How Women Made Music Audiobook By National Public Radio Inc cover art

How Women Made Music

A Revolutionary History from NPR Music

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How Women Made Music

By: National Public Radio Inc
Narrated by: Alison Fensterstock, Ann Powers, Janina Edwards, Hillary Huber, Maggi-Meg Reed, Chanté McCormick, Inés del Castillo
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About this listen

NPR’s launch of the multi-platform series Turning the Tables in 2017, suddenly pushed more women onto “Best of” lists and into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. With How Women Made Music, acclaimed critic and TtT co-founder Ann Powers and contributor Alison Fensterstock draw from every Turning the Tables season and the full 50-years of NPR archives, to bring a vibrant, entertaining history of women in folk, rock, rap, hip hop, salsa, bubblegum pop, and much more.

The audiobook version features:

  • Joan Baez discussing nonviolence as a musical principle in 1971
  • Nina Simone, in 2001, reflecting on how she developed the edge in her voice as a tool against racism
  • Patti Smith describing art as her “jealous mistress” in 1976
  • Taylor Swift, in 2012, talking about early uncertainty in her music career
  • Odetta, in 2005, explaining how shifting from classical to folk music allowed her to express her fury over Jim Crow

Destined to become a classic, this audiobook is not only a vital record of history, it will spark creativity, inspiration, and awe in hearing how musical lives are maintained and favorite songs are born.

Full list of the 55 audio excerpts:

Joan Baez Tammy Wynette Patti Smith Carly Simon Marianne Faithfull Tracy Chapman Roberta Flack Carole King Kate Bush Mercedes Sosa Diamanda Galas Lucinda Williams Liz Phair Etta James Tori Amos Melissa Etheridge Joni Mitchell Loretta Lynn Nina Simone Dolly Parton Donna Summer Sheila E Gillian Welch Donna Summer Miriam Makeba Madonna Loretta Lynn Alice Coltrane Odetta Joan Jett Joan Jett Mary J Blige Cassandra Wilson Mariah Carey Chaka Khan Mary Weiss Queen Latifah Shakira Queen Latifah Sinead O'Connor Dionne Warwick Alanis Morrissette Taylor Swift Janet Jackson (Danyel Smith) Rickie Lee Jones Alicia Keys Mavis Staples Solange Cecile McLorin Salvant on Ella Fitzgerald Angelique Kidjo on Celia Cruz Lizzo Kathleen Hanna Linda Ronstadt Fiona Apple Sha Rock

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 National Public Radio, Inc (P)2024 HarperCollins Publisher
Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Music Women
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While I learned a lot and really enjoyed the content, I think the producers of the audiobook really missed an opportunity by not including music embedded within the essays. I wanted to hear what the writers were talking about in real time with their narrative.

Missed Opportunity!

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I wasn’t sure that this would keep me going on the lengthy drives I sometimes have to make, but I was never bored. Although I knew most of the artists featured, I often found myself revisiting them with a new perspective - and checking out those who were new to me. Would love a follow up that dives into other great voices outside the English speaking world (a handful of Spanish speaking artists were included, but generally ones that have crossed over into North American consciousness). Go on, expand our horizons.

Fascinating and endlessly interesting

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This book is a great read for those just starting to take interest in women musical artists. For those like me who have been life-long music lovers, the information presented on each of the artists covered is very basic and the stories well-known. If you've recently taken interest in legendary women musicians, then this book is for you. If you are well-versed or even acquainted with the women artists discussed in this book, I'd say skip it. You won't be gaining any insight aside from what you already know.

Great Introductory Information

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