While women in rock have made significant contributions throughout the genre’s history, many have been overshadowed by more mainstream figures. Despite their raw talent and influence, several female rock stars remain relatively unknown to the larger public. From pioneering musicians who broke gender barriers to those with unique sounds and visions, these women were pivotal in shaping rock music but haven’t received the recognition they truly deserve. These are five underrated female rock stars who have left lasting impressions on the genre.

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin is one of the greatest rock performers of all time, yet male contemporaries sometimes overshadow her influence. Known for her intense, soulful voice and groundbreaking mix of blues, rock, and psychedelic music, Joplin was a true trailblazer.

  • Emotional Depth in Music: Joplin’s raw emotion in songs like Piece of My Heart made her voice legendary, influencing countless artists across rock and blues.
  • Breaking Gender Norms: She defied traditional female roles in the male-dominated rock world, bringing a rebellious style to the stage and paving the way for future women in rock.
  • Legacy: Though revered as an icon, her contributions are often downplayed compared to other legends like Hendrix or Morrison, and her impact remains underappreciated in mainstream discussions.

Wendy O. Williams (Plasmatics)

Wendy O. Williams, the frontwoman of the punk band Plasmatics, was a fearless performer whose bold, anarchic style made her an underground hero. Despite her impact on punk, she remains relatively unknown to mainstream audiences.

  • Punk Rock Pioneer: Known for her shocking stage performances, she blended punk, shock rock, and heavy metal, often using chainsaws and smashing guitars.
  • Plasmatics' Sound: Williams led the band in pushing punk boundaries with loud, aggressive sounds and anti-establishment messages. Songs like Butcher Baby remain cult favorites but haven’t received mainstream recognition.
  • Enduring Influence: Williams’ influence on punk, metal, and alternative rock remains strong, though her contributions are often overlooked outside the punk scene.

Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)

Kim Gordon, the bassist and co-vocalist of Sonic Youth, is a pioneer in alternative rock but remains largely underrecognized. Her avant-garde approach to music and influence on the noise-rock scene have been crucial but often understated.

  • Pioneering Noise Rock: Gordon’s unconventional bass playing and distinctive vocals helped redefine alternative rock. Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation is a classic, but Gordon’s contributions are rarely fully acknowledged.
  • Non-Traditional Approach: Sonic Youth's innovative use of distortion and unconventional tunings made It a key influence in post-punk and indie rock, yet her role is often minimized.
  • Underrated Recognition: Though Sonic Youth was influential, Kim Gordon is often overlooked compared to her male peers in the alternative rock scene.

Marie Fredriksson (Roxette)

Though known for her pop hits with Roxette, Marie Fredriksson had a raw rock energy that played a major role in the duo’s success. Despite her powerful voice, she remains underappreciated in broader rock music conversations.

  • Rock Elements in Pop: Fredriksson infused Roxette's music with rock elements, particularly through hard guitar riffs and power ballads. Songs like The Look and Listen to Your Heart showcase her strength as a vocalist.
  • Rock at Heart: While the duo achieved mainstream pop success, Fredriksson’s rock sensibilities gave Roxette a distinctive edge, though she’s often grouped into the pop category.
  • Remembered but Overlooked: Though Fredriksson’s passing in 2019 sparked tributes, her contributions to rock music often go unrecognized in favor of her mainstream pop career.

Cherrie Currie (The Runaways)

Cherrie Currie, the lead singer of The Runaways, was a key figure in one of the first all-female rock bands to achieve commercial success. Despite their influence, Currie’s contributions have been largely overlooked.

  • Breaking Barriers with The Runaways: Currie helped prove that women could dominate rock with powerful, rebellious songs like Cherry Bomb.
  • Cultural Impact: The Runaways opened doors for women in hard rock and punk, though their male contemporaries often overshadowed their influence.
  • Legacy: Currie’s role in The Runaways' success is often forgotten, even though the band profoundly influenced punk and glam rock.

These five women—Janis Joplin, Wendy O. Williams, Kim Gordon, Marie Fredriksson, and Cherrie Currie—each played pivotal roles in shaping rock music. Still, mainstream culture underappreciates their contributions. From breaking gender norms to pushing genre boundaries, these artists have left an indelible mark on rock, and it’s time their legacies were more widely celebrated.