Women Gone Wild
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Janis Joplin
The Great Rock Discography writes of Janis: "But for her death, she would probably have become the greatest female singer of all-time, here powerful 3-octave vocals having the capacity to transform the most run-of-the-mill tune into a tour de force."
Nominated by Sweet Jane, who writes:
Janis took hold of the rock and roll world with a strong embrace and held tight until she died. She was ballsy with a voice that took you into her soul. Her short time in the music world was a powerful one. With all her in your face presence on stage and sassiness, she still had a childlike sweetness about her that made you love her even more.
Cry Baby (Live)
Ann & Nancy Wilson
Like most of the others on this list, the Wilson Sisters made a smooth transition to Pop stardom. If you haven't heard their '70s output, however, you're missing out on some of the most stimulating Rock of that era.
Nominated by RonJonSurfer, who writes:
Oh the feeling these ladies brought out in a young teen's jeans...and soul. Ann and Nancy Wilson started out of the Seattle area and headed for stardom. These girls proved that hard rock wasn't just a boys club. Their combination of hard rock tunes packaged in the shell of two hot sisters was a smash. Their album Dreamboat Annie launched them into the upper level of touring rock bands. That album brought us the rock classics "Magic Man" and "Crazy On You." Led Zep was their main influence.
Crazy on You
Aretha Franklin
Aretha got a little upset when Beyonce referred to Tina Turner as "The Queen." Nothing against Tina, but Aretha is royalty. She of the unmistakable and mighty voice also has a very impressive list of songwriting credits and 45 Top-40 hits (Turner has 14). The diva attitude is somehow endearing is a woman of her talent.
Nominated by Lucky, who writes:
Franklin isn't nicknamed the Queen of Soul for nothing. Be it soul, R&B, gospel or jazz, Aretha was at home. As a singer, songwriter, and pianist, she reached down into her own soul, and spoke to every man on behalf of every woman. Women felt strong and proud of who they were through Franklin's music. Men could only dream that a woman would react with such depth of emotion toward them. Year after year, song after song, performance after performance, she proclaimed herself the Queen, and we love her for it. The song is sexy, shows off her terrific voice, the way she lowers the timbre, and just reaches in and grabs you. I defy you to listen to this and not dance in your chair.
Baby I Love You
Linda Ronstadt
Ever hear the expression, "She can sing the phone book"? That's Ronstadt. She had the good sense to use a backup band on her 1972 album that would become The Eagles.
Nominated by Shawna, who writes:
She went from country to pop, was one of the first females touring when she began with only Maria Muldaur and Emmylou Harris also touring. Linda Ronstadt cleared the path for people like Stevie Nicks to do her thing, and she should be recognized for it. Linda's soaring soprano in one of her most beautiful songs.
Blue Bayou (Live)
Debbie Harry
The Go-Gos or The Runaways could have easily made this list, but our vote was for Debbie Harry, who also paid her dues on the sweaty club scene before leaving her mark as one of the great frontwomen in music.
Nominated by Ryansgirl, who writes: As the lead singer of Blondie, Deborah Harry put a beautiful face on the ugly world of punk. She was tough and cool and almost otherworldly. Her influence can be seen even today on a new generation of female artists.
Heart of Glass
Get more of the Songfactor's Choice in the forum.
Labels: sfchoice
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