Behind the Boards: The Unsung Women of Music Production
Author: Alessandro Ciniero
Edits: Dennis Beentjes
the Women that changed the Face of Music
For decades, the music industry has been primarily viewed through a male lens. Melinda Newman’s 2018 Billboard article, “Where Are All the Female Music Producers?” highlighted the stark reality that only about 2% of pop music producers were female, according to a report by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism led by Stacey L. Smith. Despite facing stereotypes and prejudices, women have consistently found ways to shine and leave their mark on music history. From the classical era to today, these innovative women have not only shaped iconic sounds but have also paved the way for future generations of female producers, serving as powerful role models. Let’s explore the careers of a few remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on music history.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, this article celebrates the accomplishments of female producers—a term we use intentionally to highlight their contributions to a field where they have historically been underrepresented.
Early Pioneers: Classical and Blues Eras
In the classical era, Clara Schumann (partner of Robert Schumann) and Fanny Mendelssohn (sister of Felix Mendelssohn) were celebrated pianists and composers of the Romantic era, despite often being overshadowed by their male counterparts. Later, in the blues era, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith emerged as influential vocalists in the 1920s and 1930s. While not record producers in the modern sense, their vocal techniques shaped the genre and paved the way for future generations.
Ethel Gabriel – Record Producer RCA (source: soundgirls.org)
Defining the Role: Ethel Gabriel (1950s-1980s)
The role of the record producer as a supervisor of recording, mixing, and mastering became defined in the 1950s. Ethel Gabriel, born in 1921, became the first female record producer for a major label. Starting at RCA in 1940 with secretarial duties, she advanced to quality control, listening to countless records. She became a trombonist session musician at RCA Victor Recording Studio, closely observing the recording process. In 1959, Gabriel took charge of RCA Camden, a struggling sublabel, and launched “Living Strings,” creating easy listening instrumental versions of popular tunes. This series won a Grammy in 1968 and revitalized RCA Camden. By 1982, she became Vice President of pop contemporary A&R, the first woman to achieve this at RCA Records. After retiring in 1984, she faced financial hardship due to fraud. Gabriel’s journey from secretarial work to a VP role exemplifies perseverance and innovation.
Additional info: Living Sound – a documentary about legendary record producer Ethel Gabriel
BIG JOE WILLIAMS in an RV with Trumpet Records owner and producer LILLIAN SHEDD McMURRAY. (source: reddit)
Independent Spirit: Lillian McMurry (1950s)
Lillian McMurry (born in Mississippi) is regarded as one of the earliest American female record producers and a record label owner. In 1949, inspired by Winonie Harris’s “All She Wants to Do is Rock,” she transformed part of her husband’s furniture store into a record store called the Record Mart, selling African-American records in rural areas. In 1951, McMurry founded Trumpet Records, initially focusing on gospel music but later embracing the blues scene of the Mississippi Delta. She discovered Elmore James, recording his original version of “Dust My Broom,” and worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II and Big Joe Williams. McMurry defied segregationist practices by hiring both black and white musicians. Trumpet Records closed in 1956 due to artists leaving for major labels. Despite this, McMurry continued to pay royalties and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1998.
Additional info: Mississippi Encyclopedia – Lillian Shedd McMurry and Trumpet Records
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images (source: billboard.com)
Sylvia Robinson: The Mother of Hip Hop (1950s-1980s)
Sylvia Robinson (born in 1935) initially found success as a performer in the duo Mickey and Sylvia in the late 1950s with the hit song “Love is Strange,” and later as a solo artist with “Pillow Talk” in 1973. In 1966, she and her husband Joe Robinson formed All Platinum Records, producing hits like “Love on a Two-Way Street” by The Moments.
Robinson’s most significant contribution was the creation of Sugar Hill Records. Recognizing the burgeoning hip hop scene in New York, she produced “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979, the first hip hop song to achieve mainstream success. This track pioneered sampling, using elements from Chic’s “Good Times,” and laid the foundation for hip hop production techniques. In 1982, she released “The Message,” the first rap song with social commentary. Despite Sugar Hill Records closing in 1986, Robinson’s impact remains monumental, earning her a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Additional info: Billboard – The Rise and Fall of Hip-Hop’s First Godmother: Sugar Hill Records’ Sylvia Robinson
Gail Davies (2018) (Source: Little Chickadee Productions)
Gail Davies: Breaking Barriers in Country Music (1970s-1990s)
Gail Davies, born in Oklahoma in 1948, began her career as a session singer at A&M Records, working with artists such as Neil Young and Glenn Campbell. Moving to Nashville in 1976, she signed with EMI Publishing as a songwriter. After writing hits for other artists, she signed with CBS to release her own records.
