42 Rock Bands With Female Singers (Complete List with Videos)

By Editorial Team •  Updated: 08/08/23 •  19 min read

Throughout history, rock and roll has reshaped the way we listen to music. From the early evolution of roots music stemming from folk, gospel, R&B, and jazz to the modern iterations of pop punk, indie, and sleaze rock, this genre is founded upon iteration.

However, all too often we forget that women were a huge driving force in this male-dominated rock scene. Fortunately, we’ve put together a comprehensive timeline of some of the most prolific and emerging rock bands spearheaded by powerhouse frontwomen. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to pay homage to these iconic bands!

1960s

The 1960s saw rock music taking an innovative turn after being popularized by giants like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly in the 40s and 50s. Rock music has been accepted as a strong cultural force, especially amongst the youth, and is starting to evolve into several subgenres thanks to the rise of psychedelic rock and “The British Invasion” earmarked by bands like The Beatles and The Who who continue to shape the American music scene and beyond to this day.

Fleetwood Mac

Rock music as we know it would simply not be the same without the input from the legendary band Fleetwood Mac, front run by the iconic Stevie Nicks. You’ve likely heard many of this band’s songs already, but their sound varied from blues rock to folk to Americana pop rock.

As one of the earliest bands with a leading female vocalist, Fleetwood Mac undoubtedly paved the way for many bands following in their shadow. Earning the Grammy for album of the year and later being inducted into the Grammy’s Hall of Fame just scratches the surface of this band’s incredible legacy.

You can hear the ubiquitous Fleetwood Mac track Dreams that continues to make waves today here:

46M video views to date

1970s

Rock music starts to see a heavier sonic shift, moving from its folk roots to an emphasis on blues-rock-laden genres, with heavy-hitting guitar riffs. We see the emergence of hard rock and heavy metal, and the continued crossover of pop and rock-related genres. The beginnings of punk music, with a characteristically raw, emotive sound and a DIY approach started to find footing.

Heart

Washington rock band Heart shocked the scene with their music that effortlessly blended rock, metal, folk, and pop songs to create their unique sound. The band has earned its spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame led by Ann and Nancy Wilson. This band continues to tour today, even after earning 20 top-forty singles and seven top-ten albums.

Hear one of their hits with These Dreams:

74M video views to date

Blondie

American rock band Blondie was built on the back of singer Debbie Harry, who blended punk and rock, eventually building some of the early foundations of the new wave. This band has certainly earned its place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, pulling together elements of disco, reggae, and pop to build some of their many top-charting hits.

With songs like Heart of Glass, it’s easy to see why this band continues to find its footing among the listeners of today:

425M video views to date

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Siouxsie and the Banshees, led by Siouxsie Sioux, gave voice to alternative rock and gothic rock in sound and aesthetics. This British band built songs filled with experimentation, furthering the rock genre and building the origin story for punk. You can hear the band’s appetite for experimentation in hits like Cities in Dust:

8.8M video views to date

The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde built her band The Pretenders blending sounds of rock and pop with a rotating cast of American and British members. The Pretenders have several hits, with a coveted spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but perhaps one of the most memorable ones lies in Brass in Pocket:

420K video views to date

The Runaways

When you hear the strong vocals of Cherry Bomb by The Runaways, you can’t help but feel something. This all-female rock band fronted by Cherie Currie had also included the likes of Joan Jett on guitar. The Runaways presented revolutionary themes and performances, especially for female acts of the time, opening the doors for bands down the line:

19M video views to date

1980s

The 1980s are a transformative period for rock music, where we see the elements of electronic music, pop, and punk come together to create a diverse genre-bending sound. We also see the emergence of pop rock, power ballads, thrash metal, and an expansion upon the alternative rock subgenre.

It’s also worth mentioning that the 1980s created the standardized expectation for music videos– this intersection of image and music saw bands becoming more deliberate with their outward expression as a part of their branding. This era is defined by the success of bands like Talking Heads, The Cure, The Smiths, and plenty of the bands explored below:

No Doubt

Gwen Stefani’s band No Doubt was nothing short of revolutionary with classic songs like Don’t Speak. This band effortlessly brought together elements of rock, ska, and pop to create chart-topping hits earning several Grammy awards:

1B video views to date

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Front woman Joan Jett had a healthy career as a guitarist before she created her own band where she created several hit songs like Bad Reputation. Dubbed the Queen of Rock n Roll, Jett is masterful at bringing elements of hard rock and punk together.

