On Monday, musician, author and activist Camille Gage passed away at the age of 66. She is best known for being a member of the all-female rock band Tétes Noires. The six-piece Minnesotan band got their start in the early ’80s, first at a performance art project at the Walker Art Center and then moving their show into clubs like the 7th St. Entry. By the mid-’80s they were headlining First Avenue and touring the United States and Canada. They recorded three studio albums before disbanding in 1987. With their humorous feminist lyrics, vintage dresses, and stage antics, Tétes Noires landed on the avant-garde side of punk. They are considered one of the pioneering and highly influential bands that helped create the Minnesota sound.

Minnesota has a rich history of all-female and female-fronted bands. From the Andrews Sisters to Babes in Toyland and beyond, women are still making history and paving the way for future female groups. Let’s pay respects to Camille and her local legacy with the music that she helped inspire. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs from Minnesota female bands do you want to hear?

Songs Played:
Tetes Noires – World Turning
Babes in Toyland – Sweet ‘69
Bruise Violet – Guinea Pig
The Continental Co-Ets – I Don’t Love You No More
Zuzu’s Petals – Cinderella’s Daydream
The Clams – Let Me Drive
The Soviettes – The Land of Clear Blue Radio
Dessa – I Already Like You (Bonus Track!)

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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