46 votes

Black women with guitars?

Posted by Ecrapsnud
Tags: ask.recommendations, guitar, women

Ok bear with me. I like to joke that a significant portion of my music library is white women with guitars. I listen to a lot of art pop/indie, basically. Phoebe Bridgers, Boygenius, Fiona Apple, Weyes Blood, Angel Olsen, Aldous Harding, etc.

So where are the black women with guitars? I think that singer/songwriter trope of a woman with a guitar (or sometimes a piano) is traditionally pretty white, so what artists are you aware of that break this trend? Closest I've found so far is Kara Jackson, who I would highly recommend, by the way. Not too strict about genre here, so whatever you got is welcome.

38 comments

  1. [5]
    Arlen
    Link
    Tracy Chapman is arguably even more famous than any of your current listens, and she's been around for ages (Fast Car was released in 1988).

    Tracy Chapman is arguably even more famous than any of your current listens, and she's been around for ages (Fast Car was released in 1988).

    57 votes
    1. [3]
      Mackapoot
      Link Parent
      I had not heard that song until recently on the radio. Had no idea it's from the 80s!

      I had not heard that song until recently on the radio. Had no idea it's from the 80s!

      5 votes
      2. Very_Bad_Janet
        Link Parent
        The entire eponymous album is a favorite. It was her debut album and put Tracey Chapman on the map. You might not realize that you've heard ther songs from the album already.

        The entire eponymous album is a favorite. It was her debut album and put Tracey Chapman on the map. You might not realize that you've heard ther songs from the album already.

        1 vote
    2. 0x29A
      Link Parent
      Whole-heartedly second this recommendation, was the first artist that came to mind

      Whole-heartedly second this recommendation, was the first artist that came to mind

      1 vote
  2. [2]
    Jordan117
    Link
    Brittany Howard (formerly of the Alabama Shakes) is a generational talent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbR999N5MiA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nin-fiNz50M...

    Brittany Howard (formerly of the Alabama Shakes) is a generational talent:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbR999N5MiA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nin-fiNz50M

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTNrvVU_XZg

    20 votes
  3. [5]
    JoshuaJ
    (edited )
    Link
    The original black woman with guitar: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Rosetta_Tharpe Joan Armatrading is another fantastic black women with guitar! https://youtu.be/oag3I4VRXyM Lianne la...

    The original black woman with guitar: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Rosetta_Tharpe

    Joan Armatrading is another fantastic black women with guitar!

    https://youtu.be/oag3I4VRXyM

    Lianne la Havas

    https://youtu.be/9HUV5a7MgS4

    Melanie Faye is also epic, she’s a neo-soul guitar player:
    https://youtu.be/jH9aEI8mSJE

    Off topic:
    And Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Tedeschi

    Although this post is about black women guitarists, Susan is awesome and it’s worth noting her husband Derek Trucks is one of the finest living blues slide guitarists.

    19 votes
    1. [3]
      Degeneratesaint
      Link Parent
      I love Lianne La Havas, thank you for showing her music to me. Do you have any other recommendations based on my enjoying her stuff?

      I love Lianne La Havas, thank you for showing her music to me. Do you have any other recommendations based on my enjoying her stuff?

      4 votes
      1. JoshuaJ
        Link Parent
        Hey :) I'm glad someone read my comment and tried out a suggestion, music shared is music more loved. Honestly the tiny desk concert series has pretty good taste. I jumped to Lianne La Havas in my...

        Hey :) I'm glad someone read my comment and tried out a suggestion, music shared is music more loved.

        Honestly the tiny desk concert series has pretty good taste.

        I jumped to Lianne La Havas in my spotify likes list to look for other artists who I liked at the same time and here we go:
        Raveen - very similar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9TwKJwOmVs
        Shiv - very similar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecpPuD7kwHI

        Some other artists I enjoy in a similar ballpark, in a silly six degree of separation list:

        First a trio who all have songs together:

        Keeping it in the UK with:

        Sampha - maybe the rawest pure talent in the list, dropped a bunch of features and then a killer album in 2017 then dropped off, has a new single out now though.
        I find him almost otherworldly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnIu25lXXY8

        He was a feature for the DJ SBTRKT, who also had a track with...

        Jessie Ware https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ-efUsAhc8
        Who is most similar to Lianne La Havas, but also not, but always brilliant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvlFWmvgeVI

        David Ryan Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrhtQXQR9IM who is just an outstanding musician and band leader, who is besties with the GOAT, John Mayer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOYlQbNyqB8

        6 votes
      2. zoroa
        Link Parent
        To add on to @Joshuaj 's fantastic list list Oscar Jerome - A jazz guitarist and singer from the UK, who also collaborated with Lianne Timeless - Oscar Jerome (ft. Lianne La Havas) (Spotify,...

