This Mother’s Day, we’ve put together our very own “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame”, celebrating the iconic mothers of the industry that strike all the chords between making music and being the ultimate rockstar mum.
Tina Turner
First up, “the best” Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner. Turner not only influenced generations of artists, but also redefined the limitations and representations surrounding black women in rock n roll at the time, conquering the stage with the most memorable electric performances.
With numerous #1s, 12 Grammy Awards and platinum records across the globe, Turner has created a musical legacy that continues to find new fans to this day. There’s no doubt she is a credit to the music industry and her 4 children.
Chrissie Hynde
Renowned for her powerful vocal style, memorable melodies and musing lyrics, Hynde is popularly recognised as leader and face of prominent English-American Rock band of the 70’s, the Pretenders. Gifted with a multitude of talents, Hynde put her heart and soul into the band, dominating the roles of lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist, leading the band through four-decades of success with countless classics that never seem to tire. The Pretenders were also iconic for their style, being the epitome of rebellious rock stars during their time, setting rather than chasing the trends. Hynde is a role model to young women and her two daughters for her style, attitude and success.
Patti Smith
Proving motherhood can be punk, Patti Smith emerged in the 70’s and was celebrated for her exciting fusion of rock and poetry, rightfully gaining herself the title of punk rock’s “poet laureate” and ranking among the most beautifully unconventional rock ‘n’ roll artists of all time.
She used her role of mum as inspiration following the birth of her two sons, with her 2004 album ‘Trampin’, featuring the single ‘Mother Rose’. And, it seems as though a passion for music was passed down, with her son Jackson featuring on a number of her albums, and Jesse pursuing his own music career.
Cyndi Lauper
Groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist, Cyndi Lauper, is iconic for her rebellious character, influential voice and punk glamour. Embracing her true self inspired the attitudes, sounds, and fashions of the industry, empowering countless artists and individuals. Lauper’s role model qualities translated to her son, who is on his own journey to pursue a music career in rap.
Lauper, being a lifelong rights activist and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, also founded ‘True Colours United’ in 2008, offering support to those of the community experiencing homelessness.
Amy Lee
Rock goddess, Amy Lee, is lead vocalist and songwriter for rock band, Evanescence. Her astounding vocals have captured the hearts of rock lovers across the globe. Despite her worries around balancing motherhood and music, the birth provided her with a new wave of inspiration, leading to the release of “Dream Too Much”: a children's album co-written with members of her family.
Joan Jett
Joan Jett rose to fame in the all-girl rock band, The Runaways, after growing up during a period where rock ‘n’ roll was very much uninviting to females. Following the formation of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in the late 70’s, Jett’s success soared; becoming a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, being awarded 8 platinum and gold albums and 9 Top 40 singles. Her career continued to flourish across music, film, TV and broadcasting, while she eventually went on to co-found record label ‘Blackheart Records’, which today is a thriving entertainment company which, today, continues to champion emerging bands.
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar amped up the early 80’s with her iconic musing of powerful rock-felt chords and gritty mainstream pop. Benatar quickly rocked her way to being an international star with chart-topping songs from her album Crimes of Passion. She became a popular face of the pivotal MTV era, winning 4 Grammy Awards and producing boldly spirited anthems that are, to this day, belted across rock radio stations all over the world.
Alanis Morissette
Layering confessional lyrics and rock-influenced sound, Alanis Morrissette’s 1995 album, Jagged Little Pill caught the zeitgeist of the mid 90’s, featuring 4 Top Ten singles that retained their chart position for an incredible 69 weeks.
