Episode 016: When Sixteen Sirens Sing: A Celebration of Women in Music

Elizabeth Cotten - Wilson Rag (US 1958)
A self taught master of the guitar, Cotten played hers upside down - like Hendrix later would - and pioneered finger picking styles that would influence folk musicians for decades to come.

Elyse Weinberg - Deed I Do (US 1969)
Canadian singer-songwriter who moved to Los Angeles in the late 60's and quickly fell in with the canyon scene, her pal Neil Young not only spurred her move to the West Coast, but is also featured on her album from from which this stunning Bert Jansch cover is taken.

Judy Henske & Jerry Yester - Charity (US 1969)
After cutting her teeth with two solo albums for Elektra in the early 60's, this versatile singer recorded the folk-psych masterpiece Farewell Aldebaren with her then husband Jerry Yester. The album veers in all sorts of directions, but the center of it all is the intense voice of Henske as heard on this mini epic number.

GTO's - Do Me In Once And I'll Be Sad, Do Me In Twice And I'll Know Better (Circular Circulation) (US 1969)
Girls Together Outrageously are the inventors of the term "groupie" and a motley gang of women who formed a ballet art collective that opened for Frank Zappa around Los Angeles. Zappa produced an LP for the Girls on his Straight record label, which is one of the most fascinating time capsules of late 1960's Los Angeles.

The Goodees - A Little Bit of You (US 1969)
This Memphis band specialized in an updated "girl group" sound and scored a minor hit with their first single "Condition Red". This sweet love song is taken from their only album and captures the Goodees' sound perfectly.

The Feminine Complex - Forgetting (US 1969)
Also dabbling in girl group territory is this infectious song from these Nashville legends taken from their sole classic album Livin' Love. The LP offers a variety of different sounds, from sultry ballads to acid rock, but their tight harmonies shine on this adorable pop tune.

Minnie Riperton - Oh By the Way (US 1970)
Minnie is a superstar who needs little introduction! This tune is taken from her first solo effort Come Into My Garden which was produced by Charles Stepney - producer of her flagship band The Rotary Connection. The album's sound is similar, even covering a few of their classics, but the spotlight is solely on Minnie and her incredible voice.

The City - All My Time (US 1968)
The City was the first vehicle for singer-songwriter Carol King, who would prove to be one of the greatest of her generation. Their album Now That Everything's Been Said features many of King's early compositions as well her fantastic lead vocals. This album cut shows that she is already a master of the aching love song this early in the game.

Linda Perhacs - Sandy Toes (US 1970)
A former dental assistant who was urged to sing by one her clients, Perhacs cut her debut Parallelograms in 1970. Disappointed by the sound of the vinyl at the time, she then returned to a life away from the music business before returning with follow up albums more than 30 years later after her album became a cult classic.

Penny Nichols - Look Around Rock (US 1968)
Orange County singer-songwriter who released one album from which this beautiful song - featuring an incredible jazz inspired middle section - is taken .

Karen Dalton - Katie Cruel (US 1971)
Folk singer with a haunting voice reminiscent of Billy Holiday, Dalton was an integral part of the Greenwich Village folk scene that inspired so many to pick up a guitar and sing. Both of her albums are essential listens.