April 2003

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy comments on the Dixie Chicks' presence in popular culture and their early connection to bluegrass.
   Finding Her Voice by Murphy Hicks Henry An announcement of the tenth anniversary of the book Finding Her Voice and an upcoming academic panel on gender and country music.
   Bluegrass Divas by Murphy Hicks Henry A lighthearted proposal to identify veteran female bluegrass musicians as "Divas," complete with a list of qualifying artists.
2. Memphis Beck
   There Was No One to Tell Me I Couldn’t by Murphy Hicks Henry and Beck "Memphis Beck" Gentry (printed “Memphis Beck” [sic]) A lengthy interview with mandolinist Beck Gentry detailing her career in the 1970s, covering sexism, motherhood on the road, and band dynamics.
3. IT'S THE SAME THE WIDE WORLD OVER...
   by Murphy Hicks Henry An introduction to an article from Tasmania, noting the parallels between experiences of women musicians there and in the US decades earlier.
4. MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER–IT'S A GIRL THING
   by Sue Dilley An article by Sue Dilley describing the challenges faced by women musicians in Tasmania and the positive impact of an all-women jam session.
5. Wintergrass Salutes Women
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A report on the 2003 Wintergrass festival's conscious effort to program a large number of bands featuring women.
   WOMEN-LED BANDS by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of bands with female leaders that performed at Wintergrass.
   ALL-FEMALE BANDS by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of all-female bands that performed at Wintergrass.
   MIXED-GENDER BANDS by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of mixed-gender bands that featured women performers at Wintergrass.
6. Inspiring Quote
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A brief anecdote about Hazel Dickens demanding a key change so women could sing during an onstage festival jam.

Photos

• Beck "Memphis Beck" Gentry, page 4. Photo: Ellen Bye.
• Beck "Memphis Beck" Gentry, Roy Gentry, page 5. Photographer unknown.
• Beck "Memphis Beck" Gentry, Mary Jo Leet, page 6. Photo: Ellen Bye.
• Beck "Memphis Beck" Gentry, page 7. Photo: Ellen Bye.
• Beck "Memphis Beck" Gentry, page 8. Photo: Ellen Bye.