As women’s and music history month comes to an end, we take a look back on female music artists that have shaped the history of music. It’s important to acknowledge the work of female artists, because it helps bring empowerment to the women community.

Female musicians date all the way back to 810CE. Hymns were the first type of music created in Britain, and they soon spread throughout the world.

Jumping forward all the way to 1922, Mary Smyth was the first female composer to be acknowledged. She was active in trying to bring awareness and recognition to other female musicians.

Moving forward to the 1990’s, rap music became very prominent in the inner cities. Iconic female artists like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliot set the tones for the rap industry for female artists. Lil Kim and Foxy Brown also were big influencers in this era. These people shaped the rap style of music and what it could turn into.

Soon groups started to form like TLC and Salt-N-Pepa, who set even more of a base and foundation for future rap artists.

Even Latin singers like Selena Quintanilla and Jennifer Lopez made a huge difference and impact on American music and sound.

Now as time goes by, we can still see that today’s music is influenced by older female artists that came before them. Newer rap artist like Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have songs and music that can be compared to the music and style of older artists such as Lil Kim and Missy Elliot.

The songs and music that we listen to today have came a long way from the hymns and classical music that was first created by women. While the style has changed significantly, we can still hear some of the same sounds that artist have used, and it continues to grow and get better over time.

March gives a reason to look back and appreciate these voices and people of history, as they have influenced a lot of today’s pop culture.