The music industry has been dominated by women for over 100 years. Even though women were fighting for equality elsewhere, women in music have always had a head start over their counterparts. Women’s voices not only produce a different register than men but also have a distinct timbre. The music industry has always had women.

While there have been some roadblocks to women’s progress in the music industry due to castrati and other government policies, overall female performers have always been welcomed into the music industry. In the early 1900s, music distribution via phonograph records was commercialized. Women’s voices were heard throughout the country. The same time, accompaniment became more in demand and female piano players were often hired at a much lower rate than their male counterparts.

Since then, women have made significant progress in the music industry. Today, many female artists are not only performers, but also songwriters/producers. Ani DiFranco, a remarkable example, is one of these women. Ani DiFranco, who writes and performs all her own music, is also the founder and president of Righteous Babe Records. The independent label has remained independent even though Ani gained a significant fan base. Some of the lesser-known women in the music industry, such as Carrie Underwood who is a folk singer/songwriter and continues her performance career alongside political activism or charity work. Women in music have made a big impact, onstage and off.