10 Best Women Vocals In Rock

The 10 best women vocals in rock ranges over several decades. Rock music started in the 1950s, but was comprised of all male vocals behind all of the hit songs. The 1960s is when women came into their own, belting out rock music lyrics as solo artists, or with a group. From there on, rock music and women, have meshed quite nicely, producing phenomenal solo, duo and group acts.

1. Janis Joplin. Even though she left us way too soon, the bluesy-rock music of Janis Joplin reigns on. Rising to stardom in the late 1960s, Joplin didn't sign with a label until 1967. Her music became more iconic after her death in 1970. Joplin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, 25 years after she passed away.
2. Grace Slick. Slick was the powerhouse front woman for rock band, Jefferson Airplane. She also had a solo career for several years until retiring in the mid 1990s. Grace was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, along with the rest of her band mates from Jefferson Airplane.
3. Chrissie Hynde. The lead singer of The Pretenders since 1978, and also having a successful solo career in rock music, Chrissie Hynde has really done it all. Her unique sounding vocals made her popular worldwide, and one of the ten best women vocals in rock. Hynde was one of the first female artists to not only sing, but play a variety of instruments as well.
4. Pat Benatar. First she was a singer, now she's also a mother, wife and author. Upon launching her career in the 1980s, Pat Benatar blew all fans of rock music away. For such a petite woman, she has one of the biggest voices in rock history. Benatar is a four-time Grammy winner, and her music has been used in advertising, movies and television shows for over 20 years.
5. Ann and Nancy Wilson. When you think of the rock group Heart, you can't help but include both Wilson sisters. For it was their vocals and songwriting that was the backbone of Heart. These two top ten women in rock rose to stardom in the early 1970s, hailing from Seattle, WA. Heart still toured in 2010 and released a new album in 2010 titled "Red Velvet Car".
6. Joan Jett. Formerly of the 70's all-female rock band, The Runaways, Joan Jett went on to have a successful career as a solo artist. Her band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have had numerous chart-topping hits over the years. She produced 2010's "The Runaways" movie, in addition to penning a biography about her life. This top ten female vocalist in rock helped pave the way for some of our more popular women in music today.  
7. Stevie Nicks. A former member of the supergroup Fleetwood Mac, Nicks is another woman in rock music, that's helped pave the way for others. A singer, songwriter and playing several instruments, Nicks was an influential part of Fleetwood Mac, in addition to having her own successful solo career. Stevie is not only well-known for her melodic singing, but also her symbolic song lyrics.
8. Alanis Morissette. Morrissette began her career as a teenager in her native Canada, but didn't release her first album until 1991. This ten best women of rock had a career-changing album in "Jagged Little Pill", released in 1995. Alanis still performs and writes music, and her most recent acting gig was on the popular Showtime original series, "Weeds".
9. Amy Lee. Many people love her, but some hate her too. Regardless of your feelings, you cannot deny Amy Lee's amazing vocals and songwriting abilities. Evanescence's albums have gone platinum over nine times, and this is due in part to Lee's vocal range, haunting lyrics and yes, her striking beauty.
10. Cristina Scabbia. Hailing from Italy, Scabbia is best known for being one of the lead vocalists of metal band, Lacuna Coil. Between Scabbia's raw talent, superb writing skills and overall gorgeousness, she rounds out the top ten best women vocals in rock.