ABSTRACT
This chapter surveys the contribution of leading women in the field of blues, jazz, gospel and Motown. It surveys the careers of leading women from African American roots who have capitalised on their music to gain considerable wealth and power in an industry that was previously closed to them. Blues women became successful recording artists and songwriters and were followed by successful jazz, gospel and Motown women. Their songs voiced feminist concerns which resonated with their audiences and the growing female music market. This chapter looks at women’s musical contribution to these genres as singers, front women for bands, soloists and instrumentalist along with their influence on the development of styles and genres which were the precursors to the popular music industry of the 20th century.
