Music | Pop Culture | 80s
You Be The Judge: Which Female Rock Star Was The Biggest Badass of the 80s? (Poll)
Women have been an essential part of rock and roll's development since the beginning. While often overlooked, there's no shortage of ladies who all had that combination of the talent, the drive, and the look to rock the world.
But the question is, which one takes the title of "Most Badass?" It's time we got you, the people, to choose! Check the list below, and then vote at the bottom.
Joan Jett
Already established thanks to her time in The Runaways, Joan Jett hit the 80s with a bang thanks to her solo band, The Blackhearts. With some of rock's most memorable hits ("I Love Rock 'n' Roll," "Bad Reputation" and "Cherry Bomb" to name a few) to her credit, Jett has remained a rock badass for decades.
Pat Benatar
A fashion and culture icon for decades now, Pat Benatar walked the line between rock and pop with grace throughout the 80s. Of course, songs like "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Treat Me Right" speak for themselves.
Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart)
Rock mainstays since the 70s, the 80s saw Heart take a pop-rock turn without losing any of their credibility or talent. Central to this were the Wilson sisters, with enough songwriting and musical talent to fill ten bands.
Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)
Persevering through several failed bands and drug-related band member deaths, Hynde finally reached rock stardom thanks to her time in The Pretenders. Her punk look and attitude made songs like "Don't Get Me Wrong" and "Show Me" all the more badass.
Annie Lennox (Eurythmics)
Considered by some to be more pop, Eurythmics still had a rock sensibility that ended up having a huge impact on rock music in general (just ask Marilyn Manson, whose first big hit was a cover of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)). At the center of it all is Annie Lennox, whose androgynous look and orange hair remain iconic to this day.
Debbie Harry (Blondie)
While Blondie started off in the 70s, it wasn't until 1980's "Call Me" that the band skyrocketed into stardom. Debbie Harry's powerful voice and badass attitude was the main driving force behind the band, and her contributions to rock history cannot be denied.
Stevie Nicks
We've talked before about how Fleetwood Mac had some of the biggest hits of the 70s (if not all time), but Stevie Nicks' star power didn't diminish any after leaving the band. Her sultry voice continued to lead to hit after hit, especially "Edge of Seventeen."
Who do you think is the most badass?