International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Legendary Women Who Shaped Music

This International Women’s Day (March 8th), we’re celebrating the incredible women who have shaped the world of music across every genre. From legendary guitar shredders to groundbreaking songwriters, these artists have been inspiring generations with their talent, creativity, and influence.

In this blog, we’ll be highlighting some of the most iconic and trailblazing women in music, celebrating their impact and lasting influence on the industry. So, let’s dive in!

A true force in rock and metal, Nita Strauss has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying guitarists in the industry. Rising to fame as the lead guitarist for Alice Cooper, she made history in 2014 as the first female musician to join his legendary lineup. 

But her career extends far beyond the shock-rock stage—Nita has established herself as a successful solo artist, releasing Controlled Chaos in 2018 and The Call of the Void in 2023, featuring collaborations with rock icons like David Draiman and Lzzy Hale. 

In 2022, she took a brief detour into the pop world, joining Demi Lovato’s touring band to add a heavier, rock-driven edge to the show before returning to Cooper’s lineup. 

On top of her relentless touring and recording, Nita also made history with Ibanez, becoming the first woman to have a signature guitar with the brand—the stunning JIVA10.

A powerhouse of blues, soul, and rock, Susan Tedeschi has made an indelible mark on the music world with her raw, emotive vocals and masterful guitar playing. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, she blended her love for classic blues, gospel, and rock into a signature sound that drew comparisons to legends like Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin. 

Her breakout album, Just Won’t Burn (1998), earned her a Grammy nomination and put her on the map as one of the most compelling blues artists of her generation.

But Tedeschi’s career truly flourished when she joined forces with Derek Trucks, the slide guitar virtuoso from The Allman Brothers Band, to form the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2010. Together, they created a soulful, genre-blending powerhouse, fusing blues, rock, and jazz into an electrifying live experience. The band’s debut album, Revelator, won a Grammy for Best Blues Album, cementing their place among modern blues greats.

A true pioneer of new wave and post-punk, Tina Weymouth redefined what it meant to be a bassist in rock music. As a founding member of Talking Heads, she brought a unique, groove-driven approach to the band’s sound, blending elements of funk, reggae, and art-rock into something entirely fresh. 

Her signature basslines on tracks like Psycho Killer and Once in a Lifetime became the backbone of Talking Heads’ experimental yet danceable style, helping to shape the sound of late ’70s and ’80s alternative music.

Beyond Talking Heads, Weymouth further showcased her creative vision with Tom Tom Club, the side project she formed with drummer and husband Chris Frantz. With hits like Genius of Love—a track that became one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop—Tom Tom Club fused funk, electronic music, and Caribbean rhythms, proving Weymouth’s influence extended far beyond rock. 

With her minimalist yet deeply rhythmic playing, she broke barriers for women in the music industry, proving that bass could be just as expressive and integral as any lead instrument.

With a voice like no other, Amy Winehouse left an undeniable mark on music with her soulful delivery, raw lyricism, and timeless blend of jazz, R&B, and retro soul. Rising to fame with her debut album, Frank (2003), she quickly established herself as an artist who wore her heart on her sleeve, unafraid to push boundaries with both her sound and storytelling. 

But it was her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Back to Black (2006), that cemented her as one of the most influential artists of her generation. With hits like Rehab and You Know I’m No Good, Winehouse channeled the spirit of classic jazz and Motown while making it feel entirely modern.

On stage, Amy’s performances were as captivating as her music, her unmistakable voice cutting through the air with raw intensity. She often relied on the Sennheiser E935 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone, a go-to for artists who demand both warmth and clarity in their live sound. Known for its ability to capture every nuance of her raspy, emotive vocals, it became an essential part of her setup, making sure her voice remained the focal point of her performances.

A fearless voice in punk rock and transgender activism, Laura Jane Grace has spent decades pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be an artist. As the founder, lead singer, and guitarist of Against Me!, she built a reputation for raw, honest songwriting and high-energy performances. Early albums like Reinventing Axl Rose (2002) and As the Eternal Cowboy (2003) made Against Me! a staple of the punk scene, blending folk and anarchic energy with politically charged lyrics. But it was Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014)—written after she publicly came out as transgender—that became one of her most powerful statements, deeply resonating with fans and breaking new ground in punk.

On stage, Laura Jane Grace doesn’t hold back. Her raspy vocals, urgent guitar playing, and deeply personal lyrics create an undeniable connection with audiences. Whether performing with Against Me!, her solo work, or her band, Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers, she continues to evolve while staying true to her punk roots. More than just a musician, she’s become an important voice for LGBTQ+ rights and self-expression, proving that punk is still about challenging the status quo.

Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, known for her poetic lyrics, unconventional guitar tunings, and genre-blending sound. Emerging from the folk scene of the 1960s, she quickly set herself apart with deeply personal songwriting and intricate melodies. Albums like Blue (1971) and Court and Spark (1974) became defining works, showcasing her ability to turn raw emotion into timeless music. From folk to jazz to pop, she never stopped evolving, always following her artistic instincts rather than trends.

On stage, Mitchell’s voice and storytelling captivated audiences, her open-tuned guitar and soaring melodies creating something intimate yet profound. Songs like A Case of You and Both Sides, Now remain some of the most cherished in modern music. Beyond her own recordings, her work has influenced generations of artists across every genre.

From rock and punk to jazz and blues, these artists have helped shape modern music with their talent, innovation, and lasting influence. Their work has pushed boundaries, inspired generations, and set new standards in their respective genres.

This International Women’s Day, we recognise their contributions—not just for the music they’ve made but for the paths they’ve paved for future artists.

Feeling inspired? Head to your local PMT Store to try out some of the gear these music legends have used.