I found a link to this article and had to have a say about something that bothers me to no end. And that’s how so many people are ganging up on ONE guy who, 12 YEARS AGO before he could just ask Alexa or Siri to play a whole bunch of examples of all the bands people throw out there in their comments against him, didn’t make a single negative comment towards any other person who commented. From what I have read here, he simply gave his opinion same as everyone else (but with respect and maturity to be brutally honest) save for the fact that he didn’t call out any of you by name over and over in some self-aggrandizing attempt to make himself feel better than anyone he responded to. I just would like to point out that this cannot be said for the majority of the other commentators who boast that their greater age and or status makes them better and gives them the right to criticize him for what sounds like a solid argument whether you agree with it or not. And the comments not naming him but clearly aiming for him and expecting him to know or have to buy reading material just to try to get him to come back and say OMG I’M SO WRONG AND YOU'RE SO RIGHT are simply ridiculous. Again his, what, TWO comments were 12 years ago. So were the others. You expect someone to find access to all those things just to prove you beat him in a comment section disagreement?! My lord who were the ones being immature. ???? To top it off it looks like he let everyone go on about it by yourselves without prolonging it alongside everyone else. Props.
Sidebar: Joan Jett mentioned Suzie Quatro as her inspiration. She wanted to be like her and went on to do exactly that. The guy everyone here has insulted for having an opinion, as we all have the right to, never said anything against her. I have no idea why her sister seems to think so. I would be hurt to have people with her status and that of at least one other commenter ripping on me for stating an honest opinion because I’m not old enough or don’t see things the same way as they do. There’s enough division in this world. Difference of opinion on which all girl band was the first to break whatever each individual considers the legit gender barrier in rock is not something to beat someone up over. Judging by the variety of bands listed in these comments he’s not the only person who holds a different opinion.
I’m listening to some of those bands songs I can find on Amazon music. “What a Way To Die” by Pleasure Seekers is awesome. That’s Suzie Quatro’s first band as stated by her sister on here and she’s Joan Jett’s inspiration. So just sayin.
The Go-Go's were great at what they were. They were pop not rock 'n roll.
bea - 14 years ago
How about the Queens. This all female band began in 1964 in New Paltz, New York, as teenagers. The band played the hardest of rock (Hendricks, Stones, etc.) as well as their own originals. They lived and played in NYC for a time. They went on to tour the Eastern Seaboard from Canada down south; and even were featured at Palisades Park New Jersey. They had a manager named Larry Dismond who was also the music teacher at Lincoln High School, in Brooklyn, New York.
The Queens had their name before "Queen"; and they still live near each other and get together on a regular basis playing at least one venue a year. Anybody remember them.
Tom - 14 years ago
There are a lot of more recent all-female bands that deserve a place on this list. How about Scrawl (Columbus, OH) and Sleater-Kinney for two examples? Cant argue much with the Go-Gos and the Donnas, though. They are two of the best live bands I have ever seen. And although I did not see the Runaways in their time, Joan Jett is probably the most respected woman in the rock business. A few years ago she headlined the Warped Tour, and 85 other bands -- mostly led by teenage guys -- came to a dead stop at many shows in order to see her perform!
Boris Kapitanov - 14 years ago
No
that means all musicians are women
rastaboy - 14 years ago
do you mean all-female, as in heterosexual versus homosexual?
Nancy Quatro Glass - 14 years ago
What a shame that in 2010 we are still trying to grab some respect for female musicians. I think times haven't changed much. I agree with Patti and June and it STILL looks like garnering respect is still a battle to be fought. The fact that there are only four choices is shameful. The band choices given are a sorry choice and actually very late in the game of the pioneering women that came before them. The Runaways actually were TWO decades AFTER us. Someone didn't do their homework.
Trish - 14 years ago
What about the band Vixen?? A hard rocking all-womens band, who in the 80's headlined their owns shows, and opened for big names like Ozzy Osbourne, the Scorpions and Bon Jovi. Later touring also with Kiss and Deep Purple. They had some hit songs and VH1 did a Bands Reunited show on them in 2004!
This list is woefully short, and is missing so many obvious choices!
Josh - 14 years ago
To All Naysayers out there reading this unforgivable garbage:
Sure, the listed bands were talented, but to so truncate the selection, as opposed to having a write-in selection/oinion poll as sggested by others commenting here, is severely biased, and negates entirely the validity of said poll. Even if you disagree with my choice as to the best all-female rock band, maybe your favourite still isn't listed here, and there are too many all-female bands who received little or no recognition at all for their efforts.
