In celebration of Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to recognise the talents and influence of women who have shaped the music industry. From soul to rock and roll to hip-hop, these musicians have redefined genres and paved the way for today’s musicians. Here are a few of my favourites, starting from the foundations of early soul in the 1960s.
Aretha Franklin
Labelled as the “Queen of Soul”, Aretha Franklin quickly became known as a vocal prodigy and a revolutionary in music. Her first million-selling album I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) marked the golden age of soul in the 1960s. Franklin’s involvement in music lasted for decades, with over 75 million records worldwide and 18 Grammy wins. She became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and was named the greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone. Her mix of both emotional ballads and rhythm & blues made her a major influence in both soul and R&B.
Stevie Nicks
Gaining worldwide success for her vocals in the 1970s rock band Fleetwood Mac and her solo career, Nicks shaped rock music with her songwriting and iconic stage presence. She helped write the band’s first number-one album Rumours (1977). The exploration of the personal relationships of the group and the unique mix of instruments and rhythms made it a timeless record. Her solo debut Bella Donna (1981) produced tracks like ‘Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ that defined her solo debut. Nicks has been recognised as an influence for pop artists such as Florence Welch and Taylor Swift.
Nina Simone
After taking a job at a bar in New Jersey that informed her the classically trained pianist would be required to sing alongside, Simone had no idea the legacy she would leave behind within both music and activism. Launching her career with the 1959 hit ‘I Love You, Porgy’, Simone became an iconic face in the New York City scene of the 60s. She later became well-known for ‘Mississippi Goddam’ (1964), a song addressing the civil rights movement. Named in the 2008 Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, Simone’s range of forty albums have been cited by artists such as Rufus Wainwright and Roberta Flack as an influence.
Ms Lauryn Hill
Hill’s solo debut of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) is often considered one of the most important releases in the history of neo-soul music and stands as a reminder of her impact on the music industry as a whole. Gaining popularity in the hip-hop group the Fugees, Lauryn Hill helped craft the 18 million record-selling and double Grammy-winning album The Score (1996). Her legacy of exploring women’s views on issues such as motherhood, faith, love, and self-worth and her popularity within hip-hop music has impacted recent artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna.
Björk
One of the most well-known electronic and experimental artists, Björk made a name as an extremely talented and creative musician. Her 1993 solo debut Debut was influenced by a mix of acid jazz, trip-hop and house music. She’s shown her creativity has no boundaries, exploring complex emotional themes such as the death of her mother in Fossera (2022) and creating three instruments: the gravity harp, the thunderbolt, and the Sharpsichord. She remains a visionary within the music industry and collaborates with artists such as Rosalía, continuing her creative force.
Amy Winehouse
As one of the first artists I learnt I could listen to over and over, Amy Winehouse’s emotive lyrics and soulful voice certainly reshaped British music. At only 20 years old, Winehouse released Frank (2003), showcasing her influences from jazz and blues. Her next album Back to Black (2006) landed her as the first British woman to win six Grammys in just one night. Her ability to write and perform songs that allow you to experience the feelings of love, addiction, and heartbreak has made her one of the most beloved British female singers. Artists such as Adele have credited her for making people excited about British music and paving the way for new British artists.
