How Much Do You Know About Female Rock Singers?

By: Amanda Monell
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
How Much Do You Know About Female Rock Singers?
Image: Digital Vision/DigitalVision/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Traditionally, when you think of rock music, the image you get is of four males strumming, singing, and drumming, and sending their testosterone-fueled music into the masses, creating unique musical experiences.  Whenever they roll into town, their fans recruit their friends and family to don their black, listen to the band's catalog, and get ready to experience a night to end all nights.

But then it happened. In the mid-1960s, a little-known songstress from Texas joined Big Brother and the Holding Company, a psychedelic band with blues roots. During her time with Big Brother, she performed her now iconic "Piece of My Heart." Her name?  Janis Joplin.  

Joplin's voice offered something to the audiences that other female performers couldn't: it was gritty, yet vulnerable. This duality wasn't the only thing that was present in her voice. Her attitude wasn't like many of the pop artists before her: she'd strut on stage like many of her male counterparts, smoking and drinking all the way.  Unfortunately, by October 1970, her star had gone out: she had died of a heroin overdose.  

Do you think you can name our sexy sirens of rock?  If so, put on a few power anthems and get ready to take our quiz!



Which artist got her start as a guitarist with The Runaways?
Courtney Love
Alanis Morisette
Joan Jett
P.J. Harvey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While Joan Jett was not a female singer in The Runaways, when the band dissolved, she started her own band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. It was with this group where she first performed her now classic rock anthem, "I Love Rock 'n' Roll."

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Which Canadian-born artist burst onto the music scene with the album "Jagged Little Pill"?
Courtney Love
Alanis Morrisette
Lita Ford
Joan Jett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For the first single off of "Jagged Little Pill," "You Outta Know,'"Morrisette enlisted the help of a well-known bassist: Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's his signature bass that helps provide additional depth to the song.

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Which rocker, after leaving The Runaways, became the first woman to perform glam rock?
Lita Ford
Joan Jett
Courtney Love
Avril Lavigne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to being the queen of rock, Lita Ford has her own brand of guitar, which has quite the experience tacked to it. When you purchase one of these replicas, you get access to a concert where you'll spend an evening with Lita and during the concert, she'll bring you onstage to present the guitar to you after using it to play one of her hits.

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What member of the sister act, Heart, is responsible for vocals?
Taylor Swift
Ann Wilson
Courtney Love
Nancy Wilson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not only is Heart an amazing concert, but these ladies are the first women to write their own songs as well as perform using rock instruments. In addition to performing in Heart, Ann Wilson created a blues band called The Ann Wilson Thing and Nancy Wilson has composed scores for films, one of which includes 1989's "Say Anything..."

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Which performer's legs are as beautiful as her voice?
Nancy Wilson
Tina Turner
Courtney Love
Alanis Morrisette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it came to The Kennedy Center Honors, Tina Turner's dedication performance was performed by another fierce female: Beyonce. Her performance was enjoyed by the ​former president and first lady, George W. Bush and Laura Bush. It is also considered the greatest performance in KCH's history thus far.

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Which performer was the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane?
Janis Joplin
Gracie Slick
Joan Jett
Ann Wilson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After a stormy stint with Jefferson Airplane, Slick returned to the band in the '80s, where she performed with Jefferson Starship. Slick retired from the band in 2008, when Kathy Richardson took over, with her blessing.

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Which artist is known for her raspy voice and had a hit with "I Can't Make You Love Me"?
Melissa Etheridge
Bonnie Raitt
Joan Jett
Courtney Love
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not only is Bonnie Raitt known for her talents, but she is also a social activist. At almost every concert, she partners up with The Guacamole Fund to help promote non-profits who are working toward sustainable energy, environmental protection, and other causes.

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Which artist performed "Come to My Window"?
Melissa Etheridge
Bonnie Raitt
Madonna
Cyndi Lauper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to "Come to My Window," Etheridge's "Yes, I Am" album featured the hit, "I'm the Only One." "I'm the Only One" won a Grammy Award, her second win. On top of all this, Etheridge won an Academy Award for Best Song in 2007 for her "I Need to Wake Up."

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Who is the frontwoman for Blondie?
Alanis Morrisette
Joan Jett
Debbie Harry
Lita Ford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With their song, "Rapture," Blondie accomplished a feat that would later be duplicated by Kanye West, Snoop Dog, and Dr. Dre. "Rapture" was the first song that featured elements of hip-hop and rap to hit the top of the charts.

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Who portrayed herself as the White Witch?
Debbie Harry
Melissa Etheridge
Bonnie Raitt
Stevie Nicks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to playing her fictitious White Witch during her concerts during her Fleetwood Mac and solo career, Stevie Nicks appeared on the show," American Horror Story: Coven." Misty Day, one of the witches, would often look to the White Witch for guidance and thought of her as a mentor.

