She Rocks Awards in Anaheim will honor Suzi Quatro, Gloria Gaynor, Linda Perry and Lzzy Hale

By Keith Valcourt

Jan. 6, 2020 11:55 AM PT

Since 2013, the She Rocks Awards has been celebrating and empowering female innovators in the music business.

Past award winners have included the Bangles, Melissa Etheridge, B-52s, Macy Gray, Nita Strauss, Sheila E, Chaka Khan, Orianthi, Pat Benatar and Ronnie Spector.

“It all started as a breakfast event, an opportunity for the women in the industry to get to know one another,” said Laura Whitmore, the founder of the Women’s International Music Network, which hosts the event.

“I had been in the music industry for decades and didn’t know who the other women in the industry were. Someone suggested that I give out awards as well, and the She Rocks Awards were born.”

The annual event, which is open to the public, will be held on Jan. 17 at the House of Blues Anaheim during the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show.

This year’s award recipients include Gloria Gaynor, the “Queen of Disco” behind the 1970s mega hit “I Will Survive;” Suzi Quatro, the rock icon who has sold over 50 million records internationally; Lzzy Hale, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of hard rock band Halestrom; and Linda Perry, who first came to notice as the lead singer of 4 Non-Blondes but has now worked with everyone from Pink to Weezer to Christina Aguilera as a producer and songwriter.

“It means a great deal because so many great female artists have been given this award,” said Gaynor. “It comes from my peers who know how much of your life you have to put into it in order to be successful.”

When asked for advice they’d give younger women in the industry, Perry said: “If you ever find yourself questioning the intentions of your manager, label, band or what you are doing, then stop! That is your gut saying this is not right. Follow that instinct always.”

Gaynor emphasized that following one’s passion will lead to one’s purpose.

“Even though there are sacrifices, I am fulfilling my purpose,” she said. “I don’t think there is a better place to be in life than fulfilling your purpose.”

“I was born to do what I do,” Quatro said. “I didn’t really have a choice about the path I was going to follow. Music is in my heart and soul.”