These past few years have seen the release of several interesting documentaries about women in pop music and rock ‘n roll. Some focus on major stars, while others on lesser-known performers. These documentaries, made for theatrical release as well as HBO, Apple Plus, and other platforms, center on the music and the personalities involved. They also explore themes such as the difficulties faced by women in the industry, aging, and emotional struggles.
These documentaries are made mostly for mature audiences since they often include curse words, frank discussion of sexual and gender situations, explorations of mental illness, and other tough topics. Teachers of younger students (high school or younger) who wish to show segments of these documentaries need to select carefully.
Music and social studies teachers can screen segments of these films to discuss musical genres and development; issues faced by women in the entertainment industry; to explore the popular culture at particular times, among other topics. Journalism and media teachers can screen these documentaries in the classroom to delve into interviewing techniques and story structure.
Librarians can recommend these films to patrons who want entertaining media that supplements their musical choices. These documentaries go way beyond the typical short-form song videos that have been popular even before MTV and VH1.
There are many more music documentaries that focus on male musicians and bands. These are recent examples of the growth of serious music exploration focusing on women. They are perfect additions to any public library's music, popular culture, and women's studies collection.
Fanny: The Right to Rock (2021)
Often considered one of the first all-female rock bands to hit the music charts, the Fanny film is lively and considerate of these bandmates, two of whom are sisters. Their “pioneer” status makes this film particularly endearing.
Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliche (2021)
Poly Styrene was the name taken by a British punk rock singer-songwriter who was remarkable for her high energy, biracial ethnicity, and for her youth (she wore her braces proudly). But she also suffered from severe mental illness and her career was hindered by this. The film is at times exciting, at others painful, and it was made by the late singer’s daughter. It is a pensive and eye-opening documentary.
Karen Dalton: In My Own Time (2020)
Today Dalton is considered a footnote in the American folk-rock scene, but for a time she was a media darling and sought out by musicians such as Bob Dylan. She was a tough, creative and tortured personality, with a distinctive voice. This documentary will help cement her importance to the 1960s music scene.
The Return of Tanya Tucker: Featuring Brandi Carlile (2022)
A legendary performer and a rising star come together for this documentary that features rousing music and sisterhood across the generations. There is a lot of feel-good and retrospection to this film.
Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry
Is a musical star barely out of her teens worthy of a documentary? This show makes a good case for this. It is targeted toward her youthful fans but older music fans will find it of interest (or they may find it irritating). The theme of youth is explored at length.
Nothing Compares: Sinead O’Connor (2022)
Sinead O’Connor has had major musical hits and has drawn enraged criticism. Controversy has dogged her in many ways. Her life and her music are not easily categorized, and this film makes that clear. The title of this film, which is also her biggest hit, was not even written by her (but by the late Prince). Viewers can decide if the title is a blessing or a curse.
Jagged (2021)
Alanis Morissette is best known for her smash hit third album and songs from 1995. Although she has continued to record and perform, her album Jagged Little Pill was her most popular. This documentary focuses particularly on her work in the 1990s and how she, as a female grunge rock phenomenon, had to deal with stereotypes. A Broadway musical was also based upon this work.
Janet Jackson (2022)
Singer Janet Jackson has lived much of her life in the public eye as the younger sister of the Jackson Five and Michael Jackson. This glossy documentary has many guests, concert footage as well as vintage film, and lots of music. Jackson explores not only themes of being a female in the music world, but also being African American and how family dynamics have played a huge role in her career.
Tina (2021)
Tina Turner has had many chapters in her musical life, and this documentary delves into the highs and lows of a consummate performer. But the documentary also looks at her unease throughout her life, her personal struggles (career, family) as well as her thoughts on aging. She too has lived so much of her life in public that she has grappled with her inner persona.
The Velvet Underground (2021)
This documentary focuses on the highly influential, daring rock ‘n roll band whose leader was the late Lou Reed. But two women belonged to the band as well: the late singer Nico, and the percussionist Maureen Tucker. Focus on their roles in this band and it will make for a different POV.