30 of the Best Rock Covers by Women

Some songs in honor of International Women's Day.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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This article highlights 30 rock songs covered by women, ranging in age, style of music and more. The covers include classics by artists like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and more, performed by a diverse group of female musicians.

Why it matters

The article celebrates the contributions of women in rock music, highlighting how they have covered and put their own spin on iconic songs traditionally performed by men. It showcases the talent and creativity of female artists, providing inspiration for younger generations of female singers and songwriters.

The details

The article features 30 rock covers by women, including Tina Turner's take on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Patti Smith's version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," and Norah Jones' cover of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun." The covers span decades and genres, demonstrating the versatility and skill of the female artists.

  • The article was published on March 9, 2026.

The players

Annie Lennox

A singer-songwriter who was part of the duo Eurythmics, and who has been outspoken about the struggles women have faced in the music industry.

Tina Turner

A legendary rock and R&B singer who covered Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love."

Patti Smith

A pioneering punk rock musician who covered Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

Siouxsie Sioux

The lead singer of the post-punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees, who covered the Beatles' "Dear Prudence."

Chrissie Hynde

The lead singer of the Pretenders, who covered Radiohead's "Creep."

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What they’re saying

“I was heartbroken when he committed suicide. And I knew that Kurt Cobain was very fond of my husband [the late Fred "Sonic" Smith] and the MC5. We felt so badly. We just wished that we would have known him, and been able to talk to him, and had some positive effect on him.”

— Patti Smith (Seattle Weekly)

“I remember growing up with the White Album. I loved it for their experimenting.”

— Siouxsie Sioux (Louder Sound)

“I didn't know how people would react, but I said, 'Let's do it and see what happens.' I don't even remember people bringing it up at the time. Maybe they were uncomfortable talking about it and didn't want to broach the subject.”

— Joan Jett (Rolling Stone)

The takeaway

This article showcases the incredible talent and creativity of women in rock music, highlighting how they have put their own unique spin on iconic songs. It celebrates the progress that has been made in giving women a stronger voice and presence in the industry, while also acknowledging that there is still work to be done to achieve true gender parity.