She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Popular Music

The book "She Bop" explores the issue of gender inequality in the music industry and how women have negotiated old boy power networks to be seen and heard. The revised edition updates the story through fresh interviews and new perspectives, asking why women own just 13% of music publishing and are still a minority among festival headliners. It celebrates the rise of unique women such as Lizzo and Billie Eilish, while also looking at the struggles of artists like Kesha and Aaliyah.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2020
Publisher: Outline Press Ltd

Since the publication of She Bop in 1995, the music industry has undergone a significant transformation due to the advent of digital downloading. However, the issue of gender inequality in the industry has also remained a pressing concern. In order to delve into this topic, author Lucy O'Brien conducted over 250 interviews with female artists, as well as women working behind the scenes in various roles such as A&R, marketing, music publishing, and production. The result is a groundbreaking exploration of sexism in the music industry, offering a feminist history of women in popular music from the 1920s blues to the present day.

O'Brien's book combines numerous untold stories and presents a comprehensive account of how women have navigated the old boy power networks within the music industry to gain visibility and recognition for their music. She speaks with iconic artists such as Eartha Kitt, Nina Simone, Debbie Harry, Poly Styrene, and Beyonce, charting their journeys and the challenges they faced in breaking through the male-dominated landscape.

This revised edition of She Bop includes updated interviews and new perspectives, reflecting the changing landscape of the music industry in the twenty-first century. In a new introduction, O'Brien questions why, in 2020, women still hold only 13 percent of music publishing and remain a minority among festival headliners. She celebrates the rise of unique women like Lizzo and Billie Eilish, who are breaking through and creating new possibilities for female artists. At the same time, she also examines the struggles faced by artists like Kesha and Aaliyah, raising concerns about whether the pop industry has truly experienced its #MeToo moment.

When She Bop was first published, O'Brien challenged the way female artists were often lumped together under the term "Women in Rock," arguing that the ultimate goal was to render that phrase obsolete. While significant progress has been made in terms of greater awareness and recognition of gender inequality, there are still remnants of sexism that persist in the industry. However, the power of social media and the voices of female artists have played a crucial role.

This new edition of She Bop, published to celebrate the original book's 25th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Women's Liberation, aims to appeal to a wide audience. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the music industry and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history and challenges faced by women in popular music. O'Brien's book is a testament to the resilience and creativity of female artists, and it continues to inspire and empower those who seek to break through the barriers and achieve success in the male-dominated world of music.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 153 x 217 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911036678