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Which artist is "Only Happy When It Rains"?
Marilyn Manson
Shirley Manson
Joan Jett
Lita Ford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it came to forming his band, Garbage, Butch Vig (a producer known for producing albums from alternative icons Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins), wanted someone who had a big personality and could perform up to his expectations. With her bright red hair and huge voice, Scottish singer Shirley Manson was a perfect fit.

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"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" became the ballad of female empowerment when it was released in 1982. Who provided the vocals for this tune?
Debbie Harry
Patty Smyth
Pat Benatar
Shirley Manson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," Pat Benatar released, "Love Is A Battlefield." "Love Is A Battlefield" hit its peak in December 1983, where it held the No. 5 slot on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.

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Which fierce female was the lead singer of The Pretenders?
Joan Jett
Chrissie Hynde
Pat Benatar
Amy Lee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pretenders were part of the second British invasion, occurring in the late 1970s. Their hits include, "Brass in Pocket," "Back on the Chain Gang," and the power ballad, "I'll Stand By You," all sung by singer/songwriter Chrissie Hynde, whose powerful vocals added a bit of soul.

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Evanescence is led by this female with a crystalline voice. Who is she?
Avril Lavigne
Alanis Morrisette
Amy Lee
Courtney Love
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to her hits with Evanescence, Amy Lee partnered with Korn to perform their hit, "Freak on a Leash," on "Korn Unplugged." The song peaked at No. ​22 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart in March 2007.

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Which artist invited you to "Live Through This" in 1994?
Courtney Love
Alanis Morrisette
Taylor Swift
Avril Lavigne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to performing with her band, Hole, Courtney Love has been in a few movies and television shows. One of her most recent roles was Elle Dallas, a drug-addled musician trying to make her comeback on the music-themed drama,​ "Empire."

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Which artist mixed poetry with punk?
Ann Wilson
Chrissie Hynde
Patti Smith
Pat Benatar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Surprisingly, when Patti Smith tore up the rock scene with her album, "Horses," it wasn't to get musical accolades. With her background in education, Smith wanted to revive the poetry scene by performing. Little did she know that she would be compared to Jim Morrison and Lou Reed for her complex lyrics.

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Which rocker is known as the High Priestess of Metal?
Joan Jett
Wendy O. Williams
Lita Ford
Pat Benatar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics were known for more than their hijinks on stage. In addition to chainsawing guitars and blowing up sets, this band also left its footprint in the fashion industry: Wendy's mohawk was one of the first brought to the forefront and her pasties (although they were made of duct tape) still inspire artists today, including P​ink and Lady Gaga.

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Who sang "Total Eclipse of the Heart"?
Ann Wilson
Pat Benatar
Bonnie Tyler
Stevie Nicks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During the total solar eclipse in August 2017, Bonnie Tyler was able to take advantage of her single "Total Eclipse of the Heart." While the eclipse was occurring, Tyler was on a cruise ship, performing the song with pop band, DNCE.

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Which "Hollaback Girl" fronted No Doubt?
Alanis Morrisette
Avril Lavigne
Gwen Stefani
Courtney Love
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Tragic Kingdom" was a huge success for No Doubt. This album produced at least three singles, including the ballad "Don't Speak," which was about Gwen Stefani's relationship with No Doubt's drummer, Tony Kanal.

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Which former actress now lends her voice to The Pretty Reckless?
Avril Lavigne
Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift
Taylor Momsen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may recognize Taylor from the CW drama, "Gossip Girl." She portrayed Jenny Humphrey from 2007 until 2012. If you weren't a fan of the show, perhaps you recognize her from one of her earlier roles: she played Cindy Loo Who in the live action version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which starred Jim Carrey.

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Which alternative rocker made a splash in 1993 with "Down by the Water"?
Courtney Love
P.J. Harvey
Bjork
Alanis Morrisette
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many compare P.J. Harvey's music to that of Patti Smith because they incorporate poetry into songs. In addition to songwriting, Harvey can play a variety of instruments, including piano, saxophone, and guitar.

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Which alternative rocker performed vocals with her sister in The Breeders?
Kelley Deal
Kim Deal
Ann Wilson
Nancy Wilson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Along with her twin sister, Kelley, Kim formed The Breeders in 1989 after becoming discontent with her role in The Pixies. The Breeders have an unlikely fan: famed author Neil Gaiman. If you want to see him become an instant fanboy, check out the bio section of The Breeders'​ website: he wrote it.

