rock n’ roll history – Black Women In Rock

Malina Moye

I first met Malina Moye four years ago, during a research interview for the documentary, Nice & Rough: Black Women In Rock. Malina’s energy is infectious, and her determination is reflected in her resume. She is revered as one of the best guitarists in the land – and one of the only women invited toContinue reading “Malina Moye”

Rosetta Tharpe To Be Inducted Into Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame

Rosetta Tharpe, “The God-Mother of Rock N’ Roll” and “Mother of Black Women In Rock” will be inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame this Spring. Sister Rosetta began singing and playing guitar in the ‘sanctified’ church – which frowned upon secular music, women wearing pants and anything other than heterosexuality. Despite opposition, sheContinue reading “Rosetta Tharpe To Be Inducted Into Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame”

Starr Cullars

Starr Cullars is on the road again, with a new band, spreading her own brand of rock. It’s progressive and hard, with a funky, cosmic flow. Starr is from the P-Funk pedigree. She was introduced to George Clinton via Prince and Paisley Park. Starr may look familiar as a former Counselor on VH-I’s Fantasy RockContinue reading “Starr Cullars”

Eva Walker, The Black Tones

5 Lbs. of ROCK Interview by Sheila Dianne Jackson A few years ago, I was invited to be a part of a new, oral history archive on Women Who Rock, established by the University of Washington. The archive holds powerful stories of how women have used music as a tool for activism – andContinue reading “Eva Walker, The Black Tones”

Jaleesa Leslie: Cataloguing Black Women In Rock

5 Lbs. of ROCK Interview by Sheila Dianne Jackson It’s been a minute….5Lbs of ROCK is back. This time, I am chatting it up with Jaleesa Leslie of blackwomeninrock.info, a blog which catalogs/documents black women of all persuasions of rock music. Writing and researching on the topic of Black Women IN Rock was a lonelyContinue reading “Jaleesa Leslie: Cataloguing Black Women In Rock”

Starr Cullars

5 Lbs. of ROCK Interview by Sheila Dianne Jackson It’s tough to get 5 minutes, let alone 5 questions with rock-guitarist Starr Cullars. A veteran of the P-Funk All-Stars, and the first female member of the 18-piece ‘boys’ club,’ she gets total street cred’ as one bad-ass bass player! Starr left to start her ownContinue reading “Starr Cullars”

Allow Me To Clarify, Nice & Rough Really ROCKS!

by Sheila Dianne Jackson The media has been teasing us about the business of celebrating women in rock. Rolling Stone honors women in rock and you get spreads of artists like Brittany Spears and Madonna. And when it comes to black women in rock….Well, if you’re in the loop enough to be reading this blog,Continue reading “Allow Me To Clarify, Nice & Rough Really ROCKS!”

MilitiA

5 Lbs. of ROCK Interview by Sheila Dianne Jackson We’re back…for 5 opportunities to delve a little deeper behind the scenes of Black Women IN Rock. We are excited to feature solo artist and lead singer of Judas Priestess, MilitIA. SHEILA: How did the name, MilitiA. come about? MILITIA: I earned it. A dominatrix gave meContinue reading “MilitiA”

Kudisan Kai

5 Lbs. of ROCK Interview by Sheila Dianne Jackson As a new tradition on niceandrough.com, each week we will feature one of our member artists. It’s down and dirty, simply 5 questions, with 5 answers that will take you a little deeper into the lives of some of the most fascinating women I have comeContinue reading “Kudisan Kai”

GhettoSongbird

5 Lbs. of ROCK Interview by Sheila Dianne Jackson It’s that time again….Time for our featured artist of the week: a native of North Philly, GhettoSongbird. Like, many black women in rock, her story inspires and makes you wanna dig deeper and explore the music that reflects her DNA. So without further adieu, 5 questions! FiveContinue reading “GhettoSongbird”