1.8M video views to date

The Cranberries

One of the most influential bands of our time is undoubtedly The Cranberries, an Irish rock band headed by lyricist and singer Dolores O’Riordan in their heyday. The band reached international acclaim with songs like Zombie, leading Dolores to score Songwriter of the Year at the BMI awards.

1.4B video views to date

Throwing Muses

Rhode Island’s Throwing Muses came together under the direction of stepsisters Kristin Hersh and Tanya Donelly. The alternative rock band built post-punk songs and was known for their experimental lyrics and song structures that continue to impact the way we make music today.

Hear their unique song style in Not Too Soon:

1.5M video views to date

Mazzy Star

Rock band Mazzy Star led by Hope Sandoval paved the way for slower, rock-inspired artists like Lana Del Rey today. Mazzy Star created the origins of dream pop through alternative rock, best known for Fade Into You. Sandoval has subdued, understated performances and continues to play from time to time today.

70M video views to date

Hole

Founded by rock icon Courtney Love, Hole created rock classics like Celebrity Skin. The L.A.-based band brought together noise rock, grunge, and punk to build a gut-wrenching song that was aligned perfectly with their rebellious aesthetic.

30M video views to date

1990s

Grunge, an alternative rock subculture that fuses elements of punk rock and heavy metal, emerged from the Seattle scene, giving rise to iconic acts like Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Alternative rock at the time took a foothold in the mainstream, with a focus on more raw, emotional lyrics voiced by bands like Radiohead, R.E.M, and the bands listed below:

Garbage

Madison Wisconsin’s Garbage pulled together elements of alternative rock, grunge, and pop under the direction of Scottish frontwoman Shirley Manson. The group’s tongue-in-cheek name speaks to its raw, sometimes sarcastic lyrics that led this powerful band to score several Grammy nominations and BMI awards.

18M video views to date

Evanescence

Evanescence created quite an impact out of Little Rock, Arkansas. Musician Amy Lee was the driving force behind major hits like Bring Me to Life which had notes of alternative metal, gothic rock, and industrial rock for some ultra-heavy hits which were fairly revolutionary at the time:

1.2B video views to date

Bikini Kill

Punk band Bikini Kill holds plenty of weight outlining the blueprint for modern punk and Riot Grrrl subgenres. Notably, frontwoman Kathleen Hanna went on to build Le Tigre, which fused more modern sample manipulation and electronic elements in their music. The feminist punk band created tracks like Rebel Girl that still inspire today.

5.6M video views to date

Sleater-Kinney

Rock band Sleater-Kinney was built out of Olympia, Washington by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein. These 90s mainstays brought together punk, alternative, and classic rock sounds to create their distinct blend of music showcased in songs like Jumpers:

1.9M video views to date

Le Tigre

Le Tigre brought together rock and electronic elements to create a rock revival sound that paved the way for the early 2000s scene of NYC. The band led by vocalist Kathleen Hanna takes playful samples and adds poignant, political lyrics in the spirit of punk.

2.7M video views to date

Arch Enemy

Swedish melodic metal band created heavy-hitting music that’s as intense as you might expect by the band’s namesake. The band has been led by two female vocalists, Angela Gossow, and Alissa White-Gluz since its origin building upon progressive rock and heavy metal soundscapes.

96M video views to date

2000s

The early 2000s showcased an explosion and evolution of rock music, with the creation of post-grunge, pop punk, emo, and garage rock revival built out of the New York scene. These alternative rock subgenres pulled from old and new soundscapes to the forefront of the radio and beyond.

