The Female Rock Band David Bowie Called the Most Important
Rock music in the late 1960s and early 1970s was overwhelmingly dominated by men. Women were often pushed toward roles as singers, backing vocalists, or novelty acts rather than fully recognized musicians. Breaking through those expectations required more than talent. It required persistence, confidence, and a willingness to challenge the assumptions that shaped the industry at the time.
One group that managed to do exactly that was Fanny. Formed at the dawn of the 1970s, the band stood out for a simple reason: they did everything themselves. They wrote their own songs, played their own instruments, and performed with the same force and attitude that defined the era’s leading rock bands.
Their accomplishments were remarkable, yet their name rarely appears in mainstream discussions of rock history. Still, the band left a strong impression on those who were paying attention. Among their admirers was David Bowie, who later described Fanny as one of the most important female bands in American rock.
From The Svelts to Fanny
The story of Fanny began with sisters Jean and June Millington, who were born in the Philippines and later moved with their family to California in 1961. The move was a major cultural shift for the young musicians, and music quickly became a way for them to adapt and find their place. By their teenage years, they had already begun performing together.
While attending school, the sisters formed an all-female group called The Svelts. The band played regularly and gradually developed its sound while navigating an industry that was not always welcoming to female rock musicians. Later, the group evolved into a band called Wild Honey as they continued refining their style and lineup.
Their big break arrived when producer Richard Perry signed them to Reprise Records. With the addition of drummer Alice de Buhr and keyboardist Nickey Barclay, the group adopted the name Fanny. According to June Millington, the name was chosen as a symbol of femininity rather than anything provocative, representing what she described as a spirit watching over the band.
David Bowie’s Powerful Praise
Fanny released their self-titled debut album in 1970, making history as one of the first all-female rock bands to record for a major label. The record attracted attention from major figures in the rock world, including members of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. Even within that crowded landscape, the band’s musicianship stood out.
Decades later, David Bowie openly praised the group in a 1999 interview with Rolling Stone. Reflecting on their impact, Bowie described Fanny as one of the most important female bands in American rock. He also noted how easily their contributions had been overlooked by the broader music community.
Bowie went even further in his assessment. He called them one of the finest rock bands of their time and expressed frustration that their legacy had largely faded from public conversation. His message was simple: Fanny deserved to be rediscovered and appreciated for what they achieved.
A Legacy That Outlived Their Fame
Despite their skill and ambition, Fanny often faced dismissive attitudes from critics. Some reviews focused less on their music and more on the novelty of women playing rock instruments. Even serious coverage occasionally carried a patronizing tone, something the band had to confront throughout their career.
Members of the group later spoke about the pressure they felt to prove themselves. Early in their live performances, they deliberately avoided glamorous stage images, partly out of concern that they would not be taken seriously as musicians. The focus remained on their playing rather than presentation.
Fanny released a total of five albums before disbanding in 1975 after several lineup changes. While mainstream success remained limited, their influence quietly continued to grow. Later bands such as The Runaways and The Go-Go’s drew inspiration from their example, and today Fanny is increasingly recognized as a pioneering force that helped open the door for women in rock music.
