Women in Music Archives - Vinyl Stories

The Pretenders – Learning to Crawl (1984)

December 10, 2023

This holiday season The Pretenders’ Christmas release “2000 Miles” turns 40! Although thought to be one of the most romantic holiday songs of the modern era, it was written by Chrissie Hynde during a time of grief and tragedy while launching a brand new era for The Pretenders. Who was James Honeyman-Scott, and why we should remember him every time we hear this seasonal favorite.

The Sinatra Family – The Sinatra Family Wish You a Merry Christmas (1968)

December 1, 2023

Come spend Christmas with the Sinatra Family! A look at the state of the Sinatra empire at the end of the 1960’s, and the only time that all the Sinatras – Frank, Nancy, Frank Jr and Tina, joined forces for an album. Bonus: The one time Tina Sinatra recorded a song and the imaginary scenario of how it may have happened.

Rebbie Jackson – Reaction (1986)

November 6, 2023

In 1984 Michael Jackson’s big sister launched her solo career. No, not LaToya. His other older sister – Rebbie Jackson! Ever heard of her? Despite a trio of solid pop albums and the support of her famous siblings, iconisim seemed to pass Rebbie behind. A look at the life and music of the forgotten Jackson sister, and how she chose love and family over the madness of showbusiness.

Fleetwood Mac – Fleetwood Mac (1975)

October 23, 2023

Is Stevie Nicks a witch? Since her first commercial breakout on 1975’s “Fleetwood Mac,” rumors that the pop icon has a connection with old world magik have continued to be a part of her mythos. But, while she has denied being involved in witchcraft on many occasions, she leans into it in her lyrics, aesthetics and lifestyle. A look at her 1976 hit “Rhiannon” and an exploration into the spell that Stevie Nicks has her fans under.

Frank Sinatra – The World We Knew (1967)

October 5, 2023

In 1967 Frank and Nancy SInatra scored an unlikely hit with “Somethin’ Stupid,” becoming the only father/daughter team to ever reach #1 on the charts. A look at the unique bond between Frank and Nancy, and the historical, albeit it problematic, legacy of the song they recorded together. Extra: In 1998 Sam Tweedle says goodbye to his hero. A look back at the death of Frank Sinatra, and the gift that the Sinatra Family gave to his fans,.

Nancy Sinatra – Boots (1966)

October 2, 2023

In 1966 Nancy Sinatra became one of the biggest pop artists in the world when her mega hit “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'” soared to the top of the charts in nations worldwide. However, the song wasn’t originally supposed to be hers until Frank made writer/producer Lee Hazelwood see his point of view. A look at the far reaching success of “Thee Boots Are Made for Walkin” and how it made Nancy Sinatra a cultural icon.

Nancy Sinatra – Boots: Nancy Sinatra’s All-Time Hits (1986)

September 28, 2023

Despite being remembered as one of the most iconic pop singers of the 1960’s, during her early days in showbusiness Nancy Sinatra was a hard sell. After struggling for years to find a hit, in 1965 Nancy was nearly dropped from Capitol Records roster despite her father being the boss of Reprise Records. Enter a new producer, a new attitude and “So Long, Babe” – the forgotten hit that saved Nancy Sinatra from obscurity. A look at the pitfalls of Nancy Sinatra’s early years in pop music.

Various Artists – Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1970)

August 14, 2023

In 1970 director Russ Meyer introduced a new rock band, The Carrie Nations, to audiences in his film epic “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.” With music written by Stu Phillips, and featuring the talents of Lynn Carey, The Strawberry Alarmclock, and The Sandpipers, the film contained some of the freshest and most dynamic rock music ever written for a film, reflecting the sounds and attitude of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip culture. But the music would be ignored by the Billboard charts and barely found an audience while one of the key players was mysteriously missing from the soundtrack album. An introduction to the world of “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” and the music of The Carrie Nations.

Frank Sinatra – No One Cares (1957)

July 24, 2023

How a young widow from Toronto gave Frank Sinatra his first hit. The story of Ruth Lowe and “I’ll Never Smile Again.”

