Celebrating pioneering women in music

International Women’s Day takes place every year on 8 March and is a day to uplift and celebrate all the women in your life, especially those closest to you. It is also a time to remember those who have come before us, broken barriers, and paved the way for women today, across the globe, to thrive. In light of this, music has been a way women have been able to come to the fore, using their influence to speak out against issues such as sexual harassment in the industry and speak up for those whose voices have been lost or marginalised. This is not an exhaustive list of all the pioneering women in music but, instead, should inspire you to seek out more female artists to add to your daily playlists and remember the importance of intersectionality in music, recognising that the amplification of the voices of women of colour must be a priority.  

When thinking of the major names in Rock’n’roll, names such as Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart, and even the Beatles may come to mind. However, the roots of Rock’n’roll music and its first popularisation must be attributed to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an African American woman who has been coined ‘the godmother of Rock’n’roll’. The daughter of evangelical singers and cotton pickers, Tharpe was surrounded by music even as a child; these familial influences would be imbued within her later music, influences which would allow her to soar to success.  

In the mid-1930s, female artists were still a rarity, with their music not being taken seriously and seen to be second-rate in comparison to their male counterparts. However, Tharpe’s gender was not the only source of oppression she faced as institutionalised racism was still rampant during the 1940s, with Tharpe having to sleep in buses due to hotels still being segregated.   

Pop icons such as Lady Gaga and RAYE have used their music as a medium for not solely entertainment purposes but also to draw attention to themes of oppression and misogyny

This did not stop the trailblazer, however, as her song ‘Rock Me’ shocked audiences with her ability to transcend and defy expectations of typical Gospel music, signalling a shift in what would connote faith music as she sings: “Rock me in the cradle of our love”. This line is indicative of her open attitude towards love but also what could be achieved by a black artist in a time of rampant sexism and racism.   

Carrying on the theme of trailblazing women in music, Queen Latifah’s successes must be championed as her commitment to breaking barriers for female rappers, but also acting as a political activist earned her commendation across the globe. She also won a Grammy in 1993 for her single, ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, which included the lyrics, “You put your hands on me again I’ll put your ass in handcuffs”. The lyrics ultimately denounce the normalisation of sexual harassment against young women as she emboldens her listeners to speak up and speak out against institutionalised violence. Alongside being an Emmy award-winning actress, in 2023, she became the first female rapper to receive a Kennedy Centre honour emblematic of her significant contribution to the hip-hop genre and her dedication to spotlighting and fighting social injustice. 

In more recent years, pop icons such as Lady Gaga and RAYE have used their music as a medium for not solely entertainment purposes but also to draw attention to themes of oppression and misogyny, which have, historically, been glamorised by other male artists whose lyrics denigrate and objectify women, diminishing their testimonies of the female experience.  

Lady Gaga’s song ‘Born This Way’ is a testament to her celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and has even become an anthem of self-acceptance and inclusion. Throughout her career, she has used her platform and her extreme influence within the music space to give back to her fans, even setting up the ‘Born This Way Foundation’, which supports the mental health of young people around the globe and is dedicated to the pursuit of creating a kinder, more inclusive tomorrow.  

Women are at the forefront of change within the music industry as they continue to inspire through their creativity and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry

Her profound influence is evident in artists like Chappell Roan, who has emerged as a queer icon through her daring fashion, strong advocacy for trans rights, and music that unapologetically embraces queer identity. Lady Gaga’s impact is unmistakable, transcending generations and establishing her as a unique voice in music—one who will be celebrated for decades to come.  

Additionally, RAYE has reshaped the pop music landscape with her powerful, evocative songwriting and genre-blending sound, which serve as a testament to her unapologetic authenticity. She remains steadfast in her refusal to compromise her originality, even when faced with pressure to conform from those around her. RAYE dominated the 2024 BRIT Awards winning 6 awards and even being a nominee for Best New Artist at the Grammys in 2025. Her song ‘Ice Cream Man’ is one of her most emotionally charged songs as she recounts her experience of sexual assault. However, it is clear she refuses to be defined by this moment as the song is underpinned by a tone of empowerment as she sings “Cause I’m a woman/ I’m a very fucking brave strong woman”. Her adamant refusal to conform to traditional industry expectations and advocating for artist control and independence is admirable and separates Raye from her predecessors, forcing audiences, and other artists alike, to respect her determination and resilience in the face of adversity.  

Women are at the forefront of change within the music industry as they continue to inspire through their creativity and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. It is vital that we do not relegate the voices of female artists to the background of the discourse but recognise the integral and undeniable role they have played in the evolution of music across centuries. Amplifying the voices of female artists of colour, who are continuously redefining the soundscape and reshaping the industry in ways that elevate and empower marginalised communities, is pivotal. This intersectional lens allows listeners to be exposed to different cultural experiences and ensures female artists are not merely added as an afterthought in the conversation but are leading them, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and expected.