Important Women in Folk Music

Lucinda Williams is one of the most lauded and respected women in the alt-country and roots music worlds these days. From her deep, dark songs of heartbreak and longing to her more recent material, which is decidedly more upbeat, Williams pulls influences from traditional and contemporary folk styles. In the process, she's managed to inspire and influence countless other artists over the course of her decades in music.

Mary Travers is best known as one third of Peter, Paul and Mary. One of the most respected women of the 1960s folk revival, Travers has been a staunch advocate in the ongoing peace and human rights movements.

Neko Case is one of the most respected singer-songwriters in alt-country these days. Known for her excellent live shows and imaginative lyrics, Case's songs stretch the limits of contemporary roots music.

One thing people say about Odetta is that her stage presence blows them away. Odetta's presence onstage, along with her inimitably powerful voice, helped to get her recognized by Harry Belafonte as a force to be reckoned with; and it was Belafonte that helped start her career. During the Civil Rights movement, Odetta served as an influence and inspiration for direct action. She continued to bring her extraordinary voice and presence to the civil rights movement and other facets of American folk music until her death in 2008.

Patty Griffin has long been loved by fellow songwriters for her soulful, genre-defying story songs. Her songs have been covered by everyone from the Dixie Chicks to Kelly Clarkson, and her albums have garnered praise from fans and critics alike, as well as numerous award nominations.

Rhonda Vincent has been playing bluegrass music for much of her life. First as a member of her family band and later as a solo artist with her own band, the Rage, Vincent has become a force in the contemporary bluegrass world. She's consistently won honors and awards from the IBMA and other organizations—over 40 in all.

Rosalie Sorrels is one of folk music's great treasured artists. As an activist, storyteller, and singer-songwriter, Sorrels has touched countless other artists and music fans alike. Over the course of six decades, she's brought folk music to venues and crowds of all sizes, and continues to tour and perform regularly.

Shawn Colvin's recording career has been fairly brief in comparison with her four-decades-long career as a performer. Nonetheless, over the course of her half-dozen studio albums, she's become a mainstay on the festival and songwriter circuit. Her songs are reliably good and full of heartbreaking tales of longing; her skills as a guitar player are not to be ignored, either.

Although she may not be embraced entirely by traditionalist folkies, Suzanne Vega did start her career in the New York City folk music and singer-songwriter circle. In the 20 years since her crossover hit "Luka" broke, Vega has become known for her willingness to defy definition and focus on just telling great stories in great songs. She continues to be one of contemporary folk music's most reliable innovators.

Founded in 1973, Sweet Honey In the Rock has been an incredible influence in the areas of folk and gospel music. Their outstanding a cappella arrangements and their big sound have built them an important space in American folk music history. The women of Sweet Honey also incorporate African hand percussion instruments into their mix, and bring home some of the most unforgettable songs around.