4 Amazing Ways The Pretenders Lead Singer Influenced Modern Rock
The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde has always been synonymous with the band’s iconic sound and style. Aside from being front and centre, she was the heart of this legendary rock band.
This is why we at Jukebox Saturday Night are here to honour her work, just like other well-loved artists, from Mimi Roman in the country music scene to James Brown in the funk, soul space.
Today, let’s look back at Chrissie Hynde career highlights!
Feat #1: Chrissie Hynde’s vocal style redefined rock.
Hynde’s unique voice combined punk attitude with emotional depth.
The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde’s distinct delivery brought a blend of vulnerability and toughness, setting a new standard for other female rock singers.
While embodying the raw, rebellious energy typical of punk rock, her voice also communicated a profound sense of passion and feeling. This fusion of fierceness and sensitivity created a new style, especially for those who’ve previously been pigeonholed into overly sweet or withdrawn vocal roles.
Just like Kristy Marlana Wallace through her guitar skills, beloved rock vocalist Hynde broke away from the traditional feminine stereotypes in music, making space for diverse expressions in the genre.
Traditionally, female rock voices tended to fit within certain confines – either the ethereal, wispy tones that floated above the melody or the sweetness that lacked substance. Hynde, however, proved that women could possess a vocal presence that wielded both strength and a nuanced, emotional texture.
Through her career, it became clear that female rock musicians didn’t have to be synonymous with gentleness; it could also include grit and poignant expression.
Feat #2: Her songwriting blended punk and pop elements.
Compared to some of the forgotten 70s bands, The Pretenders lead singer Hynde’s ability to blend the raw energy of punk with the approachability of pop hooks broadened the appeal of rock music.
In some of the best songs by Hynde, like ‘Brass in pocket’, the driving punk rock tempo is balanced with melodic vocal lines that make the song catchy and memorable.
Similarly, ‘Back on the chain gang’ uses punk’s straightforward, powerful instrumentation but layers it with emotive lyrics and a memorable chorus.
This not only amplified her fan base as The Pretenders vocalist but also paved the way for other artists to look into similar music fusions. Hynde’s unique songwriting proved that punk could coexist with pop without losing its edge.
Feat #3: The singer allowed collaborations to expand her influence.
Hynde collaborated with diverse artists, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Similar to how Grace Jones combined pop, reggae and disco into her music, Hynde also displayed musical versatility across her discography. This is especially notable in her collaborations with artists from various genres.
She has notably recorded with Frank Sinatra on the song ‘Luck be a lady’, which showcased her ability to mesh seamlessly with different musical styles. Meanwhile, collaborating with UB40 brought a reggae influence into her repertoire, demonstrating her openness to trying other global sounds.
Feat #4: She has promoted social advocacy.
Hynde is a vegetarian and a known supporter of animal rights groups like Viva! and PETA. She has also released songs like ‘Love can build a bridge’ with Cher, Swedish performer Neneh Cherry and British artist Eric Clapton for the British charity, Comic Relief.
If you look around the web, you’ll also find that The Pretenders lead singer didn’t shy away from controversial topics. The song ‘My city was gone’ is a prime example, providing a poignant critique of the environmental degradation she witnessed in her hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Chrissie Hynde start her music career?
The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde’s music career began after she moved to London in 1973. Initially, Chrissie found work as a music journalist for NME (New Musical Express), one of the UK’s most influential music publications on topics like seventies jukebox and beyond.
This job immersed her in the vibrant London music scene, where she had music influences from various artists and industry insiders. This then transitioned from her becoming a writer to a performer, attempting to establish her first band, The Frenchies, and joining the group Jack Rabbit afterwards.
How has Chrissie Hynde’s fashion style influenced pop culture?
Chrissie Hynde’s fashion, bringing together a punk rock edge and an androgynous flair, has had an impact on pop culture since many fans followed in her footsteps. Her wardrobe staples, like leather jackets, skinny jeans and her iconic fringe haircut, became closely associated with the rebellious spirit of the punk movement.
What are some interesting facts about Chrissie Hynde’s career?
First, while she was beginning to take in her passion for music, she worked at the famous punk clothing store SEX, owned by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood.
Plus, Hynde is the only continuous member of The Pretenders since its formation. Throughout the numerous lineup changes and challenges that the band faced, she remained the steadfast force driving the group forward.
Lastly, The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde also wrote an autobiography entitled ‘Reckless: My Life as a Pretender’. This showed fans a candid view into her personal life, her career in music, and even the punk rock evolution.
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So if you want to know more about artists like The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde, join us as we turn back the clock and talk about your favourite songs and artists.
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