Freedom Girls: Voicing Femininity in 1960s British Pop

The book "Freedom Girls: Voicing Femininity in 1960s British Pop" explores how the vocal performances of girl singers in 1960s Britain defined and sometimes defied ideas about what it meant to be a young woman in the 1960s British pop music scene. It examines how Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black's ordinary girl personas were tied to whiteness, how Dusty Springfield and Jamaican singer Millie Small engaged with the transatlantic sounds of soul and ska, how attitudes about sexuality and youth in rock culture shaped the vocal performances of Lulu and Marianne Faithfull, and how P.P. Arnold re-narrated rock history to center Black women's vocality. The book draws on a broad array of archival sources to inform its analysis of musical recordings and performances on television programs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the vibrant world of 1960s British pop, the Freedom Girls emerged as a powerful force, challenging and redefining the notion of femininity in the music industry. Through their mesmerizing vocal performances, these female singers not only showcased their talent but also played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the era. This captivating book delves into the profound impact of their voices on social mobility, power, and musical authority.

The singing and expressive voices of Sandie Shaw, Cilla Black, Millie Small, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Marianne Faithfull, and P.P. Arnold become the vessels through which we explore the intricate relationship between vocal sound and social mobility. These remarkable artists revealed the power of their voices to transcend boundaries, challenging traditional notions of gender roles and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse music industry.

The book takes us on a journey to examine how Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black's ordinary girl personas were intricately linked to whiteness, while Black's Liverpool origins added a unique dimension to her identity. It sheds light on how Dusty Springfield and Jamaican singer Millie Small embraced the transatlantic sounds of soul and ska, respectively, revolutionizing ideas about musical genre, race, and gender. Their performances challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the music industry.

Furthermore, the book delves into the complex interplay between attitudes about sexuality and youth in rock culture and the vocal performances of Lulu and Marianne Faithfull. It explores how these artists used their voices to express their innermost emotions and navigate the often-confusing terrain of teenage rebellion and self-discovery. Their songs resonated with young listeners, providing a voice to their experiences and empowering them to embrace their individuality.

P.P. Arnold's re-narrative of rock history, centered around the vocal prowess of Black women, is a testament to the transformative power of music. Arnold's contributions to the genre have been overlooked, but through her work, she has ensured that Black women's voices are heard and celebrated. The book draws on a wide array of archival sources, including music magazines, fashion and entertainment magazines produced for young women, biographies and interviews, audience research reports, and others, to provide a comprehensive analysis of musical recordings and performances on television programs such as Ready Steady Go!, Shindig, and other 1960s music shows.

These performances serve as a window into the historical and contemporary connections between voice, social mobility, and musical authority. They demonstrate how singers used their voices to navigate the boundaries of race, class, and gender, challenging societal norms and breaking down barriers that had long held women back. The Freedom Girls' legacy continues to inspire and empower women in the music industry today, reminding us of the power of vocal expression and the importance of embracing one's true identity.

In conclusion, Freedom Girls: Voicing Femininity in 1960s British Pop is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the profound impact of the vocal performances of girl singers in 1960s Britain on social mobility, power, and musical authority. Through their extraordinary voices, these artists challenged societal norms, broke down barriers, and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse music industry. Their legacy continues to inspire and empower women to this day, reminding us of the power of vocal expression and the importance of embracing one's true identity.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 242 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190879891