Paramore

Hayley Williams’ Paramore continues to inspire modern rock and pop acts like Olivia Rodrigo today. The Tennessee-based vocalist and songwriter was scouted as a teenager and fought to be in a band to capture the pop punk and rock sound she adored. The Grammy-award-winning band continues to have a strong impact on the scene today, in part due to their everlasting hits like The Only Exception:

235M video views to date

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

American rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs were poster children of the indie sleaze scene, headed by standout frontwoman Karen O. Their garage punk sound is genre-bending, earning them several Grammy nominations and two NME awards for their advancement of the genre. Still touring today, the band recently saw a revival of their song Heads Will Roll thanks to TikTok:

82M video views to date

Alabama Shakes

Athen-originated band Alabama Shakes is headed by lead vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard. Howard’s unique vocals build upon classic blues rock licks, funk, and southern roots structures. A performance of the Grammy-award-winning Don’t Wanna Fight makes it easy to see why this band garnered so much acclaim:

24M video views to date

The Pretty Reckless

NYC-based band The Pretty Reckless fronted by Taylor Momsen made waves with their classic rock sound, embracing clean drums, guitar, and gang vocals. This post-grunge band has earned spots on the UK charts emerging out of the New York DIY scene.

87M video views to date

Blondfire

Blondfire, led by Erica Driscoll from Grand Rapids, Michigan features cinematic songs that fuse elements of folk, pop, rock, and electronica into a signature sound. Originally headed by Erica and her brother, Driscoll continues to build Blondfire on her own accord today.

1.1M video views to date

Warpaint

All-female indie rock band Warpaint is led by lead singer Emily Kokal. Despite the suggestive name, the band represents a more subdued side of rock with dreamy vocals, rock riffs, and plenty of elements of psychedelia. Songs like Disco/Very showcase the band’s superb blend of hushed vocals and classic rock backing basslines and drums.

9.4M video views to date

Shiny Toy Guns

Shiny Toy Guns fused together electronic and rock elements to create a modern new wave song with tracks like Le Disko. The chant-like vocals provided by Carah Faye Charnow held a space of their own, creating new waves in the respective alternative spaces:

2.8M video views to date

Pretty Girls Make Graves

Post-punk band, Pretty Girls Make Graves stepped onto the scene led by Andrea Zollo in the early 2000s. While the band broke up by 2007, they certainly left a mark playing slots at Coachella with a distinct emo, post-punk sound intertwined with electronic elements.

285K video views to date

Flyleaf

Texas-born Flyleaf, led by Lacey Sturm, brought together alternative rock, nu-metal, and post-grunge. Most notably, this band crossed over in Christian rock genres as the lead singer is of evangelical faith. This band was able to score wins through the BMI awards with songs like All Around Me:

77M video views to date

Screaming Females

As the name suggests, the New Jersey band Screaming Females led by Marissa Paternoster has a raw rock sound with punk elements, creating DIY sounds with unforgettable vocals. Notably, Marissa has carved out a name for herself for her excellent guitar playing and distinct vocal delivery which you can hear front and center in Brass Bell:

5.6K video views to date

Sleigh Bells

Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells had quite an impact on the garage-rock revival of the early 2000s led by vocalist Alexis Krauss. Building their own form of noise pop, this experimental band blended elements of pop, punk, and electronic music to critical acclaim. You might recognize their easy-going textured song, Rill Rill:

3.6M video views to date

The Heartless Bastards

Despite their misleading name, The Heartless Bastards have a knack for creating warm, rock and folk-inspired soundscapes led by Erika Wennerstrom. This band’s nostalgic yet modern sound was born out of a member of The Black Keys passing along a demo to Fat Possum Records. You can hear their signature sound of cozy melancholy in tracks like Bye Bye Baby Blues:

16K video views to date

Icon for Hire

The early 2000s saw a surge of the emo and pop punk scene, and Icon for Hire exemplifies this sound. The Illinois band led by Ariel Bloomer is trademarked by their DIY spirit and sound with spirited tracks like Make a Move:

56M video views to date

2010s – Today

In the early 2010s, we started to see electronic and synth-pop influences bleed into the world of rock with acts like Tame Impala and The Arctic Monkeys holding the airwaves. Online streaming platforms and widespread social media created the opportunity for more DIY bands and acts to gain popularity without the initial need for label backing or artist development:

Wolf Alice

English rock band Wolf Alice effortlessly pulls together elements of grunge, shoegaze, folk, and alternative rock under frontwoman Elise Rowsell. Building a presence on SoundCloud, this band paved their own path scoring airplay on BBC Radio 1, eventually earning a Mercury Prize as well as several NME awards.

