Aptitude Versus Allure: An Investigation on How Appearance Might Have Impacted the Careers of Women in the Music Industry From 1930-1960
Session Title
Representation, Equity and Lived Experiences
Faculty Mentor
Tracy Patterson, Ph. D.
College
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Department
Music
Abstract
Throughout history, women have often had their voices and ideas silenced, stolen, or ignored. Although a women's intellect was frequently discounted, there was always one thing that could never be disregarded: her physical appearance. In every profession, women have been compared to one another. This is especially true for the music industry. Those who aligned with the physical "status quo" were often embraced and celebrated as trailblazers and an inspiration to all female artists, while their more unconventional or "unattractive" peers had their contributions all but erased from the music history timeline. This author will compare the careers and appearance of four female artists that were active from the 1930s-1950s, Mary Lou Williams vs. Billie Holiday and Sister Rosetta Tharpe vs. Wanda Jackson, and how this may have advanced or recessed the artists' careers regardless of the contributions that each made and their impact on popular music. Evidence will be presented by examining popular social trends of the times in which these artists were at the height of their careers, the overall response and reaction they received from the public, each artist's contribution to popular music, and the awards and accolades they acquired.
Course Assignment
MUST 308 – Patterson
Previously Presented/Performed?
Winthrop University Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023.
Type of Presentation
Oral presentation
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Aptitude Versus Allure: An Investigation on How Appearance Might Have Impacted the Careers of Women in the Music Industry From 1930-1960
Throughout history, women have often had their voices and ideas silenced, stolen, or ignored. Although a women's intellect was frequently discounted, there was always one thing that could never be disregarded: her physical appearance. In every profession, women have been compared to one another. This is especially true for the music industry. Those who aligned with the physical "status quo" were often embraced and celebrated as trailblazers and an inspiration to all female artists, while their more unconventional or "unattractive" peers had their contributions all but erased from the music history timeline. This author will compare the careers and appearance of four female artists that were active from the 1930s-1950s, Mary Lou Williams vs. Billie Holiday and Sister Rosetta Tharpe vs. Wanda Jackson, and how this may have advanced or recessed the artists' careers regardless of the contributions that each made and their impact on popular music. Evidence will be presented by examining popular social trends of the times in which these artists were at the height of their careers, the overall response and reaction they received from the public, each artist's contribution to popular music, and the awards and accolades they acquired.
