This reading comes from Linda Dahl’s Stormy Weather: The Music and Lives of a Century of Jazz Women. Dahl’s book is one of a few which seeks to correct the historical record on women in jazz – particularly instrumentalists – by not only bringing them into the written history, but also by highlighting the obstacles and conflict they faced. Numerous times in the text, Dahl quotes interviews or articles to demonstrate the prejudiced thinking of powerful figures in the industry.
1. Describe the obstacles faced by women in the music industry as described in the reading. (100 words)
2. Why did some women actively try to avoid playing in a “women’s band?”(100 words)
3. Describe the “headaches” faced by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm as an integrated band touring the south. (100 words)