Fall 1999

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy introduces the issue with a report on the highs and lows for women at the 1999 IBMA World of Bluegrass.
   IBMA Awards by Murphy Hicks Henry A report on the female winners at the 1999 IBMA awards, including Missy Raines, Lynn Morris, and Gloria Belle.
   Rounder Women Showcase by Murphy Hicks Henry A review of a powerful showcase featuring seven prominent female artists on the Rounder Records label, joined by Hazel Dickens.
   WIB Workshop at IBMA by Murphy Hicks Henry A report on the successful Women in Bluegrass workshop but a critique of the lack of women in all other instrumental workshops.
   Unfortunately... by Murphy Hicks Henry A critique of the IBMA Awards Show for its lack of female performers in the first hour, highlighting the continued portrayal of bluegrass as a male music.
   You Can Have a Voice by Murphy Hicks Henry A call to action encouraging readers to join IBMA and write letters to advocate for greater inclusion of women.
2. The Flattop Ceiling
   Where are the Female Flatpickers by Betsy Rome Betsy Rome's article introducing the central question of why there are so few nationally recognized female flatpicking guitarists.
   Flatpicking Defined by Betsy Rome An explanation of the flatpicking guitar style and its place within bluegrass and other acoustic genres.
   Historical Notes by Betsy Rome A brief history of early influential female guitarists like Maybelle Carter and Libba Cotten.
   Flatpicking: New Kid on the Block by Betsy Rome A history of the rise of lead flatpicking in bluegrass in the 1970s and its inherently aggressive, volume-demanding nature.
   That Gal Could Flatpick! by Betsy Rome Profiles of historical female flatpickers Betty Fisher and Glenda Faye.
   So, Who's Out There Now? by Betsy Rome Profiles of contemporary female guitarists like Dale Ann Bradley and Judith Edelman who are known more for singing or rhythm playing than lead flatpicking.
   Hot Tickets by Betsy Rome In-depth profiles of active, skilled flatpickers Kari Larsen and Susan Snyder.
   LadyGrass-L by Betsy Rome A summary of an internet discussion list debate on the reasons for the lack of top female flatpickers and mandolinists, including quotes from Laurie Lewis on physical strength.
   Girls and Guitars by Betsy Rome Joe Carr's perspective on the trends and potential reasons behind the gender disparity in his bluegrass students.
   The "Grass Ceiling" by Betsy Rome A conclusion on the barriers facing female flatpickers which postulates that women's musical goals might not align with gaining the kind of recognition valued by men.
   Where You Can Hear and Read About These Women by Betsy Rome A discography and resource list for the female guitarists profiled in the article.
3. Women in Bluegrass Workshop at IBMA
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A photo and caption from the Women in Bluegrass workshop at the IBMA event.
4. Betsy Rome
   It's Pretty Lonely for a Woman Flatpicker by Rolly Brown Rolly Brown's profile of Betsy Rome, praising her tasteful and musical flatpicking style.
5. Role Models Are Important
   by Kathy Barwick Murphy Henry's profile of flatpicker and dobro player Kathy Barwick, who emphasizes the critical importance of female role models.
6. She's With the Angel Band
   Sally Ann Forrester by Murphy Hicks Henry An obituary for Sally Ann Forrester who played accordion with Bill Monroe in the 1940s.
7. Musical Gender Bending
   Proving Yourself in a Jam by Casey Henry Casey Henry's analysis of how gender dynamics play out in bluegrass jam sessions, forcing women to engage in "musical gender bending."
8. A TRIBUTE TO TERRY BOSWELL
   She Did Important Work as a Woman Instrumentalist in a Man's Game by Katie Laur Katie Laur's personal tribute to the late guitarist and singer Terry Boswell.
9. country.com
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A note about a feature article on women in bluegrass that appeared on the country.com website.

Photos

• Susan Snyder, page 4. Photographer unknown.
• Jackie Miller, page 5. Photographer unknown.
• Gloria Belle, Hazel Dickens, Missy Raines, Murphy Hicks Henry, Pam Gadd, Rhonda Vincent, Sara Watkins, page 7. Photo: Casey Henry.
• Gloria Belle, Hazel Dickens, page 7. Photo: Casey Henry.
• Betsy Rome, page 8. Photographer unknown.
• Unidentified, page 14. Photo: Murphy Hicks Henry.