NPR

Country Music Excludes Women, Especially Over Age 40, Study Finds

A new study from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative finds that female artists and songwriters are being severely underrepresented in Nashville, with women over 40 being particularly excluded.
Singer and songwriter Kacey Musgraves, performing in Nashville on April 1.

Women's voices and perspectives — and particularly those of more mature female artists and songwriters — are not being heard out of Nashville. That's the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Southern California's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, who on Friday released a study on the gender gap in country music.

Despite the successes of musicians like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Kacey Musgraves — who the 2019 Grammy for album of the, as well as best country album and best country solo performance — the voices of women creators are severely underrepresented.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
The Original 'Harry Potter' Book Cover Art Is Expected To Break Records At Auction
Sotheby's June 26 auction of Thomas Taylor's watercolor illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000.
NPR3 min read
Houston Area Braces For Flooding To Worsen Following Storms
A flood watch remained in effect through Sunday afternoon as forecasters predicted additional rainfall Saturday night, bringing another 1 to 3 inches of water to the soaked region.
NPR4 min read
'Hacks' Season 3 Is Proof That Compelling Storylines And Character Growth Take Time
Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah (Jean Smart) have both grown a lot since we first met them in Season 1. It's a reminder that shows need breathing room to achieve satisfying development.

Related Books & Audiobooks