Women blues musicians have always been central figures in the making of blues music and the eventual marketing and commercialization of the genre. Interestingly, the blues women who were most successful in the early 20th century did not conform to societal norms for women during their time. Very often, they did not marry or have children. Few lived a domestic life, and many were businesswomen in their own right. They made bold choices related to their music, performance styles, demeanor, and lyrical content. This lesson focuses on how several important blues women of the past (Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie, Gladys Bentley, and Mamie Smith) and present-day musicians have challenged (and continue to challenge) societal gender expectations via their music.

Lesson Components & Learning Objectives

1. Gender Expectations and the Blues

   • Describe the ways in which important blueswomen (such as Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie, and Mamie Smith) pressed the boundaries of gender norms in the early part of the 20th century.
   • 30 minutes

2. A Blues Woman Who Refused to Conform!

   • Listen for, identify, and explain scat singing.
   • Explain how blues woman Gladys Bentley challenged traditional gender expectations in the early 20th century.
   • 15+ minutes

3. Non-Conformity in the Contemporary Music Scene

   • Explain how societal boundaries (like gender norms) can be challenged through music.
   • Identify some contemporary musicians who challenge gender expectations through their music and performances.
   • 15+ minutes