Can You Name These Female ’70s Bands and Artists From an Image?

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By: Brittany Rowland

6 Min Quiz

Image: Casablanca Records via WikiCommons

About This Quiz

The 1970s saw the rise of female bands and artists who had a profound impact on rock and roll. These women proved they could rock as hard as the men and sell out shows. Some went the hard rock route, like Joan Jett, Janis Joplin and Pat Benatar, while others chose gentler soft rock or folk, like Carole King, Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell. Regardless, all had stories to tell about being women in a rapidly changing world. 

Consider the world events influencing music in the 1970s. Fervent anti-war protests were ongoing, several nations saw their first female leaders take office, including Isabel Martinez de Peron in Argentina and Margaret Thatcher in the UK. And the second-wave feminist movement was still going strong since beginning in the '60s, with women fighting for equal rights in the workplace and at school. Here music played a role, too: feminists adopted Helen Reddy's 1971 "I Am Woman" as an anthem of the women's movement.

As you go through the quiz and read about these women, think about how the artists inspired the generations to follow. Each, in their own way, have imparted the message "I am woman, hear me roar!"

She played the drums and sang sweet melodies with her brother, Richard. Can you name her?

Karen and Richard formed the Carpenters, a sibling duo that had soft pop hits like "We've Only Just Begun" and "(They Long to Be) Close to You." Sadly, Karen passed away in 1983 after struggling with anorexia.

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The rumors are true: this singer received acclaim both as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Who is she?

With her distinctive husky voice, Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac and sang for their wildly popular album, "Rumors." Some of her best-known songs for the band include "Rhiannon," "Dreams" and "Landslide."

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If you're feeling blue, you can always turn to the soothing melodies of this singer. What's her name?

Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell blended folk, jazz and pop sounds in her music. Her 1971 album "Blue" is considered one of her best, with songs like "A Case of You" and "River."

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This singer-songwriter got her major break with the chart-topping album "Tapestry." Who is she?

In the 1960s, Carole King started out writing popular songs with her husband, Gerry Goffin. But in the '70s, she started performing songs herself and had a major success with "Tapestry."

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We can't bear the anticipation, so can you identify this '70s artist?

With her distinctive contralto voice, Carly Simon had several hits in the 1970s, including "You're So Vain" and "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be." She sang some songs with then-husband James Taylor, too.

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Which all-female '70s band had a hit with "Cherry Bomb"?

Starting in 1975, the Runaways originally included members Joan Jett, Micki Steele and Sandy West. The band was popular in the hard rock and punk rock genres but broke up in 1979 due to stylistic disagreements.

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Is this singer the wind beneath your wings?

Bette Midler became famous for singing pop songs with her powerful vocals. Her debut album, "The Divine Miss M," included "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," a hit swing song from the '40s.

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This rock band features sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. Can you name it?

Heart became a success in the mid-1970s with hit singles like "Crazy On You" and "Magic Man." After releasing "Barracuda" in 1977, the Wilson sisters appeared on the cover of "Rolling Stone."

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Can you name this singer, who was part of the Mamas and the Papas before starting a solo career?

Cass Elliot became known as Mama Cass when she sang for the '70s group the Mamas and the Papas. She lent her powerful vocals to their hit songs "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday."

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Born Anna Mae Bullock, this powerful singer is better known by what name?

Tina Turner rose to stardom with her then-husband, Ike Turner, with hits like "Proud Mary" and "I Want to Take You Higher." But following her divorce from Ike, Tina had a successful solo career.

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Even non-country music fans know this legendary singer. What's her name?

One of the major legends of country music, Dolly Parton became a successful singer in the 1970s when she wrote songs like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene." The versatile artist has also starred in movies.

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By the mid-1970s, this singer was one of the top-selling female artists of the decade. Who is she?

Linda Ronstadt's fifth album, "Heart Like a Wheel," shot to the top of the charts and solidified her status as a rock legend. Ronstadt went on to win numerous awards for her music, including 10 Grammys.

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This '70s singer kills us softly with her song. Who is she?

In the early 1970s, Roberta Flack won two consecutive Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, first with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and next with "Killing Me Softly with His Song."

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She's best known for "Grease," but this singer was a '70s pop star before the film. Who is she?

English singer Olivia Newton-John had a string of country and pop hits in the 1970s. But her career really took off after she starred in the 1978 hit film "Grease" with John Travolta.

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This Motown singer had success both with the Pips and in her solo career. Can you name her?

With major hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," Gladys Knight and the Pips established themselves as soul legends. They became part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

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This singer's self-titled debut album included the hit single, "Poetry Man." Who is she?

The versatile singer-songwriter Phoebe Snow blended jazz, soul, blues, rock, gospel and folk in her calming music. Until her death in 2011, she maintained a music career while also caring for a disabled daughter.

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Our world is empty without this famous female R&B group. Can you name them?

The Supremes formed in 1959, originally with Diana Ross as the lead singer. After Ross left in 1970, the group continued with Jean Terrell, releasing hits like "Stoned Love" and "Floy Joy."

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Can you say a little prayer and identify this legendary singer?

Dionne Warwick sang many hit songs written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David throughout the 1960s and '70s, including "Make It Easy on Yourself" and "Let Me Go to Him." She won six Grammy Awards for her long music career.

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Who was the First Lady of Country Music?

