What the BBC got wrong on its list of greatest rock & roll frontwomen

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Steve Wright, a music writer for the BBC, is known for creating “best of” lists that often spark debate. His latest list, focusing on the greatest female rock & roll singers, is proving to be just as popular – and controversial.

Being a great band frontman isn’t just about singing well. While a strong voice is crucial, it’s not the only thing that matters. There are many singers with technically better voices than Mick Jagger, but few could command a stage and energize a crowd quite like him.

Evaluating female artists can be more complex. For example, music critic Robert Wright doesn’t include Linda Ronstadt in his list of the top 25 singers. This makes sense because Ronstadt was mainly a solo performer. While she briefly sang with a band called the Stone Poneys early in her career, she was more of a traditional vocalist than a bandleader.

Rearranging the greatest frontwoman list for rock & roll

We won’t get caught up in arguments about what types of music should or shouldn’t be included. I believe Karen Carpenter, who had one of the most beautiful voices in pop, deserves a place on almost any list. However, I recognize her style of pop is quite different from the singers the author chose. Plus, Karen was very shy and didn’t like performing, so her brother often had to encourage her to step away from playing the drums and sing.

However, Wright’s list has a few surprising omissions, and I disagree with some of his rankings. Let’s start by looking at those differences.

Ranked too high

These are all incredibly talented singers, but I believe Wright is currently favored over others who might be more deserving of recognition.

Grace Slick, the Jefferson family of bands

Slick was a truly gifted singer with a commanding stage presence. While she deserves to be recognized, I believe a ranking of 12 is a little high considering she wasn’t the sole singer in Jefferson Airplane – she often shared vocal duties with Marty Balin. Songs like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” are undeniably classic and justify her inclusion, but I’d place her a bit lower on the list.

Courtney Love, Hole

I understand why Courtney Love is considered influential, and I don’t blame her for being linked to Kurt Cobain. Actually, I think that connection might even boost her reputation, showing she could achieve the same level of success as male rock stars. However, I disagree with ranking her so high at number 4 – I’d put at least a dozen other artists ahead of her.

Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac

Christine McVie, originally named Christine Perfect before marrying John McVie, had a truly special voice that was key to the success of a hugely popular 1970s band. Many longtime fans appreciate her even more than later members like Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, seeing her as the band’s most genuine core.

It’s debatable whether Christine McVie deserves to be ranked among the greatest frontwomen, considering she often played keyboard in the background while the band’s primary singer was center stage. This raises a good point: what actually defines a ‘frontwoman’? I personally don’t think she belongs so high on the list.

Ranked too low

Delores O’Riodan, Cranberries

Wright was only eighteen when she first gained recognition. Few singers have voices as immediately identifiable as hers, and that’s why I’ve placed her so highly on my list.

Ann Wilson, Heart

Ann Wilson arguably has the best voice of any female rock singer who consistently led a band throughout her career, without focusing heavily on solo projects. Even if she’s not the absolute best, she’s definitely better than tenth best.

Janis Joplin, Big Brother and the Holding Company

For me, and a lot of people my generation, Janis Joplin is the best female rock singer ever – possibly the best singer, period. While another critic, Wright, ranks her at number five, which is a reasonable assessment, Joplin did start a solo career relatively early on, unlike Ann Wilson.

It’s incredibly sad that she died so young, and we lost out on all the amazing music she could have made. Considering that, I think five is a fair ranking. But I wouldn’t feel right putting Janis any lower than number two on this list.

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that Stevie Nicks was Wright’s number one pick. Considering I’ve already mentioned Grace Slick often shared singing duties, it’s fair to note Nicks also frequently shared lead vocals with two other singers. However, I still think placing her at the very top is justified.

And where were…?

Kathleen Hanna, Bikini Kill

It was great to see punk icons Ari Up and Poly Styrene included on Wright’s list. Poly Styrene, in particular, deserves more recognition as a groundbreaking artist. I’d also like to add another punk pioneer: Hanna. She was instrumental in the creation of riot grrrl and her skills as a bandleader were incredibly important in shaping the more aggressive side of women in rock music.

Ronnie Spector, the Ronettes

It’s surprising that Tina Turner isn’t on Wright’s list, as I’d definitely include her in my top ten. While she achieved greater success as a solo artist than with Ike & Tina Turner Revue, I can understand overlooking her. However, Lesley Gore Spector deserves a prominent place on any list of influential women in rock – she brought a unique energy and incredible voice to the scene.

Lizzy Hale, Halestorm

I could easily name many other talented singers – artists like Suzi Quatro, PJ Harvey, and Ellie Rowsell. However, I feel it’s important to include someone who represents metal, and Lzzy Hale is my pick. This isn’t just about filling a quota; listen to her music, and you’ll understand how groundbreaking she is.

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2026-04-19 14:07