Report: Greg Phillips. Photos: Various but many by Debbie Kruger
Six years ago I attended a NAMM Show breakfast session at the Anaheim Marriot for the inaugural She Rocks Awards, a celebration of females who have contributed greatly to the global music industry. A little too early in the day for a rock n roll party but not soon enough to honour some amazing contributions to music by women. The awards have come a long way since.
The She Rocks Awards were initiated by Laura B Whitmore, singer, songwriter and PR wiz as an offshoot of the Women’s International Music Network, which she also created. The best thing about these awards is that it not only acknowledges the wonderful female recording and performing artists but also those behind the scenes. The growth and success of the awards, which has featured some major international female names over the last six years, has been incredible.
In the spirit of the last 5 years, the sixth annual She Rocks Awards rocked the House of Blues Anaheim on January 26, 2018. Hosted by the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), the gala celebration featured a star studded array of honorees that included Melissa Etheridge, Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson of The B-52s, Exene Cervenka of X and members of the pioneering all-female rock band Fanny, as well many other women from all corners of the music and audio industry.
Featured performers Command Sisters delivered an upbeat B-52s medley that had the house singing along. The evening also included the premiere of a new song by WiMN founder Laura B. Whitmore and recording artist Jenna Paone called, “Just a Girl,” along with a moving video that delivered a message encouraging girls to dream big. Laura B. Whitmore co-hosted along with Kat Corbett of LA radio station KROQ.
Other highlights included a fantastic performance of the Etheridge hit “Come to My Window” by Laura Clapp, and Olivia Rox’s rendition of the Pat Benatar anthem “Invincible.” Alaska Reid of Alyeska interpreted X’s hit “Breathless” with sultry abandon. Members of the pioneering rock band Fanny shared their new project, Fanny Walked the Earth, with a preview of their upcoming 2018 release.
The rousing finale brought together members of Fanny, The B-52s, Melissa Etheridge and performers Olivia Rox, Jenna Paone, Laura Clapp and Sabrina Lentini to deliver an inspired performance of “Respect.” The song, made famous by Aretha Franklin, but written by Otis Redding (whose daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, was also honored during the event), was an energetic ending to a moving evening.
Unfortunately due to illness, one of the show headliners, Pat Benetar couldn’t be in attendance but did relay a message of thanks. After attending 3 of the 6 She Rocks Awards events, I can tell you first hand that this is a major event in the music industry calendar and with the momentum finally tipping in female musicians favour, this celebration shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Congratulation to Laura and her team of hard working folks who put this fantastic gathering together.
The full list of 2018 honorees included:
- Pat Benatar, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist
- Melissa Etheridge, Grammy® Award- and Academy® Award-winning artist
- The B-52s Katie Pierson & Cindy Wilson, original members of one of the most beloved party rock bands of all time
- Karla Redding-Andrews, Executive Director for The Otis Redding Foundation
- Exene Cervenka, vocalist for the iconic punk band, X
- Amberly Crouse-Knox, Senior Director of Creative and Business Development, BMG Production Music
- Jean Millington Adamian, June Millington, Brie Howard Darling, Patti Quatro Ericson and Alice de Buhr of the pioneering all-female American rock band, Fanny
- Candace Stewart, Studio Manager, EastWest Studios in Hollywood
- Dawn Birr, Channel Manager for the Americas, Sennheiser Business Solutions
- Fabi Reyna, Founder and Editor of She Shreds Media
- Vanessa Mering, Marketing Manager, HARMAN Professional
- Kristy Porter, Guitar Center’s Director of Merchandising, General Accessories & Media
Whitmore reflected, “We were proud to formally recognize all the 2018 honorees at the She Rocks Awards. From manufacturers to musicians, our honorees span all corners of our industry. I felt truly humbled to be able to acknowledge their leadership and accomplishments. It was such a pleasure to join with them in this year’s celebration of women in music.”
Find out more at sherocksawards.com.
About The Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN)
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The Women’s International Music Network produces events such as the WiMN She Rocks Showcases and the She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, visit www.thewimn.com.
