When Carole King released her first solo album , Tapestry , in 1971, the industry changed forever. Tapestry went on to become one of the decade's most commercially and critically successful albums, spending 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 40 and winning four Grammy Awards. In an era where recognition and appreciation of female solo musicians is relatively new, King has become a beacon of female musical independence with her confidence and calm personality. You'll find that same independence and strength in these 23 photos of female rock singers from the past decade.
As the 1970s continued, a group of passionate and talented female musicians took over the decade's music scene. Joni Mitchell, who has since been regarded as one of the greatest music writers of her generation, took King's place with her painstakingly honest album Blue . Carly Simon enters the scene with her feminist theme "You're So Vain." And it doesn't stop there. During this decade of political change and social activism, female musicians were not afraid to use their albums and performances to express themselves. Each of these artists changed the face of the American music industry and paved the way for other female musicians to be unapologetically talented—but perhaps more importantly, also paved the way for themselves the road. Take a look.
Stevie Nicks: Gypsy Goddess
Nicks is known for his on-stage style.
Nix and her tambourine
A woman of many talents.
Nicks sings her heart out
She always sang from her heart.
Joni Mitchell is out
Mitchell is a boss. On and off stage.
Mitchell casually gorgeous
Soulful and talented.
Mitchell and her soundtrack
Always kill it with a guitar.
Patti Smith blends into stage music
True legend.
Patti Smith Into Stage Music Part 2
Do legendary things.
Janis Joplin's emotional stage face
I can feel her passion.
Joplin interacts with the audience
Yes, yes, I will be on stage with you.
Aretha Franklin Becomes the Queen of Soul
Doing what she does best.
franklin calls people
Who, me?
Donna Summer becomes a disco legend
Feeling disco.
Pat Benatar in the Writer's Room
Probably writing "Heartbreak."
Joan Jett Rock
Joan Jett loves rock music.
Carly Simon thanks her fans
They are too vain. They probably thought the kiss was about them.
Linda Ronstadt serenades the audience
The woman of my “simple dreams”.
Karen Carpenter
The darling of pop music.
Olivia Newton John performs one of her many hits
Sandra Dee. Such a legend.
carol king is cute
The prolific Carole King, all smiles.
Dolly Parton and her banjo
The ever charming, smart, soulful Dolly.
Madonna look
She is still alive. Obviously, in the physical world.
madonna kills
Yes. that's it.
Like their music, these women defy categorization and their shenanigans should be celebrated for years to come.
