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Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > 'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day podcast, Ann Powers explores how women have long been marginalized and overlooked in popular music despite their central role in shaping the industry. She discusses her book "How Women Made Music," which aims to reassess women's significant impact and innovative contributions by unearthing archival interviews that reveal their fight for recognition.

Powers highlights how influential women artists have challenged societal norms through their music, from Loretta Lynn candidly discussing birth control to contemporary artists like Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe uplifting marginalized identities. With women now dominating the pop music landscape, the book provides crucial context for understanding the obstacles they overcame to reach this point.

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'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 23, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day

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'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

1-Page Summary

Women's Marginalization and Reassessment in Pop Music

Ann Powers discusses how women artists were long overlooked and trivialized, despite shaping pop music. The "Turning the Tables" project at NPR Music, and book "How Women Made Music," aimed to reassess women's central role by unearthing archival interviews showing these artists advocating for recognition, even as they were sidelined.

Women's Innovations in Pop Music

Powers highlights women's impact by seizing production means — becoming skilled instrumentalists, producers, and songwriters. Saint Vincent represents a new "guitar hero" model challenging masculine archetypes. Meg White of The White Stripes, often unfairly criticized, is recognized for subverting rock drumming norms.

Influential Women Musicians' Societal Impact

Loretta Lynn's 1975 song "The Pill" subversively centered women's experiences, discussing birth control openly. Powers notes contemporary artists like Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe continue challenging gender norms and uplifting marginalized identities.

Women's Current Prominence in Pop

Women dominate charts, tours, and Grammy nominations — a shift Powers attributes to hard-won struggles and innovations by past women musicians. The book provides crucial context for understanding the significance of this contemporary moment given the longstanding fight for recognition and equity.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While women have made significant strides in pop music, it's important to recognize that the industry still has gender disparities, particularly in executive and technical roles.
  • The idea that women are now dominating charts and awards could be nuanced by acknowledging that certain genres and industry spaces remain male-dominated.
  • The impact of women in music is not solely due to their own struggles and innovations but also due to broader societal changes and the efforts of allies and activists in the industry.
  • The narrative of women seizing production means could be expanded to include the role of technology and digital platforms in democratizing music production and distribution, which has benefited artists of all genders.
  • The celebration of figures like Saint Vincent and Meg White, while important, might overshadow other women and non-binary individuals who have also contributed to challenging gender norms in music but have not received the same level of recognition.
  • The focus on pop music might inadvertently minimize the contributions of women in other genres where they have been influential and faced different challenges.
  • The assertion that women's current prominence in pop music is a direct result of past struggles could be complemented by acknowledging the cyclical nature of music trends and the influence of market forces.
  • The discussion of artists like Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe challenging gender norms is valuable, but it's also important to recognize that they stand on the shoulders of many who came before them, and that the industry still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity and representation.
  • The claim that archival interviews unearthed for the book "How Women Made Music" show women advocating for recognition might be balanced by noting that there are still many untold stories and that historical documentation often reflects the biases of those who recorded it.
  • The focus on individual artists' achievements could be counterbalanced by a discussion of the structural barriers that continue to exist for women in the music industry, suggesting that individual success stories do not necessarily indicate a level playing field.

Actionables

  • Create a playlist featuring only women artists to appreciate their contributions to music and understand their impact on the industry. Start by selecting songs from different eras, focusing on those that highlight women's experiences or showcase innovative musical techniques. Share this playlist with friends and encourage discussions about the artists' influences and the messages in their songs.
  • Write a blog post or social media thread about a lesser-known woman musician who has influenced the music scene. Research her background, the obstacles she faced, and her musical achievements. Use this as an opportunity to educate others and amplify the stories of women who may not have received widespread recognition.
  • Host a listening party with friends where you play albums produced by women, discussing the production choices and lyrical content. Choose a diverse range of genres and time periods to illustrate the evolution of women's roles in music. Use this as a chance to learn from each other and deepen your appreciation for the craft and innovation women bring to music production.

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'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

The historical marginalization and reassessment of women's contributions to popular music

Ann Powers discusses the long-standing trend of overlooking and trivializing women artists in the pop music canon, despite their pivotal roles in shaping the genre.

Women artists in the pop music canon have long been overlooked or trivialized, despite their foundational contributions to the genre.

Big Mama Thornton, Cher, and Mary J. Blige are examples of influential women musicians who were marginalized or forgotten in the past, but are now being belatedly recognized for their impact.

Powers points out that influential women in music, including Big Mama Thornton, Cher, and Mary J. Blige, have been marginalized, trivialized, or even forgotten. She emphasizes the significant impact of these women, particularly noting how Big Mama Thornton's original rendition of "Hound Dog" laid the groundwork for what would ultimately become rock and roll.

