Music Matriarchs: A Look At The Hits Made Possible By Women

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Mar 06, 2018, 09:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This International Women's Day, Music Reports discovers just how essential women are to songwriting. Using the power of Songdex®, their experts highlight the prolific ladies behind some of last year's top songs.

Over 35% of Billboard's Top 100 of 2017 had female writers creatively working in the studio. The #1 song, "Shape Of You" (performed by Ed Sheeran), credit both Kandi Burruss and Tameka Cottle as principals behind this smash hit.

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"Despacito" (performed by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber), "Slow Hands" (performed by Niall Horan), and "Fake Love" (performed by Drake) also have female songwriters to thank. Erika Ender, Ruth Cunningham, and Brittany Hazzard (aka Starrah) are respectively credited as composers on the works.

"It's not often that we talk about the writers behind a song; usually the primary focus is on the performer. Women writers make up an impressive number not only behind the top hits but in songwriting as a whole," said Senior Manager and copyright expert at Music Reports, Lauren Woodhouse.

In addition to those on Billboard's year-end list, recent hits of this year have benefited from the influence of creative women. "What Lovers Do" (performed by Maroon 5 feat. SZA) includes Brittany Hazzard, Solana Rowe, and Elina Stridh as composers. "Female" (performed by Keith Urban) lists Nicolle Galyon as a composer; and "Better Man" (performed by Little Big Town) credits Taylor Swift as the sole composer.

Two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair told Music Reports, "Women still have a long way to go in receiving credit where it's due and International Women's Day is a chance for all of us to lift up and celebrate women. It's incredibly positive to let women be heard and watch our voices change the course of history."

This International Women's Day, we honor the women who continue to blaze a trail in the music industry and celebrate their many achievements.

About Music Reports

Music Reports is a global technology platform empowering the music community through innovative solutions. Its assets include Songdex®, the world's most comprehensive database of music rights and related business information.

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