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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: Female activists in music -

Coffee Break: Female activists in music

American folk singer Joan Baez performs at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration in London's Trafalgar Square, 29th May 1965. Amongst her audience are actress Vanessa Redgrave and singer Donovan.
American folk singer Joan Baez performs at an anti-Vietnam War demonstration in London's Trafalgar Square, 29th May 1965. Amongst her audience are actress Vanessa Redgrave and singer Donovan.Keystone / Hulton Archive

by Jill Riley and Rachel Frances

March 08, 2023

Today is International Women’s Day! We’ve been celebrating this morning on The Morning Show with features that highlight legendary women in music - like a Joan Jett Vinyl Tap, and Bjork as the music history highlight. These are just two female musicians who have made big statements with their music. Many women in music have fought for civil rights, women’s rights, animal rights, environmentalism, and other various causes over the years. Music is a powerful testament to one’s strength, passion, and determination to fight for a better world. The list of artists that have fought for what they believe in is a long one, including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Joan Baez, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Fiona Apple, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, among many others. Aside from their music, working with charities, volunteering, or attending protests are other ways female artists have fought for good causes.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from women known for their activism?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played:
Thao and The Get Down Stay Down – We the Common (For Valerie Bolden)
Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit
Nina Simone – Feeling Good
Lizzo – Good As Hell
Miriam Makeba – Malcolm X
Loretta Lynn – The Pill
Buffy Sainte-Marie – Universal Soldier
The Chicks – March March (Bonus!)