Famous Women in Song

I thought this would be easy. There are so many songs that mention women by name, right? The thing is, I wanted to find songs that weren't just a one and done proposition, especially if it takes minutes to get to the name. I wanted the woman to either be the topic or to at least have more than one mention. Some of these are skating that fine line, but since this is my piece, I get to choose!

I ended up with an even dozen songs. All of the ladies in my cover picture are included, one mentioned twice. Can you name them before reading? Enjoy!

Song number 1 is the oldest piece on the playlist. The music was written by Elton John in 1973, with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was meant to honor Marilyn Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jeane, heard at the beginning of the lyrics. The song was later changed and used to honor Princess Diana following her death.

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Song number 2, referencing the same actress is actually called, Marilyn Monroe, but it also mentions Cleopatra and Joan of Arc. It was written and performed by Pharrell Williams in 2014.

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Song number 3 is Amy by Green Day, which premiered in 2011. I've always loved Green Day's sound. This song is a tribute to Amy Winehouse. See? Not merely a mention.

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Song number 4 isn't so much about her, but it's how another woman moves like her. Close enough. It's, She Walks Like Rihanna, performed by The Wanted in 2012. Interesting fact: Rihanna can dance ballet, showing her skills in her very provocative song, Umbrella.

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Song number 5, by Van Morrison is referencing Greta Garbo. Just Like Greta was written in 2000.

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Song number 6. Kim Carnes' voice isn't my favorite, but she did earn a Grammy for singing Bette Davis Eyes in 1981.

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Song number 7 is Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin), from 1984. It's safe to say that the band, Scitti Politti, was referencing Aretha Franklin's song, I Say a Little Prayer.

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Song number 8, Gracy Kelly, was released by Mika in 2007. Strange, but I like it! What can I say? Sometimes I'm in the mood for strange.

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Song number 9 is by Hurricane Chris, featuring Superstarr. It's Halle Berry (She's Fine), performed in 2009, the only rap on this playlist.

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Song number 10 is Rosanna by Toto. Interesting fact: Toto was formed by a group of studio musicians who were tired of other performers getting all the credit when they performed a considerable amount of the music. They made a pretty good name for themselves, Africa being another of their hits. This one is referring to Rosanna Arquette and was written in 1978. I guess you might call it an oldie but a goodie.

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Song number 11, from 2014, is Bo$$. It repeatedly names Michelle O'Bama. I have Barack on the Men's list, so it's only fair to include Michelle here. The song was written by six men and performed by five women.

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Song number 12 is the one most people are likely to recognize. It's Uptown Funk. This one was written by British DJ Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Jeff Bhasker, and Philip Lawrence. It features American singer Bruno Mars and his band, The Hooligans. The lyrics mention Michelle Pheiffer in the first sentence. If you're interested in Michelle's reaction, catch it on the Graham Norton Show. Okay, this is a one and done, but it is right away and the tune is so catchy, I just had to include it. Love the horns and the funky bass!

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I hope you had as much fun reading and listening to these tunes as I did putting it all together.

Here's the link to my partner piece, Famous Men in Song: