10 Iconic Women Who Defined the 1960s

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

As First Lady of the United States, she brought elegance and sophistication to the White House, initiating a cultural revival in American arts and historic preservation.

Betty Friedan

Author of "The Feminine Mystique," Friedan was a leading figure in the women's rights movement, co-founding the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Janis Joplin 

A powerhouse in rock music, Joplin's raw and soulful voice made her an icon of the counterculture movement and a symbol of female empowerment in music.

Aretha Franklin

Known as the "Queen of Soul," Franklin's powerful voice and emotive performances made her an enduring figure in music and a symbol of the civil rights movement.

Twiggy

The British model, whose real name is Lesley Lawson, became the face of 1960s fashion with her androgynous look, pixie haircut, and iconic style.

Angela Davis

A political activist, scholar, and author, Davis emerged as a prominent figure in the Black Panther Party and the fight for civil rights and social justice.

Barbara Streisand

As a singer, actress, and filmmaker, Streisand's remarkable talent and versatility established her as one of the most influential entertainers of the decade.

Jane Fonda

An actress and activist, Fonda not only starred in significant films but also became a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, solidifying her status as a cultural and political icon.

Diana Ross

As the lead singer of The Supremes, Ross became a major figure in the Motown music scene, breaking racial barriers and influencing future generations of musicians.

Simone de Beauvoir

The French existentialist philosopher and writer continued to impact feminist thought with her influential works, including "The Second Sex."