Early Influencers

On By Michele LeeIn Dancing, Humor, Poetic Prose
Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok,
and other countless platforms
            that I don’t (care to) know about
viewers were influenced through one screen, not multiple streams
and likeability was based on talent not the number of likes or follows
            for the most part

Women entertainers worked harder than men
it’s true, they had to
            to prove themselves in a male-dominated business
            they still do
I flipped a switch, then turned a dial and there they were…
two talented women
with
            big hair
            big voices
            big personalities
            bold choices

They influenced fashion and captured hearts
Larger than life, they dealt with their share of anatomical jokes
           words never spoken to their male counterparts
Their variety shows, that aired over and over,
sent me twirling and singing in the living room
            they still do

Everyone is familiar with Cher and Dolly, but not everyone may know that they each performed in a variety show in the seventies. Cher was in a show with her then husband, Sonny, The Sonny and Cher Show, and Dolly was a featured entertainer in The Porter Wagoner Show. Now you know, kiddos!

BTW, although the most memorable Cher performance for me from her show, and a #1 hit, I did not select her song, Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves, because the term “Gypsy” is a derogatory term offensive to the Romani people due to the negative stereotypes associated with the term. I selected the clip featuring Raquel Welch, to honor her recent passing. (Sept. 5, 1940 – Feb. 15, 2023)💔

Thank you for visiting, viewing, and reading. Be well. 💃🏻 Michele

Photo 1: by Sunny Studio

© 2023 MyInspiredLife

98 thoughts on “Early Influencers”

    1. All wonderful… their talent, beauty, strength. Welch’s southern drawl might be a bit of song performance – she was born in Illinois then moved to California. She did have an incredibly sexy voice. Thank you for appreciating!

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      3. True. Non-Southerners never quite get the word “grits” right. I couldn’t pinpoint why… But it’s all right.
        When I arrived at Grad school in the South, I spent three weeks thinking: I speak English. Why don’t I understand a “thang”? Then I caught up with it and now consider myself bilingual English-Suderner. (Bless mah soul)
        Cheers.

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    1. Don’t they? I had fun scrolling through clips. Yes, they are, and we can’t begin to comprehend or calculate the influence they have had on singers/songwriters who came after them. 🎶Yes, sad news, but she did live a full life!

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  11. Absolutely enjoyed your post!! The top image made me smile with the reminder of the old television box. I loved the “I am a Woman” performance very much – what graceful beauty! And that’s a gorgoeus picture of you!!

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  13. The cher show so much gorgeous performance and really enjoyed 🌹🙏👌Before no WiFi
    Time also we enjoyed so many TV progremms like BONEY M 😍❤️ So worth to see old days
    Memory line dear friend , you also gorgeous 🥰👌 grace wishes 👏

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  16. Pingback: Thank you for 22,855 turtles swimming in the sea – Markus + Micah

    1. I am glad you made a connection to my words. I think a lot of people can relate to not wanting their lives hijacked by social media. 😩 Thank you for the sea turtle update and for your dedication to protecting endangered wildlife! I just read your post. That is exciting news! 🐢

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  18. This is one of those posts that brought back several memories that fell through the cracks for me. Thanks for the refresher!
    I can remember the excitement in our house when we got our first TV. It was a B&W console unit – a real piece of furniture with a storage compartment on the side where my Dad kept Sunday’s newspaper TV listings for the week. Since there was no such thing as remote control back then, it was my job to jump up and change the channels.
    Cher and Dolly certainly left their mark in the world of women in show business, particularly appearing in their own shows on TV. You’re probably too young to remember those who came before them. Let’s honor a couple of women who forged the way for others by hosting their own shows: Dinah Shore, Loretta Young, Barbara Stanwyck, Donna Reed, Leslie Uggams and, of course, Carol Burnett. That was an era when TV shows were worthwhile watching!
    Anyone out there remember these groundbreaking women?

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    1. Thank you, SS! I had fun watching old clips. Those old tvs! They were so heavy to move! 😂 My dad was a tv fan… we were the first on our block to get cable. I want my MTV! Remember the slider remote, with the cord? Good times!

      I may have come along after some of the shows you mentioned, but that is the beauty of reruns. 😁 I was a fan of Dinah Shore and Carol Burnett, of course! I created a character, Shinah Dore, for a classroom video/interview project. More good times! Thank you so much for your engaging reflection and for highlighting more talented women. I appreciate your time and input. 🙏🏻

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    1. You reminded me of All in the Family, with that opener. 🎶 They were a fun pair! For a while, anyway. 😆 Raquel was talented and beautiful, yes, and she could sing! 😁 Thanks, Dwight, for the visit and comment.

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  25. Loved the post, Michele Lee. I get you.
    That video of Cher Beauty Duo is a gem. Look at those ladies. And that song! Dolly too. Her hair! Thanks for sharing. Also loved photo of you twirling. And that book— I have it. Yay!

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    1. So good to be understood. 😁 Thanks so much, Selma. They do make a statement, for many reasons. I am grateful for your thoughtful comments and for purchasing my book. You’re a gem! 💎 Best to you!

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  29. The TV was the only portal to the outer world. Now, there’s just an overload of access rendering minds and spirits basically useless. Women are strong and have proven themselves time and again. Many thanks for sharing this powerful message, Michele. Loved the videos! 🙂

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  30. Wonderful post. Born in 1950, I lived through that cultural phenomena too. The TV was mass produced to sell products like soap but more-so to sell and celebrate American culture which it did and still does quite successfully in many countries including my own- Canada. It was the way to fame and fortune for many and one of the greatest influencers ever created. Thanks for sharing this. 💐💕✨

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    1. I am delighted! Thank you, Aaysid. 😊 Watching those old clips made me smile and laugh, and dance! 💃🏻 Thanks so much for being here and for your gracious comments. Happy spring to you! 🌼

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  32. This was a beautiful tribute and a profound take on the times! It’s quite inspiring to learn about such women too, I think this poem will serve as a timeless reminder of both, their lives and how lives have changed since then. Beautiful writing and images as always!🤗🫶

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  38. “They still do.” I love that line within this poem and the way it highlights two of the strong and powerful women who championed a shift that allowed us to reach where we are now. I love “Jolene” and was tickled when Chapel Hart came out with a great song on America’s Got Talent called “You Can Have Him, Jolene.” 🙂

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    1. I had fun with this one! My original goal was to highlight a woman singer from every decade, 70s to now, but those two drew me in. Great memories and great remakes, yes. 🙌🏻 Thank you reading and sharing!

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