Women In Music

The 2024 Grammy Awards proved to be a groundbreaking night for women artists, with a dominating presence across various categories. The energy was palpable, the undertone of support for women artists undeniable, and the stage set for history to be made. One artist who left an indelible mark on the night was none other than Taylor Swift, who etched her name in Grammy history by securing Album of the Year for the fourth time with her masterpiece, 'Midnight.'

Swift's achievement reflects not only her incredible talent but also the power of an incredibly supportive fanbase. In her acceptance speech for Best Pop Vocal Album she said, “ I want to say thank you for the members of the Recording Academy for voting this way, but I know that the way the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans.”. The night was further enriched by the legendary Joni Mitchell, gracing the Grammy stage for her inaugural performance, marking a historic moment in her illustrious career.

Another highlight was the rare live performance of Tracy Chapman, who captivated the audience with a heartfelt rendition of 'Fast Car,' joined by Luke Combs. The collaboration was a powerful intersection of past and present, reminding us of the timeless impact of great music.

Speaking of timeless music, Burna Boy brought out R&B royalty Brandy for his hit 'SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD,' the song released in 2023 notably samples Brandy's 1998 song 'TOP OF THE WORLD,' creating a magical blend of world music with R&B.

As we celebrate the influence of women in music, let's take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable women who claimed victory in various categories at the 2024 Grammy Awards:

• Record Of The Year: Miley Cyrus - 'Flowers'
• Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Getty Images ©Album Of The Year: Taylor Swift - 'Midnight'
• Song Of The Year: Billie Eilish O'Connell and Finneas O'Connell - 'What Was I Made For?' from The Motion Picture "Barbie"
• Best New Artist: Victoria Monét
• Best Pop Solo Performance: Miley Cyrus - 'Flowers'
• Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: SZA Featuring Phoebe Bridgers - 'Ghost In The Machine'
• Best Pop Vocal Album: Taylor Swift - 'Midnight'
• Best Pop Dance Recording: Kylie Minogue - 'Padam Padam'
• Best R&B Performance: CoCo Jones - 'ICU'
• Best Traditional R&B Performance: Susan Carol (featured on PJ Morton's 'Good Morning')
• Best R&B Song: SZA and co-collaborators - 'Snooze'
• Best Progressive R&B Album: SZA - 'SOS'
• Best R&B Album: Victoria Monét - 'JAGUAR II'
• Best Jazz Performance: Samara Joy - 'Tight'
• Best Jazz Vocal Album: Nicole Zuraitis - 'How Love Begins'
• Best Alternative Jazz Album: Meshell Ndegeocello - 'The Omnichord Real Book'
• Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Laufey - 'Bewitched'
• Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Lainey Wilson (featured on Zach Bryan's 'I Remember Everything')
• Best Country Album: Lainey Wilson - 'Bell Bottom Country'
• Best American Roots Performance: Allison Russell - 'Eve Was Black'
• Best Americana Performance: Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile - 'Dear Insecurity'
• Best Folk Album: Joni Mitchell - 'Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live]'
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Lecrae - 'Your Power'
• Best Latin Pop Album: Gaby Moreno - 'X Mí (Vol. 1)'
• Best Música Urbana Album: Karol G - 'MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO'
• Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album: Natalia Lafourcade - 'De Todas Las Flores'
• Best African Music Performance: Tyla - 'Water'
• Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album: Carla Patullo Featuring Tonality And The Scorchio Quartet - 'So She Howls'
• Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording: Michelle Obama - 'The Light We Carry: Overcoming In Uncertain Times'
• Best Song Written For Visual Media: Billie Eilish O'Connell and Finneas O'Connell - 'What Was I Made For?' from The Motion Picture "Barbie"
• Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Victoria Monét and co-collaborators - 'JAGUAR II'
• Producer Of The Year, Classical: Elaine Martone
• Best Immersive Audio Album: Alicia Keys and co-collaborators - 'The Diary Of Alicia Keys'
• Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: Erin Bentlage, Jacob Collier, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje Featuring Jacob Collier) - 'In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning'
• Best Contemporary Classical Composition: Jessie Montgomery - 'Montgomery: Rounds'

For a comprehensive list of all the winners, visit here. The 2024 Grammy Awards not only celebrated the talent and achievements of women in music but also paved the way for a future where their voices continue to resonate and inspire.

‍

Forever leaving an indelible mark on the genre with hits like "River Deep - Mountain High" and "Proud Mary," Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner was a magnetic force who shook up the industry for nearly 60 years. On Wednesday, May 24, the beloved singer died at her home in Switzerland after battling a longstanding illness.

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, to a family of sharecroppers, Tina Turner started her music career in 1960 after catching the attention of musician Ike Turner.

After enduring a tumultuous and abusive relationship with Ike, Tina Turner summoned the courage to break free and rebuild. Her solo career took flight in the early 1980s, and she released her first solo album, "Private Dancer," in 1984. This album became a global phenomenon, spawning hit singles such as "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "Private Dancer" and earning her numerous awards, including four Grammys.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tina Turner solidified her status as a musical icon with a run of successful albums. "Break Every Rule" (1986), "Foreign Affair" (1989), and "Wildest Dreams" (1996) showcased her vocal range and enduring talent, cementing her position as one of the greatest performers of all time. Tina's live performances were awe-inspiring, captivating audiences with her boundless energy and unmistakable charisma.

Her story has taken center stage in many forms. In 1993, actress Angela Basset played the star in the film "What's Love Got To Do With It," documenting her rise to stardom. "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" premiered on Broadway in 2018, celebrating her life and career. It garnered critical acclaim, showcasing the power of her music and the resilience of her spirit. In conjunction with the musical, Tina released her autobiography, "My Love Story," in 2018, giving fans an intimate look into her journey.

Her unique blend of rock, soul, and blues transcended genres and inspired countless artists. In recognition of her unparalleled contributions, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. She later received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Her influence continues to resonate with new generations of musicians, ensuring that her legacy will endure for years to come.

Tina Turner's career is a testament to the power of resilience, talent, and unwavering determination. From her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming a global icon, she has overcome immense challenges and triumphed in the face of adversity. Tina's magnetic stage presence, soulful voice, and electrifying performances have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Her journey inspires us to believe in ourselves, to push boundaries, and to never give up on our dreams. As we celebrate Tina Turner's unparalleled career and life, let us remember her as the unstoppable force of rock 'n' roll, forever etched in the annals of music history.

‍

USC’s Annenberg recent Inclusion Initiative report explored artists and creators of the top 800 songs on Billboards hot 100 charts spanning from 2012 to 2019. The study found that women made up only 27.1% of artists, 12.5% of songwriters, and an astounding 2.6% are producers. Our goal is to shed light on the many women who are immensely talented music producers, composers, audio engineers, artists, songwriters, and instrumentalists changing the way we experience music for now and the future.

Here is a wrap-up of a few women you should know about that are changing the game in the music industry and paving the way for a new generation of women in music.