Dissatisfied with the production of her first record, Davies switched to Warner Bros. Records in 1979 and became the first female record producer in country music history. Her self-produced albums in the 1980s were both influential and successful. In 1990, she became a staff producer for Capital Nashville and formed her own label, Little Chickadee Records. Named Country Music International Ambassador in 2009, Davies’ career exemplifies breaking barriers and achieving success on her own terms.
Additional info: ktalnews – Country music’s first female producer Gail Davies: From Broken Bow to country music fame
credits: Chris Johnson, Sylvia Massy in the Studio (source: red bull music academy)
Sylvia Massy: The Sound Alchemist (1980s-Present)
Sylvia Massy began her career in the 1980s as an engineer and producer in the San Francisco punk scene and later at Laraby Sound Studios in West Hollywood. Working with Rick Rubin, she honed her skills on numerous projects. Her breakthrough came in 1993 with Tool’s album Undertow.
Massy is renowned for her unconventional recording techniques, using a wide array of microphones, including telephones and old video game consoles. She experimented with unusual acoustics, recording instruments in unique spaces, even an abandoned section of the London tube. Massy’s innovative approach is detailed in her book, Recording Unhinged (2016). As an educator, she conducts workshops worldwide at institutions, including Abbey Road Institute, inspiring a new generation of audio engineers.
Linda Perry: From Rock Star to Hit Maker (1990s-Present)
Photograph by Jessica Chou for BuzzFeed
Linda Perry is best known for her hit “What’s Up?” with 4 Non Blondes in 1993. After the band’s split and an unsuccessful solo career, Perry began experimenting with recording equipment, including Tascam digital recorders, Neumann mics, and drum machines. She composed “Get the Party Started” and offered it to Pink, launching her career as a top producer.
Perry’s success continued with Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” earning her a Grammy nomination. She founded Custard Records, which distributed James Blunt in the U.S., and later We Are Here. Perry observed that female artists often felt more comfortable and understood when working with a female producer, highlighting the importance of representation in the industry. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015, Perry continues to empower artists through her production and songwriting.
Linda Perry’s experiences with Custard Records, including the distribution of James Blunt’s music in the U.S., underscore the importance of female producers in the industry. Perry noted a distinct shift in female artists’ attitudes when working with a woman producer, with artists like Gwen Stefani appreciating the safer and more understanding environment. The producer contributed significantly to the success of many female artists in the past 2 decades. This highlights the unique dynamic and comfort that producers can bring to recording sessions, fostering creativity and collaboration.
Additional info: Buzzfeed, Rolling Stone
The Self-Made Women
The stories of women who produce their own music, such as Kate Bush and Madonna in the ’80s, and more recently Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, and Lorde, also deserve extensive exploration. Their work represents the ultimate form of artistic control and self-expression. Similarly, the pioneering contributions of women in electronic music, like Delia Derbyshire and Wendy Carlos, have shaped entire genres and continue to inspire innovation.
These topics, along with many other untold stories, are vast and complex enough to warrant their own dedicated explorations. Therefore, stay tuned for the next chapter of this blog, where we will delve deeper into these crucial aspects of women’s roles in music production, uncovering more hidden figures and celebrating their lasting legacies. The journey to recognize and appreciate the full spectrum of female contributions to music is far from over, and we are committed to bringing these stories to light.
Key Takeaways
- Ethel Gabriel was the first female record producer at a major label, overcoming initial secretarial roles to achieve significant success at RCA.
- Lillian McMurry founded Trumpet Records, promoting blues artists and defying segregationist practices.
- Sylvia Robinson was the driving force behind Sugar Hill Records, which ushered in the era of commercial hip hop.
- Gail Davies made history as the first female record producer in country music.
- Sylvia Massy is known for her experimental recording techniques and educational contributions.
- Linda Perry’s experience highlights the positive impact of female producers on artists, fostering a more comfortable and creative environment.
- The success of Custard Records underscores the importance of female-led initiatives in promoting diverse talent in the music industry.
About the author: Alessandro Ciniero, a technician at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, is a passionate expert in classic pop and rock albums. His deep knowledge of recording and production makes him a go-to resource for the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic music.
Learn more
- More from Alessandro: https://abbeyroadinstitute.nl/blog/a-christmas-gift-for-you-from-phil-spector-60-years-of-pop-revolution/
- Unlocking Creativity: Insights from Sylvia Massy’s Amsterdam Masterclass: https://abbeyroadinstitute.nl/blog/unlocking-creativity-sylvia-massy/
