Today is International Women’s Day (March 8th), and we’re marking the occasion with a look back at some powerhouse performances from iconic female artists, all trailblazing game-changers in their own unique ways. Enjoy 6 iconic women of music below!
Aretha Franklin | “Respect”
Aretha didn’t write “Respect”, but she certainly re-invented it! The Ottis Redding original of her signature song, “Respect” became an anthem of female empowerment thanks to arrangement changes and vocal parts added by Aretha herself in the studio - including the spelling out of "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" that makes it so iconic – all in a legendary one-day session.
Aretha didn’t just set the stage for the generations of female artists who followed in her, she cleared a path to it with her sheer tenacity. In 1987, she was the first woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, because when it comes to powerhouse performers, there’s just no topping the Queen of Soul.
Tina Turner | “The Best”
Speaking of sheer tenacity… Tina Turner is virtually the definition of. The music legend has a career spanning decades, marked by massive hits like “The Best” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” She is also one of the toughest women on the planet with a survivor story beyond belief. Turner channelled those experiences into empowering anthems that have made her a symbol of strength.
Kate Bush | “Running Up That Hill (Deal With God)”
At just 19, Kate Bush became the first female artist to EVER top the U.K. charts with a self-penned hit with her debut single, “Wuthering Heights” in 1978. And she was just getting started. Follow up singles like “Babooshka,” “Wow” and “Running Up That Hill” would keep her in the charts for years to come.
Alanis Morissette | “You Oughta Know”
Another prolifically talented teen, everybody oughta know Alanis Morissette. Her debut album, Jagged Little Pill tore through 1995 with six chart-topping singles that she’d begun writing when she was only 19. Perhaps none more fierce than sharp-tongued smash “You Oughta Know.”
Tori Amos | “Cornflake Girl”
Contemporaneous, confessional and captivating, Tori Amos’ embodies the kind of wild spirit that cannot be contained, no matter how eloquently it is packaged.
Fleetwood Mac | “Dreams”
Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 Rumours is one of the greatest classic albums of all-time. Fleetwood Mac wears their heart on their sleeve and let their music tell the story. From the album, the single “Dreams” was penned by the fearless Stevie Nicks, of unmatched status among rock royalty, in just 10 minutes. The timeless smash continues to return to the charts time and time again, as recently as last year! All hail Stevie.
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