I certainly enjoyed the music of the Go-Go's; please, Naysayers, do your own musical research and learn that the Go-Go's broke up because their manager limited them to releasing the Pop music they are so known for, not the more punk-oriented material they preferred to play.
I am less familiar with the Runaways, however, I am aware that Lita did a duet with Ozzy, so she had to have impressed him with a hard/metal edge.
But my personal favourite is, of course, FANNY, who certain Naysayers here complained that they were to soft to be considered a Rock Band. They were not soft, they were ecclectic; compare: "Thinking Of You", and "A Place in the Country", both from the same album (Charity Ball). Two songs worthy of being covered by artists competing in American Idol today - think on it: the Iran and the Afghan conflicts are "...shooting wars" that may, or may not, make a whole lot of sense to the soldier in the middle of it, so the one had political relevance both when it first came out, and again now. The other is just a gorgeous ballad that deserves... more respect than the Naysayers do!
And by the way - in 1971, when Charity Ball was released, I was 5 years old going on 6! So don't even try to make the arguement that age has something to do with tastes in music!
Rory Bishop - 14 years ago
I agree - NONE OF THE ABOVE
But really, isn't this kind of what the pioneers were battling? Recognition, respect and validity. A sadly limited poll - too bad there wasn't a "write in" space!
Wow.......what a controversy. The poll does indeed suck as far as choices, and incredibly disrespectful of the first female bands who fought tooth and nail for some respect in a male-driven music world. Me and Suzi rocked our first single out as teenagers (14 and 16), in 1964...The Pleasure Seekers.... in a city that was exploding with raw, driving, soulful and exciting hard rock music. Same time, Goldie was doing her thing......same with Millingtons starting their journey. These early women fought hard to make their way, and rock their music hard. It is a little insulting that this poll is so limiting in respecting these bands who are indeed well known by their fans in many genres, and certainly knew how to rock hard. Fanny had their softer side, to be sure, but could also rock the house and did! The Quatro sister bands (The Pleasure Seekers and Cradle) also kicked down doors with their very heavy sound (Cradle CD finally out now), and were well respected by the legends of the day they played with on pop festivals and tours........and that is to say nothing of Isis, Birtha, and many many more who kicked down doors with incredible musical ability and perserverance in helping pave the way for female musicians to get in the door, and past the gender biased thinking that a female group was a novelty idea in those days. Unless you lived it, you would have no idea how rough it was to be taken seriously in those days. Unless you were there, you could not have experienced the complete "rock hard" heaviness of these early groups, and their musicianship, show, and writing. Agree completely with June. In any case......the poll is quite limited and not too respectful of the females that paved the way, which is a bit sad. As a last thought.......ALL female musicians should be better supported than what was the case in previous times. This gender bias has sucked for years. Hope they make some adjustments in the poll!!!! And in the end......it's all good......we who lived it....."get it".....let the music flow!!!!
Respectfully,
Patti Quatro Ericson
George - 14 years ago
There are some very uninformed people replying to this article. If you think Fanny's music was folk oriented, then you are not a very bright individual. Also, Heart, was not an all girl band, and 4 Non Blonds, had a male guitarist in the band at one time. Fanny rocked as hard as any band I've ever seen. I saw them I can attest to that. Some of you youngin's need to learn a few things about "women in rock" before you go spouting off about that which you know nothing of.
Jef Fazekas - 14 years ago
"Badge." "Special Care." "Blind Alley." Ain't That Peculiar." "Borrowed Time." Here are five examples that Fanny were anything BUT a "folk" act!
Because of Fanny, all-female bands have been one of my main interests over the years. I've followed eveyone from Birtha and the Runaways to Heart, the Go-Go's and the Bangles, and now on to the likes of Antigone Rising and The Like. The fact of the matter is, Fanny is still, more than 35 years after their last album, the most diversified, most creative, most ROCKIN' all-female band to date, and one of the best bands EVER, regardless of gender.
My hat's off to June, Jean, Alice and Nickey, and, later, Brie, Patti, Cam, Wendy and Padi....truly, the Queens of Rock & Roll!!
Boris Kapitanov - 14 years ago
Just listening to "Young and Dumb" - Fanny live (1973 I guess). I don't know what kind of things we need more to hear the best ROCK female band:)
This version on one equal level with Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple live performances (or may be better).
Harrison Ingram - 14 years ago
I vote for Fanny.
Paul Kreft - 14 years ago
Sorry, folks. The omission of Fanny as a choice pretty much invalidates the whole poll.
Not taking anything away from the other bands and their respective talents.... but they simply didn't play the role in history that Fanny did. There is no question that many of the male bands would have loved to have the chops of any of those women in their bands. Musically, the fact that they were an "all girl" band doesn't matter. Socially and politically they represented the beginnings of some significant stuff... and we are all richer for them having accomplished what they did.
