March is Women’s History Month to celebrate and acknowledge the women that have paved their way in American history.
This month, NBTA shines a light on female artists who have paved the way from the 1960s until Present day.
1960s
Nina Simone Born in North Carolina as Eunice Waymon, Nina Simone is a multi–genre singer, songwriter, pianist, and Civil Rights Activist. From songs like “My baby Just Care For Me, where she sings over a lighthearted upbeat sound, to slow building songs such as “Feeling Good”, and “I Put a Spell on You”, Simone has this raspy yet powerful voice and lyrics to match that will leave you intrigued and in chills. With experience singing Blues, Soul, Jazz, and R&B, the range felt endless with Nina Simone, making her truly one of the pioneering female voices of the 60s.
Janis Joplin: One of the most eclectic stage presences of her time, Janis Joplin’s voice is addicting to listen to. Her voice and range is left is “Piece of My Heart” will leave you feeling a sense of confidence and Energetic feeling in your soul that will make you. “Summertime” shows off Psychedelic sounds mixed with earthy, raspy tones. Joplin tells you a story with a voice that is so distinctive, the moment you hear one word, you know it’s Janis Joplin. Some say her influence in Rock music today still shows in this generation, especially with a voice as unique as Joplin’s.
1970s
Cher:
“The Queen of Reinvention” got her break when she and then husband, the late great Sonny Bono, sang “I Got Your Babe” to singing “Believe”, where she made everyone question if they believed in life after love. Her deep, sultry voice, words with confidence and independence, Cher paved the way to being a woman who doesn’t need a man. She’s “Strong enough to know you gotta go” and impacted Pop music forever.
Dolly Parton: One of the most unproblematic musicians of all time, an animal rights activist with a big heart, big hair, and a BIG personality. Dolly Parton is one of the most famous country artists of all time. Known She’s so famous, she even has her own Dollywood, where fans from around the world come to visit every year to see Parton's childhood home and theme park. Her discography is just as powerful. “Jolene” was a cultural reset for some and “I will always Love You” ended up being one of the most famous songs in the world, not only due to Dolly but thanks to the only and only…
1980s
Whitney Houston Before Lil Durk, Whitney Houston was called “The Voice.” 200 million records sold worldwide. Whitney was one of the most iconic and accomplished female artists of all time. Critics praised her voice, as it was unlike any other. Not only was she a phenomenal singer, but she also was known for her presence on the big screen, starring in movies such as "The Bodyguard", "Waiting to Exhale", and "Cinderella". Houston paved the way for Black Women to be played on radio stations.
Barbara Walters:
Known for her "personality journalism" and for asking divergent questions to her guests in interviews, the Journalist was popular among viewers and had her audience on the edge of their seats, Walters has interviewed public figures such as Katherine Hepburn, Caitlyn Jenner, Fidel Castro, Monica Lewinsky, Ricky Martin, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Michael Jackson to name a few. Walters created 'The View', a daytime talk show where she and four other women gathered around a round table and discussed pop culture, politics, and current events as well as conducted interviews with celebrities and public figures. Walters left "The View" in 2014, and retired officially in 2016. Walters passed away on December 30th 2022. She was 93.
1990s
Mariah Carey:
The Queen of R&B. She assisted with blending hip and R&B together, which no artists were doing at the time.
2000s
Rihanna “B**** Better Have My Money” was such a force to see live for the first time in years by Rihanna at the super bowl this year. The Fenty mogul and expecting mother joined the music industry in 2005, with her hit “Pon de Replay” and she’s gone up from then. With Pop hits like “Umbrella”, “Disturbia”, “Take a Bow”, to even bring an island vibe to “Rude Boy” and “Work”, to giving us ballads like “Take a Bow” and “Diamonds”. After Rihanna dropped ‘ANTI’ in 2016, she began to focus on building her brand, Fenty. Truly one of the most influential artists of this generation to this day and have affected us.
Beyonce:
One of the most awarded artists of all time. 7 studio albums, 83 singles, countless awards, the list goes on when it comes to Queen Bey. From “Lemonade” to her recent album, "Renaissance" last summer, Beyonce continues to demonstrate what it means to not only stay ahead of the curve, but to transform and evolve as an artist and have a long lasting career in the entertainment business. Beyonce will be traveling on tour for her Renaissance album later this summer.
2010s
Ava DuVernay
Issa Rae
Snoh Aalegra she is the similar Sade.
2020s-Present
The future is female.
Cleo Sol:
Mother,Soul singer, and (alleged) secret member of SAULT, Cleo Sol is on the rise. With hits like “Her Light”, “Sunshine”, “Know That You Are Loved” are just a few to name that show Sol’s range. She has a Motown/Blues inspired sound with a voice to match and timeless lyrics. Sol’s song “Know That You are Loved” talks about how despite struggling to love yourself, you can still be loved by others.
Yazmin Lacey:
Yazmin Lacey is versatile. She is able to create these soft nature melodies such as “Sea Glass”, where she shows off her light yet still enticing sounds, to the upbeat vibe and jazzy tones on “Pass it Back”. The way that Lacey is able to make music that can blend from jazz to R&B to soul in one album makes her one of the artists to watch in this generation.