In the celebration of International Women’s Day this past Saturday, March 8th, we wanted to highlight the role of women in country music and how they broke down barriers in a male-dominated industry. Through artists like Maybelle Carter, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Tammy Wynette, they have set a foundation for the female artists that followed them. Through their talent, resilience, and perserverance, female artists have continuously broken down barriers, reshaping the genre, where they have left an incredible mark on country music’s evolution as a genre. From the early trailblazers within the country genre to the modern-day artists, female artists have not only been an influence on the music itself, but also challenged industry norms, pushed for gender equality, and refined storytelling in songwriting.
Early Trailblazers: Who Paved the Way (Early 20th Century – 1960s)
The fight for visibility for women in country music started way back in the early 20th century. Maybelle Carter of The Carter Family was one of the first women to gain recognition within the genre with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” being their biggest hit to date. In the early 1950s, an artist named Kitty Wells was officially labeled the first female country superstar with her 1952 hit, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” The song was a direct response to Hank Thompson’s song, “The Wild Side of Life” which pushed back against the double standards that were imposed on women in both life and country music. Then, during the 1960s, Patsy Cline redefined the role of women in country music with her crossover success into pop music, which brought country music to a larger audience. Cline’s emotive vocals on songs such as “Crazy” and “Walkin’ After Midnight” helped establish women as serious contenders in the country industry. Around the same time as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn emerged onto the scene with a controversial approach to songwriting with topics such as divorce on “Rated X,” birth control on “The Pill,” and women’s struggles within a male-dominated society. Lynn never shied way from controversy, unlike many of her peers, which made her one of country music’s first feminist voices.
Breaking Through the Industry Norms (1970s-1990s)
In the decades of the 1970s and 1980s saw the role of women make a significant stride within the country music industry. The first artist that emerged from this era was none other than Dolly Parton. With Parton’s unmatched charisma, songwriting skills, and business ventures, she proved that women can be more than just performers, but rather business moguls. With songs like “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “Jolene,” Parton was able to blend a sense of vulnerability with feminist strength. In the 1980s, Reba McEntire rose to fame, which brought a sense of neo-traditionalism mixed with contemporary country, bringing a dynamic production mix to the genre. The Oklahoman not only had a powerful voice, but also had undeniable stage presence. McEntire has become one of the best-selling country artists of all-time, but also has found success in other media ventures, making her have a lasting impact on pop culture. The 1990s saw a huge wave of female artists dominate the charts, due to country music having exponential growth in the 1990s. Artists such as Shania Twain revolutionized the genre with her incorporation of pop music elements into her production mix with songs such as “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One.” Her success was undeniable, as one of her albums went diamond, per the RIAA.
Advocating for Change (2000s-Present)
Since the 2000s, women in country music has faced a new set of challenges within the genre. Despite their undeniable talent, female country artists have struggled to receive equal radio play compared to their male peers. In 2015, the controversy labeled as “Tomatogate.” transpired when a radio consultant suggested that females were “tomatoes” (unnecessary ingredients) to the “salad” which was country radio. This brought frustration within the female artists and highlighted the gender disparity in the country industry. Despite these setbacks, female country icons, like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Lainey Wilson, have been able to find success within the genre.
Ongoing Fight for Women’s Equality in Country Music
Despite their influence on the genre, women continue to face challenges in the country music genre. From artists like Maybelle Carter to Lainey Wilson, women have consistently pushed boundaries, showcasing that they are more than just a voice. As the industry evolves, country music needs to incorporate more females into their genres, as they are essential to country’s landscape.
Concluding Thoughts
If you enjoyed this blog, click here to check out some of our blogs. Thank you!
0 Comments