Exploring Musical Heroines
Ready for a little history lesson that you can enjoy with your kids? With Women’s History Month upon us, a time devoted to celebrating the incredible contributions of women throughout history, I thought it would be great to explore notable female musicians whose impacts on the world of music have been essential. Read along with your kids—I wrote the descriptions in a way that makes it easy for them to listen in!—and then spend some time listening to some of the artist’s most important works, which I will link next to their biography.
Let's shine a spotlight on some iconic female musicians from various genres and throughout time!
Opera’s Leading Lady: Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre
Elisabeth was an amazing musician who lived a long time ago in France. She was born on March 17, 1665, in the beautiful city of Paris. Elisabeth came from a family that loved music, and she was very talented from the moment she was little.
One incredible thing about Elisabeth is that she was the first woman ever to write an opera in France! It was called "Céphale et Procris," and it was performed for the very first time in 1694 in a famous theater in Paris called the Académie Royale de Musique. People loved Elisabeth's opera because it had beautiful songs and exciting music that no one had ever heard before.
Elisabeth's music was so special because she knew how to play the harpsichord and the organ, and she loved to create melodies that made people feel happy. She worked very hard to become a great composer, and her music is still loved and listened to by many people today.
Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre was a true music pioneer, and her music continues to inspire people all around the world, showing that anyone, no matter their gender, can follow their dreams and make beautiful music.
Listen to a recording of “Céphale et Procris”.
Queen of Jazz: Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald had a voice that could captivate anyone, and she was a master at making up songs on the spot—which we call improvisation. Born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, Ella's journey to becoming a jazz legend began when she was a little girl.
Growing up wasn’t easy for Ella, but she discovered that singing made her heart feel light and happy. When she sang, it was like the whole world stopped to listen.
Ella's singing was so special that people called her the First Lady of Song. Her groundbreaking singing style, which included scat singing—where she made up playful sounds while singing, such as "bop," "doo," "shoo," and "dah”—changed music forever. Many musicians heard her and were inspired to create their own unique songs, shaping the future of music in exciting new ways. Hits like "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" and "Summertime" became classics that everyone knew and loved.
But Ella wasn't just a singer—she was also a trailblazer. In a time when unfair rules kept people apart because of their skin color, Ella used her voice to try to bring people together. Ella spoke up for what was right. She wanted everyone to be treated the same, no matter what they looked like.
Ella's incredible talent earned her many important awards, including 13 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But what truly mattered to Ella was the way her music touched people's hearts and inspired them.
Although Ella passed away in 1996, her timeless music continues to resonate with people of all ages. She is remembered as the Queen of Jazz with her voice still captivating audiences across generations. Her legacy reminds us of the lasting power of music to bring people together and uplift their spirits.
Listen to “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” and “Summertime”.
Folk Legend: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell, whose real name is Roberta Joan Anderson, was born on November 7, 1943, in Alberta, Canada. From a young age, Joni had a love for music and began playing the piano at the age of seven. Her early years were filled with creativity and exploration, and she drew inspiration from the natural beauty of her surroundings.
As a teenager, Joni taught herself to play the guitar and started writing her own songs. Her unique blend of folk, pop, and jazz influences set her apart from other musicians of her time. In the early 1960s, Joni began performing in coffeehouses and clubs in Canada and the United States, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and poetic lyrics.
Throughout the 1970s, Joni released some very popular albums, including "Blue" and "Court and Spark," which featured her introspective lyrics (introspective means you examine your own thoughts and feelings!) and innovative songwriting, which included unique song structures. She was known for pushing the boundaries of music and incorporating elements from different genres into her songs. This made her a pioneer in the folk-rock movement and influenced countless artists in the years to come.
Joni has released a total of 19 albums throughout her career and her music continues to inspire musicians today. She has received many awards for her contributions to music, including nine Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joni's legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of all time remains strong, reminding us of the power of creativity and expression through music, and the enduring magic of song.
Listen to “Big Yellow Taxi” and “River”.
Rock Icon: Joan Jett
Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, is a rock star loved by fans all over the world. From a young age, Joan showed a love for music and a rebellious spirit that would shape her career.
In the 1970s, Joan co-founded a rock band called The Runaways. She played lead guitar and was one of the primary songwriters. They were one of the first all-girl rock bands and they rocked the music world. Even though some people didn't think girls could rock, Joan and her bandmates showed them that they could!
After The Runaways, Joan started her own band called Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. In 1982, they released a song called "I Love Rock 'n Roll," and it became a huge hit. Everyone loved Joan's catchy guitar riffs and rebellious attitude.
Joan Jett has always been a trailblazer in the music world. She proved that girls could rock just as fiercely as boys, and she inspired so many other musicians to follow their dreams too. She's also been a champion for equality and acceptance, standing up for what she believes in and using her voice to make a difference.
Joan is a hero in the world of rock, showing us how music can change things, bring people together, and make us all feel like rock stars.
Listen to “I Love Rock ‘n Roll”.
Pop Sensation: Beyoncé
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, is a global icon. She started her journey to stardom as a young girl in the group Destiny's Child, singing and dancing alongside her friends. But it wasn't long before Beyoncé stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, dazzling audiences with her powerful vocals and mesmerizing performances.
Beyoncé's music isn't just about catchy tunes and fancy dance moves—it's about empowerment and strength. Her lyrics are like messages of hope and encouragement, reminding girls everywhere that they can do anything they set their minds to. Songs like "Run the World (Girls)" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" have become anthems for young girls, inspiring them to be confident and proud of who they are.
And what’s really cool is that Beyoncé has won 32 Grammy Awards, making her the most-awarded artist in Grammy history!
But Beyoncé isn't just a pop star—she's also a role model and a leader. She uses her platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for change, showing that music can be a powerful tool for social justice. Whether she's singing about love and heartbreak or standing up for what's right, Beyoncé's music has a way of touching people's hearts and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. She's a beacon of hope for girls everywhere, showing them that they have the power to change the world with their voices and their dreams.
Listen to “Run the World (Girls)” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”.
The Legacies Continue
This short list barely scratches the surface—there are so many women who have paved the way for new artists and new artistic styles in music. Sister Rosetta Thorpe! Sissieretta Jones! Zitkála-Šá! Mahalia Jackson! Marian Anderson! Aretha Franklin! Billie Holiday! Nina Simone! Linda Ronstadt! Joan Baez! Celia Cruz! Barbara Streisand! Tina Turner! Cher! Gloria Estefan! Sylvia Robinson! Stevie Nicks! MC Sha-Rock! Ivy Queen! Debbie Harry (Blondie)!, Janie Joplin! Dolly Parton! Cyndi Lauper!, Madonna!, Missy Elliott! Lea Salonga! Meg White!, Taylor Swift! And so, so many more.
I hope you had fun reading along with your kids about some amazing women in music! I would love to hear some of your favourite female musicians—be sure to leave a comment below!