ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how leading women in popular music have successfully negotiated their careers by taking on inspirational roles as performers, producers and songwriters. It identifies how many successful female performers have used popular musical styles to express feminist messages. Their approach has ranged from controlling their own output and managing their careers to achieving independent financial success. It looks at women in a range of popular genres including cabaret, musical theatre, folk and protest song, civil rights and human rights activism, punk and experimental music, country music, rock and hip-hop. It also examines their legacy in empowering other women through their musical messages, financial initiatives and as role models.
