Women who performed on the blues scene struggled desperately with stereotypes and ideas about womanhood and femininity. It is not valid for all performers, but many of them, especially for women. These women grew up in disadvantaged neighborhoods, lived in poverty, and some, like Billie Holiday, were involved in prostitution. They did not want men (in particular, white men) to look down on them, so they defended their positions. Aretha Franklin showed incredible courage and fought for women’s rights (McCarthy, 2018). She left the field of music and creativity and entered the political field, which was very brave for a woman to overcome discrimination (Saex, 2019). In addition, her advocacy extended not only to women but to civil society in the US in general.
In my opinion, their music fought against misogynistic ideas, but music, coupled with their lifestyle. These women were wealthy, hardworking, traveled a lot, and gained a lot of life experience as a result. In addition, some of them led a bisexual life, which was at least unusual for the heyday of jazz and blues. They showed in their songs that women could cope on their own with the betrayal of a loved one, survive disappointment, and heal their wounds. The women in their songs were soft and strong, brave, and resourceful in their songs.
The music of jazz, blues, and the swing that followed them taught, in general, people, and not just women, to be liberated. Women came to the club and invited men to dance, not being afraid to be ridiculed. The dance moves were sharp and fast. The dance itself may positively affect the psyche of any person, causing them to relax. The example of Beverly Watkins her guitar playing made many women feel that not only men can have musical talents. Women more and more boldly and freely declared themselves in the field of music. Soloists, guitarists, pianists – all of them masterfully handled notes and had an impressive store of knowledge. The example of Bessie Smith shows how a woman can boldly declare herself and her talent when only men play on the stage, and the young singer needs to shine.
Modern singers on the crest of popularity meet a lot of approval from the audience. Beyoncé became a cult figure back in the early 2000s; she is the wealthiest singer who earned herself a considerable fortune through her work. Rihanna has also become a symbol of the fight against patriarchy and violence. Being a twin brought her the unconditional love of millions of people, wealth, and opportunities to try herself in other areas: fashion, perfumery, charity, and design. Madonna has long been considered an icon of style, feminine strength, and freedom (Saex, 2019). Women in the modern world manifest themselves in different genres: from hip-hop to rock.
The songs of these performers show women that they can enjoy life and live for themselves, first of all. They show that women can challenge society’s demands on them for a long time (Saex, 2019). The woman in these songs is shown as the subject, the initiator (of relationships, parties, trips somewhere); she makes any decisions that can lead to positive and negative consequences. In these songs, a woman becomes a free person who has the right to pleasure (from communication, travel, creativity, favorite job, and money).
Now, the woman is not a meek mistress in their songs, she is humble and calm. Women literally rebel (like Beyoncé and Madonna) in these songs against the rules, everyday routine, and boredom (Saex, 2019). A woman no longer waits, does not think about a man, does not dream about him, does not hope. The woman in the songs of these singers acts no matter what happens and no matter what the consequences are.
References
McCarthy, J. (2018). Four ways Aretha Franklin fought for a better world. Global Citizen. Web.
Saex, E. (2019). 20 of the most inspiring women in music. Grimy Goods. Web.