Who do you consider to be the best female rock singer of all time?

1. 91

   Georgie Loweryposted 11 years ago

   Who do you consider to be the best female rock singer of all time?
   
   My personal favorite is Janis Joplin. But, was she the the best? Who is your pick?
   
   

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2. 89

   Doc Snowposted 11 years ago

   Janis is a great pick... though I didn't think of her in the moment I made mine.  Might have picked her, too, if I had.
   
   A lot turns on what you consider to be rock, because if you are picky about genre, a lot of great female singers may not be considered rockers.  For instance, how about Linda Ronstadt?  In latter days she has crossed a lot of genre boundaries, but she made some rocking records back when.  Would she still qualify?  Or Aretha Franklin--a great, but a rocker?
   
   Then there's Grace Slick.  Definitely worth remembering as a performer, personality, creative force and icon.  But was she a great singer, really?
   
   And Bonnie Raitt could well be nominated.  But there's the genre thing again--while lots of her songs are considered rock, she is so identified with the blues.
   
   All in all, and considering only mainstream figures, the Wilson sisters of Heart would probably get my vote--great singers both.  Nobody had soul power like Janis did, but as pure vocalists the Wilson sisters were better.
   
   But if obscure is cool, I'd definitely go with Toni Garthwaite, of Joy of Cooking.  She was a rock pioneer, a dominating and creative singer, a terrific writer, a huge personality--and since she's been performing since 1967, she's a true survivor.
   
   See:
   
   http://www.scaruffi.com/vol3/joyofcoo.html

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   1. 91

      Georgie Loweryposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I've loved Rondstadt since I was a kid, Grace Slick also. The Wilson sisters are probably the queens of rock. My second pick would be Joan Jett, I think.

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   2. 89

      Doc Snowposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No question about genre with Joan!  And I'm sure that some would vote for Pat Benatar, too.

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3. 60

   MickSposted 11 years ago

   Yes, Doc Snow has it right, what  do you define as rock, I have many favourite female singers, but are they rock.  My favourite,female singer is Judie Tzuke, not sure what genre I'd put her in.
   Favourite Female 'rock' singer up till now I would have to agree with you and go with Janice.

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   1. 91

      Georgie Loweryposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I've never heard of Judie Tzuke. I'll have to investigate!

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4. 94

   cat on a soapboxposted 11 years ago

   This is tough to answer because the best can be confused with the most influential. Does this include playing an instrument? Does it include writing ability?
   Janis was certainly the most influential and led the way for most today. I personally find her like nails on a chalkboard although she was amazing to watch live and commanded the stage. Joni Mitchell, although more of a folksinger, is one of the most prolific songwriters. Heart was good, Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde, etc. Overall, I give my vote to Bonnie Raitt. She excels on many levels and understands the blues .

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5. 60

   limpetposted 9 years ago

   immediately i thought Janis Joplin BUT define Rock be it Rock n Roll of the 50 s or Rhythm & Blues of the 60 s then we got a whole genre of Motown, psychedelia, punk rock, goth etc. Okay let's give the honour to Janis she made the 27 club may she repose in peace.

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