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3 Rock Frontwomen Who Found New Life as Solo Artists in the 1980s
Three prominent rock frontwomen established successful solo careers, either alongside or after their bands, during the 1980s.
– Stevie Nicks released her debut solo album, Bella Donna, in 1981 after finding fame with Fleetwood Mac. – Grace Slick, best known for Jefferson Airplane, issued three solo albums during the 1980s. – Belinda Carlisle began her solo career after The Go-Go’s split, scoring a major 1987 hit with “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”.
In short
- Three rock singers found solo success in the 1980s.
- Nicks launched Bella Donna in 1981.
- Carlisle’s 1987 hit cemented her solo career.
Explained simply
The 1980s saw several prominent female rock singers establish or expand solo careers, sometimes whilst still working with their original bands. This reflected shifting attitudes in the music industry, which increasingly supported women in rock as independent solo artists.
Stevie Nicks, the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, launched her solo career in 1981 with the album Bella Donna whilst the band remained active. Grace Slick, the former lead singer of 1960s rock group Jefferson Airplane, released three solo albums during the 1980s. After The Go-Go's split, Belinda Carlisle pursued a solo path, reaching peak prominence with the 1987 hit "Heaven Is a Place on Earth".
These developments represented a significant moment for women in rock music, granting female performers greater creative independence and commercial viability. The ability of these artists to sustain successful solo careers demonstrated that audiences and the music industry recognised women as standalone musical talents.
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