Chrissie Hynde

Rock Musician

Chrissie Hynde was at Kent State University in 1970 when the U.S. National Guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War. She moved to London and wrote record and band reviews for the New Musical Express and became involved in the growing punk rock scene. By the late 1970s she had formed her own band, and in 1980 The Pretenders released their first LP, which included the hit "Brass in Pocket." In 1982 two members of the band died, but Hynde continued with various lineups as The Pretenders throughout the '80s and '90s. One of the few female punk rockers who had mainstream success, Hynde is also a well-known animal rights activist.