The past 50 years have produced an unimaginable number of punk bands, with many falling off into obscurity or niche adoration after a while. But for all the bands that remain cult favorites, there are just as many who broke through to influence punk music down the line. Specifically, women in punk have remained particularly influential for decades. Here are some of the most well-known women in punk through the years.

Joan Jett

Joan Jett co-founded The Runaways in 1975, serving as guitarist and backing vocalist until 1979. She founded Joan Jett and the Blackhearts after The Runaways broke up, catapulting into stardom with her first solo record. When the riot grrrl movement started in the 1990s, Jett was often cited as a strong influence, and she’s been named as an idol, icon, and legend t

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