In this enlightening discussion, actress Tracee Ellis Ross shares her journey navigating fame as Diana Ross's daughter, balancing legacy with personal identity. Shirley Jones reflects on her evolution from background singer to stardom, while Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker highlight the significance of the Riot Grrrl movement in amplifying women's voices in punk music. Music executive Monica Lynch shares stories about the challenges women faced in hip-hop's early days, shedding light on their vital, yet often overlooked, contributions to the industry.
Tracee Ellis Ross emphasizes the need to openly discuss women's experiences, transforming personal challenges into empowering conversations and comedy material.
Shirley Jones highlights Diana Ross's impact as a mentor, encouraging female artists to step into their own voices and excel in their craft.
The podcast reflects on women's often-overlooked contributions to music history, celebrating female figures who have shaped the industry and inspired future generations.
Deep dives
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Introduction to Historical Records Podcast
A new family-friendly podcast called Historical Records aims to teach kids about history through engaging storytelling and hip-hop elements. The host, nimini, introduces inspiring historical figures in a way that makes learning fun and accessible for younger audiences. The first episode covers Claudette Colvin, a remarkable young girl who challenged segregation laws nine months before Rosa Parks. This creative approach encourages families to engage with history together, making it relatable and exciting.
Celebrating Women's Contributions to Music
The episode honors Women's History Month by reflecting on women's often-overlooked roles in music history. The speaker shares personal stories from childhood, such as being surprised to see female artists prominently featured on album covers, which sparked early questions about women's presence in music. The discussion acknowledges significant female figures who have shaped the music industry, highlighting their contributions as musicians and entertainers. This exploration of women's impact serves as a reminder to recognize and celebrate their achievements in the arts.
Tracey Ellis Ross on Stand-Up Comedy
Tracey Ellis Ross expresses her desire to turn personal challenges, including physical changes in women, into stand-up comedy material. She discusses her experiences on the show Blackish, particularly how it covered postpartum issues. Ross emphasizes the importance of discussing these topics openly rather than keeping them taboo, encouraging the conversation around women's experiences and how they shift over time. She believes that addressing these issues can not only empower women but also demystify them for men.
Shirley Jones and Diana Ross
Shirley Jones, of the Jones Girls, discusses her experiences working with Diana Ross and the significant impact she had on their careers. Ross recognized their talent and encouraged them to step out from behind her and find their own voice as artists. Jones shares memories of Ross being a demanding but supportive figure, pushing her and her sisters to excel in their craft. The conversation brings to light the challenges faced by female artists in the industry and how Ross helped pave the way for them.
Diana Ross's Influence on Background Singers
Jones elaborates on Ross's role as a perfectionist and how it shaped the performance standards of her background singers, including herself and her sisters. The rigorous rehearsal schedules set by Ross ensured that they were always on top of their game, contributing to the overall quality of her performances. Additionally, their early association with Ross helped the Jones Girls transition into their careers as lead artists. This leadership style exemplifies how strong female figures in music can inspire and uplift other female artists.
This year's Questlove Supreme salute to Women's History Month closes with Part 3. This compilation includes potent segments from the incomparable Tracee Ellis Ross, Corrin Tucker, and Carrie Brownstein from the band Sleater-Kinney, Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls, and music executive (and all-around great storyteller) Monica Lynch. Please enjoy.
