100 years, 100 moments: Women’s impact on a century of music

Celebrating Women’s Influence in Music Over the Last 100 Years

Reflecting on Women’s History Month, World Cafe delves into the music history of the past century, highlighting pivotal moments every 25 years. In our weekly series, we pay tribute to the impact of women in shaping the music landscape from 1925 to 1974, encompassing the golden age of rock and roll, the activism of the civil rights era, and the emergence of electronic music. While previously unheralded names adorned the early 20th century, this period boasts iconic women whose resonance in music remains unmatched.

Embarking on this sonic journey, we unveil star-studded debuts, extraordinary vocals, and groundbreaking feats that continue to echo through time. Each event etched in history represents a pivotal point in women’s contributions to music.

Tracing back to 1950, Clara Ward’s gospel hymn “How I Got Over” emerged from her encounters with racial prejudice. Its soaring success and powerful rendition by Mahalia Jackson in the March on Washington of 1963 galvanized the civil rights movement. 1951 marked Esther Phillips and her recording as Little Esther’, launching her into the Blues Hall of Fame posthumously in 2023.

In 1952, Kitty Wells debuted with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” a revolutionary song soaring to the top of Billboard’s country chart, establishing Wells as a pioneering solo woman artist and introducing themes of retribution into country music. Big Mama Thornton shook the music scene in 1953 with “Hound Dog,” a provocative blues number that paved the way for Elvis Presley’s 1956 cover, propelling both artists to musical immortality.

In an era dominated by male figures, Yma Sumac mesmerized audiences in 1954 with her iconic vocal range in “Malambo No. 1.” Etta James revolutionized the soundscape in 1955 with her debut single. 1957 witnessed Patsy Cline’s debut with “Walkin’ After Midnight,” shortly followed by her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, making her an influential figure in the genre.

Further into the late ’50s, The Shirelles embarked on a trailblazing journey with their hit “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” penned by the up-and-coming songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Breaking barriers, they became the first African American girl group topping the charts and setting trends for generations to come.

Joan Baez’s electrifying Newport Folk Festival appearance in 1959 introduced a new musical force, leading up to her debut album the following year. Leontyne Price marked history in 1960 as the first African American to take on a lead role at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.

As the ’60s progressed, Judy Garland’s 1961 comeback concert at Carnegie Hall showcased her vocal finesse with unparalleled brilliance, solidifying her status as a musical icon. Each of these milestones underscores the indelible influence of women in sculpting the musical landscape through the decades, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.