Heart of Gold Gallery Kicks Off March With Three Music Muses Who Shaped History
It’s Women’s History Month and we want to kick it off by celebrating three women; Nina Simone, Debbie Harry, and Madonna, who inspire us, collectively contributed to our history, and shaped the world of music.
Nina Simone (1933-2003):
Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, Nina Simone is an icon of American music and remembered as a leading voice in the Civil Rights Movement.
With songs that carried through generations, such as “Young, Gifted and Black” and “Four Women”, Simone used her platform to stand up for injustices and fight for what she believed in, inspiring future musicians and igniting the fire of change.
Unapologetic in who she was, her writing and her performance, Simone’s lyrics captivated listeners with contagious empowerment and yearning for equality during a time fraught with racial discrimination and civil unrest.
Although controversial, Simone was shameless in using her voice to fight for civil rights paving the way for artists to follow suit. Ahead of her time, many equate her to the Beyoncé before Beyoncé. Her music is still alive today, incorporated into songs written by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and more.
Debbie Harry
Singer, songwriter, actress, and model - Debbie Harry is a rock and roll queen.
Known primarily as the lead singer for her band Blondie, Harry influenced music history with the introduction of New Wave music – a blend of punk, electronica, reggae, and funk. She quickly became a pop icon consistently placing in the top charts by 1978, thanks to Blondie’s third album, Parallel Lines.
Harry’s iconic white-blonde hair, high cheekbones coupled with her unique, cool, and commanding style influenced and paved the way for artists like Madonna to own being fiercely feminine with an edge.
Harry’s role in film projects also inspired her to champion for fair-pay in 2015, citing what she deemed a lack of just compensation given to musicians and singers by streaming services.
Madonna
To quote the legend herself, “I’m tough, I’m ambitious and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, OK”.
Madonna stands for female empowerment and breaking down barriers among marginalized groups through collaboration. By owning her sexuality and fierce femininity, her music, along with her famous cone bra corset are emblematic of fighting the double standard that allows men to express their sexuality while women are supposed to repress it.
At 61-years-young Madonna continues to courageously express herself and break down barriers, especially in the LGTBQ community.
These women rocked our world with their talent, courage and commitment to being unapologetically true to themselves. By owning their voice, these music queens taught us all to be brave in our expression, speak up for what we believe and own who we are.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with us!
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