Taylor Momsen is a fascinating pop cultural figure. Though her career is unique, it feels as though it could have happened in any decade. Is she the new David Cassidy or a more rock ‘n’ roll Osmond type? She’d probably hate the comparison—and they might too, considering her often provocative outfits—but it seems a natural comparison.

Momsen, 23, has been in the spotlight since age 7 when, as a child actress, she starred in the film Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. She also had a song on the movie’s soundtrack, which she recorded when she was 5 years old.

From there it was a number of mishmash motion pictures before she struck it big on CW teen drama Gossip Girl in 2007 and became a fixture of the entertainment landscape.

All this leads up to the 2009 formation of her pop-grunge-hard-rock-still-pop band The Pretty Reckless. Momsen has cited everyone from The Beatles to Nirvana as influences, but Joan Jett is the most accurate comparison.

The band, currently on its third lineup, is extremely successful, at one point having two consecutive No. 1 hits on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Songs chart.

On second thought, perhaps it is a career only Taylor Momsen could have.

House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. Oct. 23, starting at $24.50 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster