Self Care is a Whole Mood: Persephone Edition

In honor of Women’s History Month, I decided to do something a little different with this playlist. The Persephone playlist is not focused on one genre, but instead dedicated to iconic women in music through the ages.

Much like the women on this playlist, Persephone faced hardship and trauma, but still created life and beauty. She overcame obstacles to become a fierce and revered goddess, so I thought it apt to pair the Persephone Milk Bath with this journey through women’s history in music. Though, I wouldn’t recommend soaking during the entire playlist, unless you want to come out looking like a giant raisin.

Coccinelle

Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, better known by her stage name Coccinelle, was a French actress, entertainer and singer. She was transgender, and was the first widely publicized post-war gender reassignment case in Europe, where she was an international celebrity and a renowned club singer. (source)

The Persephone Playlist was a true labor of love, and kind of spiraled out of control. The songs are listed in chronological order, starting with the jazz age of the 1920’s to today - all celebrating female identifying artists.

The International Sweethearts of Rhythm

The first integrated all women’s band in the United States. The Sweethearts began in the rural junction of Piney Woods, Miss., in 1937. Lawrence Jones had founded a vocational school there primarily for young black children and teens and wanted to raise money by forming a student swing band (Source).  Members from different races, including Latina, Asian, Caucasian, Black, Indian and Puerto Rican, lent the band an “international” flavor, and the name International Sweethearts of Rhythm was given to the group. (source)

Once I’d think of a song I wanted to add, three more would come to mind…so, it’s a long list (I’ll most likely continue to add to it)!

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If you haven’t noticed yet, music is a huge part of my life. I am not musically talented in the slightest, but I’ve always connected to music of all kinds on a deeper level. In high school I wanted to be a music manager or concert promoter, and even created my own “Music History” independent study course, which I was lucky enough to get credit for. I’m so in awe of these incredibly talented women, and learned some pretty cool facts while creating the playlist.

Ivy Benson

Ivy Benson was an English musician and bandleader, who in 1939 led an all-female swing band to prove to the world that women could be good musicians too. Benson and her band rose to fame in the 1940s, headlining variety theatres and topping the bill at the London Palladium, and became the BBC’s resident house band. Her band (in one form or another) ran from 1939 to 1982. During those years, she gave hundreds of girls and women the chance to become professional musicians. (source)

There are so many incredible female-identifying musicians, so I know I’m leaving off some greats. Did I leave off your favorite? Let me know in the comments. This will be an ever-evolving passion playlist!