Sister Rosetta Tharpe paved the way for Rock and Roll and inspired rock musicians like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, not only is she seen as a remarkable musical legend but she is also a woman. Charlotte Greig wrote 'we are not a subgroup of humanity that speaks with one voice' yet when women have broken through as 'rock stars' they end up either being made to look or act more masculine or end up becoming sexualised for the male audience. Blondie, Jonie Mitchell, Annie Lennox are just a few of the names i can think of that have been successful in the genre of Rock however the list of successful male rock artists is about ten times greater. Mavis Bayton wrote 'none of us are born lead guitarists, women's absense is entirely social' I think that female musicians think twice about trying to make it big as a 'rock star' perhaps as they feel to be a rockstar they have to change to fit the 'requirements' expected in this genre, however as Frith and Mcrobbie discuss Rock is alot more than a genre, it is an audience and an artistic idealogy.
This is an interesting take on the question that nonetheless touches on some key concepts. Oh, and well done for including Sister Rosetta!
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