Women Rock! Day is a holiday observed annually on the 3rd of January. It’s a day that finally pays some respect to all the women who have contributed to the rock genre. These are women who broke into a space that had previously been occupied mostly by men, and they not only succeeded in creating great rock music but also thrived.

That’s why everyone is encouraged to observe this holiday and show these female rockers that their hard work and dedication are appreciated. Without their efforts, the world of rock music would be vastly different and probably a lot more boring.

The History of Women Rock! Day

Some people might wonder where this holiday came from and why it’s observed on the 3rd day of January. Fortunately, we have the answer to that question. This is the date when Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 3rd, 1987. Ever since that auspicious day, January 3rd has been observed as Women Rock! Day—a holiday to celebrate the women rockers of the world.

Some Cool Facts About Women in Rock

Because we’re on the subject of women in rock in observance of Women Rock! Day, we feel we would be remiss in our duties if we didn’t cover some of the facts that we learned about women rockers during our research for this holiday. Let’s take a look at these facts before we continue with this article.

• Aretha Franklin taught herself how to play the piano.
• Tina Turner’s real name is Anna Mae Bullock.
• Tina Turner sold her music catalog for an estimated $50 million.
• Stevie Nicks allegedly sold her music catalog for an estimated $100 million.
• Annie Lennox (formerly of the pop duo Eurythmics) won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2004 for the song “Into the West” from the movie, The Lord of the Rings.

Observing Women Rock! Day

This is the perfect day to celebrate women who rock. This includes not only women who helped form the foundation of modern rock, such as Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, but also women who labored in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Some of the great women rockers observed on this day include Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Janis Joplin, Joan Jett, Grace Slick, Alanis Morissette, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Dolores O’Riordan, and many more.