The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E4: June Rocks America – In-Depth Summary

Episode Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Girlfriends: Spotlight, host Anna Sinfield delves into the life and career of June Millington, a trailblazing musician and co-founder of the pioneering all-female rock band, Fanny. Through an engaging interview, June shares her journey from a strict convent school in the Philippines to becoming a rock star in the male-dominated music industry of the 1970s, and her subsequent contributions to women's empowerment in music.

Early Life and Musical Awakening

June Millington's passion for music ignited at the tender age of 12 while attending a strict Catholic convent school in the Philippines. Amidst the disciplined environment, June's curiosity was piqued by the sound of a guitar coming from an adjacent room.

[03:11] June Millington: "I heard this sound coming down the hall and I literally, like I was in a dream, I stood up, I followed that sound... I need to know. And I've been spending the rest of my life answering that question."

This moment was pivotal, setting June on a lifelong quest to explore and master the guitar. Her family's subsequent move to Sacramento, California, further shaped her musical aspirations.

Formation of Fanny: Breaking Barriers

June and her sister Jean founded Fanny, one of the first all-female rock bands to secure a major record label deal. During an era when societal norms discouraged women from rocking out with electric guitars, Fanny stood out as pioneers.

[07:24] June Millington: "Maybe two months before we moved, my mother made a last trip to the southern Philippines. She got a small, handmade Mother of Pearl guitar. And that was my blessing."

Fanny's dedication and exceptional talent garnered respect within the music community, earning accolades from legendary artists like David Bowie, who lauded them as "one of the finest fucking rock bands of their time."

Navigating the Male-Dominated Music Industry

Despite their success, Fanny faced significant challenges rooted in misogyny and gender bias. The music industry of the 1970s was largely unwelcoming to female rock musicians, often undermining their credibility and artistic integrity.

[15:27] June Millington: "The whole world was against us. I might as well have said, we're gonna walk on the moon as say we're starting a band."

Fanny's performances were frequently met with snide remarks and condescending reviews. However, their relentless pursuit of excellence and refusal to conform helped them carve a niche in the industry.

[17:38] June Millington: "We played, practiced and wrote night and day. That's what we did. We did not party. We knew about drugs before we went down to LA. We didn't do that."

Triumphs and Turning Points

Fanny's big break came when they signed with Reprise Records, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, placing them alongside iconic acts like Fleetwood Mac and Jimi Hendrix. Their first major gig opening for The Kinks at the Troubadour in Los Angeles was met with overwhelming acclaim from the audience, validating their hard work and talent.

[21:03] June Millington: "When we played, she was definitely the center of the action."

Touring globally, Fanny shared the stage with legendary bands, further cementing their legacy in rock history. However, despite selling substantial album copies, the lack of support and belief from their record company began to take a toll.

Struggles with the Record Label and Personal Costs

As Fanny's popularity grew, so did the pressures from their record label to conform to mainstream expectations. The demand for new outfits and a shift in their artistic direction led to internal conflicts and emotional strain.

[32:09] June Millington: "And to tell you the truth, I... think it was misogyny when Fanny started releasing albums."

These challenges culminated in June feeling disconnected from her true self and overwhelmed by the relentless demands of the music industry.

[33:49] June Millington: "I remember our last tour in England. I just was not happy. I just... had lost something."

A New Beginning: Embracing Feminism and Empowerment

June's decision to leave Fanny marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on personal growth and activism. She immersed herself in Buddhism, seeking inner peace and resilience after the tumultuous experiences with the band.

[39:46] June Millington: "I began to study Buddhism and reflect on my experiences in this new light."

Her journey led her to the women's music movement, where she collaborated with feminist icons like Angela Davis and Audre Lorde. Recognizing the intersectionality of civil and women's rights, June became a pivotal figure in advocating for gender equality in the music industry.

[42:19] June Millington: "Feminism is you right now. It's you trying to figure out, why aren't [rights] being given to me?"

In 1986, June and her partner, Ann Hackler, founded the Institute for the Musical Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of women in music.

[46:14] June Millington: "We have shows and workshops, and we have our Rock and Roll Girls camp."

Personal Reflections and Legacy

As June approaches her mid-70s, she reflects on her storied career, the challenges she overcame, and the importance of authenticity and self-forgiveness.

[47:52] June Millington: "My words of wisdom would be to just say, be in your moment. Be authentic in your moment, and further, forgive yourself."

Facing her battle with cancer, June emphasizes the significance of living authentically, helping others, and cherishing human connections.

[48:29] June Millington: "Just a hug. Just a little hug, that's all."

Conclusion

June Millington's story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her craft and the empowerment of women in music. From her early days in a convent school to the heights of rock stardom and beyond, June's journey embodies the spirit of breaking barriers and fostering community and support among women artists.

Anna Sinfield concludes the episode by celebrating June's enduring legacy and encouraging listeners to support initiatives like the Institute for the Musical Arts.

[49:11] June Millington: "I'm seriously proud that we worked so hard. We were not laggards... we did a lot of mistakes, but who cares. We had a really good time."

Listeners are invited to connect with Fanny through their website, Spotify, or YouTube, and to support the Institute for the Musical Arts to continue fostering the growth of women in the music industry.

Notable Quotes

• June Millington on Her Musical Awakening:

  "Every shred of DNA in my body just popped up and went, what? What is this? You know, I need to know. And I've been spending the rest of my life answering that question."
  [03:32]

• June on Overcoming Industry Challenges:

  "Don't sneer at us. Don't laugh at us. We knew we were good motherfuckers."
  [16:53]

• June Reflecting on Leaving Fanny:

  "I had to leave Fanny. My mom was begging me to eat. She was just begging me. I couldn't sit still. I was just so agitated and I knew I couldn't survive that."
  [35:16]

• June on Embracing Feminism:

  "Feminism is you right now. It's you trying to figure out, why aren't they being given to me?"
  [45:09]

• June's Words of Wisdom:

  "Be in your moment. Be authentic in your moment, and further, forgive yourself."
  [48:29]

Supporting Women in Music

June Millington's efforts extend beyond her performances. Through the Institute for the Musical Arts, she provides resources, workshops, and support systems for aspiring women musicians, ensuring that the legacy of Fanny continues to inspire and empower future generations.

Learn More and Support:

• Fanny's Music: fannyrocks.com
• Institute for the Musical Arts: Institute for the Musical Arts

Final Thoughts

June Millington's narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of fostering supportive communities. Her journey from a young girl enchanted by a guitar sound to a rock legend and advocate for women's rights in music serves as an inspiring blueprint for overcoming adversity and effecting meaningful change.

Listeners of The Girlfriends: Spotlight are left with a profound appreciation for June's contributions to music and women's empowerment, as well as a call to support organizations that continue her mission.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript of "The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E4: June Rocks America." For more stories of inspiring women, subscribe to The Girlfriends Podcast and stay tuned for upcoming episodes.