Let's celebrate a few of the ground-breaking women who left a legendary mark on Blues and Jazz music, but seem less remembered these days.
Viola McCoy: Back Water Blues (1927)
Ma Rainey: Ma and Pa Poorhouse Blues (1928, with Papa Charlie Jackson)
Mammie Smith: Jail House Blues (1929)
Bessie Smith: St. Louis Blues, Part 2 (1929)
Dolly Jones: Playing Trumpet in Oscar Michaux's 1938 musical film Swing
Lil Armstrong & Mae Barnes: The Pearls (1961)
Janis Joplin: Ball and Chain (1967)
Etta James: I'd Rather Go Blind (1968)
Koko Taylor: Wang Dang Doodle (1967, with Little Walter)
Alice Coltrane: Journey In Satchidananda
12 Women Who Changed The Blues - Covers some of those listed above and adds some more.
Women In Jazz: 10 Ladies Who Changed Music Forever - Covers some of those listed above and adds some more.