Description
Women and music
Book summary
An exciting journey through the history of popular music told through the women who starred in it. Starting from an extensive conversation with Patti Smith, Toni Castarnado paints a portrait that spans from the origins of blues and jazz to hip hop and contemporary rock. With a style that breaks down stylistic boundaries, the author portrays the most influential soloists, analyzes the circumstances surrounding their careers, and points out the essential works that every record collection should preserve. An essay that turns a diversity of voices and genres into a compact and revealing narrative, with a prologue by Rickie Lee Jones herself.
What is it about?
The book is structured as a chronological and thematic journey through female popular music. Beginning with an initial conversation with Patti Smith, the author explores the trajectories of solo artists who set milestones in blues, jazz, rock, country, folk, soul, and hip hop. More than just a simple list of names, the work delves into the social and artistic context of each era, X-raying its protagonists and highlighting essential recordings. The connecting thread is these women's ability to transcend labels and build a common legacy that connects decades of musical creation.
Main themes
- History of female popular music from its origins to the present day.
- Analysis of the work and context of fundamental soloists in blues, jazz, rock, country, folk, soul, and hip hop.
- Overcoming stylistic and gender barriers in the music industry.
- Selection of essential albums and songs for a reference record collection.
- Influence and legacy of figures such as Patti Smith and Rickie Lee Jones.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at music lovers and fans of popular music who wish to know in depth the role of women in its evolution. It is also of interest to readers of music essays, gender studies applied to art, and anyone who wants to discover or rediscover the most influential female artists of the last hundred years.
What this book contributes
- A panoramic and cohesive vision of female music, beyond genres and eras.
- Historical and social context that enriches the understanding of each artist and their work.
- A guide to essential albums to build or expand a quality musical collection.
- Direct testimony from two key figures: Patti Smith and Rickie Lee Jones.
Technical specifications
- Author: TONI CASTARNADO
- Publisher: 66 RPM EDICIONS S L
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: DANCE AND OTHER PERFORMING ARTS, MUSIC, MUSIC: STYLES AND GENRES, LITERARY ESSAYS, GENDER STUDIES: WOMEN
- Collection: MUSIC
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: January 2011
- Number of pages: 235
- Weight: 540 g
Editorial review
Women and music is a rigorous and well-documented essay that achieves a balance between critical analysis and a passion for music. Its transversal approach, which unites genres as disparate as blues and hip hop, makes it a reference work for those seeking an integrative perspective of female creation. The inclusion of the prologue by Rickie Lee Jones and the conversation with Patti Smith provide testimonial value that enriches the narrative. Recommended for both specialists and curious readers who want to delve into a fundamental aspect of the musical history of the 20th and 21st centuries.