Not answering yr last question here, but Mark's book suggestion reminds me of a book published in 1986 by Wilfred Mellers called 'Angels of the Night: Popular Female Singers of Our Time'.
Synopsis on Amazon.co.uk: "Looks at the development of jazz, Gospel, blues and rock music, describes the role of women singers in shaping modern music, and discusses the work of specific performers."
I only read this because (a) Mellers was on the panel for my viva voce at uni, and (b) he mentioned that his book was imminent at said interview (aside: my final year thesis was on INDIE and I must have mentioned the Cocteau Twins in it, whom he'd come across as part of his research for the book - although Liz Fraser was dealt with in one sentence in it IIRC).
It occurs to me that reading the Mellers book will get you nice and annoyed and want to write the book that Mark suggests ;)
no subject
Synopsis on Amazon.co.uk: "Looks at the development of jazz, Gospel, blues and rock music, describes the role of women singers in shaping modern music, and discusses the work of specific performers."
I only read this because (a) Mellers was on the panel for my viva voce at uni, and (b) he mentioned that his book was imminent at said interview (aside: my final year thesis was on INDIE and I must have mentioned the Cocteau Twins in it, whom he'd come across as part of his research for the book - although Liz Fraser was dealt with in one sentence in it IIRC).
It occurs to me that reading the Mellers book will get you nice and annoyed and want to write the book that Mark suggests ;)