391. Alison Fensterstock with Emily Fox and Rachel Flotard: How Women Made Music — A Revolutionary History

Town Hall Seattle Arts & Culture Series

Celebrate women who rock in a discussion with the hosts of NPR music’s series Turning the Tables as they share their new book How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music.

Uncovering the role women have played in shaping the music industry, editor Alison Fensterstock brings long-overdue recognition to female artists, challenging traditional best album lists and highlighting overlooked contributions in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. By bringing together material from over fifty years of NPR’s coverage, Fensterstock underscores the enduring impact of women in music.

Audience members will gain insight into Joan Baez’s reflections on nonviolence as a musical principle, discover Dolly Parton’s favorite song and the story behind it, and learn about Nina Simone’s use of her voice as a tool against racism. The book also captures Odetta’s transition from classical music to folk as a way to express her anger over Jim Crow laws and Taylor Swift’s early uncertainties about her career. Music enthusiasts, songwriters, feminist historians, and anyone intrigued by the creative process are invited for a compelling evening of composition conversation at Town Hall.

Alison Fensterstock is a New Orleans-based writer and editor. A contributor to NPR Music since 2016, she’s written and edited for Turning the Tables and appeared on NPR programs including All Things Considered, World Café and Word of Mouth; her writing about popular music and culture has appeared in Rolling Stone, the NewYork Times, the Oxford American and MOJO, among others.

Emily Fox hosts and produces KEXP’s music interview show, Sound & Vision. Music and storytelling are her passions. Prior to working at KEXP, Emily was a host, producer, and reporter on Michigan Radio, WKAR and Seattle’s KUOW.

Rachel Flotard is the singer, songwriter and guitarist of the Seattle rock band Visqueen and mother of three. She manages artists at Red Light Management and previously served as Director of Operations at Fretboard Journal. Flotard is a creative producer and founded her own independent record label, Local 638 Records, inspired by her dad’s New York City Steamfitter’s Union. She continues to tour, record and collaborate with folks she loves.

Buy the Book How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music

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