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: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2022
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 the ordinary girl personas of Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black 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 uncovers how attitudes about sexuality and youth in rock culture influenced the vocal performances of Lulu and Marianne Faithfull. It explores how P.P. Arnold re-narrated rock history to center Black women's vocality, highlighting their contributions and elevating their voices to the forefront.

Freedom Girls draws upon a diverse range of archival sources, including music magazines, fashion and entertainment magazines targeted at young women, biographies, interviews, audience research reports, and more. These sources provide valuable insights into the historical and contemporary connections between voice, social mobility, and musical authority. Through meticulous analysis of musical recordings and performances on television programs such as Ready Steady Go!, Shindig, and other 1960s music shows, the book showcases the ways in which singers used their voices to navigate the complex terrain of race, class, and gender.

The Freedom Girls' vocal performances not only resonated with audiences but also left a lasting legacy. They broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of female artists to express themselves freely and fearlessly. Their contributions to the 1960s British pop scene were immense, and their impact continues to be felt today. This book serves as a tribute to the power of femininity, the transformative power of music, and the enduring legacy of the Freedom Girls.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 156 x 293 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190879907