Women, Jazz, and the Power of Authentic Storytelling
Sammy Stein discusses her inspiration for Fabulous Female Musicians, industry challenges, gender disparity in music, and the evolving jazz scene while offering invaluable advice for aspiring authors exploring the world of music.
Sammy Stein’s name is synonymous with insightful, groundbreaking music journalism. A writer of extraordinary depth and integrity, she has chronicled the intricacies of the music industry with a keen eye and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Across her six acclaimed books—Fabulous Female Musicians, Pause, Play, Repeat, and Candid among them—Sammy has illuminated the lives and experiences of musicians, particularly those whose voices have long been overlooked.
An award-winning author, her works have not only earned critical acclaim, with titles such as Women in Jazz being named Phace Magazine Music Book of the Year, but they have also found a home in prestigious institutions like the British Library and Oxford Bodleian Library. Her influence extends far beyond the written page; from curating the London Jazz Platform festival to contributing to The Library of Congress and Readers’ Digest, she has consistently championed the artistry and struggles of musicians across genres.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Sammy shares the inspiration behind her books, offering a compelling look at the challenges musicians face, the evolution of jazz, and the collaborative spirit that music fosters. Her candid reflections on the industry’s gender disparities, the resilience of artists during the pandemic, and the transformative power of music solidify her reputation as one of the most astute and respected voices in the field today.
It is an honour to present this conversation with a writer whose work is not only a testament to her passion for music but also a vital contribution to its ongoing story.
Sammy Stein is a trailblazing, award-winning music journalist whose insightful storytelling brings the struggles and triumphs of musicians to life.
What inspired you to write ‘Fabulous Female Musicians’ and how did you select the musicians featured in the book?
I wanted to highlight the experiences of female musicians and how their journeys differ from those of male performers. The inspiration came directly from the women themselves. In conversations, many expressed that their voices had not been heard—or if they had been, they were often ignored. I aimed to provide them with the opportunity to speak freely.
Can you share some of the challenges you faced while writing ‘Pause, Play, Repeat’ during the pandemic?
Well, the pandemic meant we were all facing challenges but for musicians, their income fell off a cliff and it was immediate. I wanted to show people that the creative arts could continue despite difficult times, and I wanted people to understand just how innovative, creative, and awesome these musicians were. Whether they were male, female, at the top of their game, or the beginning of their career, musicians could have given up, but they didn’t so I wanted to highlight the importance of music and how beautifully the musicians worked together to maintain the art for us all.
What motivated you to write ‘Candid’ and how did you select the contributors for the book?
‘Candid’ was a book that had to be written. For years, I had been speaking with people in the music industry—not just women, but men as well (and I include them in a chapter of the book)—about the industry’s treatment of women. I wanted to share the experiences of those involved in various roles: performers, behind-the-scenes professionals, radio hosts, DJs, and artists across many genres, from punk and classical to jazz and rock. Selecting contributors was easy; they were music professionals from different genres and roles who I believed had strong, powerful voices—and I was right. When Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jennifer Batten, Liona Boyd, Marilyn Crispell, Jane Rutter, Debbie Wiseman, OBE, and so many others agreed immediately to be part of ‘Candid’ I was taken aback and understood it was going to be an important book
How do you approach the process of interviewing musicians to ensure their stories are authentically represented?
We always start by agreeing on certain principles. I never include information that I believe could be harmful. For instance, when an interviewee says something they immediately regret—often visible in their expression—I close my notepad at that moment. They understand that I won’t include harmful information or anything too personal. Additionally, they know that, to the best of my ability, I will represent their words as they speak, allowing their true voice to be heard. Interestingly, during the project ‘Candid,’ I noticed that the men tended to be more cautious than the women, which struck me as unusual. However, I believe they are aware of the seismic changes happening right now.
In your opinion, what are the most significant changes in the jazz industry over the past few years?
Jazz specifically is challenging for me to comment on, because I move across various genres. The changes in the genre include the use of technology, online performances, and workshops. There’s a growing acceptance of diversity, although this still requires some improvement. Most importantly, jazz is continually evolving as it blends and fuses with different styles, largely driven by younger musicians. As a result, we now have exceptional traditional jazz music alongside energetic rock-jazz bands like No More Zoos, which resonate with young audiences.
What role do you believe music plays in fostering community and collaboration among artists?
Music, like any art form or interest, has the unique ability to unite people. It engages areas of our brains that we are just beginning to explore, creating powerful connections between performers and their audiences. The way music fosters community and collaboration varies from artist to artist; some prefer to work alone, while others thrive in the collaborative environment of ensembles and bands. Ultimately, as long as the music is genuine and of high quality, there will be community.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to write about music and the experiences of musicians?
Be truthful. Be aware that there is competition, and sometimes you will be told things that should not be shared, so exercise discernment. Keep in mind that jealousy exists, and some people may see you as a threat. Bullies may emerge, and some will copy your work and take your ideas, so it’s important to remain vigilant and keep thorough records. Above all, write only what you know to be true. Always verify facts before publishing and don’t lose sight of your original writing goals. Work with a great editor. My current editor for my books is meticulous and knowledgeable about the subject. I have previously worked with an unprofessional editor, and it did not work.