The project involved unearthing archival interviews that showed women musicians consistently advocating for equity and recognition, even as they were being sidelined.

The "Turning the Tables" project at NPR Music was a multi-platform, years-long series that reexamined the history of popular music from a perspective that only considered women. This allowed for a rediscovery and reassessment of key female figures in music who were previously excluded from ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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The historical marginalization and reassessment of women's contributions to popular music

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Create a playlist featuring underrecognized women artists to broaden your musical horizons and support their work. Start by researching female musicians from various eras, focusing on those who may not have received widespread recognition. Look for articles, music forums, and smaller music blogs that highlight these artists. Once you've compiled a list, use music streaming services to create a playlist that showcases their talent. Share this playlist with friends and on social media to spread awareness and appreciation.
  • Write a blog post or social media thread about a lesser-known woman in music history to educate others. Choose an artist who intrigues you, and do some digging into her background, achievements, and influence on the music industry. Use online archives, music history websites, and library resources to gather information. Then, craft a narrative that highlights her contributions and the challenges she faced. Sharing this content online can contribute to a more balanced understanding of music history among your peers.
  • Host ...

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'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

The ways in which women have innovated and revolutionized popular music

Ann Powers delves into the significant impact that women have had in evolving the landscape of popular music through various avenues of expertise and influence.

Ann Powers underscores the importance of women taking the reins in all facets of music production, whether it's playing instruments, handling production, or crafting lyrics and beats in rap music. This acquisition of skills has been a driving force behind the progress in popular music.

Saint Vincent, as a virtuosic and unconventional guitarist, represents a new model of the "guitar hero" that challenges traditional masculine archetypes.

Annie Clark, popularly known as Saint Vincent, exemplifies this shift by bringing a revolutionary approach to guitar playing in contemporary music. With her virtuosic and unconventional style, she introduces a new archetype of the "guitar hero,” one that defies the traditional masculine stereotypes often associated with the role.

As women increase their visibility and sway within the music scene, the ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
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The ways in which women have innovated and revolutionized popular music

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can support female musicians by creating a playlist featuring women artists who play instruments, produce, and write their own music. By sharing this playlist on social media, you not only enjoy the music but also increase the visibility of these artists. For example, include tracks from emerging female guitarists or producers you discover on music platforms.
  • Start a blog or vlog series highlighting the stories of women in music who defy traditional roles. Use this platform to discuss their contributions and the impact they've had on the industry. You could feature a different artist each week, focusing on their unique style and how they've influenced music.
  • Encourage local music venues to host nights dedicat ...

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Get access to the context and additional materials

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'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

Specific case studies of influential women musicians

The case studies of influential women in music illustrate how artists have used their platforms to address societal issues and empower marginalized identities.

Loretta Lynn's song "The Pill" in 1975 was a subversive and pioneering work that centered women's stories and experiences.

Loretta Lynn's 1975 song "The Pill" stands as a subversive and pioneering work that brought women's experiences, particularly regarding birth control and reproductive choice, to the forefront of country music. The discussion touches upon the impact of "The Pill," highlighting its role in openly discussing topics that were considered taboo during that era. Powers recounts how Lynn would surprise people by recording such songs and not shied from discussing birth control publicly, asking women at radio stations if they were using "the pill," which reflected her direct approach to a subject that was, at the time, rarely addressed so openly in popular music.

The book highlights how contemporary artists like Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe are continuing the tradition of using music to challenge gender norms and celebrate marginalized identities.

Further expanding on the legacy of women like Loretta Lynn, th ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Specific case studies of influential women musicians

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Loretta Lynn's "The Pill" was groundbreaking, it is important to recognize that not all listeners or critics at the time may have perceived it as empowering; some may have viewed it as controversial or inconsistent with their values.
  • The assertion that "The Pill" openly discussed taboo topics in country music could be nuanced by acknowledging that other artists may have also addressed such topics, though perhaps less directly or famously.
  • The impact of Lynn's approach to discussing birth control might be contextualized by considering the broader social and political movements of the time, which were also pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
  • The claim that contemporary artists like Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe are continuing the tradition set by artists like Loretta Lynn could be seen as an oversimplification, as each artist operates within a different genre, cultural context, and with unique personal experiences that shape their work.
  • The idea that these modern artists are building upon the legacy of women musicians might be expanded to include the influence of a wider array of predecessors, including male and non-binary artists who have also contributed to challenging gender norms and advocating for marginalize ...