Ithappens - 14 years ago
You wanna talk about breaking down sterotypes? ISIS!!! In your face rock with full horn and percussion sections! Founded by alum of Goldie & the Gingerbreads, their first album came out when JJ was probably in middle school.
Saff, you do great disrespect to the bands of the 60s (G+G), Fanny, Isis, Birtha, etc. by listing your testosterone-filled criteria as aggression and stage wear. If you don't understand the past, you are doomed to repeat it. These bands were the PIONEERS that made EVERYTHING that ensued possible. I trust you flunked history in school and, darlin', a Google/YouTube search does not an expert make.
Check out "Rolling Stone's Book of Women In Rock." Chapter One: Goldie & The Gingerbreads. Give credit where credit is due!
Dan Clements - 14 years ago
Not nearly enough choices. You missed the hardest rockin' girl group ever, the LUV'D ONES!!! If you've never heard them, and you probably haven't, check them out. They weren't chart toppers by any means, but if we are supposed to be talking about ROCK groups here, they rocked harder than any on the list.
Tony - 14 years ago
What about Leather Angel? Although short lived they were one of the hardest rockin all girl bands i've ever seen. They were from LA, in the early eighties, got signed, but only put out one record. They new how to play and put on a great live show.
Debbie King - 14 years ago
FANNY is by far the best female rock group of all time. They were outstanding for their musicianship, song writing, and for their legendary abilities as performers, among other skills. What a pity they weren't listed in the poll.
Phoenix Grey - 14 years ago
Well I agree that Fanny should have been one of the choices in the list, but just over a week ago, music from the band Cradle has been released for the first time in almost 40 years.
The band The Pleasure Seekers, started in 1964 with the sisters Patti, Suzi and Arlene Quatro later morphed into a band with a much heavier rock sound in the late 60's. With the addition of sister Nancy, and Arlene becoming their manager, they played many venues and rock festivals with the well known bands of the day.
If you listen to this cd you will find a genuine rock band, and one that is innovative, has great vocals and harmonies and all the women are trained and veteran musicians.
I am afraid these choices are just too limited and two would not even be considered rock bands at all. Just listen to Cradle's song Living Machine on the Quatrorock Myspace player and you will hear rock with attitude!
Patti Quatro also played with the band Fanny during the time of their last album being recorded and the last touring that they did.
We need more choices in this poll!
phil berry - 14 years ago
let's see..........
Your comment has been added.
The Runaways
The Go-Go's
The Donnas
Indigo Girls
None of the above
George Williams - 14 years ago
Folk?? Fanny??? Easily the most ignorant comment on the subject of music I've ever heard in my life, as were all of Saff's comments. June is being WAY too gracious in response to this moron and his mommy. Fanny's breakout albums, including Charity Ball and others, were international hits beginning in 1971, a good 4 years before the 3-chord punk rock Runaways debut album. You weren't even born,a nd you haven't even HEARD them. You should stick to writing about video games, and keep your You-Tube based opinions to yourself. Not including Fanny in this poll is some kind of sick joke. To those who rave about the GoGo's, that's fine, to each his own. But don't even PRETEND they actually play bass, guitar, keyboards andf drums with even a TENTH of the musicianship of Fanny.
Julie - 14 years ago
Tell it, June! Fanny ROCKED and rocked hard, y'all! You need to give a listen to what they played and how they played it. Check out their history, their stories, and yeah, go to www.ima.org to see what is happening now and how the legacy of women making rock (and other genres, sure) is being kept alive and moving forward!
It's all about perspective, but also, you have to give serious props to the women who've gone before you (I'm the same age as Fanny members and have been doing music my whole life as -99% of the time - the only female trumpet player in any group or band I play with and am DONE "proving" myself from those early days). Things are VERY different today because women like Fanny, Goldie, The Pandoras, etc. took a huge step into the (literal) void and KICKED ASS!
Rock on, sisters, all of you out there...and never ever forget where you got the opportunity to now play rock: those brave women who took all kinds of crap 'cause they were "chicks" and weren't supposed to be doing what they were doing!
June Millington - 14 years ago
To Saff the 27-yr old: that is absurd. Folk? We did that too, but c'mon. Have you actually listened what we all did? You have an obsession with being aggressive. That's your musical criteria? And besides that, we (the collective we) were incredibly aggressive. Just not - enough for you, I guess.
Thanks to all for your comments. Please go to www,ima.org to see how we're carrying on the legacy.
June
lars lemminge - 14 years ago
The Go's Go's were and are still a great group. You've got to see them live if you can. Belinda is a fantastic vocalist and jane, what a writer. They are all talented. I first saw them at Irvine Meadows, (now Verizon Amp.) back when they first got real hot in '80-'81. They ran out of songs that night and had to replay 3 of their hits for encores.
Boris Kapitanov - 14 years ago
I vote for Fanny, and this is mistake that this band not listed.
Fanny rules!
Michelle - 14 years ago
I thought you would certainly include both Fanny and The Pandoras.........both were very good in the '60's!! Fanny was mostly West Coast, and The Pandora's were mostly East coast, but they both "rocked!!"
katy rey - 14 years ago
Greatest girl rock band? hmm ... not very good choices, I'm afraid! Rock! You want rock. I'm thinking Heart! c'mon ... these girl bands are good, but they're not necessarily Rock! (with the exception of the Runaways). Let's get real!
Saff - 14 years ago
I'm 27. And I didn't say the music isn't good. It is, but it's more folk than rock. That isn't a bad thing, as I like folk music...it just doesn't disprove the movie's claims that The Runaways was the first all girl band to play and sing the style of AGGRESSIVE rock that didn't at all fit the female music stereotype.
In fact, I grew up listening to 50's and 60's rock and roll. I'm a musician myself and I listen to a wide variety of styles, starting with the late 50's all the way to the present day. I even checked out a few of the sites you listed just now and I liked the music. What I was trying to say is that the movie is NOT touting that The Runaways were the "first girl band" period, as the person who sent the question in seems to think is being said. The guy obviously misunderstood the statements in the movie's promotion.
Also, I wasn't "sneering"...I had looked to see if the two bands mentioned were in fact aggressive, formerly males-only rock, and was amused because it wasn't aggressive at all. Non-aggressive doesn't mean untalented, it just doesn't make the actual claims made in promotion of "The Runaways" movie false. They were the first all female AGGRESSIVE rock band...at least that was signed to a major label.
June Millington - 14 years ago
Saff, how old are you? How would you know that Fanny and Goldie (and Birtha, the Pleasure Seekers and actually many others) were not the first to make music that previously had been considered "guys only"? We were the tip of the spear that allowed the concept of such a thing, and endeavor, to be considered - have a bit more respect. By sneering at all of us you are negating not only our experiences but how hard it was to actually play in a band back then. I got tired of that attitude in the mid-60's into the '70s, and am totally over it now.
You - have no idea. And you are wrong.
June
guitarist, and sister to Jean the bassist, Fanny
June Millington
Artistic Dir, IMA
www.ima.org
www.youtube.com/IMAinthehouse
www.fannyrocks.com
www.youtube.com/JuneEsworld
Kathy - 14 years ago
4 Non Blondes and Linda Perry.
R. Show - 14 years ago
What about the all girl band from Kalamazoo, Mi called the "Socialites" from 1963?
Saff - 14 years ago
My mom called me about this story, after having read it in Parade Magazine. I immediately did a YouTube search for both these "bands".
I played their music over the phone to my mom, as we both laughed at how "Fanny" & "Goldie and The Gingerbreads", although technically "girl bands/groups", WERE NOT the first to break the ROCK stereotype barrier for females.
"The Runaways" WERE, in fact, the first to make music that previously had been considered "guys only". Those other two groups fit nicely in the female musical genre for their era. "The Runaways" did not...they kicked down said stereotype, sans sequined matching dresses or other society-enforced "female attire".
Did I mention "The Runaways" also didn't employ such girly harmonies? I have now.
Bernadette Jones - 14 years ago
The Go-Go's rocked! You had to have seen them live. Very underrated and they should be in the rock and roll hall of fame. Come on with musicians like Gina Schock and Kathy Valentine, not to mention Jane Wiedlin who is one of the best songwriters ever. I agree that Fanny were great too. They were the first all-female rock band I ever knew about and when I saw them on "American Bandstand" in the mid 70's, they just blew me away!I love the Bangles too. As a whole, they were probably more musically talented than the Go-Go's. They all sang and wrote and you cannot deny that Susanna Hoffs is one of the best vocalists ever. Big mistake they made was not writing their best known hits. They were all covers! But like the Go-Go's they were so awesome live. For really cool 60's type garage rock, check out the Pandoras. They were a short-lived but fantastic 80's band. I'm also still a fan of L/7 and the Donnas. I remember the Runaways fondly, but sadly they were an experiment devised by Kim Fowley.Aren't the Indigo Girls a folk duo?
Beth - 14 years ago
Indigo Girls all the way! Emily and Amy are two of the most overlooked female songwriters of all time. Their live shows are still inspiring, and they are great to their fans.
