Female Divas Loudly Proclaiming Their Independence Through Musical Performances

Spread the love

A Special Video Playlist to Celebrate National Women’s History Month

Here is a selection of 18 musical performances in which these women artist proclaimed their independence over a span of time. We start with Ella Fitzgerald doing a live performance of Cry Me a River (1958?) and end with rap artist Cardi B performing the clean version of her hit song Bodak Yellow. Although each of the 18 performances might express their independence in context of their times, the main theme of their messages is female empowerment.

By the way, this is only a mix of 100s of possibilities. Maybe in the future I’ll expand this list to include others. Here are the musical soloist and groups that are include in this video performance playlist. These divas certainly did it their way!

1-Ella Fitzgerald – Cry Me A River
2-Lesley Gore – You Don’t Own Me
3-Aretha Franklin – Respect (1967)
4-Helen Reddy – I Am Woman (1971)
5-Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman (1978)
6-Warriors featuring Patty Smyth – The Warrior
7-Pat Benatar – Invincible
8-Eurythmics featuring Annie Lenox and Aretha Franklin – Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves
9-Queen Latifah featuring Monie Love – Ladies First
10-Janet Jackson – Control
11-En Vogue – Free Your Mind
12-Whitney Houston – I’m Every Woman (Remake)
13-Destiny’s Child – Independent Women, Part 1
14-Lady Gaga – Born This Way
15-Fifth Harmony – BO$$
16-Katy Perry – Roar
17-Little Mix featuring Stormzy – Power
18-Cardi B – Bodak Yellow

What other female artists would you add to the list?

Punky Ramen-Unplugged
by bkhemphill

Bonus: International Musical Divas – Shonen Knife

Active since 1981, Shonen Knife is a Ramones-inspired pop rock music band from Japan featuring Michie Nakatani, Naoki Yamano, Atsuko Yamano. So for this bonus mini-concert performance, I want to recognize Shonen Knife in honor of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2019. My appreciation for their music inspired the cover painting Punky Ramen Unplugged in the heading of this article. Like the special umami characteristic of a tasty ramen noodle dish, Shonen Knife delivers a satisfying blend of punky pop music for the ears, Thank you for your tasty music!