Christine McVie
Debbie Harry
Joan Jett
Gwen Stefani
Patti Smith
Shirley Manson
Chrissie Hynde
Courtney Love
Dolores O'Riordan
Grace Slick
Brody Dalle
Lita Ford
Sinéad O'Connor
Florence Welch
PJ Harvey

The following women shaped the history of rock 'n' roll, recording some of the greatest hits in the genre. Their music has had a lasting impact on many generations. Click through the gallery to get to know the best female rock stars of all time.

Christine McVie

Inspired by the emotional turmoil they were all experiencing, it became one of the best-selling albums of all time. McVie stayed with the band for 28 years before retiring in 1998, citing a fear of flying as the reason for leaving. However, she made a comeback in 2014 to perform with them again, and joined them on their 2018-2019 tour, 'An Evening with Fleetwood Mac.'

Debbie Harry

The band continues in full swing, and Debbie Harry shows no signs of slowing down.

Joan Jett

Also known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, the rocker is also one of the best guitarists in the world. She is the author of one of the greatest hits of all time, 'I Love Rock n Roll.'

Gwen Stefani

The album includes hits like 'Spiderwebs,' 'Excuse Me Mr.,' 'Don't Speak,' and 'Just a Girl,' among others. Although her solo career is now more pop orientated, Stefani continues to perform her former band's powerful songs.

Amy Lee

American Amy Lee is the vocalist of the alternative metal band Evanescence.

Patti Smith

The singer was not focused on her image and is instead known for her attitude, imposing voice, and strong, personal lyrics. Patti Smith is also a poet and writer.

Shirley Manson

Garbage's vocalist became a '90s alternative rock icon.

Chrissie Hynde

The Pretenders were founded in 1978 by the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Chrissie Hynde. She became known for hits such as 'I'll Stand By You,' 'Back on the Chain Gang,' 'Middle of the Road,' and 'Don't Get Me Wrong.'

Courtney Love

Kurt Cobain's widow had a very turbulent life, marked by scandals and drug abuse, that ended up overshadowing her talent. Despite this, her band, Hole, became successful in 1998 with their album 'Celebrity Skin.'

Dolores O'Riordan

Dolores O'Riordan fronted the Irish band The Cranberries. The alternative rock band was founded in 1989 and was very successful. Four of their albums were featured in the top 20 albums of the Billboard 200, including 'Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?,' 'No Need to Argue,' 'To the Faithful Departed,' and 'Bury the Hatchet.'

Grace Slick

Grace Slick was one of the leaders of the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane, founded in 1965. She also participated in later variations of the band, such as Jefferson Starship and Starship, and even had a solo career.

Brody Dalle

The singer and guitarist is much more than the former wife of Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age) and mother of their three children.

Lita Ford

Also a former member of The Runaways, the guitarist became popular for her 'wild girl' persona. 'Out for Blood' marked the beginning of her solo career in 1983.

Sinéad O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor was known for her powerful ballads like 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. She passed away at the premature age of 56 in 2023. O'Connor rose to fame in the 1980s and quickly gained respect as a singer and songwriter. Her unique, powerful voice allowed her to travel seamlessly between grunge and heartbreaking ballads. Her music was filled with emotion and she was never afraid to speak her mind. O'Connor used her growing platform to speak out on political and social issues she was passionate about, famously tearing up a photo of the Pope on 'Saturday Night Live' in 1992 to protest the abuses of the Catholic Church. She sparked public outrage on more than one occasion and her uncompromising sense of justice undoubtedly impacted her career.

Florence Welch

The charismatic singer and her band have sold out shows worldwide. The hit 'Dog Days Are Over' has even become an anthem!

Karen O

The South Korean-born American singer is the leader of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a band that revolutionized indie rock by giving it a punk rock twist and a touch of art rock. 'Mosquito,' 'Rockers to Swallow,' 'Zero' and 'Cheated Hearts' are some of their hits.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' music is experimental and brings together a variety of concepts. The singer-songwriter is also known for her eccentric onstage look.