Influential Women in Television History
Influential women in television history such as Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Ellen DeGeneres have served as idols for girls, young women, aspiring actresses and female comedians. These women have helped to shape the general population of women and their sense of strength and empowerment. Here is a list of 5 examples of strong women in tv history who played powerful roles both in front of the camera and behind the scenes:
- Lucille Ball —> Lucille Ball is often publically conceived as the ditsy house wife on the widely beloved 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy. However, Lucille Ball’s wildly popular and hilarious stage presence through physical comedic style shows Lucy’s characteristics as a smart, funny and talented actress and comedian. Yet, Lucy was not only a strong example of a successful female comedian and actress during a period where comedic television was brand new; but Lucy also accomplished roles of film-studio executive and producer. Roles such producer, director, writer, studio executive are titles that women typically didn’t have the chance to explore.
- Lucy’s initiation into television production roles began soon after she met her husband, Desi Arnaz. The pair took their “I Love Lucy” act on the road after CBS decided against taking on Lucy and Desi’s. But eventually, CBS agreed not only to put “I Love Lucy” on the air. The network allowed Lucy and Desi to create the show with their own vision; and to do so under the couples new created production company, Desilu Productions. Her start in the business and creation side of on-screen broadcasting as a television producer reflected Lucy’s intelligence and strength as a leading lady in television.
- Carol Burnett —> Actress and comedian Carol Burnett continued to pave the way for strong, funny, intelligent women in television. Burnett started her on-screen career in the mid 1950s, and continues to work into today. Among the dozens of roles she took on, one of Burnett's most memorable was on the Carol Burnett show. As Host of The Carol Burnett Show for over 10 years, Carol had total control in producing on her show. Her vision was for The Carol Burnett show to be a variety show, a show comprised up of sketch comedy. That idea was followed through. The Carol Burnett show presented some of her best comedic material and skits. Furthermore, Burnett's content influenced the world of on-screen variety shows.
- Burnett also formed a comedic duo with Lucille Ball in a few episodes of The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Both Lucy and Carol worked so well together because they of their similar comedic style, and the wit and intelligence they employed in their roles as actresses.
- Recently, Carol Burnett guest starred on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, Fallon flashed back to a clip of Carol on the Carol Burnett show. In the scene, there was an actual earthquake while on set. But despite the fear and alarm on set, Burnett used her quick wit to push the scene forward and make the audience laugh. She stated, “No visiting, the earth just moved. See what happens when you pay attention?” It is this kind of quick fire reactions that gave viewers the sense of how powerful actresses like Burnett were. She was more than just an actress, Carol Burnett was a visionary in creating as well as executing comedy in television.
- Ellen DeGeneres —> Ellen DeGeneres professional career as an actress and comedian began in the late 1980s. DeGeneres typically stuck to the small screen in television shows that she starred in as well as episodes of other series. But her comedic wit and her love for laughter would empower Ellen to become a writer and producer, as well as a host, of her own talk show.
- Ellen’s sitcom from 1994-1998 was one of the first tv shows to feature a leading female role where the character is gay.
- The Ellen DeGeneres show originally aired in 2003 and still continues with live broadcasts today; with over 10 years later with nearly 2,000 episodes. In which Ellen DeGeneres portrays strength as an actress, comedian, content creator, producer, writer, and host. Her efforts to make television a better place for the LGTBQ community and for women will continue to shape and influence both; as well as impact both groups and their abilities to work in television, in which ever role they seek out. Just as Ellen's fellow female comedians Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett did so elegantly before her.
- Tina Fey —> In addition to her professional career as a comedian and actress for the past 15 years, Tina Fey is involved behind the screen as a producer and writer for both television and movies. Among her most noteworthy works, one includes Fey's positions of Writer and Head Writer on Saturday Night Live from 1997-2006. Fey is also credited as the creator for the series 30 Rock and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; shows that Fey also produced and contributed to as a writer. Fey’s roles in television exemplify her dedication, determination, intelligence, and natural talent to be a leading women in television both on screen as well as behind the scenes.
- Melissa McCarthy —> Melissa McCarthy has established a professional career as an actress since the late 1990s. But it was only within the past 5 years that the audience have had the opportunity to experience McCarthy’s flare as a comedian. Similar to Ball and Burnett’s style of comedy, Melissa employees a physical sense of comedy. Some of the recent movies that she's obtains major roles in include: Identity Thief, The Heat, Tammy, Spy, The Boss. Just to name a few.
- Melissa has accomplished much more than staring in these comedic films. McCarthy plays creative, behind the scenes roles of producer and writer in movies such as The Boss and Tammy. Melissa McCarthy is also working on a film project called Life of the Party, which she also wrote and produce. Additionally, she also has experience directing in a handful of episodes on a show that McCarthy stars in called Mike and Molly.
- McCarthy’s continues to accomplish roles as a successful female comedian. Yet, it doesn’t end there. Melissa continues to follow in the foot steps of great female comedians, actresses, and creators like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. McCarthy does this by creating content. She creates humorous story lines and scenes and knows how to capture and execute these comedic moments.
These are just a few examples of the witty, intellectual, determined female visionaries that drastically influenced and shaped t.v. history. What women in television do you idolize or inspire you? Let us know in the comment section below.
[RH Photos] Baths at Mohawk in Austin (4/17/14)
On a drizzling Thursday night, electronic artist Baths hit Mohawk in Austin. The semi-full venue was feeling the opening act, but most were waiting for Baths to hit the stage. When Baths took the stage for his set, fans were excited and ready for him. Diehard fans sang with and vibed out with Baths throughout his set. It was on the fence fans, however, that were not sure what to make of his set. He seemed to really try and get the crowd going, but most just hung back and watched. I'm not sure if it was the drizzly weather or the material, but it seemed like only a a few people were really feeling him. Baths is one of those artists that you can argue might be better on headphones or vibing out on your own in your bedroom instead of at a live performance.