Actionables

  • Create a playlist that celebrates music with a message, focusing on songs that address social issues or personal empowerment. By curating a playlist, you can immerse yourself in the tradition of artists who use their platform for advocacy. Include tracks from various genres and eras that touch on topics like equality, freedom, and self-expression, and share your playlist with friends to spark conversations about the issues represented in the songs.
  • Write a personal reflection or blog post about how a particular song or artist has influenced your views on a social issue. Reflecting on music's impact on your life can help you understand the power of art in shaping perspectives. Choose a song that has challenged your thinking or opened your eyes to a new viewpoint, describe your initial thoughts, and detail the journey of how the song changed your understanding.
  • Support emerging artists who use their musi ...

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The Woman in Me
Britney Spears

Since her first hit song, Britney Spears has been a pop music icon. She’s won MTV Awards and a Grammy, millions of fans have attended her concerts, and she’s become one of the all-time best-selling musicians. However, behind the scenes, Spears has lived a life of turmoil, emotional trauma, and never-ending scrutiny in the public eye. When she bent under the strain of that pressure, Spears’s father took control of her life while exploiting her for financial gain.

The Woman in Me is Spears’s memoir of her career and private life, from the joy she’s found to the trauma she’s endured. In this guide, we’ll follow the story of Spears’s life from her small-town childhood to her struggles with stardom and the 13-year conservatorship that severely restricted her freedom. We’ll also explore the media’s portrayal of Spears throughout her career, the music industry’s treatment of women, and expert views on family dysfunction.

Why Does He Do That?
Lundy Bancroft

Lundy Bancroft’s Why Does He Do That? is a guide to how abusive men think, explaining the motivation and logic behind domestic abuse so that victims can better defend themselves against it. Bancroft draws on his years of experience as a counselor working with abusive men to shed light on how they deliberately confuse, manipulate, and intimidate their victims to get what they want. Ultimately, Bancroft hopes that readers will use his book to better assert their own humanity and independence, either leaving the relationship or demanding that their partner take responsibility for and change his abusive behavior.

This guide will break down Bancroft’s insights into the motivations and justifications behind abusive behavior and supplement them with the work of other abuse advocates writing since the book’s publication in 2002. We’ll also provide updated statistics and compare domestic abuse to other forms of violence.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
'How Women Made Music' reexamines the history of music with women at its center

The contemporary prominence of women in popular music and how it reflects the book's themes

The current landscape of popular music showcases a remarkable dominance of women artists, marking an inspiring shift in an industry that was once male-dominated.

The current dominance of women artists in the mainstream music industry, from chart-topping tours to Grammy nominations, represents a significant shift.

Women artists are consistently atop music charts, headlining major tours, and earning a plethora of Grammy nominations. This trend signals a significant departure from previous eras where the music industry favored their male counterparts.

However, the book emphasizes that this prominence has been hard-won, built on the struggles and innovations of women musicians throughout history.

The book delves into the journey of these artists, revealing that their current success is not a sudden phenomenon but rather the culmination of persistent efforts made by countless women over time. Their innovations in music and tireless dedication have paved the way for the current generation of female musicians to thrive in an industry that once presented many hurdles to their recognition.

The book aims to ensure that this contemporary moment of women's success in pop music is understood in the context of the longstanding fight for recognition and equity.

This significant moment is not simply a trend, but rather a milestone in a protracted battle for equality and respect w ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The contemporary prominence of women in popular music and how it reflects the book's themes

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While women have made significant strides in the music industry, it's important to recognize that the industry still has issues with gender parity, especially in behind-the-scenes roles such as production and management.
  • The dominance of women in certain genres of popular music does not necessarily reflect a universal shift across all genres, with some remaining more male-dominated.
  • The commercial success of women in music might not always equate to systemic change within the industry's power structures, which can still be resistant to change.
  • The focus on mainstream success might overshadow the contributions of independent and underground female artists who may not receive the same level of recognition or commercial success but are equally important to the industry's diversity.
  • The narrative of progress could potentially overlook the experiences of women who still face significant barriers to success in the music industry, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women from various socioeconom ...

Actionables

  • Create a playlist featuring only women artists to appreciate their music and understand their impact. By curating a playlist, you immerse yourself in the sounds and stories of women musicians, which can be a personal tribute to their journey and a way to familiarize yourself with the nuances of their contributions to music. For example, include tracks from different eras, genres, and backgrounds to get a comprehensive sense of their evolution in the industry.
  • Write a blog post or social media thread about a woman artist who inspires you, detailing her influence on your taste or understanding of music. This activity not only helps you articulate your thoughts on the artist's impact but also spreads awareness and appreciation for her work. You could focus on how her music has evolved, the barriers she may have faced, and how her story fits into the broader narrative of women's progress in music.
  • Host a ...

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