March Women’s History 25-28. The last week of March has some exemplary women who were born. These names will be immediately recognized.
Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, born on March 25, 1942. So, with that statement, let’s delve into the exemplary life of Aretha Franklin. One of the most outstanding singers for many years, Aretha started her musical career early. She had a four octave voice that covered the musical genres of Spirituals, Jazz, Blues, Gospel and even Urban Contemporary. She moved from Grammy to Grammy (18 in her career) along with hits such as “RESPECT.”
In 1987, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 1972 recording of “Amazing Grace” was the most outstanding Gospel album of all times. Meanwhile, she was also active in films (1980) “The Blues Brothers” and “Sister Act II.” President Geo. W. Bush presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 “for unparalleled contribution to American music and culture.” Her death on Aug. 16, 2018 (cancer) brought to a close the genres, years (seven decades) and the awards to the “Queen of Soul.”
Diana Ross, March Women’s History 25-28
Not far behind her was Diana Ross born in 1944 on March 26th. She also is an American singer, actress, and record producer known for her work with The Supremes and her successful solo career. Before the Supremes was the group, Primettes in 1959. The Supremes were very successful in the 1960’s and signed with Motown. In 1967, Diana Ross changed the name to Diana Ross and the Supremes. Her musical career included the 1976 “Love Hangover,” and a duet with Lionel Richie singing, “Endless Love, (1981). Her name is also recognized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (1988). She received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2007 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barak Obama in 2016.
Her films include the character of Billie Holiday in “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972), then “Mahogany” in 1975. The hit, “Do You Know Where You’re Going To,” came from this film. The Black Entertainment Television’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented in 2007. With more than four decades in her career, she received both a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement (2012) and the Lifetime Achievement honors in 2017 at the American Music Awards.
Sarah Vaughn, March Women’s History 25-28
On March 27, 1924 Sarah Vaughan was born. This lady also had a large three octave singing range known for her rich, velvety voice. She was a very influential American Jazz singer. Her hits included “Misty” and “Lullaby of Birdland.” She started singing early in her career and also learned to play the piano at age 7. When she was a junior in high school, she choose to further her career. Taking her friend Doris Robinson to New York City for a singing competition, Sarah played the piano for Doris. Doris did not win, but Sarah returned later to the Apollo Theater to compete as a singer herself. She sang the song “Body and Soul” and won $10 and a week’s engagement at the Apollo. On Nov. 20, 1942, she opened for Ella Fitzgerald.
This was the Big Band Era (1935-1945) and Sarah was with the Earl Hines band as a pianist. She also was singing with the band. Eckstine, a member of the Hines’ band left the band and formed his own band. In 1944, he then asked Sarah to join his band. She recorded on Dec. 5, 1944 the song “I’ll Wait and Pray.” Afterwards, she choose to be a solo act. Later, she did freelancing singing and did not record until May 7, 1946 which included, “If You Could See Me Now,” “Don’t Blame Me,” and “I’ve Got a Crush On You.” A highlight in her life came when she had her performance at the third Cavalcade of Jazz concert in Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, produced on Sept. 7, 1947.
Awards for Sarah Vaughn
Between 1948-1953 Sarah sang pop ballads. Columbia Records signed Sarah and she received the New Star Award from Esquire in 1947 and recognition from two magazines, “Down Beat” and “Metronome” from 1947 to 1952. She appeared on DuMont’s variety show, Stars on Parade, (1953-54) singing “My Funny Valentine” and “Linger Awhile.”
A change in recording companies led to Mercury Records and she began touring. In 1958, she went to the United Kingdom and performed at Sunday Night at the London Palladium. From then until 1969, she did interpretations of Beatles songs and her second interest, Brazilian music. By 1982, Her first Grammy came when she worked with the conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas of the Los Angeles Philharmonic that performed “Gershwin Live!” Two more awards were given to Sarah. In 1989, she garnered the Lifetime Achievement Grammy and then in 1990 she was selected to the Jazz Hall of Fame. There is a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with her name. The world knew it lost a beautiful voice on April 3, 1990.
Lady Gaga (given name: Stefani J. A. Germanotta)
Going by the professional name of Lady Gaga, she is an American singer, songwriter and actress who was born on March 28, 1986. She is known for hits like “Bad Romance” and “Shallow,” along with her advocacy for mental health awareness. But, her world of music has been filled with new, unusual, interesting and experimental ideas and applications. This attitude has given us amazing and outstanding music from “The Fame” (2008), electronic rock, Techno-pop, “Art pop,” jazz, soft rock and dance pop. Her donations, downloads, albums, attitudes and awards in music and television resulted in a multitude of awards. One example of her avant-garde attitude, is the meat dress she wore in order to bring attention to the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
Awards, Awards, Guinness World Records
A very well-rounded individual, she has reaped the benefits with these major awards and records (not vinyl). The acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress has 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. In addition, a British Academy of Film and Television Award, three Brit Awards, 16 Guinness World Records and the inaugural Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Contemporary Icon Award. From the National Arts Awards group, she received the Young Artist Award. Also, from the Grammy Museum (2016) the Jane Ortner Artist Award, while two years later the National Board of Review presented her the “Best Actress” Award. Even the Council of Fashion Designers of America gifted her with the Fashion Icon Award. Her work in the 2019 “A Star is Born” sound track is the source of four of her awards in only one year.
One highlight occurred in 2020 when MTV Video Music Awards honored her with the inaugural Tricon Award. It is a representation of achievement in three (or more) fields of entertainment. So, from 2008 to current time, her successes, awards and Guinness records speak loudly for Lady Gaga.
Other pages for March Women’s History Month
- March Women’s History-1-15
- March Women’s History-16-24
- March Women’s History-29-30
- March Women’s History-31
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