11 of the most pioneering women in rock-and-roll history

Joni Mitchell.Larry Hulst/Getty Images

• Throughout rock history, there have been numerous pioneering female musicians.
• Memphis Minnie and Sister Rosetta Tharpe inspired the genre and some of its biggest musicians.
• Generations of female listeners picked up the bass guitar because of Suzi Quatro and Kim Deal.

When looking back at the classic rock era, it's easy to point to musicians like Jerry Garcia, John Lennon, or Bob Dylan as the pioneers of the genre.

But there were countless female musicians who were just as talented and equally important. In fact, many famous male musicians and bands were inspired by female musicians, even going so far as to record covers of their songs.

And while there are household names like Stevie Nicks or Pat Benatar, some female musicians have historically been overlooked, but their importance is undeniable.

In honor of Women's History Month, here are 11 pioneering female rock stars - some of whom you might not know - who changed the course of rock-and-roll history.