The first artist to have a hit with 'Hound Dog'; The very first woman to play Rock and Roll on National television. These are the stories of the first African American women in music. These are the stories of the Black Diamond Queens.
From the dawn of rock and roll and even before there have been female artists. Women like Ma Rainey pushed the envelope with the Dirty Blues and musicians like Sister Rosette Tharpe have been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their influence. But where is the recognition for the dozens of other women of color who pioneered Rock and Roll, as well as R&B, Soul and Pop? On this episode Kris talks with Maureen Mahon -Associate Professor of Cultural Anthropology at NYU whose new book ‘Black Diamond Queens’ highlights some of the lesser known voices in Rock and Roll's evolution, but whose stories have been largely untold until now.
For more from Maureen Mahon, and to purchase Black Diamond Queens, visit her website.
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About the Podcast:
‘TEXT PROSE AND ROCK N ROLL’- is the only podcast dedicated to the written account of musicians. From artist memoirs to band bios, and anything in between. You'll hear first accounts from those who lived the lifestyle; a Book Club that rocks - literally.
It was Created, Hosted & Executive Produced by Kris Kosach.
It was Produced & Edited by Charlene Goto of Go-To Productions.
For more on the show, visit the website.
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Follow Kris on Social Media: @KrisKosach
Follow Producer Char on Social Media: @ProducerChar