June Millington
The industry owes a lot of its equal rights initiatives to Millington. She fought for gender equality all through her career. She started her own label, Fabulous Records, and an all-female rock band, Fanny. She also founded The Institute for Musical Arts. Her instrument of chioce is a '56 Gibson Les Paul.
Memphis Minnie
Minnie is a self-taught guitar and banjo player, and she left home at 13 to busk on the road. She was a staple on Beale Street. Her notable instrument is a National archtop.