Throughout the centuries women have been so many things and have meant so much to men in a variety of ways. Some look to them as mothers and protectors who provide care and shelter to us in our most vulnerable moments. Others would look to them as queens, goddesses and unattainable figures of beauty. While still others would view them with revulsion as seducers or the ultimate downfall of man-something to be curtailed and controlled rather than unleashed. But whatever we may think of women and whatever the stereotype may dictate, nothing quite inspires us men like women do.

And these women are living examples of that fact. I'm quite sure that with the power of their voices they can send men either to heaven or the grave if they so wished it. The following are some of the most influential female vocalists of all time. Some of them may be gone but their body of work stands forever:

- Janis Joplin: Back in her day, there was no bigger symbol of female rebellion than Janis Joplin. A professed ugly kid back when she was younger, her raspy voice would be the medium that would send some of the most liberating lyrics of her age to immortality. Unfortunately she passed away in 1970 at the age of 27: the same as Jim Morrison of The Doors, Kurt Cobain and several other great musicians.