This history about women in music puts to rest any notion that the business is made up only of men. Though it was once dominated by males (from 1890-1950 there were only 19 solo women vocalists in the Top 100 lists), in a recent polling from November 2007, over 25 percent of the top 100 slots on the chart were taken by women.

This reference breaks down the challenges, problems, and hardships women encountered by era. It talks about the First Gutsy Girls, the Fearful Forties, Fabulous Fifties, Turbulent Sixties, Cynical Seventies, Ever-Changing Eighties, Nasty Nineties, and the Naughties.

Everyone from vaudeville singer to heavy metal screamer is represented. This includes legends like Bessie Smith, Patsy Cline, Diana Ross, Joni Mitchell, Chrissie Hynde, Carole King, Madonna, the Dixie Chicks, Gwen Stefani, and Alicia Keys. Historical milestones are mentioned as well as barely-acknowledged facts.

One only needs to turn on the television to see artists like Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse, Fiona Apple, Bjork and Mariah Carey to realize just how far - and how important - the diva has become. This book outlines those forward movements and much more.

• Notable Moments of Women in Music History
• American Singing Groups: A History from 1940 to Today