I think my earliest memory of hearing an all-female rock band was “Leader of the Pack” by the Shangri-Las. Then again, I’m not sure I knew no males were in the band.
Cloudy thoughts like these can be cleared up with a
quick search on line, but if you can, check out, “Women Who Rock,” an exhibit
at the National Museum for Women in the Arts (New York Ave between 12th
and 13th). It’s quite extensive, covering the early pioneers like "Goldie and the
Gingerbreads" (a couple of years before my time), up to present-day stars like Taylor Swift. Information
boards and performance memorabilia (No photos allowed) tell the stories.
All the greats are here - Madonna, Tina Turner, Aretha, Janis Joplin, Diana Ross and the Supremes (my favorite from the Motown days), Whitney Houston, Joan Jett, Heart, Patti Smith, on and on.
A video board plays a rotation of bios from the History
Channel, and a medium size, HD screen rocks out with performances. Merchandise is on sale at the museum shop.
One small criticism is the placing of that screen. Readers immersing themselves might feel distracted by the music, although it is not that loud. Placed in the back might have been better.
Still, a great tribute to these fine ladies who, especially in the early days, fought discrimination, and in some cases, dodged empty bottles and insults on stage.
If you want to see them, better hurry, the exhibit ends January 6.
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