Graphic by: Lucille Wacker
Women's History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements, resilience, and influence of women across all areas of society. From art and music to activism and cultural change, women have continuously challenged limitations and reshaped the worlds around them. Their contributions often go beyond their craft, reflecting broader struggles for equality, self-expression, and independence. By revisiting their stories, we not only honor their legacies but also gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural movements they helped inspire.
The following writings highlight three influential forces in music- Sade Adu, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, and L7- each of whom redefined what it meant to be a woman in their respective eras and genres. These artists pushed boundaries and expanded opportunities for those who followed. Together, their stories illustrate the diverse ways women have shaped the music industry while challenging expectations and advocating for lasting change. SCOPE content presents artist highlights in honor of Women's History Month.
Sade Adu
Written by: Matthew Schmalz
One of the most distinctive artists of the late 20th century is the one and only Sade Adu. Adu was born in 1959 in British Nigeria, and at 4 years old, she moved to England with her mother. After attending school for fashion design, she found herself in the London music scene, singing backup vocals for the band Pride. One of the members of Pride, saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, began working with Adu on the side, and they eventually broke off to create their own band Sade in 1982, being joined by bassist Paul Denman and drummer Paul Cook. In 1984, they released their debut album Diamond Life, which became a major hit and went quadruple platinum.
The success of that record got the attention of the organizers of Live Aid in 1985, one of the largest benefit concerts in history, organized to raise relief funds for the famine going on in Ethiopia at the time. Live Aid attracted the biggest artists of the time like Queen, David Bowie, Madonna, and Led Zeppelin. At Live Aid, Sade performed a 20-minute set at Wembley Stadium in front of a live audience of 75,000 and a worldwide viewing audience of 1.4 billion. They performed “Why Can’t We Live Together,” “Your Love Is King,” and “Is It A Crime?” Sade’s performance at Live Aid solidified the band amongst the most influential artists of the era and marked the beginning of their 25-year run where they released 5 platinum albums.
Janis Joplin
Written by: Lucille Wacker
The band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, showed up at the Monterey International Pop Festival during the summer of 1967, but the lead vocalist of the band, Janis Joplin, was dubbed “the real queen of the festival” and left the Monterey County Fairgrounds a rising star. Janis Joplin’s rise at the Monterey Festival was not just a breakthrough for her career, but a milestone for women in rock. At the time, the genre was overwhelmingly male-dominated; Joplin’s unrestrained power, emotionality, and dominating stage presence challenged the traditional role and expectation of the female performer. She pioneered a raw and soulful intensity that demanded attention from the audience, proving that women could not only lead a rock band but also command the stage. Her success after this performance inspired countless women to pursue and enjoy rock music. She opened doors in an industry that previously sidelined talented people on the basis of their gender.
Her performance of “Ball and Chain” that summer remains my favorite live performance and one of the most memorable in all of rock history. Channeling blues and gospel influences with a gritty yet vulnerable voice, Joplin brought the song to life that day, a cathartic anthem. The best part of Joplin on stage is the way she moves and jives while effortlessly hitting every note. Her gestures and expressions truly mirror the feelings of the song and entrance the audience, and viewers on film, spellbound.
Joni Mitchell
Written by: Abby Rhomberg
On September 3, 1970, BBC premiered a live show titled In Concert, with Joni Mitchell as the debut artist. Following this event, the series became known for showcasing top musical talent through intimate performances. Mitchell, who was featured on guitar, piano, and her signature instrument, the dulcimer, performed a twelve song setlist to a live studio audience, and many more viewers watching at home. The performance included many songs from her third studio album, Ladies Of The Canyon, such as ‘Woodstock,’ ‘For Free,’ and ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ as well as an exclusive performance of unreleased ‘California,’ which would go on to be one of Mitchell’s most famous songs off her standout album Blue. This performance came at a time when Britain had “finally woken up to her immense talent,” according to Far Out Magazine.
In light of Women’s History Month, it is relevant to note the significant role that Joni Mitchell played in breaking gender barriers for women. Arriving in Los Angeles in 1967, Mitchell joined the world of music in a time when women were placed into small boxes labeled with narrow archetypes. Despite this, by 1970, Mitchell had full contractual and artistic control over her albums, owned a car and multiple homes, while women weren’t even legally able get a credit card in their own name, remained unmarried, and traveled the world as she pleased; she was “a celebrated woman who lived with rare freedom,” who advocated for continual self-discovery. Although Mitchell came out saying she didn’t fully identify herself as a feminist, in terms of the feminism movement of her time, many women who did resonate with the idea of feminism were “dreaming, questioning, and self-actualizing” in the same ways as Mitchell. Joni made women feel seen and reminded them that they could be more than muses, which is a legacy that has continued to live on.
The 1970 BBC Television Centre performance beautifully showcases Mitchell’s raw talent, through clear audio and camera quality that was uncommon for the time, allowing viewers now to experience her youthful joy and unique, highly-controlled vocals. The respect and praise of the audience in the room give a glimpse into the sensation that Mitchell was bound to become, the sensation that she is now.
L7
Written by: Lucy Prescott
From shocking onstage moments to organized political action, L7 used its platform to confront issues beyond music. The band co-founded “Rock for Choice,” a pro-choice movement that gained national attention, and partnered with the Feminist Majority Foundation to organize large-scale concerts. The events featured major acts, including Nirvana and Joan Jett, which helped amplify their message and reach a wider audience during a pivotal moment in the early 1990s culture wars. L7's activism was not separate from their music, but embedded within it, shaping both their public image and their artistic voice.
One of the band's most infamous and politically charged performances came during their live rendition of "Wargasm" in Rio de Janeiro at the 1993 Hollywood Rock Festival. In front of a massive crowd of 70,000-80,000 people, L7 delivered a raw and confrontational performance that directly addressed global conflict and dedicated the song to those affected by the Balkan War. The chaotic energy of the moment, with the presence of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, captured the urgency and anger that defined both L7's music and the broader alternative scene at the time.
Formed in Los Angeles by Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner, L7 emerged as a defining act of the decade's grunge, punk, and metal scenes. Building on their activist platform, the full band, completed with Jennifer Finch and Demetra Plakas, created an all-female band that challenged industry norms at a time when women in hard rock were often dismissed. Despite numerous criticisms and stereotypes, including the reductive label of “chick rock,” the group pushed forward with a sound and stage presence that rivaled that of male bands like no other.
While maintaining a distinct identity within the alternative music scene, L7 helped redefine expectations for women in rock. Their legacy reflects not only their influence on the grunge and punk movement but also a sustained commitment to activism. Through both confrontational performances and organized advocacy, the band ensured its impact extended well beyond the stage.