Max Standar - 14 years ago
I'm disappointed you had only the 4 choices, and The Indigo Girls are hardly rock. For real rock check out Drain STH and Kittie.
chris - 14 years ago
The Runaways were a true modern and successful ROCK band. I liked the Go-Gos too, but they weren't really "Rock" more light/pop. Certainly their lead in this poll is due to their more well known stature thank in large part to the advent of MTV which was not around during the time of the Runaways.
Bob childress - 14 years ago
I came to vote for Fanny! But they aren't listed, what's the deal?
I found a link to this article and had to have a say about something that bothers me to no end. And that’s how so many people are ganging up on ONE guy who, 12 YEARS AGO before he could just ask Alexa or Siri to play a whole bunch of examples of all the bands people throw out there in their comments against him, didn’t make a single negative comment towards any other person who commented. From what I have read here, he simply gave his opinion same as everyone else (but with respect and maturity to be brutally honest) save for the fact that he didn’t call out any of you by name over and over in some self-aggrandizing attempt to make himself feel better than anyone he responded to. I just would like to point out that this cannot be said for the majority of the other commentators who boast that their greater age and or status makes them better and gives them the right to criticize him for what sounds like a solid argument whether you agree with it or not. And the comments not naming him but clearly aiming for him and expecting him to know or have to buy reading material just to try to get him to come back and say OMG I’M SO WRONG AND YOU'RE SO RIGHT are simply ridiculous. Again his, what, TWO comments were 12 years ago. So were the others. You expect someone to find access to all those things just to prove you beat him in a comment section disagreement?! My lord who were the ones being immature. ???? To top it off it looks like he let everyone go on about it by yourselves without prolonging it alongside everyone else. Props.
Sidebar: Joan Jett mentioned Suzie Quatro as her inspiration. She wanted to be like her and went on to do exactly that. The guy everyone here has insulted for having an opinion, as we all have the right to, never said anything against her. I have no idea why her sister seems to think so. I would be hurt to have people with her status and that of at least one other commenter ripping on me for stating an honest opinion because I’m not old enough or don’t see things the same way as they do. There’s enough division in this world. Difference of opinion on which all girl band was the first to break whatever each individual considers the legit gender barrier in rock is not something to beat someone up over. Judging by the variety of bands listed in these comments he’s not the only person who holds a different opinion.
I’m listening to some of those bands songs I can find on Amazon music. “What a Way To Die” by Pleasure Seekers is awesome. That’s Suzie Quatro’s first band as stated by her sister on here and she’s Joan Jett’s inspiration. So just sayin.
The Go Go's were pop not rock!
The Go-Go's were great at what they were. They were pop not rock 'n roll.
How about the Queens. This all female band began in 1964 in New Paltz, New York, as teenagers. The band played the hardest of rock (Hendricks, Stones, etc.) as well as their own originals. They lived and played in NYC for a time. They went on to tour the Eastern Seaboard from Canada down south; and even were featured at Palisades Park New Jersey. They had a manager named Larry Dismond who was also the music teacher at Lincoln High School, in Brooklyn, New York.
The Queens had their name before "Queen"; and they still live near each other and get together on a regular basis playing at least one venue a year. Anybody remember them.
There are a lot of more recent all-female bands that deserve a place on this list. How about Scrawl (Columbus, OH) and Sleater-Kinney for two examples? Cant argue much with the Go-Gos and the Donnas, though. They are two of the best live bands I have ever seen. And although I did not see the Runaways in their time, Joan Jett is probably the most respected woman in the rock business. A few years ago she headlined the Warped Tour, and 85 other bands -- mostly led by teenage guys -- came to a dead stop at many shows in order to see her perform!
No
that means all musicians are women
do you mean all-female, as in heterosexual versus homosexual?
What a shame that in 2010 we are still trying to grab some respect for female musicians. I think times haven't changed much. I agree with Patti and June and it STILL looks like garnering respect is still a battle to be fought. The fact that there are only four choices is shameful. The band choices given are a sorry choice and actually very late in the game of the pioneering women that came before them. The Runaways actually were TWO decades AFTER us. Someone didn't do their homework.
What about the band Vixen?? A hard rocking all-womens band, who in the 80's headlined their owns shows, and opened for big names like Ozzy Osbourne, the Scorpions and Bon Jovi. Later touring also with Kiss and Deep Purple. They had some hit songs and VH1 did a Bands Reunited show on them in 2004!
This list is woefully short, and is missing so many obvious choices!
