All Songs Considered cover image

All Songs Considered

'How Women Made Music'

Oct 1, 2024
Ann Powers, a notable music critic at NPR Music, joins contributor Marissa Lorusso to explore the groundbreaking contributions of women in music over the past 50 years. They dive into the legacies of trailblazers like Joni Mitchell and Aretha Franklin, while also highlighting the influence of trans and non-binary artists. The discussion covers themes of empowerment in songs like 'Transgender Dysphoria Blues' and addresses the ongoing challenges of sexism in the industry. A must-listen for anyone passionate about music's diverse tapestry!
42:42

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast highlights the historical marginalization of women in music, urging listeners to reconsider the influence of women in shaping popular music.
  • It discusses the evolving landscape of gender in music, emphasizing inclusivity for transgender and non-binary artists like Laura Jane Grace.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Women's Representation in Music

The overarching theme of the discussion is the historical marginalization of women in the music industry. The hosts explore the question of how the canon of popular music would change if women's contributions were placed at the forefront. This idea is framed as a project that aims to bring forgotten artists into the spotlight and highlight the significant influence of women on various genres, particularly rock and roll. A pivotal example given is Big Mama Thornton, who originally recorded 'Hound Dog' in 1952, underscoring how history often overlooks women pioneers in favor of their male counterparts.

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