        To add on to @Joshuaj 's fantastic list list

        2 votes
  4. [2]
    TheRtRevKaiser
    Link
    Yeah it's not really acoustic folk/singer-songwriter type stuff -more like blues rock- but Alabama Shakes is fronted by a black woman who sings and plays guitar, and she kicks all kinds of ass.

    Yeah it's not really acoustic folk/singer-songwriter type stuff -more like blues rock- but Alabama Shakes is fronted by a black woman who sings and plays guitar, and she kicks all kinds of ass.

    11 votes
    1. Goodtoknow
      Link Parent
      One of my favorite bands. Music kicks ass for sure and her singing is unlike any others I've had the pleasure of hearing.

      One of my favorite bands. Music kicks ass for sure and her singing is unlike any others I've had the pleasure of hearing.

      3 votes
  5. [3]
    aphoenix
    Link
    H.E.R. is maybe not exactly right, but she is a black woman and is an incredible guitar player.

    H.E.R. is maybe not exactly right, but she is a black woman and is an incredible guitar player.

    9 votes
    1. Spydrchick
      Link Parent
      H.E.R. was the first artist that came to mind. She has such depth to her music. Def a fave.

      H.E.R. was the first artist that came to mind. She has such depth to her music. Def a fave.

      1 vote
    2. diskroll
      Link Parent
      H.E.R.'s appearances on tiny desk, both her own and on Daniel Caesar's, are some of my most listened to tiny desks. I just wish her albums were a bit less produced and closer to these concerts

      H.E.R.'s appearances on tiny desk, both her own and on Daniel Caesar's, are some of my most listened to tiny desks. I just wish her albums were a bit less produced and closer to these concerts

      1 vote
  6. squalex
    Link
    I'll leave this here. This Elizabeth Cotton tune is great and a standard.

    I'll leave this here. This Elizabeth Cotton tune is great and a standard.

    8 votes
  7. slambast
    Link
    Some of my favorites that come to mind (hope banjo is an acceptable substitute!): Amythyst Kiah (Fancy Drones) Rhiannon Giddens (Wayfaring Stranger) Kaia Kater (Saint Elizabeth)

    Some of my favorites that come to mind (hope banjo is an acceptable substitute!):

    6 votes
  8. nemo
    Link
    I really like Kimya Dawson. She ranges from very lighthearted ("Tire Swing") to very dark ("The Beer") but is always unrepentantly earnest.

    I really like Kimya Dawson. She ranges from very lighthearted ("Tire Swing") to very dark ("The Beer") but is always unrepentantly earnest.

    6 votes
  9. Very_Bad_Janet
    Link
    Since every person I was going to mention already has been listed, let me introduce you to Sudan Archives, aka singer, violinist, and songwriter Brittney Denise Parks. No guitar but another string...

    Since every person I was going to mention already has been listed, let me introduce you to Sudan Archives, aka singer, violinist, and songwriter Brittney Denise Parks. No guitar but another string instrument and she's brilliant.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgjrt12QTVQ

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaY8kI0oEpA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kRlBLPSgY8

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLPGMb35ubk

    OP, thanks for such a great topic - I'm looking forward to exploring some of the new-to-me artists in the comments.

    5 votes
  10. boredop
    Link
    /u/slambast mentioned Amythyst Kiah and Rhiannon Giddens, and I'll add their sometimes bandmates Leyla McCalla and Allison Russell. The four of them play together in a supergroup called Our Native...

    /u/slambast mentioned Amythyst Kiah and Rhiannon Giddens, and I'll add their sometimes bandmates Leyla McCalla and Allison Russell. The four of them play together in a supergroup called Our Native Daughters.

    4 votes
  12. okaywhat
    Link
    Lizzie No. Folksy acoustic stuff. She sings and plays the harp and the guitar (not at the same time) in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxXt-5wm4GA

    Lizzie No. Folksy acoustic stuff. She sings and plays the harp and the guitar (not at the same time) in this video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxXt-5wm4GA

    2 votes
  13. [3]
    zoroa
    Link
    Slightly off topic since she's a bassist, but Adi Oasis (formerly known as Adeline) makes great music. Twilight by Adi Oasis

    Slightly off topic since she's a bassist, but Adi Oasis (formerly known as Adeline) makes great music.

    Twilight by Adi Oasis

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      zipf_slaw
      Link Parent
      Esperanza Spalding is a wonderful black [bass] guitarist and vocalist

      Esperanza Spalding is a wonderful black [bass] guitarist and vocalist

      4 votes
      1. guttersnipe
        Link Parent
        “wonderful” is an understatement ☺️

        “wonderful” is an understatement ☺️

        1 vote
  14. wasted_wizard
    Link
    Not guitar, but I just ran across Zulu this week. FFO a morning shot of piss and vinegar.

