed to her legend, forever cementing her status as an indispensable force in rock music.
Armed with a powerful and passionate soprano voice, Pat Benatar stormed onto the rock scene in the late 1970s and left an indelible mark. Her unique infusion of hard rock, punk, and new wave inspired a generation, while hits like "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" and "Love Is a Battlefield" spotlighted her undeniable vocal prowess. Alongside her trailblazing career, Benatar's fearlessness in tackling social issues through her music only adds to her extraordinary legacy.
A raw, emotive, and uninhibited force of nature, Janis Joplin was a transcendent talent that set the world ablaze. Her unmistakable raspy voice brought songs like "Piece of My Heart" to life, capturing the pain and longing within every note. Joplin's untamed performances and soulful delivery made her a symbol of counterculture and an enduring icon, whose influence resonates to this day.
Known for her crystalline voice and genre-defying versatility, Linda Ronstadt's career spans over five decades, encompassing rock, country, folk, and even opera. Her ability to evoke profound emotion through her singing has made her an inimitable figure in American music history. With a string of chart-topping hits and multiple Grammy Awards, Ronstadt's enduring talent and influence continue to inspire generations of artists.
The embodiment of rock 'n' roll rebellion, Joan Jett burst onto the scene with her band The Runaways, and later with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, to forge a lasting legacy in music history. Her raspy, snarling vocals and no-holds-barred attitude helped establish her as a formidable queen of rock. The pioneering spirit she embodied, along with her iconic songs like "I Love Rock 'n Roll," have made her a symbol of female empowerment in the music industry.
