How Women are Changing the Music Industry 💜

Written by: Caroline Walters

Women are changing the music industry as we know it, & since March is Women’s History Month, we wanted to take today to celebrate some of our favorite female musicians. From household names such as Taylor Swift & Madonna to newer artists like Olivia Rodrigo, women have been dominating the music industry for the past few years! 💪🏼

One of the most prominent women in music today is Taylor Swift. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Taylor has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has broken numerous records, including being the first female artist to win Album of the Year twice at the Grammy Awards. In 2022, following the release of her 10th album Midnights, Taylor broke the record for highest-selling physical release in the United States! Over 575k copies of the 1.3 million she sold were vinyl, which broke yet another record! Taylor Swift's music is not only catchy and relatable but also empowering, making her a role model for young women everywhere! Taylor proves again that she’s a role model when she donates to the Reading Public Library and even donating to help fans pay their tuition! 📚

Another iconic woman in music is Dolly Parton! With over 100 million records sold and multiple Grammy Awards to her name, Dolly has become a country music legend. She has also broken records in other areas, such as being the first country artist to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Dolly Parton's music has inspired generations, and her philanthropic work with funding literacy programs helps show off her generous heart as well. 📖

Donna Summer, often referred to as the "Queen of Disco," revolutionized the genre with her iconic hits such as "I Feel Love" and "Last Dance." Her powerful voice and electrifying performances captivated audiences and revolutionized disco. Donna’s music was not just popular, it was groundbreaking. She was one of the first artists to use electronic synthesizers and sequencers in her music, creating a new sound that was both futuristic and infectious. Hits like "Love to Love You Baby," "Hot Stuff," and "Bad Girls" became classics of the era and have been sampled and covered by many artists over the years. Throughout her career, Summer won five Grammy Awards, and she was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach number one on the US Billboard 200 chart! She also supported charities like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the American Cancer Society