HOW WOMEN MADE MUSIC A Revolutionary History from NPR Music

Alison Fensterstock and Ann Powers deliver an ambitious, sprawling, almost overwhelming project. That's by design. The history of music traditionally revolves around men and their recordings, with women as afterthoughts. This audiobook is not just about inclusion. It's a corrective recentering. The origin story of the song "Hound Dog" is a focal point. It's often attributed as Elvis Presley's signature song. Yet the 1953 single, performed by Big Mama Thornton, is the true original. From there, listeners move through time and genres. Often, performers' own voices are present, providing their perspectives directly. It's exhilarating to hear Dolly Parton, Nina Simone, and Queen Latifah in the mix, giving listeners this mosaic of music history. The impact is undeniable. S.P.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]