Seems we usually spend March talking about women of the way, way back or the wild, wild west era. Today we were listening to our Sirius XM Radio, and they were talking about women who rocked it out in the 80’s. They only touched on few but there were so many women in music in the 80’s that (in my mind) it’s what really pushed women to the front of the line in everything. So, let’s name some.
- Tina Turner. Talk about a Bad Ass! She was a hit in the 70s but it was 1984 when she belted out: We Don’t Need Another Hero, Better Be Good To Me, Tiny Dancer and many more. We learned about her treacherous marriage to Ike and how she escaped the abuse of a horrible relationship and began to set her own rules and kicked ass!
- Pat Benatar and Joan Jett. These ladies had to be listed together. For me they were the ultimate duo in rock. With Pat Benatar’s Love Is A Battlefield and Joan Jett’s Bad Reputation, girls all over the world wanted to be these ladies. They inspired us to be bold and kick ass and take names later.
- Blondie (Debbie Harry). First Punk woman I loved! The 70’s were great to her and for all of us but the 80’s brought out Tide Is High, Rapture and Call Me. I can name that tune in one beat when I hear these songs on the great 80’s stations! Read her full bio. She lived an amazing life and had quite the love life.
She’s also 77! - Stevie Nicks. Yes she was the main talent behind Fleetwood Mac in the 70’s but in 81 she lit out on her own. Age Of Seventeen: I was 15 but related greatly. It was a theme song for so so many. But was it really about Tom Petty? Scandalous!
- Madonna and Cindy Lauper. If you are Genx, then you know. We dressed like her, emulated her and wanted to be her. They guys were mesmerized. Cindy Lauper was right up there with her. And another theme song for women was born: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. The bios on these ladies reads like a novel. From nothing/nobody to the biggest women hero’s in the 80’s music scene.
Those are my top five but so many, many more. I’ll name just a few here but feel free to add your favorites in the comments!
Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart), Annie Lennox, Grace Slick, Alanis Morissette, Chrisie Hynde, Linda Ronstadt, Siouxsie Sioux, Belinda Carlisle The Go-Go’s, Patti Smith, Patty Smyth. Anymore? Name them in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed your walk down Memory Lane.
Peace Love and Margaritas