My first experience with Baths was last year at Pitchfork Music Festival. I wasn't familiar with his music, but I really respected his fan base. This time around, I came in with a positive mind set and ready to see how he had developed over the last year. Unfortunately, like most people at Mohawk thought, the performance lacked something I really couldn't put my finger on, other than the fact that some material doesn't translate the same live as it does on headphones. Not to turn anyone away from Baths, but check out some photos from the performance below.
[Mixtape] Justin Rose: "RoseWaVve Vol. 1"
Late last year we profiled New York City product Justin Rose as part of our First Look series. At the time, the 23-year-old producer was hard at work on his debut, while also finishing work on frequent collaborator Kris Kasanova's project. Today, we finally get the product of that hard work as Rose's follow up to last year's release, 22kt: The Instrumental Tape, RoseWaVve Vol. 1 hit the net today with a premier on his own website, Rsgldthewrld.com. The latest features Rose both producing on the back end of the tracks and gracing the songs with his own flow. Tearing down the wall between producer and rapper can be a tightrope job, but Rose does it admirably here. On "Fear and Loathing" Rose transitions between rhyming in a variety of cadences while also helping on the hook. Here he sounds like what I believe Chief Keef might have been had the lean and bad decisions not gotten to him, with a wavy feel to it. Kasanova links up with him on "On It (How 2 Make It In America)" for what is a kick back in itself. The production alone is something to take note of as well. "Moving Tho" is an airy alternative r&b beat that floats off with a dreamy guitar line. The waves are certainly present here and Rose's latest is not to be missed. "Party4Me" is a potential club banger with huge drums paired with a clever hook and interesting inverted guitar riffs, showing the project can straddle several situations.
As artists across the country are coming up with more talents at their disposal, Rose's latest project proves he can hang with the best of them in this stepping out from the boards. Hit the link below to get the free download for the project and keep an eye out for much more to come from Justin Rose.
[Video] Pharrell Talks New Album, 'Girls' with Zane Lowe
Pharrell has a knack for finding his way into the news cycle for all the right reasons. The baby-faced 40-year-old super-producer announced earlier this week that he had a new album expected, unveiling the title that was as simple as his epic day-long video for "Happy". It's no great revelation that Pharrell likely lives one of the most satisfying lives in America, and he stopped by BBC Radio 1 to chop it up with Zane Lowe and give the public a little glimpse into how his mind works, what the deal with the hat has been and what the plans are for Pharrell's first solo project. Check out the full video, streaming below.
[youtube id="5hOMMbe8RFc"]
[Album Stream] The Alchemist: "The Cutting Room Floor 3"
The Alchemist has long been one of hip-hop's most genuine journeymen, as any look at his encyclopedia-like index of a discography will attest to. The quintessential producer that seems naked if not making a beat, we recently were blessed around the holidays with a new solo offering from the legendary track crafter. The Cutting Room Floor 3 is a eclectic smattering of experimentally interesting and throwback-recognizable beats from The Alchemist, which set the floor for a lineup of features that could compete with most award shows as 50 Cent, Nas, Mobb Deep, Rick Ross, Blu, Kool G Rap, Capone N' Noreaga, and Meek Mill all hop on the project. We have a full stream of The Cutting Room Floor 3 available here below, kick it to iTunes to pick up the full project for your non-streaming pleasure.
[Mixtape] Clams Casino: "Instrumentals Vol. 3"
Clams Casino has been busy working with just about everyone in hip-hop since coming up with A$AP Rocky a couple years ago. Yesterday, the busy producer released his final, annual, year-end recap of work he's done with different artists. Kind of like his own personal, best-of list. The project is jam-packed with a slew of solid beats that littered the end of 2012 and early 2013, including tracks for Mac Miller, Rocky, Santigold, MF Doom and Jim Jones, along with several unreleased beats that found their way on the tape. Clams latest project was the HP "2-day Beat" project with Vic Mensa and several other artists that shows his rise into the corporate side of the music industry. Good for him. Anyway, check out some hot beats below.
1. Crystals
2. Hell (A$AP Rocky instrumental)
3. Cry For Me (unreleased)
4. Pull Me Down (Mikky Ekko instrumental)
5. LVL (A$AP Rocky instrumental)
6. Bird Call (Mac Miller instrumental)
7. Freeze (A$AP Rocky instrumental)
8. Haunt (unreleased)
9. Melthru (unreleased)
10. Bookfiend (DOOM instrumental)
11. Cold Feet (Mac Miller instrumental)
12. Wizard (remix)
13. Youforia (Mac Miller instrumental)
A-Villa: "A Hustler's Soliloquy" (feat. Roc Marciano)
Unless you've seen A-Villa compete in a beat battle or been with him in the studio, chances are you haven't heard anything from the enigmatic producer outside of his instrumental single “I’m Coming To Get Ya.” That changes today, though. "A Hustler's Soliloquy" is the first leak off Villa's debut album, and it features none other than Roc Marciano. The Chicago native has been meticulously planning every single detail surrounding Carry On Tradition for almost a year and now, with the help of Closed Sessions, the project is ready to see the light of day very soon. Stay tuned as more jams should be dropping as the LP is set to drop at the top of 2014.
https://soundcloud.com/closed-sessions/a-hustlers-soliloquy-feat-roc