Description

Drawn from NPR Music’s groundbreaking series *Turning the Tables*, *How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music* is the definitive book on the impact of women in music. From Beyoncé to Odetta, Taylor Swift to Joan Baez, Joan Jett to Dolly Parton, this essential volume highlights the voices and stories of female artists who have shaped the industry. Featuring archival interviews, essays, photographs, and illustrations, it brings together more than fifty years of NPR’s coverage along with newly commissioned work.

Since its launch in 2017, *Turning the Tables* has transformed the way female musicians are recognized, influencing everything from best album lists to inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now, this landmark project arrives in book form, offering fresh insights for music fans, songwriters, feminist historians, and anyone interested in the creative process.

Included in this collection are remarkable accounts such as:

Joan Baez reflecting on nonviolence as a guiding principle in her music in 1971
Dolly Parton sharing the story behind her favorite song
Patti Smith describing art as her “jealous mistress” in 1974
Nina Simone explaining in 2001 how she developed the edge in her voice as a tool against racism
Taylor Swift recalling a time when she was unsure whether her music career would succeed
Odetta discussing how moving from classical music to folk helped her express her anger over Jim Crow

This beautifully crafted hardcover is a vital historical record and an essential addition to any music lover’s collection. Destined to become a classic, it makes a perfect gift for those passionate about music, creativity, and the trailblazing women who have shaped both.