Janis Ian – Janis Ian (1967)

July 14, 2023

How a teenage Janis Ian shocked censors by recording her debut hit “Society’s Child.” Extra: Who was the Hollywood asshat who tried to tank her career and the outrageous reason why,

Lesley Gore – Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts (1963)

July 12, 2023

When Lesley Gore made her Billboard debut in 1963 she seemed to be the unlikeliest performer to become an early feminist icon. But after a string of hit singles where she played the role of the victim,, Lesley Gore changed the narrative of girls across America when she to recorded the first feminist anthem of pop music, “You Don’t Own Me.”

The Shangri-Las – Leader of the Pack (1965)

July 10, 2023

A look at the lives, music, secrets and legacy of rock n’ roll’s original “bad girls” of pop, The Shangri-Las’ Extra: The story of the Shangri-Las; architect Shadow Morton, and the story of “Remember (Walking in the Sand)” and “Leader of the Pack.”

The Black Belles – The Black Belles (2011) and Olivia Jean – Bathtub Love Killings (2019)

July 5, 2023

A look at Third Man Records’ one album sensation The Black Belles. and the ongoing solo career of their enigmatic front woman Olivia Jean.

Tanya Tucker – Delta Dawn (1972), Bette Midler – The Devine Miss M (1972) and Helen Reddy – Long Hard Climb (1973)

June 19, 2023

The tragic real life story behind the country classic “Delta Dawn,” and how it hit the Billboard charts three times in two years with recordings by three iconic women – Tanya Tucker, Bette Midler and Helen Reddy. Extra: Who passed on “Delta Dawn,” and why?

Billy Jack Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1971) and Coven – Coven (1971)

June 14, 2023

“On the bloody morning after, One Tin Soldier rides away.” How Coven’s Jinx Dawson went from singing about witchcraft to having a hit with “One Tin Soldier” and how the film “Billy Jack” made it one of the most accessalbe anthems of peace ever recorded.

Coven – Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls (1969)

June 7, 2023

In 1969 Chicago’s Coven became the first rock band to mix black magik and Satanisim with rock n’ roll in thier lp “Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls” making them the pioneers of occult rock. Extra: Lead singer Jinx Dawson reveals how Black Sabbath stole Coven’s legacy.

Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (1970)

June 5, 2023

Just who or what was the girl on the front cover of Black Sabbath’s 1970 debut album? The myths, and the truth, behind one of rock n’ roll’s most iconic images.

Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963)

May 26, 2023

When Bob Dylan released his sacond album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,” in 1963, he gained world wide fame for his political writings and anti-war musings. But behind the songs was the influence of his then girlfriend Suze Rotolo, who was immoralized walking with him on the album’s front cover. Who was Suze Rotolo, and how did she help shape the legend that would become Bob Dylan? A look into their relationship and Suze’s important place in the Bob Dylan mythos.

Bobbie Gentry – The Girl From Chickasaw County (2022)

April 21, 2023

40 years after her self exile from the music industry, singer/songwriter Bobbie Gentry has finally found appreciation amongst modern music fans. Too honky tonk for rock fans and too progressive for country fans, Bobbie was perhaps too ahead of her time in the 60’s and 70’s, but is finally gaining a modern cult following for her swampy blues-country originals and genre spanning crossover masterpieces. However, while the world finally listens, Bobbie doesn’t want to be found.

Dea Matrona – Stamp On It (2021)

March 17, 2023

One of the most exciting bands currently breaking into the mainstream, Belfast’s Dea Matrona is bringing classsic rock vibes to a new generation. A look at the continuing rise of Dea Matrona.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono – Double Fantasy (1980)

February 16, 2023

Happy 90th Birthday Yoko Ono! A deep dive into the world’s most famous unknown artist, and why she deserves more love.

Kate Bush – The Sensual World (1989)

August 30, 2022

In 2022 Kate Bush hit the mainstream for the first time when a new generation discovered her via the hit Netflix seriesd “Stranger Things.” Sam Tweedle travels back to 1989 when he disocvered Kate Bush at age fifteen with her album “The Sensual World” and how it changed the way he listened to music forever.

Maureen Tucker – I’m Sticking with You: An Introduction to Moe Tucker (2018)

August 26, 2022

Happy birthday Moe Tucker! Celebrating the Velvet Underground’s enigmatic drummer, and one of the often overlooked female icons of rock!

Lights – Pep (2022)

August 9, 2022

That time that Sam Tweedle met Canadian synth-pop singer Lights and fell in love! A snapshot of a future pop superstar at the start of her career in the wake of her latest album “Pep.”