Today is International Women’s Day, a day where we celebrate
the achievements of women around the world and recognize their importance in
society. First observed in 1909, it was started as a way to promote and stand
in solidarity with women’s rights.
Whether you are wearing red in support of the occasion or
not, it is hard to ignore the significance of women in our culture,
particularly music. While at times it might seem like a “man’s game,” there
have been countless female musicians who have paved the way for others to be
taken seriously in the field.
Because women are such a vital part of music and cultural
history, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, has chosen to highlight
seven of our favorite female musicians. These artists have had a strong impact
on the industry and have proven to be outstanding musical role models for
generations of women to come.
1.
Carole
King: One of the top songwriters of our time, King has written some of the
most well-known songs in our musical lexicon. Starting her career writing music
for other artists, she amassed many hits early in her career through artists
like Little Eva, The Monkees, Tony Orlando, Bobby Vee, Aretha Franklyn, James
Taylor, and The Shirelles. Her influence only skyrocketed after the release of
her solo album, ‘Tapestry,’ in 1971. The album led her to become the first female
singer/songwriter to win multiple Grammy awards in one night. In 2013,
President Obama awarded her with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for
Popular Song, making her the first female artist to receive the honor.
2.
Joan
Jett: With two successful punk bands under her belt, Joan Jett proves that
girls can rock just as hard as boys. Her gritty vocals and no-nonsense attitude
have made her a house-hold name, slamming through hits like The Runaways’ “Cherry
Bomb” and The Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and “Bad Reputation”
with unparalleled power.
3.
Patti
Smith: Ever since the release of her debut album, ‘Horses,’ Patti Smith became
a legend in the punk rock community. Dubbed the “punk poet laureate,” her
mixture of poetry, art and music provided the groundwork for much of the CBGB
scene of the 1970s. Her music has inspired other immensely influential artists
too, such as R.E.M., Courtney Love, Shirley Manson, U2 and even Madonna.
4.
Patsy
Cline: When it comes to country-pop crossover artists, Patsy Cline paved
the way. Her single “Walkin’ After Midnight” gained her a notable following
outside of country music. She became an advocate for women starting out in the
music industry, giving her blessing to stars like Loretta Lynn and Brenda Lee.
Her work and spirit led her to become the first female solo artist to be
inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
5.
Madonna:
As pop artists go, no one has been more prolific than Madonna. She has had hits
in every decade since her career began in the early 1980s, challenging cultural
norms and giving a voice to the voiceless every step of the way. Her influence
can be seen in just about every one of today’s pop diva’s stage shows,
including those of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Britney Spears, just to name a
few.
6.
Janis
Joplin: Before there were rocking women like Joan Jett or Patti Smith to
lead the punk rock charge, there was Janis Joplin. A fashion and musical icon
for the counterculture, she was a big presence at Monterey Pop Fest and
Woodstock, winning over crowds with her stage presence. As lead singer of The
Holding Company, she gave the band their biggest hit with “Piece of My Heart,”
success they would never find again after her departure. Solo, she racked up
even more hits until her untimely death in 1970, leading her to posthumously be
named one of the greatest artists of all time.
7.
Nina
Simone: Simone paved the way for black, female artists in the music
industry. Her pioneering fusion of jazz, blues and classical styles gave
audiences something they had never heard before, while her no-holds-barred
lyrical content gave a voice to the looming civil rights conflicts of the 1960s.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remember the
contributions women have had on our society and culture throughout time. Even
in the small realm of music, there are so many ladies who have taken it upon
themselves to pave the way for other women to follow in their footsteps and
find success. While there is still work to be done in terms of equality, these
artists have provided a good place to start.
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Find music from these groundbreaking female artists and more
at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have
thousands of titles to choose from in store, as well as online at vinylbay777.com.
Our wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia is
beyond comparison, spanning many genres and decades. With more titles being
added all the time, it’s always a great time to stop by and see what’s new.
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