To All Naysayers out there reading this unforgivable garbage:
Sure, the listed bands were talented, but to so truncate the selection, as opposed to having a write-in selection/oinion poll as sggested by others commenting here, is severely biased, and negates entirely the validity of said poll. Even if you disagree with my choice as to the best all-female rock band, maybe your favourite still isn't listed here, and there are too many all-female bands who received little or no recognition at all for their efforts.
I certainly enjoyed the music of the Go-Go's; please, Naysayers, do your own musical research and learn that the Go-Go's broke up because their manager limited them to releasing the Pop music they are so known for, not the more punk-oriented material they preferred to play.
I am less familiar with the Runaways, however, I am aware that Lita did a duet with Ozzy, so she had to have impressed him with a hard/metal edge.
But my personal favourite is, of course, FANNY, who certain Naysayers here complained that they were to soft to be considered a Rock Band. They were not soft, they were ecclectic; compare: "Thinking Of You", and "A Place in the Country", both from the same album (Charity Ball). Two songs worthy of being covered by artists competing in American Idol today - think on it: the Iran and the Afghan conflicts are "...shooting wars" that may, or may not, make a whole lot of sense to the soldier in the middle of it, so the one had political relevance both when it first came out, and again now. The other is just a gorgeous ballad that deserves... more respect than the Naysayers do!
And by the way - in 1971, when Charity Ball was released, I was 5 years old going on 6! So don't even try to make the arguement that age has something to do with tastes in music!
I agree - NONE OF THE ABOVE
But really, isn't this kind of what the pioneers were battling? Recognition, respect and validity. A sadly limited poll - too bad there wasn't a "write in" space!
Wow.......what a controversy. The poll does indeed suck as far as choices, and incredibly disrespectful of the first female bands who fought tooth and nail for some respect in a male-driven music world. Me and Suzi rocked our first single out as teenagers (14 and 16), in 1964...The Pleasure Seekers.... in a city that was exploding with raw, driving, soulful and exciting hard rock music. Same time, Goldie was doing her thing......same with Millingtons starting their journey. These early women fought hard to make their way, and rock their music hard. It is a little insulting that this poll is so limiting in respecting these bands who are indeed well known by their fans in many genres, and certainly knew how to rock hard. Fanny had their softer side, to be sure, but could also rock the house and did! The Quatro sister bands (The Pleasure Seekers and Cradle) also kicked down doors with their very heavy sound (Cradle CD finally out now), and were well respected by the legends of the day they played with on pop festivals and tours........and that is to say nothing of Isis, Birtha, and many many more who kicked down doors with incredible musical ability and perserverance in helping pave the way for female musicians to get in the door, and past the gender biased thinking that a female group was a novelty idea in those days. Unless you lived it, you would have no idea how rough it was to be taken seriously in those days. Unless you were there, you could not have experienced the complete "rock hard" heaviness of these early groups, and their musicianship, show, and writing. Agree completely with June. In any case......the poll is quite limited and not too respectful of the females that paved the way, which is a bit sad. As a last thought.......ALL female musicians should be better supported than what was the case in previous times. This gender bias has sucked for years. Hope they make some adjustments in the poll!!!! And in the end......it's all good......we who lived it....."get it".....let the music flow!!!!
Respectfully,
Patti Quatro Ericson
There are some very uninformed people replying to this article. If you think Fanny's music was folk oriented, then you are not a very bright individual. Also, Heart, was not an all girl band, and 4 Non Blonds, had a male guitarist in the band at one time. Fanny rocked as hard as any band I've ever seen. I saw them I can attest to that. Some of you youngin's need to learn a few things about "women in rock" before you go spouting off about that which you know nothing of.
"Badge." "Special Care." "Blind Alley." Ain't That Peculiar." "Borrowed Time." Here are five examples that Fanny were anything BUT a "folk" act!
Because of Fanny, all-female bands have been one of my main interests over the years. I've followed eveyone from Birtha and the Runaways to Heart, the Go-Go's and the Bangles, and now on to the likes of Antigone Rising and The Like. The fact of the matter is, Fanny is still, more than 35 years after their last album, the most diversified, most creative, most ROCKIN' all-female band to date, and one of the best bands EVER, regardless of gender.
My hat's off to June, Jean, Alice and Nickey, and, later, Brie, Patti, Cam, Wendy and Padi....truly, the Queens of Rock & Roll!!
Just listening to "Young and Dumb" - Fanny live (1973 I guess). I don't know what kind of things we need more to hear the best ROCK female band:)
This version on one equal level with Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple live performances (or may be better).
I vote for Fanny.
Sorry, folks. The omission of Fanny as a choice pretty much invalidates the whole poll.
Not taking anything away from the other bands and their respective talents.... but they simply didn't play the role in history that Fanny did. There is no question that many of the male bands would have loved to have the chops of any of those women in their bands. Musically, the fact that they were an "all girl" band doesn't matter. Socially and politically they represented the beginnings of some significant stuff... and we are all richer for them having accomplished what they did.
You wanna talk about breaking down sterotypes? ISIS!!! In your face rock with full horn and percussion sections! Founded by alum of Goldie & the Gingerbreads, their first album came out when JJ was probably in middle school.
Saff, you do great disrespect to the bands of the 60s (G+G), Fanny, Isis, Birtha, etc. by listing your testosterone-filled criteria as aggression and stage wear. If you don't understand the past, you are doomed to repeat it. These bands were the PIONEERS that made EVERYTHING that ensued possible. I trust you flunked history in school and, darlin', a Google/YouTube search does not an expert make.
Check out "Rolling Stone's Book of Women In Rock." Chapter One: Goldie & The Gingerbreads. Give credit where credit is due!
Not nearly enough choices. You missed the hardest rockin' girl group ever, the LUV'D ONES!!! If you've never heard them, and you probably haven't, check them out. They weren't chart toppers by any means, but if we are supposed to be talking about ROCK groups here, they rocked harder than any on the list.
What about Leather Angel? Although short lived they were one of the hardest rockin all girl bands i've ever seen. They were from LA, in the early eighties, got signed, but only put out one record. They new how to play and put on a great live show.
FANNY is by far the best female rock group of all time. They were outstanding for their musicianship, song writing, and for their legendary abilities as performers, among other skills. What a pity they weren't listed in the poll.
Well I agree that Fanny should have been one of the choices in the list, but just over a week ago, music from the band Cradle has been released for the first time in almost 40 years.
The band The Pleasure Seekers, started in 1964 with the sisters Patti, Suzi and Arlene Quatro later morphed into a band with a much heavier rock sound in the late 60's. With the addition of sister Nancy, and Arlene becoming their manager, they played many venues and rock festivals with the well known bands of the day.
If you listen to this cd you will find a genuine rock band, and one that is innovative, has great vocals and harmonies and all the women are trained and veteran musicians.
I am afraid these choices are just too limited and two would not even be considered rock bands at all. Just listen to Cradle's song Living Machine on the Quatrorock Myspace player and you will hear rock with attitude!
Patti Quatro also played with the band Fanny during the time of their last album being recorded and the last touring that they did.
We need more choices in this poll!
let's see..........
Your comment has been added.
The Runaways
The Go-Go's
The Donnas
Indigo Girls
None of the above
Folk?? Fanny??? Easily the most ignorant comment on the subject of music I've ever heard in my life, as were all of Saff's comments. June is being WAY too gracious in response to this moron and his mommy. Fanny's breakout albums, including Charity Ball and others, were international hits beginning in 1971, a good 4 years before the 3-chord punk rock Runaways debut album. You weren't even born,a nd you haven't even HEARD them. You should stick to writing about video games, and keep your You-Tube based opinions to yourself. Not including Fanny in this poll is some kind of sick joke. To those who rave about the GoGo's, that's fine, to each his own. But don't even PRETEND they actually play bass, guitar, keyboards andf drums with even a TENTH of the musicianship of Fanny.
Tell it, June! Fanny ROCKED and rocked hard, y'all! You need to give a listen to what they played and how they played it. Check out their history, their stories, and yeah, go to www.ima.org to see what is happening now and how the legacy of women making rock (and other genres, sure) is being kept alive and moving forward!
It's all about perspective, but also, you have to give serious props to the women who've gone before you (I'm the same age as Fanny members and have been doing music my whole life as -99% of the time - the only female trumpet player in any group or band I play with and am DONE "proving" myself from those early days). Things are VERY different today because women like Fanny, Goldie, The Pandoras, etc. took a huge step into the (literal) void and KICKED ASS!
Rock on, sisters, all of you out there...and never ever forget where you got the opportunity to now play rock: those brave women who took all kinds of crap 'cause they were "chicks" and weren't supposed to be doing what they were doing!
To Saff the 27-yr old: that is absurd. Folk? We did that too, but c'mon. Have you actually listened what we all did? You have an obsession with being aggressive. That's your musical criteria? And besides that, we (the collective we) were incredibly aggressive. Just not - enough for you, I guess.
Thanks to all for your comments. Please go to www,ima.org to see how we're carrying on the legacy.
June
The Go's Go's were and are still a great group. You've got to see them live if you can. Belinda is a fantastic vocalist and jane, what a writer. They are all talented. I first saw them at Irvine Meadows, (now Verizon Amp.) back when they first got real hot in '80-'81. They ran out of songs that night and had to replay 3 of their hits for encores.
