Groovy Female Music Artists From The ‘60s And ‘70s
A lot of groovy things happened in the ‘60s and ‘70s; not the least of which was an awesome shift in the music scene! Sylvie Vartan (pictured above) was just one of the many female artists that made her mark on music history. Vartan was not American but was one of many talented women who made a name for themselves in the music world. The groovy music phenomenon wasn’t exclusive to the U.S. or any other country but was iconic just the same.
During the groovy era, the United States produced a lot of very notable music artists. The '60s and ‘70s was an epic decade for female rock n’ roll stars!
The counterculture demographic was known for their fondness of classic rock n’ roll as well as other music genres. Not surprisingly, many popular music artists/groups were primarily men. The woman’s place in any given group was historically a backup role. This concept being the norm, it was somewhat shocking when many notable females, American music artists stole the scene in the groovy era.
Following are some iconic female music artists who are considered “the real deal” and played a huge role in shaping the development and success of music history.
Grace Slick was not just a notable female music icon but also led a lifestyle on the edge!
The epic female music artist, Grace Slick, was known for her unforgettable voice and wild lifestyle. Slick was a female wild child and psychedelic rock star with Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. The songs White Rabbit and Somebody to Love were two of her best-known works of musical art.
The iconic Janis Joplin, was a singer, songwriter and psychedelic rock music artist who performed at the Woodstock Music Festival.
Janis Joplin was somewhat of a poster child for female music artists in the groovy era. She was a front and center folk and pop music artist in the ‘60s. Joplin was hugely influential in the careers of many music artists, both male and female. Unfortunately, at the apex of her music career, she died of a drug and alcohol overdose (1970). Joplin has been regarded as a pioneer female music artist in pop culture in the groovy era.
Singer/songwriter, Chrissie Hynde, spent most of her music career trying to find her niche. She is probably best remembered for her song, Back On The Chain Gang.
Suzi Quatro was known as the first successful female bass guitarist in pop culture music history.
Suzi Quatro is the sister of another notable female artist, Patti Quatro. You may remember Suzi Quatro for her performance of, Stumblin’ In, and for appearing on the hit TV series, Happy Days, as Leather Tuscadaro in several episodes.
Ann and Nancy Wilson were the pop culture heart of Heart!
Sisters, Ann and Nancy Wilson came to the attention of pop culture music fans in 1973. The pair were not only musically talented sisters, but they were also beautiful. The sisters were the objects of many a young man’s dream! Dreamboat Annie was their debut album in 1976. This milestone was just one of many to come. Some of their iconic songs include Magic Man, Barracuda, and Crazy On You.
Patti Smith was a singer and songwriter who was dubbed the “Godmother of Punk.”
Female music artist, Patti Smith was very influential in groovy music history. Her debut album, Horses, was released in 1975 and was named one of the “greatest albums” on a list by Rolling Stone magazine.
Pop culture icon, Stevie Nicks, proved to be a tough act to follow after joining Fleetwood Mac in ’75.
After joining Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks wasted no time establishing herself as a talented singer/songwriter and keyboardist. It wasn’t long before she stood out among the group and struck out on her own to launch a successful solo career. The song she is best known for is Dreams. Stevie Nicks has been credited with positively influencing many other female artists that followed and is still doing so today.
Singer/songwriter, Pat Benatar, was one of the first female artists associated with the music genre of hard rock.
Interestingly, before superstar, female artist, Pat Benatar, was discovered for her musical talent, she worked at a bank as a teller. Because of her awesome accomplishments and exposure in the music world, hers were some of the most frequently played music videos when MTV began in 1981.
Many changes resulted from events that took place during the groovy era. Up until that time, the U.S. was mainly a male-dominated society. Being recognized for their musical talent, these women made huge strides in the cause of women being taken seriously, no matter what they did.
