For Jann Wenner: Rock 'n Roll Women
After his diss: A dozen rockers (no last names needed) named Rosetta, Aretha, Ronnie, Tina, Bonnie, Linda, Chrissie and more
Greg Mitchell is the author of a dozen books and now writer/director of award-winning films. He was also the longtime executive editor of the legendary Crawdaddy. And see his popular new newsletter devoted to The Bomb in the wake of “Oppenheimer.” His two newsletters remain free when you subscribe. His film “Atomic Cover-up” became free via Kanopy this month.
As you may have heard, Jann Wenner seemed to not take women in rock seriously in a New York Times interview a few days ago, promoting his new book on seven music “masters”—all white men—and in response he has 1) been roundly mocked 2) lost his position on the board of the Rock ‘n Roll of Hall of Fame (which he co-founded) and 3) seen speaking gigs in support of his book start to get cancelled.
So I thought I would quickly offer a few hot live videos of great women who have rocked, going back to Sister Rosetta and onward. Far from a definitive list! No Janis, Carole Stevie, Patti, Debbie, Mavis nor Sheryl etc. And nothing from past three decades. Enjoy, then subscribe, it’s still free!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “Didn’t It Rain”
Wanda Jackson, the Rockabilly Queen, medley
Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes, “Be My Baby”
Grace Slick, who Wenner claimed is incapable of discussing rock history, with the Airpla “Somebody to Love”
Tina Turner, “River Deep and Mountain High,” one of greatest singles ever
Aretha, “Think”
Bonnie Raitt, “Runaway”
Christine McVie, with the Mac, “Spare Me a Little”
Linda Ronstadt, “Tumbling Dice”
Joan Jett, “I Love Rock and Roll” (but probably not Jann)
Chrissie Hynde and Pretenders, “Brass in Pocket”
Natalie Merchant, “Carnival”
Bonus two-fer: Aretha honors Carole King (whose hits in rock writing career go back to early 1960s) .
Note: Our April 1972 special issue at Crawdaddy…..
Someday I'll get around to telling the story of my first meeting with Wenner in RS New York office right after they opened it. The words self-involved flaming asshole spring to mind.
Jann Wenner has been a piece of work since his first days in the Haight, and unlike many others who actually pulled their heads out of their asses, he never has. Thank you for this lovely collection.