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August 9 is Women's Day, and what better day to look back at some great music by women, and inspirational women who make great music.
The Queen of Rockabilly
When Wanda Jackson was a girl with a gravelly voice who opened for Elvis Presley in the 1950s, nobody had ever heard a woman sing like that before. By then, Presley was already gyrating his way to superstardom. But Jackson - called the "queen of rockabilly" for her gritty, feisty performances - couldn't even get her songs played on the radio. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland has opened an exhibit honouring the previously ignored pioneering women of rock, Wanda Jackson among them.
The Mother of MP3
Human rights, new technologies and great music are just some sides to Suzanne Vega's life and personality. In July 2011 she released the third of four albums in a series called Close-up. The albums collect songs from her albums, re-recorded in new arrangements for the fans. In this interview from London, Suzanne chats about the new albums, central themes in her work, human rights, and the "prickly" parts of life.
The Rock in Roxette
Marie Fredriksson's story is a heroic and inspirational one. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 2002, and underwent surgery and treatment. She survived against the odds, fighting her way back to record and tour with re-formed band Roxette. Here are a some classic videos from that band.
GREAT FREE MUSIC BY WOMEN on CHANNEL24
The Mahotella Queens - Amezemula
Space is the place on this mellifluous a cappella gem off the queens of mbaqanga's recent album, Reign and Shine. Fresh and dynamic, the album maps the spaces where mbaqanga and mbube meet and greet with tracks ranging from traditional classics to brand new, original material.
Listen or Download
Coda - It's Still the Music
Fans of funky retro disco soul pop are going to groove on this feelgood Saturday Night Fever-ish hip shaker off their second album African Renaissance.
Listen or Download
Heather Mac- Autumn
The lead singer of Ella Mental in the '80's returns with her new album, Within, a collection of personal songs gathered from the last 25 years of her life.
Listen or Download
Nicolene - Sweet Rock 'N Roller
One of the varied tracks off this singer's second album Onthou Jy Nog, on which she focuses more on Afrikaans music.
Listen or Download
Jennifer Ferguson - Bay Of Bombay (Live)
A classic live track off this South African pop-folkie's powerful Shifty album, Hand Around The Heart, on which her incisive vision and wit expose the fabric of white South African suburban life.
Listen or Download
Wendy Oldfield- Lovely Day
A track off the album, Singalong African Kidz, a very special collection of original children's songs crafted by renowned singer/songwriter.
Listen or Download
Shann - Love is a Gift
A great new track off the debut album Pride Of Africa f - Shann is getting a lot of attention on the SA scene.
Listen or Download
Mona - Just Show Me How to Love You
An SA classical crossover star shares this inspirational upper register soar off her recently recorded solo album Opera Diva' Fans of Katherine Jenkins and Sarah Brightman, this symphonic pop gem is for you.
Listen or Download
Natalia - Rules Of The Road
This sweet and sassy little pop track from popular Cape Town singer-songwriter Natalia is the title track off her recent 10-song album Rules Of The Road.
Listen or Download
Venessa Nolan - Sea Of Dreams
A sexy, if sinister new single off Venessa's second album, This Life, on her own Mixed Up Music label. It's an ethereal electro-acoustic brood blending acoustic instrumentation with electronic beats and programmed rhythms, featuring Venessa's distinctive piano and vocal arrangements.
Listen or Download
Browse the Channel24 MP3 section for more gems.
Who are your female heroes of music? Tell us in the comments below.
The Queen of Rockabilly
When Wanda Jackson was a girl with a gravelly voice who opened for Elvis Presley in the 1950s, nobody had ever heard a woman sing like that before. By then, Presley was already gyrating his way to superstardom. But Jackson - called the "queen of rockabilly" for her gritty, feisty performances - couldn't even get her songs played on the radio. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland has opened an exhibit honouring the previously ignored pioneering women of rock, Wanda Jackson among them.
The Mother of MP3
Human rights, new technologies and great music are just some sides to Suzanne Vega's life and personality. In July 2011 she released the third of four albums in a series called Close-up. The albums collect songs from her albums, re-recorded in new arrangements for the fans. In this interview from London, Suzanne chats about the new albums, central themes in her work, human rights, and the "prickly" parts of life.
The Rock in Roxette
Marie Fredriksson's story is a heroic and inspirational one. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 2002, and underwent surgery and treatment. She survived against the odds, fighting her way back to record and tour with re-formed band Roxette. Here are a some classic videos from that band.
GREAT FREE MUSIC BY WOMEN on CHANNEL24
The Mahotella Queens - Amezemula
Space is the place on this mellifluous a cappella gem off the queens of mbaqanga's recent album, Reign and Shine. Fresh and dynamic, the album maps the spaces where mbaqanga and mbube meet and greet with tracks ranging from traditional classics to brand new, original material.
Listen or Download
Coda - It's Still the Music
Fans of funky retro disco soul pop are going to groove on this feelgood Saturday Night Fever-ish hip shaker off their second album African Renaissance.
Listen or Download
Heather Mac- Autumn
The lead singer of Ella Mental in the '80's returns with her new album, Within, a collection of personal songs gathered from the last 25 years of her life.
Listen or Download
Nicolene - Sweet Rock 'N Roller
One of the varied tracks off this singer's second album Onthou Jy Nog, on which she focuses more on Afrikaans music.
Listen or Download
Jennifer Ferguson - Bay Of Bombay (Live)
A classic live track off this South African pop-folkie's powerful Shifty album, Hand Around The Heart, on which her incisive vision and wit expose the fabric of white South African suburban life.
Listen or Download
Wendy Oldfield- Lovely Day
A track off the album, Singalong African Kidz, a very special collection of original children's songs crafted by renowned singer/songwriter.
Listen or Download
Shann - Love is a Gift
A great new track off the debut album Pride Of Africa f - Shann is getting a lot of attention on the SA scene.
Listen or Download
Mona - Just Show Me How to Love You
An SA classical crossover star shares this inspirational upper register soar off her recently recorded solo album Opera Diva' Fans of Katherine Jenkins and Sarah Brightman, this symphonic pop gem is for you.
Listen or Download
Natalia - Rules Of The Road
This sweet and sassy little pop track from popular Cape Town singer-songwriter Natalia is the title track off her recent 10-song album Rules Of The Road.
Listen or Download
Venessa Nolan - Sea Of Dreams
A sexy, if sinister new single off Venessa's second album, This Life, on her own Mixed Up Music label. It's an ethereal electro-acoustic brood blending acoustic instrumentation with electronic beats and programmed rhythms, featuring Venessa's distinctive piano and vocal arrangements.
Listen or Download
Browse the Channel24 MP3 section for more gems.
Who are your female heroes of music? Tell us in the comments below.
