I usually post music on Saturdays. Today is also International Women’s Day, which was created in large measure to commemorate actions involving labor and suffrage. The first hits I found in a search for “Women in music history”:
THE HISTORY OF WOMEN IN MUSIC, 2022.
“In the history of music, sisters have always been doing it for themselves.” This refers to the Aretha/.
“The first female composer, according to the history books, was Kassiani, an 8th Century nun, who composed Byzantine chants.
“However, women have rarely been given the same accolades and recognition as their male counterparts, and have often faced greater challenges to have their voices heard.
“In this overview, we look at who is the most successful woman in music, what percentage of musicians are female, and why it’s still challenging for women to be successful in the music industry.
“Plus, we’ve profiled the most revolutionary, pioneering, influential and unique female artists, composers and producers through history.
“Load up our Kick Ass Women playlist for inspiration as you read…
Lists
Trailblazing Women in Music History You Should Know, 2023, PBS
Most Influential Female Musicians: 40 Trailblazing Women, 2023
27 of The Most Influential and Pioneering Women in Music History, 2016
The lists were rather diverse, and there was far less overlap than I had thought. Some women who showed up on more than one list:
Sister Rosetta Tharpe – This Train
Linda Ronstadt – Long Long Time
Missy Elliott – Gossip Folks
Patsy Cline – Lovesick Blues
Dusty Springfield – The Look of Love
Tina Turner – Better Be Good To Me