Powerhouse Singer Pat Benatar Continues to Define the '80s Like Few Peers Were Able

Along with Cyndi Lauper, the Go-Go's, the Bangles, and, of course, Madonna, rocker-turned-pop-star Pat Benatar helped her fellow major (and minor) female artists of the '80s stack up quite well next to their far more numerous male counterparts. In fact, there are few images more emblematic of the '80s than Benatar's close-cropped but distinctly feminine look, displayed proudly as she prowled around onstage.

We all know the decade's music has more than its share of detractors out there, but one thing that's plain to see is that the '80s typically produced far more dignified, talented and iconic female musical superstars than have the two impending decades since. I mean, seriously, would anybody even try with a straight face to compare the antics of, say, Gwen Stefani, Shakira or Jessica Simpson today to the peak-era achievements of Benatar, Madonna or Lauper? All I know is that if so, I sure wouldn't want to have to be on their side of the argument.

• Pat Benatar Profile
• Top 7 Pat Benatar Songs of the '80s
• Pat Benatar Fan Site