Women Who Rock

Bessie to Beyonce. Girl Groups to Riot Grrrl.
by Evelyn McDonnell

Shipping to the U.S. only. Please see our International FAQ for more information.

$35.00

Also available at

A stellar and unprecedented celebration of 104 musical artists, Women Who Rock is the most complete, up-to-date history of the evolution, influence, and importance of women in music. A gorgeous gift book, it includes a stunning, specially commissioned, full-color illustrated portrait of every musician and group.

From Bessie Smith and...
Read More

Published By Black Dog & Leventhal

Format Hardback

Category

Number Of Pages 416

Publication Date 10/09/2018

ISBN 9780316558877

Dimensions 8.25 inches x 10.25 inches


"Women Who Rock- which uses the word 'rock' not as a genre or noun, but as a verb - doesn't claim to be encyclopedic. Instead, it focuses on key game changers from around the world and proves that 'woman' is not a genre."

— The Detroit News

"At a time when the #MeToo movement has galvanized women to take political action, [Women Who Rock] has taken on a greater resonance."

— Brooklyn Based

"Women Who Rock is required reading for all of us, for it encourages us to look beyond our musical circles, to listen to those we have far too often placed at the margins of those circles, and to bring those we have marginalized into our circles, embracing them and empowering them as they have for so long empowered us."

— NoDepression.com

"McDonnell has released, arguably, one of the best books, if not the best book of 2018...Throughout this wonderful pink-covered bible, McDonnell brings the readers into the world of many genres of music and some of those who defy any genre (Nina Simone, Lori Anderson, Tina Turner, Sharon Jones, Laura Jane Grace) while throwing in a few surprise musicians you may have never heard of."
— Innocent Words

"Included essays offer portraits of diversity, from Patsy Cline's country melancholy to Joni Mitchell's folk-jazz to Missy Elliott's avant rap. Written by women and illustrated by women, this is a powerhouse collection that is completely, unapologetically celebratory. Revel in the greatness of Women Who Rock."

— BookPage

"It's about damned time there was a collection dedicated to major women musicians. Women Who Rock is a neon-pink compendium of odes to legends past and present...[It] takes the rallying cry "Girls to the front" to another level."

— Vulture

"When you read the profiles of musicians like Nina Simon, Tina Turner, Carole King, Debbie Harry, Kate Bush, Janet Jackson, Sleater-Kinney, and M.I.A chronologically, you gradually notice a common thread that runs throughout the book: these are extraordinary women who fought against the rock patriarchy and forged their own trailblazing path for themselves and other aspiring artists... [T]he first up-to-date collection of women musician profiles ... in over 20 years, and all of them penned by female music writers."
— The Quietus

"McDonnell's lively chronological survey showcases more than 100 female musicians across numerous genres, including country, folk, hip-hop and punk. Short biographies of Joan Baez, Lady Gaga and Angélique Kidjo and many others are paired with colorful illustrations by such emerging talents as Julie Winegard. A bonus: playlists for each musician."
— San Francisco Chronicle

"Edited by veteran music journalist and scholar Evelyn McDonnell, this stylishly illustrated coffee-table book is one you can drop into on any page and start reading. Dozens of writers including Peaches, Alice Bag, Vivien Goldman, Ann Powers, and Jenn and Liz Pelly offer up insightful essays on artists ranging from Bessie Smith to Poly Styrene to TLC. If you're a member of team "girls invented punk rock, not England" (or are looking to join), this book is for you."
— Pitchfork, The Best Music Books of 2018

"Women Who Rock is required reading for all of us, for it encourages us to look beyond our musical circles, to listen to those we have far too often placed at the margins of those circles, and to bring those we have marginalized into our circles, embracing them and empowering them as they have for so long empowered us."

— No Depression, Notable Books of 2018

 
Shipping calculated at checkout.