Elise Rowsell’s vocal delivery frequently shifts from dreamy vocals to whisper speaking in their song Don’t Delete The Kisses:

14M video views to date

Pale Waves

Manchester band Pale Waves fronted by Heather Baron-Gracie has a nostalgic, new-wave-inspired sound that holds elements of synth-pop and pop punk. This band has earned itself an NME award and supported acts like Halsey, making their foray into the mainstream.

Hear their classic rock influence in Jealousy:

663K video views to date

Destroy Boys

American punk band Destroy Boys consists of Alexia Roditi and Violet Mayugba bringing up a classic punk sound and aesthetic back to the forefront with notably modern lyrics. The Sacramento-based band is certainly one to watch supporting acts like Pierce the Veil on an upcoming tour.

121K video views to date

Nova Twins

English rock twins blend a classic rock sound with bagpipes, riot vocals, and punk to create a sound that’s all their own. These grimy gals have been nominated twice for Brit Awards and have supported alternative darlings like Muse.

You can hear the appeal of their striking delivery in songs like Antagonist which take on almost a rap-like vocal delivery:

712K video views to date

Cinnamon Babe

Nu-metal is seeing a resurgence with acts like Cinnamon Babe, a band fronted by actress Stormi Maya known for her roles in movies like Hustlers and Wu-tang: An American Saga. This Bronx native is one to watch with hard-hitting songs like Pure O:

235K video views to date

Japanese Breakfast

Michelle Zauner originally built the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast as a side project, not realizing that her band would lead her to be nominated for several Grammys, win Liberia awards, and earn spots on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Zauner continues to produce, write and perform her tracks pulling together dream pop and classic rock elements with her three-piece band.

It’s easy to see why Japanese Breakfast resonates with older and new generations with tracks like Boyish:

5.2M video views to date

Beach Bunny

Beach Bunny is a bedroom-rock band led by Lili Trifilio, originally founded in 2015. After their song Prom Queen went viral on TikTok in 2019, Beach Bunny saw critical acclaim with features in the likes of The Rolling Stone and The New York Times. With emotionally raw lyrics and catchy pop hooks, it’s easy to see why an internet generation would latch onto Beach Bunny’s music:

30M video views to date

Poppy

Poppy, the music project of singer Moriah Rose Pereira is truly a product of the 21st century. Before transitioning to her heavy-hitting, industrial rock, nu-metal-infused sound, the singer gained popularity through a series of eerie art pieces on YouTube. She has co-opted her virality to create a distinct sound through songs like I Disagree:

8.3M video views to date

Wet Leg

Wet Leg was an unlikely success, breaking through from the Isle of Wight, consisting of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers. These two ladies saw massive success through the debut of their single Chaise Lounge, amplified by the song’s success on TikTok. The band takes sticky, absurdist lyrics and pairs it with post-punk, Britpop, and indie-pop sounds. With a Coachella slot and two Grammys under their belt, this duo is poised to be a major voice in rock music for years to come.

Take a listen to the TikTok hit, Chaise Lounge that started it all:

11M video views to date

Alvvays

Canadian indie pop and rock band Alvvays is fronted by Molly Rankin, creating dreaming, psychedelic soundscapes, bringing together shoegaze with classic guitar licks. While this DIY band is known for being fairly quiet on social media, their distinct dreamy sound has led to several college-radio hits, alongside slots at Coachella and Glastonbury.

You can hear their dreamy, diverse soundscapes on catchy tracks like Archie, Marry Me:

10M video views to date

Sunflower Bean

New York trio Sunflower Bean is headed by Julia Cummings, originating in 2013, coming out of the DIY scene of Bushwick, Brooklyn. Pulling elements from psychedelic rock, punk, and funk, this band creates songs you can dance to about the woes of a digital age. With features from The FADER, NME, and New York Times, it’s clear that this band is not one to be trifled with.

Hear the trio at work in their song Who Put You Up To This?

197K video views to date

Final Thoughts

Women in rock music continue to shape how we create and connect with art today. Whether you’re into the classics, modern rock revival, or a grunge enthusiast, there is no shortage of female-fronted bands to explore. Enjoy listening to these amazing bands!

Which one of these bands is your favorite? Did we miss any must-listen rock bands with female singers? Let us know in the comments below!

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