You're listening to It's Been a Minute from NPR.

I'm Brittany Luce.

And today we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations from one of the many

stellar guest hosts it's been a minute had this year.

In April, one of summer sat down with author Danielle Smith to chat about her book Shine

Bright, a very personal history of Black women in pop.

They talk all about Black women in music whose true genius and contributions have not

been fully recognized and how Black women change the pop landscape forever.

Let's get to it.

Here's one.

All right, y'all, writing a book is a feat.

And if you ask just about any author, they will certainly tell you.

But today's guest knew exactly where to find inspiration.

So I would just listen to say all of the songs that made it to number one R&B in 1971

that were created by women.

That's long time friend of the show, Danielle Smith.

She says she relied heavily on playlists while working on her new book Shine Bright, a

very personal history of Black women in pop.

You know, super specific, slightly nerdy playlists.

Songs like Mr. Big Stuff by G9.

That adds by Honeycomb.

If I were your woman by Gladys Knight and the Pips.

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