    Not guitar, but I just ran across Zulu this week. FFO a morning shot of piss and vinegar.

    2 votes
  15. hurrfdurrf
    Link
    Recently discovered June McDoom and I've really enjoyed her music so far. Folky, more on the ethereal side like Meg Baird and early Angel Olsen.

    Recently discovered June McDoom and I've really enjoyed her music so far. Folky, more on the ethereal side like Meg Baird and early Angel Olsen.

    2 votes
  17. Parliament
    (edited )
    Link
    I’m on mobile, so I don’t have a link but you must check out Yola. She’s an incredible singer songwriter who plays guitar. She has 2 studio albums that are great back to front. EDIT: Yola - Love...

    I’m on mobile, so I don’t have a link but you must check out Yola. She’s an incredible singer songwriter who plays guitar. She has 2 studio albums that are great back to front.

    EDIT: Yola - Love All Day (Work All Night) - my favorite song of hers. Reminds me of Muscle Shoals/Aretha Franklin-era music.

    1 vote
  20. hurrfdurrf
    Link
    Yasmin Williams is a highly talented acoustic fingerstyle guitarist that you should check out, if instrumental stylings are up your alley.

    Yasmin Williams is a highly talented acoustic fingerstyle guitarist that you should check out, if instrumental stylings are up your alley.

    1 vote
  21. zoroa
    Link
    Kadhja Bonet Honeycomb - Kadhja Bonet (Spotify, Everywhere else) Joy - Kadhja Bonet (Spotify, Everywhere else) On Sight - Free Nationals (ft. Kadhja Bonet) (Spotify, Everywhere else) Live version...

    Kadhja Bonet

    Live version of Honeycomb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRmCH23m9AA

    I love her music, but didn't realize that she was a guitarist until I saw a video of her performing live recently.

    1 vote
  22. zoroa
    Link
    Somewhat offtopic since this is another bassist, but Isobella Burnham In Power - Isobella Burnnam (Spotify, Everywhere else)

    Somewhat offtopic since this is another bassist, but

    Isobella Burnham

    1 vote
  23. Between-Parentheses
    Link
    A nod to two well-known piano players: Nina Simone and Alicia Keys. Adia Victoria: her music is of the south. It's rooted in blues but there's indie rock, too, particularly on her second album,...

    A nod to two well-known piano players: Nina Simone and Alicia Keys.

    Adia Victoria:

    her music is of the south. It's rooted in blues but there's indie rock, too, particularly on her second album, Silences^ (2019), which she worked on with Aaron Dessner. Her most recent album is called A Southern Gothic (2021) and that's a good description of her sound. She's the support for several dates on Rhiannon Giddens's current tour.

    Hannah Jadagu:

    indie-pop/rock. Her debut album Aperture was released a few months ago on Sub Pop so she's a labelmate of Weyes Blood. The album production is excellent. I've repeatedly seen her compared to Arlo Parks and while I especially hear it on the first song below, the two have different vibes.

    Nana Adjoa:

    she's from the Netherlands. Solid indie-pop. I dig her debut album Big Dreaming Ants (2020) but what I queue up more often is Nana Adjoa Live (2022). The first half is with Metropole Orkest and the sound approaches Weyes Blood lush.

    Oceanator:

    90s grunge flavored indie-rock. Sometimes there are synths. Perhaps a little piano. Riffs abound. Last year's Nothing's Ever Fine is her second and most recent album. It was co-produced with Bartees Strange, who has opened for Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers.

    Joy Oladokun:

    folk-pop. The Tracy Chapman comparison is inevitable. Her first album, Carry (2016), was funded by a kickstarter and is very singer-songwriter. Subsequent albums maintain that quality but feature more genre blending. Her fourth album, Proof Of Life, was released earlier this year.

    Jensen McRae:

    folk-pop. She tweeted a Phoebe Bridgers parody / homage then made it into an actual song. Her debut album, Are You Happy Now?, was released last year. She's fairly similar to Joy Oladokun and is opening for her on upcoming tour dates.

    Sunny War:

    her sound has been described as folk-punk. She's a fantastic guitarist with an interesting playing style. I think there are six albums. She started with guitar + vocal and has steadily developed a richer sound. The most recent album, Anarchist Gospel, was released earlier this year and Andrija Tokic, who worked with Alabama Shakes on their debut Boys & Girls, produced it; Allison Russell is also one of the contributing musicians.

    Kamara Thomas:

    americana. This one is most off the beaten playlist. It was as the bassist and sometimes vocal lead of rock band Earl Greyhound that I first heard her. Her solo material is less Led Zeppelin, more Fleetwood Mac. She started Country Soul Songbook in 2019 to highlight underrepresented voices in americana and country music, sharing scope with Color Me Country, Black Opry, and Gay Ole Opry. There's a trove of music to discover in those links (such as Denitia).