On January 20 , 2017 , men and women gathered at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel , during the NAMM show , to celebrate and honour 14 inspirational women in the Music Industry . This was the 5th anniversary of the event , and it was a reason to celebrate .
At this NAMM show in particular , growing support for women in the music industry felt to be at an all-time high , with a healthy dose of “ it ’ s about time ”. She Rocks , led by founder , Laura B . Whitmore , presented women from all areas of the industry – from performance and A & R reps , to manufacturing and sound engineering – with awards for being pioneers and for inspiring others .
They spoke of what it was like to be one of few women working in a sea of men – some with stories of struggle , fighting to get the respect they had already earned , while others were grateful for the strong and supportive male friends and co-workers around them . The messages were positive , filled with inspiration , strength , and hope for the future . They spoke of teaching young girls to follow in their footsteps , and of being the mentors that they wish they ’ d had when they were young .
Though this night was , coincidentally , the eve of the Women ’ s March , it was only mentioned in passing , and not dwelled upon . This was not a night of politics . This was a night of music , recognition , and celebration .
Bass player / vocalist , Divinity Roxx , had a big night . First leading the killer house band , Rock Sugah , then launching into her single , “ We Are ” from her 2016 solo album , ImPossible , and finally , presenting fellow bass player / vocalist , Esperanza Spalding with her Inspire Award .
Esperanza Spalding , gave a moving , inspirational , and inclusive speech :
“ I think that women intrinsically understand that , what we create , lives in this world . It walks , it breathes , it affects the world … And perhaps ( we ) can offer to the men and to each other , a reminder that we ’ re ALL creators . What we make , and the choices that we make with what we create , create the world around us . They have lives . They can change lives . They can destroy lives . So let ’ s remember to be good parents and foster what we create .”
SHE
Shirley Manson , keeping it real , remarked that ,
“ Granted , it ’ s commonly accepted that we can sing . But if you play an instrument , write , engineer , or produce music , too often there ’ s still an air of skepticism about our abilities in this field . My personal approach to combatting this form of sexism is simply to keep going . And the more of us who do that ; the more common it becomes . More importantly , the longer we keep doing that , by not disappearing , but by thriving , that is the ultimate in having the last word …. Women like Ronnie Spector , by enduring you lead by example . By being , you inspire . Thanks to all the artists who came before us and here ’ s to the great ones who are to come .”
ROCKS
Full list of presented awards :
• Tracy Leenman , owner of Musical Innovations music retailer , Enterprise Award , presented by Rand & Cindy Cook
Legendary rock guitarist , vocalist and songwriter , Lita Ford , was presented with the Icon Award and closed the night with a rocking performance of her huge hit , “ Kiss Me Deadly .” Behind her , guitarists appearing on the She Rocks Vol . 1 compilation CD played along , and Lita gave each one of these talented ladies a guitar solo .
AWARDS
• Dani Markman , Director , A & R , Disney Music Group , Vision Award , presented by Christine Devine and Radio Disney DJ Lela Brown
• Charyn Harris , conductor of music programs at A Place Called Home , Motivator Award , presented by Asya Shein
• Beverly Fowler , director of artist relations and events at PRS Guitars , Spirit Award , presented by guitarist Kat Dyson
• Leanne Summers , president / CEO of LAWIM ( Los Angeles Women in Music ), Achiever Award , presented by Gayl Murphy
• Shirley Manson , lead singer from multi-award winning band , Garbage , Powerhouse Award , presented by journalist Brad Tolinski
BY KEIKO GUTIERRE