Best known for "Stand By Your Man," Tammy Wynette had several number-one country hits in the '60s and '70s. She often collaborated with her third husband, George Jones, but proved she could make it on her own.

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These band members grew up singing gospel music together at church. Who are they?

Originally consisting of sisters June, Bonnie and Anita Pointer, the Pointer Sisters have been performing since 1969. Children of the '70s may recognize them for the "Pinball Number Count" songs on "Sesame Street."

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Her debut album featured the feminist anthem "I Am Woman." Do you know her name?

Australian singer Helen Reddy moved to the United States in the late 1960s to launch her singing career. Fans adopted her 1972 hit single "I Am Woman" as an anthem of the women's movement.

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Who is this R&B singer, whose father was also a legendary musician?

The daughter of Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole made a name for herself in the 1970s with R&B hits like "Our Love" and "Inseparable." She released her first album in 1975 and earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1979.

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Do you know this rock singer, who performed with the Full Tilt Boogie Band?

With her big, ragged voice, Janis Joplin made a name for herself as a rock, soul and blues singer. She performed solo and with bands like Full Tilt Boogie Band up until her death at age 27 in 1970.

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Who is this singer, a central figure in the punk rock scene?

In 1975, Patti Smith released her first album, "Horses," which mixed punk rock with spoken poetry. Three years later, she and Bruce Springsteen co-wrote the hit song "Because the Night," which came out on her album "Easter."

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Show some respect to the Queen of Soul and see if you can name this singer.

As a child, Aretha Franklin sang gospel music at her church, and she carried that passion into her secular music career. In 1972, she recorded the live album "Amazing Grace," in which she sang traditional hymns.

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This singer-songwriter released her first album at age 19, with the hit single "Wuthering Heights." Can you identify her?

The eclectic Kate Bush began writing songs as a young girl and used some of those early songs on her first album, "The Kick Inside." The song "Wuthering Heights" was an instant international hit.

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Do you know the name of this singer and actress who's won eight Grammys?

After singing traditional Broadway tunes in the 1960s, Barbra Streisand branched out into contemporary music. Her 1971 album "Stoney End" included popular hits written by artists like Lauren Nyro and Gordon Lightfoot.

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If the blonde bouffant doesn't give this artist away, then her sultry vocals will! Who is she?

Dusty Springfield became known in the 1960s for her soulful pop and R&B music. Her career continued in the '70s with the release of albums like "A Brand New Me" and "It Begins Again."

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This artist is known for her folk and country songs. Do you know her name?

The winner of 14 Grammys over the course of her career, Emmylou Harris is an artist known for her country, folk and bluegrass music. In 1975, she had her first major hit, "If I Could Only Win Your Love."

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She got her break singing as Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar." Can you name her?

In the early 1970s, Yvonne Elliman toured for four years in the cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Later in the '70s, she had popular hits with "Hello Stranger" and "If I Can't Have You."

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Which artist got her break with the 1977 single "Runaway"?

Bonnie Raitt began recording bluesy rock music in the 1970s. She released a number of critically acclaimed albums in the '70s but had her first commercial success with "Sweet Forgiveness."

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You might get a love hangover listening to the pop hits of this legendary singer. Who is she?

After leaving the Supremes, Diana Ross proved she had the stuff to make it as a solo artist. Her 1970s hits included "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," for which she received a Grammy nomination.

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Do you know which singer-songwriter wrote hits like "Stoney End"?

Although a singer herself, Laura Nyro wrote a slew of songs that became hits sung by other artists, like Barbra Streisand, the 5th Dimension and Three Dog Night. She was also a passionate animal rights advocate.

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Who is this punk rock singer from the Pretenders?

In 1978, Chrissie Hynde was one of the founding members of the Pretenders, a British punk rock band. The band continues to play, with Hynde being the one consistent member of the band.

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For her self-titled debut album, she wrote the hit "Someone To Lay Down Beside Me." Who is this singer?

Karla Bonoff wrote many songs, like "Isn't It Always Love" and "Lose Again," that were popularized by other artists. Linda Ronstadt, for instance, recorded three of Bonoff's songs.

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Can you name this First Lady of Song?

Legendary Ella Fitzgerald was known for singing jazz, blues, pop and swing. Some of her '70s albums included collaborations with jazz legends like Count Basie, Joe Pass and Oscar Peterson.

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Before the Eurythmics, she was in a '70s pop band called the Tourists. Who is she?

In 1977, Annie Lennox became the lead singer of the Tourists, a British rock band that also included Dave Stewart. Lennox and Stewart would go on to form the Eurythmics in the '80s.

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Can you identify this all-girl British rock band that formed in 1978 and still plays today?

Known for playing heavy metal and hard rock, Girlschool has the distinction of being the longest-running female rock group. Two current members, Kim McAuliffe and Denise Dufort, were there from the start.

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She was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, but fans know this Scottish singer by which name?

A popular pop and soul singer, Lulu sang the James Bond song "The Man with the Golden Gun" in 1974. She also had a hit with the cover of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World."

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This country singer documented her childhood in the song "Coal Miner's Daughter." Can you name the artist?

Loretta Lynn released the song "Coal Miner's Daughter" in 1970, describing her childhood in Appalachian Kentucky. Lynn used the same title for her autobiography and the film starring Sissy Spacek.

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