Celebrating Trailblazing Women in Music: 12 Influential Producers, Engineers, and Executives
In commemoration of Women's History Month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women who have made an indelible mark on the music industry. Beyond the spotlight and center stage, these influential figures have powerfully shaped the sonic landscape, paved the way for future generations, and left an enduring legacy in their wake. Join us as we celebrate 12 groundbreaking female producers, engineers, and music executives who have redefined the industry and continue to inspire us all.
Sylvia Massy
Image courtesy of Sylvia Massy for PS Audio
Sylvia Massy is a visionary producer, mixer, and engineer known for her work with iconic bands like Tool, Aerosmith, and System of a Down and artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Julio Iglesias and Seal. Massy engineered and mixed several projects for producer Rick Rubin spanning over seven years, became a published author, releasing a book called Recording Unhinged and regularly contributing articles for Mix Magazine. She continues to be involved with musician, producer and educational advocacy work on behalf of The Recording Academy (NARAS) and consistently pushes boundaries and blazes new trails in music production.
Susan Rogers
Image courtesy of the Audio Engineering Society, Inc.
Susan Rogers is a pioneering multi-platinum producer, sound engineer, author and educator, who also holds a doctorate in psychology. Rogers made history as Prince's trusted recording engineer during his most prolific years, contributing to the creation of numerous timeless albums such as Purple Rain and Sign o' the Times and laying the foundation for the Prince Estate vault by collecting and cataloging all of his live and studio recordings. Rogers also went on to work with such artists as The Jacksons, Barenaked Ladies, Robben Lee Ford and Tevin Campbell and is currently the director of the Berklee Music Perception and Cognition Laboratory.
Linda Perry
Image courtesy of Medium
Linda Perry is multi-talented musician, producer, and songwriter who has not only written and produced hit records for artists such as P!nk, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, and Christina Aguilera, but has also been a staunch advocate for female representation in music production. Perry started her career as the lead singer and songwriter of the alternative rock group 4 Non Blondes, whose songs went on to sell a combined 17 million records along with their major hit "What's Up?" which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Perry was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 and later partnered with Kerry Brown to launch We Are Hear, a record label, music publisher, and artist management company based in Los Angeles. Perry continues to promote charity, freedom of expression, individuality and acceptance in her career and works with creative enrichment programs for children battling serious medical conditions.
Sylvia Rhone
Image courtesy of Sony Music
Sylvia Rhone is recognized as one of the most trailblazing executives in music history. She held senior positions at all three major record labels (Atlantic, Elektra Entertainment Group and Universal Motown) before being named Chairman and CEO of Epic Records in 2019. She became the first woman CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company, and the first Black woman to attain such a title. Rhone is credited with reshaping Universal Motown and breathing new life into their artist roster by bringing in successful acts such as Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne. Her visions also helped empower women in hip-hop thus launching the careers of MC Lyte, Missy Elliott and more and she is also responsible for launching and guiding multiple chart-topping artists such as Metallica, Tracy Chapman, Jason Mraz, Erykah Badu, and Megan Trainor. Rhone's leadership has been pivotal in steering major record labels, breaking barriers, and championing the careers of countless influential artists.
Trina Shoemaker
Image courtesy of Trina Shoemaker for NPR
Trina Shoemaker's illustrious career as a producer, engineer and mixer has garnered her multiple GRAMMY Awards and accolades for her work with Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, Charley Crockett and numerous other distinguished artists. She is the first woman to win a GRAMMY for Best Engineered Album in 1998 for Sheryl Crow’s album The Globe Sessions.
Suzanne de Passe
Image courtesy of IMDB
Suzanne de Passe is a prominent figure in the music industry known for her influential contributions and achievements. She began her career in show business at the Cheetah nightclub in New York City before joining Motown as a creative assistant to Berry Gordy. Suzanne de Passe has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of iconic artists such as The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Lionel Ritchie and her work extended beyond music, including co-writing the screenplay for Lady Sings the Blues in 1972, further showcasing her diverse talents and impact in entertainment. De Passe became president of Motown Productions and was responsible for showcasing the label on television with specials including Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. She also served as executive producer for popular shows such as Showtime at the Apollo and Sister, Sister. De Passe was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Emily Lazar
Image courtesy of Antelope Audio
Emily Lazar is the first female mastering engineer to win a GRAMMY Award for Best Engineered Album for her work on Beck’s album Colors and to be nominated for Album of the Year for the Foo Fighter’s album Wasting Light. She is the founder and president of an audio mastering facility called The Lodge and has worked on more than 3000 albums with artists such as Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, David Bowie, Dolly Parton and more. Lazar's trailblazing work has left an indelible impact on the world of audio mastering and production.
Ethiopia Habtemariam
Image courtesy of Universal Music
Ethiopia Habtemariam is an American businesswoman and music executive who served as the chair and CEO of Motown Records from 2021 to 2022. She has played a significant role in the music industry, holding key leadership positions within major record labels such as LaFace Records and Universal Music Group working with such artists as Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder and Justin Bieber. Habtemariam has been featured on Billboard’s “Power 100” list and Variety’s “Women’s Impact List” and throughout her career, she has been recognized for her influential contributions and impact on the industry, making her one of the most powerful women in the music business.
Kara DioGuardi
Image courtesy of Billboard
Kara DioGuardi is a renowned songwriter, producer, music publisher, A&R executive, and singer who has made significant contributions to pop and rock music. With a career spanning over three decades, she has worked with numerous artists, including Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Britney Spears, and Kelly Clarkson, with worldwide sales of albums featuring her work exceeding 160 million. She co-owns a publishing company called Arthouse Entertainment and also served as a judge for two seasons of American Idol and on the Bravo singer-songwriter competition series Platinum Hit. DioGuardi is dedicated to giving back to the music community and helping aspiring musicians as an educator.
Missy Elliott
Image courtesy of Essence
Missy Elliott, known for her groundbreaking work in hip-hop and R&B, is both a chart-topping artist and a talented producer with a career spanning over three decades. Her production skills can be heard throughout her discography, where she combines infectious beats, experimental sounds, and clever sampling techniques. She has written and produced for such artists as Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé. Elliott’s innovative approach has earned her numerous accolades including being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, receiving the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and receiving an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.
Wendy Goldstein
Image courtesy of Universal Music
Wendy Goldstein's distinguished career in A&R and artist development has spanned over three decades. She began her career working at Epic and Geffen Records signing such artists as The Roots, Mos Def and Snoop Dogg. She currently serves as president and CCO of Republic Records and is responsible for shaping the careers of Ariana Grande, John Legend and the Jonas Brothers. Goldstein’s legacy is marked by her passion for nurturing diverse talent and fostering the growth of emerging artists across genres.
Sylvia Robinson
Image courtesy of NUVO Magazine
Sylvia Robinson is considered one of the pioneers of hip-hop and rap music, often referred to as “the mother of hip hop.” She played a crucial role in shaping the genre by producing two of the genre’s first big singles. In the late 60s, Robinson founded the All Platinum record label and her own in-house recording studio called Soul Sound Studios where she went on to write and produce hits such as “Love on a Two Way Street” by The Moments. She later founded Sugar Hill Records and produced and released the groundbreaking hit “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang, which introduced rap to mainstream audiences. Her role as a producer and entrepreneur laid a foundation for future generations of female music producers and label executives.
These remarkable women have fearlessly shattered barriers, elevated creativity, and reshaped the music industry, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations of trailblazers to follow. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor and amplify the voices of these influential figures, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the art and business of music. Here's to the past, present, and future trailblazers who continue to inspire and transform the world of music.