Music Biographies (Female Edition) Quiz

Answer: Ann and Nancy Wilson

One of the preeminent rock bands of the 1970s was Heart from Seattle, Washington. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson had their life and rock-and-roll journey put to page in 2013 with their autobiography. The band is known for hits like "Magic Man", "Barracuda", and "These Dreams". The book was co-authored by Charles R. Cross.

Answer: Karen Carpenter

The full biography title is "Little Girl Blue: The Story Of Karen Carpenter". One of the purest voices in music history, Karen Carpenter passed away at 32 years. Randy L. Schmidt wrote the biography that showcased Karen's rise to fame with The Carpenters, her struggles with anorexia, her relationship with her brother Richard, and her private struggles and successes.

Answer: Britney Spears

"The Woman In Me" was released in the fall of 2023 and told the life story of Britney Spears in a no-holds-barred autobiography. Britney was a pop star known for hits like "Baby One More Time" and "Toxic". The book was number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. Stories of growing up a Disney star, a famous relationship with Justin Timberlake, and her emancipation from her father were all highlights in the book.

Answer: Sheila E

Sheila Escovedo grew up as the daughter of percussionist Pete Escovedo and the goddaughter of Tito Puente. Nicknamed Sheila E by Prince, she released her debut single "The Glamorous Life" in 1984. The biography tells her story of growing up in a Latin family, her twenty years playing with Prince, and how the power of music can change your life.

Answer: Linda Ronstadt

There was probably no bigger female rock star than Linda Ronstadt in the 1970s. Her original back up band included members of The Eagles, her hits dominated the charts, and she even dated California's governor. The 2013 autobiography showcased her incredible life story and the background behind some of her biggest hit songs.

Answer: Patti Labelle

With a powerful five octave range, Patti Labelle has one of the strongest and most unforgettable voices in R&B history. In 1996, Patti told her life story in "Don't Block The Blessings". Labelle grew up singing in the church and was a member of a 1960s girl group, The Blue Belles. Her career took off in the 1970s with hits like "Lady Marmalade" and she was still touring in the 2020s.

Answer: Kim Gordon

Want to read about the alternative music scene of the 1980s and 1990s from a female point of view? "Girl In A Band: A Memoir" told Kim Gordon's story of growing up in California and becoming a founding member of the influential band Sonic Youth, including her marriage to bandmate Thurston Moore. Kim told stories of the New York music and art scene along with how motherhood matched up with being a rock star.

Answer: Rosanne Cash

Rosanne Cash was the daughter of Johnny Cash and the stepdaughter of June Carter Cash. She wanted to build her own country music career outside of his shadow. In 2010, Rosanne wrote her autobiography. In the book, stories of her troubled relationship with her father before his death and her rise to fame in Nashville were highlights.

Answer: Pat Benatar

The second video played on MTV was by Pat Benatar. In 2010 she wrote her autobiography. Complete with raw New York city boldness, Pat told the story of her longtime marriage to guitarist Neil Geraldo, battling sexism in the music industry, and her rise to fame in the 1980s.

Answer: Tina Turner

Tina Turner has released a couple of biographies including "I, Tina". In "My Love Story", written in 2018, Tina updated her story, including her finding love later in life and her successful kidney transplant. Ms. Turner is best known for songs like "What's Love Got To Do With It", "The Best", and "Proud Mary".