International Women’s Day: Celebrating pioneering pianists

This year we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by reflecting on the remarkable contributions made by pioneering artists – as well as playing along with their incredible music with songs in the LUMI app!

Among the many talented musicians who have left an indelible mark on music history, women pianists stand out for their virtuosity, and creativity, who have overcome untold challenges to present their skills to the world. We’re paying tribute to five incredible artists who have not only captivated audiences all over the world but have also used their platforms to advocate for change and empower others. 

If you’ve been inspired by any of these incredible stories, try learning a few of their songs in the LUMI Music app and experience the amazing arrangements and songs from these pioneering women!

Nina Simone

With her deep, soulful voice and unparalleled skills on the piano, Nina Simone carved a path that defied all conventions. From gospel beginnings to Billboard chart-topping sensation, Nina Simone was much more than a pianist; she was a force of nature. 

Her albums have traversed genres, blending the boundaries of jazz, blues, gospel, and classical, bringing them all to new audiences. Simone truly redefined the sound of contemporary pop, with songs like "Feeling Good" and "I Put a Spell on You'' remaining timeless classics, showcasing her raw emotion and technical brilliance.

Nina Simone used her music as a means of amplifying her voice as a Black woman and making her identity known. A passionate civil rights activist, she fearlessly used her platform to address issues of racial injustice and inequality, becoming an icon of the movement. Her activism was often reflected in her music, with songs like "Mississippi Goddam" and "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" serving as anthems for Black empowerment and resilience.

Lady Gaga

Celebrated for her electrifying performances and boundary-pushing fashion and visual styling, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, has captivated audiences worldwide, and for good reason. 

Never conventional, Lady Gaga is an artistic visionary in every sense, and while her visual and performance prowess should be lauded, her skills as a pianist are sometimes overlooked. Gaga's early years were spent honing her craft at the piano, and it remains an integral part of her ability to create memorable and emotive songs.

From her breakout hit "Just Dance" to the Oscar-winning ballad "Shallow" from the film ‘A Star is Born’, Lady Gaga's songs resonate with authenticity and vulnerability. Her willingness to bare her soul through her lyrics and melodies has endeared her to fans around the globe, cementing her status as a cultural icon.

Just as she is unapologetically authentic to herself through her music, she conveys that passion through her philanthropic efforts and outspoken activism. Lady Gaga is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQIA+ rights, and continues to inspire others to be proud of their identities and create spaces for people from all walks of life to be authentically themselves and embrace their uniqueness.

Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac

While ​​Stevie Nicks is inseparable from the success of one of the most iconic bands of all time, keyboardist and songwriter Christine McVie played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Fleetwood Mac. 

Known as “the glue that held the band together”, McVie helped to infuse the band’s music with an emotional core that takes from pop and soul to create their now quintessential sound. Her melodic sensibility and poignant lyrics have left an indelible mark on the music industry, earning her accolades and admiration from peers and fans alike.

McVie's contributions to Fleetwood Mac's catalog are immense, with hits like "Don't Stop" and "You Make Loving Fun", and the encapsulating ballad “Songbird”, showcasing her songwriting prowess and distinctive piano playing along with a rich vocal tone that stood out against most singers in the 70s and 80s. Her ability to craft timeless melodies that resonate with audiences of all ages is a testament to her talent and enduring influence.

In a statement following her death in 2022, Fleetwood Mac said that she was "the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life". She leaves behind a truly inspirational legacy. 

Taylor Swift

Countless Grammy awards, record-breaking album sales, and era-defining tour performances – Taylor Swift's journey from country prodigy to formidable pop sensation is a testament to her unparalleled songwriting abilities and magnetic stage presence. Known globally for her emotive storytelling and catchy hooks, Swift's skills as a pianist are often overshadowed by her lyrical prowess and well-known image with a guitar.

However, the piano has played a significant role in Swift's evolution, serving as the backdrop for some of her most introspective and heartfelt compositions. Songs like "All Too Well" and "Wildest Dreams" showcase her ability to convey complex emotions through her lyrics and melodies.

In addition to her achievements as a singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift has used her platform to advocate for artists' rights and gender equality in the music industry. Her courage in speaking out against injustice has significantly impacted the way the industry operates, and standing up for what she believes in has earned her respect and admiration from fans around the world.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys burst onto the radio in the early 2000s with her debut album, ‘Songs in A Minor’, showcasing her prodigious talent as a pianist and vocalist. With her soulful voice and virtuosic piano playing, Keys quickly became one of the most celebrated artists of her generation, earning multiple Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim. Through timeless songwriting and impeccable performances, she has earned her spot as one of the great contemporary pianists and artists of modern times.

Songs like "Fallin'" and "If I Ain't Got You" have become anthems for love and resilience, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds, and even when she’s featuring on a track like the iconic “Empire State of Mind”, she’s able to captivate the ears of all audiences with incredibly memorable hooks. Keys' ability to infuse her music with passion and authenticity has earned her a dedicated fanbase and cemented her status as a true icon of contemporary R&B.

Undoubtedly, her records have inspired countless young girls to head to the keyboard, but Keys’ impact doesn’t just end with music. Through her philanthropic work and activism, she continues to use her platform to support marginalized and underprivileged communities and inspire positive change.

Continuing to celebrate pioneering pianists

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us not only recognize the extraordinary talent of these pioneering pianists but also honor their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through music. 

One day is not enough to celebrate all the phenomenal women who have graced the black and white keys over the years, but it’s important to acknowledge how their contributions have paved the way for future generations and serve as a reminder of the transformative power of art and activism.