Vixen - Lead Singer
Janet Gardner – The Voice & Grit of Vixen. Born in Juneau, Alaska, she moved to L.A. and co-founded Vixen in 1983, defying the male-dominated metal scene. "Edge of a Broken Heart" Breakthrough. Vixen’s 1988 debut single (featured in the film 'Cocktail') hit #26 on Billboard, proving women could shred and sing.
Blondie - Lead Singer
Debbie Harry – The Face & Voice of Blondie Born in Miami (1945), moved to NYC, and became a Max’s Kansas City regular before forming Blondie in 1974. Her bleach-blonde hair, ripped fishnets, and smeared red lipstick defined punk’s glam edge. From Playboy Bunny to Rock Goddess-Worked as a Playboy Bunny and go-go dancer to pay rent before music took off.
The Pretenders - Lead Singer
Formed The Pretenders in 1978. Originally from Akron, Ohio, Hynde moved to London and formed the band with James Honeyman-Scott (guitar), Pete Farndon (bass), and Martin Chambers (drums). Honeyman-Scott (1982) and Farndon (1983) both died from drug-related causes, nearly ending the band. Hynde rebuilt The Pretenders with new members.
Scandal - Lead Singer
Patty Smyth – The Voice of Scandal (& Beyond) Started in NYC’s late-’70s punk scene before forming Scandal in 1981 with guitarist Zack Smith. Their sound mixed new wave edge with heartland rock (think Springsteen meets The Pretenders). In 1985, David Lee Roth quit Van Halen—and Smyth was asked to replace him! She declined to focus on solo work.
Heart - Lead Singer
Ann Wilson – The Voice of Heart One of Rock's Greatest Voices. Known for her 4-octave range and volcanic vocals on hits like "Barracuda" and "Alone". Ranked among Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers of All Time." Formed Heart in 1970s Seattle with sister Nancy Wilson (guitar/vocals), breaking barriers for women in hard rock.
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The Go-Go's - Lead Singer
Belinda Carlisle – The Voice of The Go-Go's Started in the L.A. punk scene with The Germs (under the name "Dottie Danger") before co-founding The Go-Go's in 1978. The band evolved into the first all-female group to write, play, and top the Billboard charts with their debut album. Open about her battles with drug addiction and eating disorders in the ’80s/’90s. Has been sober since 2005 and practices transcendental meditation.
The Divinyls - Lead Singer
Christa Amphlett – The Voice of The Divinyls Unmistakable Voice & Stage Presence-Known for her raw, powerful vocals and provocative performances, often wearing a school uniform on stage as a rebellious statement. Her voice was a unique blend of rock, punk, and blues influences. In the 2000s, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and later breast cancer. Passed away in 2013 at age 53, but remains a rock icon in Australia and beyond.
Toronto - Lead Singer
Holly Woods – The Voice of Toronto. Born in South Carolina, Woods moved to Canada and joined Toronto in 1979, becoming their defining frontwoman. Her raspy, soulful voice set the band apart in the era of Heart and Pat Benatar.
The Eurythmics - Lead Singer
Photograph by Gered Mankowitz
Annie Lennox (Lead Singer) – Key Facts - Classically Trained Musician – Studied flute and piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London before turning to pop. Reclusive Personal Life – Rarely discusses her private life but has been open about struggles with depression.
The Bangles - Lead Singer
Formed The Bangles with Sisters: Susanna Hoffs co-founded The Bangles in 1981 with sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson, along with Annette Zilinskas (later replaced by Michael Steele). Ph.D. in Psychology: Surprisingly, she holds a doctorate in psychology (from Cal State Northridge), though she pursued music full-time.
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The Runaways - Lead Singer
Please select 2 correct answers
Cherie Currie (Original Lead Singer, 1975–1977) Discovered at 15 – Joined The Runaways after meeting Jett and producer Kim Fowley at a Hollywood club. Joan Jett co-Founded The Runaways at 15 – Formed in 1975 with drummer Sandy West and guitarist Lita Ford, later joined by Cherie Currie (vocals) and Jackie Fox (bass). Later became lead singer after Currie left the band.
Halestorm - Lead Singer
Lzzy Hale – The Voice & Fury of Halestorm Formed Halestorm at Age 10 Started the band in 1997 with her brother Arejay Hale (drums) and their parents’ support. By 13, she was writing original songs. First Female Fronted Band to Win a Grammy for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance (2013) Won for "Love Bites (So Do I)"—breaking barriers in a male-dominated genre. Signature Vocal Range Known for her 4-octave range, shifting from gritty screams ("I Miss the Misery") to soaring melodies ("Amen").
