SHE BOP: The Definitive History of Women in Popular Music

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Since its first publication in 1995, digital downloading has transformed the music landscape, but has gender inequality changed? In this groundbreaking exploration of sexism in the music industry, over 250 interviews with female artists and women in A&R, marketing, music publishing, and production reveal untold stories. The narrative spans from 1920s blues to the present, featuring iconic artists like Eartha Kitt, Nina Simone, Debbie Harry, Poly Styrene, and Beyoncé, illustrating how women have navigated "old boy" power networks to gain visibility and have their music heard. This revised edition includes fresh interviews and perspectives, with a new introduction and closing chapter addressing the stark reality that, as of 2020, women own only 13 percent of music publishing and remain a minority among festival headliners. O’Brien highlights the rise of groundbreaking artists like Lizzo and Billie Eilish, while also reflecting on the struggles faced by others like Kesha and Aaliyah, questioning whether the pop industry has experienced its #MeToo moment. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original book and the 50th anniversary of Women’s Liberation, this new edition appeals to a diverse audience, including music fans, the LGBT community, and women across generations.