Eight classic feminist anthems...

Since today is Election Day in the USA and we may be getting our very first female president, I think I will focus today's post on classic feminist anthems.  There have been a few of them and this blog is mainly about music from the past, so I will focus on a few that have been around for a long time.  The one that was running through my brain this morning is this one.

Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin sing "Sisters are Doin' it for Themselves"

This was a big hit in the 1980s.  I also seem to remember it being used on The First Wives Club soundtrack back in 1996.  It seems rather appropriate to have this song on the brain today, even though I can't say I'm a big fan of Hillary Clinton's.

No post about feminist anthems would be complete without this song, Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman".  I was never really a big fan of this song.  It came out the year I was born.  But it does seem fitting to listen to it today.

"You Don't Own Me" sung by the late Lesley Gore.  Interestingly enough, toward the end of her life, she came out as a lesbian.  This song was a hit in the 1960s, when it was considered rather edgy.

Dolly lets everyone know... "My mistakes are no worse than yours 'Just Because I'm a Woman'."

Linda Ronstadt, as lead singer of The Stone Poneys, reminds her man that she's not ready for any person, place, or thing to try the pull the reins...

Gloria Gaynor shitcans her louse of a man and tells him she will survive.

Granted, Aretha Franklin is covering a song by Otis Redding, but "Respect" is an ageless song that commands respect from anyone who listens.  You tell 'em, Aretha.

And finally, Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand sing a disco anthem for the ages.  Enough is enough, dammit!

When you think about it, these ladies offered voices for countless women who were emerging from patriarchy.  Not everyone appreciates feminism or feminists.  Personally, I'm for equality, even as I realize we'll probably never really have it.  It certainly won't happen before I'm dead.  I'm not sure what the outcome of today's election will be.  Regardless of who wins, I'm sure there will be bitching aplenty tomorrow.  It makes me glad we're going to Ireland, where we can drown our sorrows for a few days.

Regardless, I'm glad to see a woman is running for president and has a real shot at winning.  It'll be interesting to see who prevails.

Barbra Streisand...

I must confess that I have never been a big fan of Barbra Streisand as a singer.  I know people think she's amazing.  I'd rather see her act than listen to her sing, even as I concede that she has a beautiful voice.  Her voice is powerful, distinctive, and perfect.  On certain songs, I love it.  On others, not so much.  I didn't like how she sand "Cry Me A River", for instance.  But she does a beautiful song called "Songbird" that I've always loved.

Very 70s... but I love it anyway.

I also like "The Way He Makes Me Feel" from Yentl, a movie I have yet to see.

It's very 80s, yet still sounds great 30 plus years later.

I could do without her duet with Celine Dion, who also has a beautiful voice, but is super annoying to me.  They can both really sing... but they are both big diva types.

But it's nice to see them working so well together...

I always liked "Woman In Love"...

Here she's singing "Guilty" with Barry Gibb...  I could pass on this.

To be honest, I kind of feel the same way about Better Midler.  I love watching her act.  I think she's funny.  Her singing leaves me a little cold, though.  I think I really started to dislike her when she sang "From A Distance".... or maybe it was the whole Beaches soundtrack.  I loved the movie, but could probably go my whole life without hearing "Wind Beneath My Wings" again.

Don Johnson

Remember Mr. Miami Vice?  This morning, I posted a picture of David Hasselhoff on my Facebook wall...

I can't imagine who thought this was a good idea...

And I was reminded that David Hasselhoff famously enjoyed a lively music career, especially in Germany...

This is the epitome of cheese...

And a friend then reminded me of Don Johnson's foray into music.  He had this song...

I actually kind of liked this song when it was popular...

And then I remembered that Don Johnson also sang a duet with Barbra Streisand of all people... and it was even somewhat well received.

Not too bad...  I don't know if Babs chose to sing with him for his vocals or his hunk factor... in the 80s, anyway.

I think I like the duet better than Don Johnson's solo effort.  His song with Streisand is kind of romantic and sweet.  But I guess now that music videos are no longer as popular as they once were, hunky actors might be less likely to sing.  Of course, what it all boils down to is what will make a buck for an investor.

As actors who sing, Don Johnson isn't so bad, though.  I'd rather listen to him than David Hasselhoff.