During the rise of second-wave feminism in the '60s and '70s, political activists were not the only ones at work to usher in a more equitable world. In the music world, female rock performers were pursuing a revolution of their own: rejecting the industry's manufactured pop personas and the unacknowledged labor they contributed to male-led groups, women took control of their own music, messages, and images. Even while they often used music to critique rampant chauvinism, they made some of their greatest impacts by paving the way for subsequent musicians to simply be true to themselves. In this way, they helped to transform the music business and society more broadly. In She's a Badass, rock critic Katherine Yeske Taylor interviews more than a dozen of these influential, fearless women about their experiences in an era when female rockers were not given the same respect and opportunities as their male peers. Each chapter focuses on an individual artist, taking an in-depth look at her most memorable experiences in the music business that helped cement her place on the list of influential artists. From Suzi Quatro (the first female rock star to front her own band, singing and playing bass as well as writing her own songs) through superstar singer-songwriter Jewel, She's a Badass reveals the incredible talent, determination, and humor these women deployed in order to further the feminist cause while building brilliant musical careers.
Katherine Yeske Taylor began her career as a rock critic in Atlanta in the 1990s, interviewing Georgia musical royalty such as the Indigo Girls, R.E.M., and the Black Crowes while still a teenager. Since then, she has conducted several hundred interviews and contributes regularly to Billboard, Spin, and American Songwriter, among others. She is a longtime New York City resident and is extremely active in the downtown rock scene.
"In She's a Badass, Kat Taylor gets twenty of the biggest female trailblazers in rock--from Suzi Quatro and Ann Wilson to Orianthi and Amanda Palmer--to spill their guts on what it's really like to have to fight for every scrap of respect as a woman in music, while dodging gropers and setting sexist managers, agents, band members, and labels straight. Nobody got these stories before--because nobody asked for them. Now Taylor has, and the result is a significant contribution to music journalism that is also a wildly entertaining read."--Debra Devi, rock musician and author of The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu "She's a Badass is the book we need. It is incisive and detailed while providing great access and context to some of the greatest rockers in history. It's a must-read for any aspiring journalist . . . and rocker out there."--Daniel Kohn, editorial director, SPIN "Badass and kick-ass, these music makers--icons and up 'n' comers, avant-garde genre-breakers and hitmakers--open up to author Katherine Yeske Taylor. In sharing their compelling stories and struggles and addressing sexism and feminism, the thru-line of integrity and a 'nevertheless she persisted' disposition shines brightly."--Katherine Turman, co-author of Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal "She's a Badass is a virtual handbook for women, especially those coming up in the music world. As the son of a strong mother and fierce female role model, and a teacher of countless female students, I believe that Katherine's book is a perfect blend of inspiration and motivation."--John Sparrow, drummer (Violent Femmes) and educator "She's a Badass recounts the sometimes harrowing tales of how icons such as Heart's Ann Wilson, The Runaways' Cherie Currie, and Indigo Girls' Amy Ray navigated uncharted waters for women in the industry while they made their music their own way. Although the artists who share their deeply personal stories with Katherine Yeske Taylor range from purveyors of alternative rock to punk-pop, their tales of struggle, perseverance, and triumph are universal. Their collective voices demand a reckoning for how females have been treated, acknowledge the personal growth sparked by their difficult journeys, and offer the refreshing perspective that declaring men the enemy isn't the solution to achieving equality."--Christa Titus, Billboard editor "The first time I ever worked with a woman in the music industry was in 1990 when I collaborated with Anne Dudley on Songs from the Victorious City. Until that point in my career I had never really considered how profound the struggle was for a woman in a patriarchal industry (having been in an all-male environment since the inception of Killing Joke). From the metaphorical airbrushing and stereotyping to the brutal chauvinism encountered by so many women artists, She's a Badass documents the experiences of these influential and brave pioneers."--Dr. Jaz Coleman, vocals/songwriter: Killing Joke, composer and producer She's a Badass is a book about badass women written by a fellow badass woman. It's a riveting and inspiring read and I can't put it down. In fact, I typed this with just one pinky so I wouldn't lose my page.--Dave Hill, comedian, musician, and author These women's stories are thought-provoking and utterly fascinating - they are indeed badasses.--Legs McNeil, co-editor Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk By capturing the spirit and soul of six decades' worth of female rockers, Katherine Yeske Taylor demonstrates that she's as much of a badass as any of her subjects. This is a book that needed to be written, and she rose to the occasion like few others could.--Tom Beaujour, co-author of New York Times bestseller Nothin' but a Good Time I found myself fascinated by the stories and experiences shared in this book. Even the women I know surprised me.--Ani DiFranco, musician, poet, and activist I'm not any era. I broke barriers in the '60s and I still break barriers. She's a Badass celebrates women in rock and their influence on gender equality. It's a must-read. There is still a lot of work to be done.--Marianne Faithfull, musician and actress