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Which Canadian songstress had the hit single, "Court and Spark"?
Avril Lavigne
Joni Mitchell
Alanis Morrisette
Ann Wilson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joni Mitchell doesn't need to wonder if she's impacted people's lives. The jonimitchell.com library contains almost 4200 articles written from various sources and there are several paintings of her by different artists, some of which are unsigned.

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Which artist wonders why her relationships are "Complicated"?
Ann Wilson
Alanis Morrisette
Joni Mitchell
Avril Lavigne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There has been a conspiracy that has surrounded her since 2003: a Brazillian website stated that she had committed suicide shortly after her grandfather's death. The problem? She's still very much alive, and even though the website explained that fact away with a doppelganger, the rumor sometimes resurfaces.

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Which member of the alt rock band, Belly, encouraged you to "Feed the Tree"?
Courtney Love
Kelley Deal
Tanya Donelly
Kim Deal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to her creation of the band, Belly, Tanya was in the band, Throwing Muses. It was during that period when she met Kim Deal, the frontwoman for The Breeders. She was a member of the band and recorded on The Breeders' debut album, "Pod," however, she left the band because she wanted to establish her own voice.

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Kittie, an all-girl metal band, showed that they can growl just as good as the boys in the early '00s. Who led the pack?
Mercedes Sherida Lander
Morgan Lee Lander
Tara K. Mcleod
Trisha Jaimee Doan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though they started in Canada, Kittie has had a worldwide influence. This included adding members Trisha Jaimee Doan, who was born in South Korea, Ivana ‘Ivy’ Vujic Jenkins, who was born in Siberia, and Fallon Bowman, who was born in South Africa. Aside from Trisha (who died in 2017), Ivy and Fallon left the band to pursue other avenues.

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Who is the lead singer of the Italian metal band, Lacuna Coil?
Mia Martini
Milva
Cristina Scabbia
Mina
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It may be hard to believe, but Lacuna Coil is 20 years old. Starting out in Italy, there wasn't really a market for metal until this group came along. Today, they have 10 albums under their belt and have toured the world.

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Who is the lead singer of Halestorm?
Arejay Hale
Liz Phair
Lzzy Hale
Amy Lee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Halestorm won their Grammy in 2012 in the Best Rock/Heavy Metal Performance Category, it created a milestone. Lzzy Hale was the first woman to win an award in that specific category. It took 23 years for that to happen!

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Who is the lead singer of Dorothy?
Dorthy Gale
Dorothy Martin
Courtney Love
Dorothy Zbornak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many musicians mention other artists as their inspiration. In the case of Dorothy Martin, she draws inspiration from Joan Baez, Dolly Parton, and Beyonce. She also says that she and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith would have fun because she feels they both have a ​similar attitude.

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Which singer recorded the hit album, "Exile in Guyville," in the 1990s?
Shirley Manson
Liz Phair
Tori Amos
Avril Lavigne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When asked about "Exile in Guyville," Liz Phair didn't realize that it was going to be such a critical success. She had penned the album as a track by track response to the Rolling Stones' album, "Exile on Main St."

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Which singer had a hit with "Tuesday Night Music Club"?
Joni Mitchell
Liz Phair
Alanis Morrisette
Sheryl Crow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to an incredible music career, Crow has used her fame to shed some light on worthy causes. Some of the charities she supports include Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, Adopt a Classroom, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" was a No. 3 hit for which artist?
Joan Baez
Joni Mitchell
Lita Ford
Joan Jett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2017, Joan Baez was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which added to her other awards, one of them being the Lifetime Achievement Grammy. She has earned an award for her humanitarian efforts as well. In 2011, on the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International, the organization awarded her the first Joan Baez Award for outstanding inspirational service in the global fight for human rights.

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What is the name of the lead singer of Siouxsie and the Banshees?
Joan Baez
Siouxsie Sioux
Joan Jett
Lita Ford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Siouxsie and the Banshees has had quite a few impressive bandmates. The first was Sid Vicious, one of the most notorious punks to play in England. After he performed with Siouxsie and the Banshees, he went on to become a legend in The Sex Pistols. Another bandmate, Robert Smith, now fronts the band, The Cure.

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Which fierce female provides vocals and guitar for Veruca Salt?
Louise Post
Kim Gordon
Courtney Love
Nina Gordon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Does the name Veruca Salt sound familiar? If you're a fan of Roald Dahl, it should be. This Chicago alternative band, popular in the 1990s, took its name from one of the characters in "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory."

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Which of these artists led The Runaways?
Cherie Currie
Lita Ford
Joan Jett
Jackie Fox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cherie Currie was the lead singer of The Runaways until 1977. By then, the 17-year-old had gotten addicted to cocaine and quaaludes. Wanting to sober up, she quit the band and has since been living a sober life. On top of this, she is now a counselor at an addiction center.

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