March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of that, this week’s playlist covers some of the most prominent and influential women in music. While the countless contributions of female artists could never be condensed into a playlist, hopefully this list honors some of the best female musicians.
- “Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday
- “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
Initially recorded and released by Otis Redding, Franklin’s cover made a good song great. Her version has endured far longer and become Franklin’s signature song as well as an anthem for strong, confident women everywhere.
- “It Don’t Mean a Thing” – Ella Fitzgerald
- “Me and Bobby McGee” – Janis Joplin
- “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
- “Rhythm Nation” – Janet Jackson
- “Vogue” – Madonna
- “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
- “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
While Dion herself might not be as notable as some of the other singers on this list, this song was a monumental success, due, in part, to its connection to the film “Titanic,” the highest grossing film from 1997 to 2010.
- “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child
- “Waterfalls” – TLC
- “The First Cut is the Deepest” – Sheryl Crow
- “So What” – P!nk
- “Single Ladies” – Beyonce
It was difficult to pick a Beyonce song for this list, as she has had so many hits over the past decade alone. However, her 2008 single “Single Ladies” seemed like the best choice, as it was one of her most notable singles after the fiasco at the 2009 MTV VMAs.
- “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
- “Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
- “We Found Love” – Rihanna
