They were called "Fanny," an all-female group who were contemporaries of some of the biggest rock stars of the 60s and 70s. Some called them the "female Beatles," and they had fans ranging from David Bowie to the Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian.

So why have you never heard of them? That's just part of the story told in a documentary to be seen on May 22 over PBS (or other times depending on your local station - you never know when WNED might air it.) The doc, called "Fanny: The Right To Rock," tells their story, along with interviews from the B52s, the Go-Gos, Bonnie Raitt, Todd Rundgren and more. 

If the title sounds even a little familiar, it's because some here have already seen it. The film won an award at the Hot Docs Festival in Toronto, as well as other places where it's been shown. 

The linked article features a clip from the show which will give you some idea of how impressive this otherwise obscure group really was. Why they were never bigger has been blamed on misogyny and sexism, both of which were in abundant supply in the late 60s. But one listen to just how good they were makes you wonder how they weren't able to overcome it. 

I wish they'd had better opportunities, but it's nice to be able to discover them in a more modern era. I'll definitely set my DVR for this one. 

PBS Sets May Airdate For Documentary On Fanny, Criminally Overlooked Rock Band Beloved By Bowie, Bonnie Raitt