Blog

Beyonce said it, and y'all know it's true... Girls Run The World! 

As we approach International Women's Day, it's crucial to recognize the role of women in the music industry- from iconic female artists to pioneering producers and enthusiastic album collectors. This blog discusses some of the women who led from the front in the music scene. 

The vinyl era was marked by groundbreaking female artists who pushed the boundaries of music and societal norms. Women like Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, and Janis Joplin didn't just release albums; they conveyed powerful messages that resonated across generations. Their songs and albums served as vessels of empowerment and change, etching their voices into the annals of music history.

Women have been instrumental in shaping musical genres, from rock and roll to jazz and pop. This influence extends to the very fabric of the music industry, breaking gender barriers and redefining the role of women in a space that was predominantly male-dominated.

Pioneering artists Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day and Ma Rainy pushed through racial prejudice of the 20s, 30s and 40s as well as misogyny and unequal access to opportunities to bring us soul, blues and jazz that has been overwhelmingly influential on society as a whole. 

Music's always been the same to me – it's not about the gimmicks, it's about the soul. -Sister Rosetta Tharpe

The 50s and 60s fueled Rock 'n' Roll into the main stream with Wanda Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, LaVerne Baker, The Ronettes, Tina Turner and Aretha! These women, while defying the odds, changed the landscape of Rock 'n' Roll forever. 

When Fleetwood Mac made the transition from macho blues/rock to a more feminine entwined pop sound in the mid 70s, pianist Christine McVie was initially booed at concerts. But artists like Stevie Nicks, Patti Smith and Blondie ended up defining the era. 

The 80s brought Madonna who had a profound and persuasive influence on the industry. Along with Tina Turner, Dianna Ross, The Pretenders, Joan Jett, Whitney, Janet Jackson, Chrissy Amphlett, Patti Smith and a list that goes on and on. These women defined the 80s and shattered countless glass ceilings. 

“I have the same goal I've had ever since I was a girl: I want to rule the world.” - Madonna

We hit 1990 and had female artists like Sinead O'Connor, Bjork, PJ Harvey, Angelique Kidjo, Angie Hart, Courtney Love, Lauryn Hill and once again they brought their own flair to genres like grunge, hip-hop and RnB. No matter what style of music you were into, there were woman making it with just as much heart as their male counterparts. 

We can't get to the 2000s without chatting about some true power house voices including Beyonce, Pink, J-Lo, Christina Aguilera, Ariana, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Haley Williams and of course Taylor Swift. These women continue to carry the messages of the strong females before them that girls can indeed be whomever and whatever they want in this world. 

The vinyl community is witnessing a growing presence of female collectors, bringing diversity and new perspectives to this hobby. These women aren't just collecting records; they're curating musical experiences and histories, contributing significantly to the preservation and appreciation of vinyl culture.

Celebrating International Women's Day provides an opportune moment to spotlight female artists and their albums.

In recent years, there's been a rise in female-led record labels. These entities are not just businesses; they're platforms for promoting diversity, inclusivity, and artistic freedom. They challenge the status quo and open doors for upcoming female artists, ensuring that the vinyl industry continues to evolve and represent a wider spectrum of voices.

The future of vinyl is bright, with emerging female artists and producers set to leave their mark. This continued growth in women's participation and influence in the vinyl community is vital for its sustainability and evolution, ensuring that the vinyl record, much like the music it carries, remains timeless.

Their contributions are not just footnotes in music history; they are central chapters in the ongoing story of music and its power to inspire, challenge, and transform.

“My generation fought very hard for feminism, and we fought very hard to not be labeled as you had to have a husband or you had to be in a relationship, or you were somehow not a cool chick.” -Stevie Nicks

Top Selling Female Albums of All Time: 

1. Whitney Houston (and Various Artists) – The Bodyguard (1992): Over 45 Million Top Streamed Song: “I Will Always Love You” (582,867,561 streams)

2. Shania Twain – Come On Over (1997): Over 39 million Top Streamed Song: “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” (464,143,877 streams)

3. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill (1995): Over 33 Million Top Streamed Song: “Ironic” (368,823,401 streams)

4. Celine Dion – Falling Into You (1996): Over 32 Million Top Streamed Song: “Because You Loved Me” (344,875,596 streams)

5. Adele – 21: Over 31 Million
Top Streamed Song: “Set Fire To The Rain” 1,107,185,344 streams

6. Celine Dion – Let’s Talk About Love (1997): Over 31 million

7. Madonna — The Immaculate Collection (1990): Over 30 million

8. Norah Jones — Come Away With Me (2002): Over 28 million

9. Mariah Carey – Music Box (1993): Over 28 million

10. Britney Spears — Baby One More Time (1999): Over 26 million

11. Whitney Houston — Whitney Houston (1985): Over 25 million

12. Carole King — Tapestry (1971): Over 25 million

13. Madonna — True Blue (1986): Over 25 million

14. Adele — 25 (2015): Over 23 million

15. Spice Girls — Spice (1996): Over 23 million

16. Celine Dion — All the Way… A Decade of Song (1999): Over 22 million

17. Madonna — Like a Virgin (1984): Over 21 million

18. Mariah Carey — Daydream (1995): Over 20 million

19. Shania Twain — The Woman in Me (1995): Over 20 million

20. Britney Spears — Oops!… I Did it Again (2000): 20 million