Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999
464
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Early 20th century
•
Gender & Feminism•
Social Justice1999
Adult
18+ years
In Blues Legacies and Black Feminism, Angela Y. Davis examines the contributions of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday to music and feminist discourse. The work highlights their influence on Black cultural and feminist narratives, emphasizing their roles in challenging societal norms through their music and personal histories.
Informative
Emotional
Melancholic
Inspirational
1,960 ratings
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Angela Y. Davis’s Blues Legacies and Black Feminism is praised for intertwining music history with feminist theory, offering deep insights into the lives of Rainey, Smith, and Holiday. Critics commend its thorough research and cultural analysis, though some find its academic style dense. Overall, it’s a valuable contribution to understanding the intersection of race, gender, and music.
A reader interested in Blues Legacies and Black Feminism would likely enjoy exploring the intersections of music, culture, and gender studies, particularly within African American history. Fans of works like Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison or Woman, Race, & Class by Angela Y. Davis may also find this book compelling for its critical insights.
1,960 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
464
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Early 20th century
•
Gender & Feminism•
Social Justice1999
Adult
18+ years
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