From Debbie Harry to Mariel Loveland: Putting the Spotlight on Female Fronted Bands

Seeing a female standing in front of a microphone as a band's lead singer does not put any negative suggestion on what the future holds for the group, though female fronted bands have not always been common.

Looking back, a majority of rock and rolls favorites were led by males: Freddie Mercury (Queen), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), and Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), to only name a few. Even though it is typical to have a band's lead singer be male, there are those whose front-woman puts as much time, energy, and passion into making music while influencing fans and listeners across the globe.

Here are some of music's leading female inspirations.

Debbie Harry has been front-woman of Blondie for the last 40 years and to this day, she remains an icon of music. Aside from her obvious beauty, Debbie's role as lead singer played a significant part in the success of Blondie.

Her eclectic vocal abilities gained attention from audiences, especially when it came to the band's song "Rapture" that included a rap verse from Debbie.

Although it may have raised some eyebrows at first, Debbie made it fit with the song, which resulted in "Rapture" earning #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

Another female rocker is Joan Jett, who was a member of the 1970s band The Runaways as well as lead singer of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, where she still remains today. Her raspy voice and tough attitude while donning a leather jacket are a few of the components that have helped Joan find success in rock and roll.

And as the saying goes, hard work pays off because Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will be taking a place in this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Gwen Stefani has been taking the reins of California band No Doubt since the mid-90s after their original singer, John Spence, committed suicide. Although she was filling the shoes of a male singer, Gwen had no trouble making a name for herself with her high-energy stage presence and vibrant outfits.

And while she did take some time for a solo career, Gwen is still No Doubt's one-of-a-kind front-woman.

Paramore's Hayley Williams is another one of music's heroines who has been holding true to herself despite being constantly surrounded by her male bandmates. Her dynamic voice and ability to instill hope and inspiration into thousands of fans have carried her through the past 10 years of the bands career.

She was even the first winner for Billboard's 2014 Trailblazer Award.

Mariel Loveland is lead singer for Candy Hearts, who have been on the music scene since 2009. Although the band is still gaining momentum, Mariel has quickly realized the ups and downs to being a girl touring with all guys.

However, she doesn't let people's opinions get to her; instead, they just add fuel to her fire to keep making music and live a life that works best for her.

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise as Mariel gains recognition as one of music's lively and independent women.

Although these leading ladies are not the only ones who have made an impact in the music industry, they are a representation of themselves and every other front-woman who bring their own kind of style and creativity to the scene. It may not seem like the easiest job working in a male-dominant industry, but these women show that it is possible if you stick true to yourself and let the world see your unique characteristics and ideas.

It doesn't mean that these bands wouldn't have been successful if their lead singers were male, but it does prove how female fronted bands are capable of just as much success, or even more.

Wanna read more on this? Check these out: Forgotten: Disney Classics Living in the Shadows (more); Paramore: 10 Years In The Making (more).