An Ode to Passionate Women

 
collage by Yinne Smith

collage by Yinne Smith

In light of the beloved Phoebe Bridgers being the “first person in history to smash a guitar” (see this article by Joseph Earp), I believe it’s time for us to reflect on the women and other people marginalized by their gender, who have changed the music industry for the better and have been overlooked for their work. In the story of popular music, women and non-binary people are often pushed aside or seen as supporting roles to its history. It’s time we finally shine the spotlight on their efforts and successes. 

With summer on the horizon, every radio station I know has begun pulling out old bops by Adele, Lorde or Lizzo at the very first sign of good weather. Although Women’s History Month is sadly over, there’s never a bad time to celebrate the women who feed our ears with their art and make up the soundtracks of our lives.

The impact that the women and non-binary musicians have made on each of us individually is something that is entirely personal. I could easily be writing this article about the way that dancing around my room to Taylor Swift’s You Belong With Me (oblivious to how it is no doubt laced with internalized misogyny) has shaped me as a person, but I’m afraid that would offer nothing but self-gratification.

Instead, let’s talk about their impact on music as we know it today. So, let’s start with . . .

The 50s

The birth of rock ‘n’ roll and the age of doo-wop. The 1950s featured many different types of music, all of which were completely revolutionized by women. Only a mere 70 years ago, the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Brenda Lee and Billie Holiday were thriving at the top of the charts. Known as “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald has left her legacy in the form of 13 Grammys and giving women a chance at having their talents recognized. 

The 60s

Stop in the Name of Love by The Supremes, River Deep Mountain High by Tina Turner,  Magic in the Air by Cher — these are only a few examples of the female-led tracks that defined the 60s. If you ever wondered where Beyoncé got her flair for performing, take a look at the one and only Tina Turner. Another artist from this decade worth mentioning (considering she won up to 15 Grammys) is Aretha Franklin, who used her platform to transform popular music forever. 

The 70s

The decade of funk, disco, soul, soft and hard rock, etc. — the 70s brought out many great artists to the music scene. Many of which we still know and love today. Without this decade, there wouldn’t be any radical teenagers on TikTok claiming that 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton is more effective than The Communist Manifesto itself. And although I still haven’t gotten around to reading Patti Smith’s memoir Just Kids (it’s been on my TBR for months), I’m sure that it’s been recommended on BookTok at least a few thousand times. Throughout these 10 years, the world was introduced to Joni Mitchell’s eclectic and experimental songs, Diana Ross’ signature hits, and Stevie Nicks’ cleverly-written pop rock ballads and mesmerizing performances that ultimately helped shape a place for women in rock and roll. 

The 80s

As the spotlight on talented women grows brighter and larger with time, it becomes harder for me to pick apart the women who had the largest impact on music, so bear with me if (and when) I miss a few names. Since a good few of the viral songs on TikTok have come from this decade, it’s pretty safe to say that the impact of these artists is still relevant today. I’ve heard Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car played through the aux on numerous road trips, and I don’t think any of us will ever get Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper out of our heads. Do I even have to mention Kate Bush’s Babooshka?

The 90s

As pop culture took flight, the 90s was full of powerful and passionate women ruling the world. Alanis Morissette rose into the music scene as one of the most popular alternative rock artists to date, Shania Twain became the best-selling female country artist of all time, Madonna and Celine Dion became some of the top-selling artists of all time, and Whitney Houston broke the world record for consecutive number one singles. Other artists like Björk (whose music transcends any categorization or genre) and Fiona Apple (whose song Criminal from her album Tidal rose to the charts) made their debuts in the 90s. 

The 2000-2010s

From Beyoncé to Janelle Monáe, Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga, Florence + the Machine to Sam Smith, Amy Winehouse to Ariana Grande, there are countless strong women and non-binary people who are dominating every genre of music out there today. It is completely impossible to narrow down those influential figures to a few names, which only goes to show how much of an impact the artists who fought for the rights of people marginalized by their gender have truly had. 

 
Nina Zajacbatch 5