I vote for Fanny, and this is mistake that this band not listed.
Fanny rules!
I thought you would certainly include both Fanny and The Pandoras.........both were very good in the '60's!! Fanny was mostly West Coast, and The Pandora's were mostly East coast, but they both "rocked!!"
Greatest girl rock band? hmm ... not very good choices, I'm afraid! Rock! You want rock. I'm thinking Heart! c'mon ... these girl bands are good, but they're not necessarily Rock! (with the exception of the Runaways). Let's get real!
I'm 27. And I didn't say the music isn't good. It is, but it's more folk than rock. That isn't a bad thing, as I like folk music...it just doesn't disprove the movie's claims that The Runaways was the first all girl band to play and sing the style of AGGRESSIVE rock that didn't at all fit the female music stereotype.
In fact, I grew up listening to 50's and 60's rock and roll. I'm a musician myself and I listen to a wide variety of styles, starting with the late 50's all the way to the present day. I even checked out a few of the sites you listed just now and I liked the music. What I was trying to say is that the movie is NOT touting that The Runaways were the "first girl band" period, as the person who sent the question in seems to think is being said. The guy obviously misunderstood the statements in the movie's promotion.
Also, I wasn't "sneering"...I had looked to see if the two bands mentioned were in fact aggressive, formerly males-only rock, and was amused because it wasn't aggressive at all. Non-aggressive doesn't mean untalented, it just doesn't make the actual claims made in promotion of "The Runaways" movie false. They were the first all female AGGRESSIVE rock band...at least that was signed to a major label.
Saff, how old are you? How would you know that Fanny and Goldie (and Birtha, the Pleasure Seekers and actually many others) were not the first to make music that previously had been considered "guys only"? We were the tip of the spear that allowed the concept of such a thing, and endeavor, to be considered - have a bit more respect. By sneering at all of us you are negating not only our experiences but how hard it was to actually play in a band back then. I got tired of that attitude in the mid-60's into the '70s, and am totally over it now.
You - have no idea. And you are wrong.
June
guitarist, and sister to Jean the bassist, Fanny
June Millington
Artistic Dir, IMA
www.ima.org
www.youtube.com/IMAinthehouse
www.fannyrocks.com
www.youtube.com/JuneEsworld
4 Non Blondes and Linda Perry.
What about the all girl band from Kalamazoo, Mi called the "Socialites" from 1963?
My mom called me about this story, after having read it in Parade Magazine. I immediately did a YouTube search for both these "bands".
I played their music over the phone to my mom, as we both laughed at how "Fanny" & "Goldie and The Gingerbreads", although technically "girl bands/groups", WERE NOT the first to break the ROCK stereotype barrier for females.
"The Runaways" WERE, in fact, the first to make music that previously had been considered "guys only". Those other two groups fit nicely in the female musical genre for their era. "The Runaways" did not...they kicked down said stereotype, sans sequined matching dresses or other society-enforced "female attire".
Did I mention "The Runaways" also didn't employ such girly harmonies? I have now.
The Go-Go's rocked! You had to have seen them live. Very underrated and they should be in the rock and roll hall of fame. Come on with musicians like Gina Schock and Kathy Valentine, not to mention Jane Wiedlin who is one of the best songwriters ever. I agree that Fanny were great too. They were the first all-female rock band I ever knew about and when I saw them on "American Bandstand" in the mid 70's, they just blew me away!I love the Bangles too. As a whole, they were probably more musically talented than the Go-Go's. They all sang and wrote and you cannot deny that Susanna Hoffs is one of the best vocalists ever. Big mistake they made was not writing their best known hits. They were all covers! But like the Go-Go's they were so awesome live. For really cool 60's type garage rock, check out the Pandoras. They were a short-lived but fantastic 80's band. I'm also still a fan of L/7 and the Donnas. I remember the Runaways fondly, but sadly they were an experiment devised by Kim Fowley.Aren't the Indigo Girls a folk duo?
Indigo Girls all the way! Emily and Amy are two of the most overlooked female songwriters of all time. Their live shows are still inspiring, and they are great to their fans.
I'm disappointed you had only the 4 choices, and The Indigo Girls are hardly rock. For real rock check out Drain STH and Kittie.
The Runaways were a true modern and successful ROCK band. I liked the Go-Gos too, but they weren't really "Rock" more light/pop. Certainly their lead in this poll is due to their more well known stature thank in large part to the advent of MTV which was not around during the time of the Runaways.
I came to vote for Fanny! But they aren't listed, what's the deal?