Let Us Sing: Who Are the Great Rock Vocalists? (Part 6: Pioneer Women)
I know, I know, I know. I heard from my wife, I heard from my daughter. I have only highlighted male vocalists in this series. But never fear, dear reader, the ladies’ time has come, and we start with the pioneers.
These three were there at the beginning of this thing called Christian rock. When most bands were sending out “dudes,” these women were not so quietly making a statement. From the classic rock leanings of Rez to the technical edge of Barnabas and the new wave tinged rock of Servant, these three supremely talented singers helped define what female voices could sound like in this space. Without Wendy, Nancy Jo, and Sandie, the path for later artists would look very different.
Wendy Kaiser
Similar to: Grace Slick, Janis Joplin
Overview:
Standing alongside the mighty Glenn Kaiser, Wendy was the co-lead singer of Resurrection Band (Rez). Her powerful and crisp delivery was the perfect counter to Glenn’s raspy roar. Coming out of the Chicago street music scene, Wendy brought a gritty vocal presence and a hard rock attitude that helped Rez stand out in the saturated rock world of the late 70s and early 80s. She also had a strong spoken-word presence in live settings, where her “raps” delivered the message with directness and conviction.
Defining Song: Awaiting Your Reply (Awaiting Your Reply)
Best Album: Colours
Hidden Gem: Somebody to Love (XX Years Live)
Nancy Jo Mann
Similar to: Leather Leone, Joan Jett, Lita Ford
Overview:
Barnabas was a band that shifted gears throughout their ministry, moving from straight ahead hard rock into a strong progressive phase before returning to a heavier hard rock sound in the mid-80s. Through it all was Nancy Jo Mann. Her alto delivery is strong, clear, and full of energy, with a natural grit that cuts through even their heaviest arrangements. She can move from the tender phrasing of “Breathless Wonderment” to the near thrash intensity of “Little Foxes” without losing control or clarity. Her vocal style gives Barnabas a unique emotional edge that balances melody with force.
Defining Song: Breathless Wonderment (Feel the Fire)
Hidden Gem: All Alone (Approaching Light Speed)
Best Album: Feel the Fire
Sandie Brock
Similar to: Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson, Grace Slick
Overview:
Servant was another pioneering force in Christian rock, blending melodic hard rock, AOR polish, and subtle new wave influences. Their music leaned into layered keyboards, strong melodic hooks, and at times theatrical arrangements, with vocal duties often shared across members. Within that framework, Sandie Brock provided a consistent melodic center. Her voice is clean, controlled, and distinctly midrange focused, carrying the clarity of Benatar or Wilson without relying on extended upper register work. Her strength lies in precision and phrasing rather than power, and she tends to integrate into the arrangement, shaping the melody with subtle dynamics instead of dominating the mix.
Defining Song: Shallow Water (Shallow Water)
Hidden Gem: Born in the Fire (Light Maneuvers)
Best Album: Light Maneuvers
Let Us Sing: Who Are The Great Rock Vocalists? (Part 5: They are Canadian, Right?)
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