Born in Brooklyn, New York, Phoebe Snow was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. By the mid-1970s, Snow had achieved international recognition with her breakout single, “Poetry Man”. It was a melodic folk-rock song inspired by the then-unreleased poem of the same name written by her then-boyfriend, Phil Brown.
Snow wrote the song in 1975, and released it on her self-titled debut album in 1976. The single enjoyed significant radio airplay and peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the summer of 1976, making it one of the most successful records of the year.
The distinctiveness of Snow’s music, which touches on folk, blues, jazz, rock, and even elements of classical music, has been praised by fans and critics alike. Her voice has been described as “smokey and passionate,” full of emotion and color. Additionally, her songwriting ability is evidenced by her career-defining track, “Poetry Man.”
In 1976, Snow told the Washington Post that she felt the song was unique in its expression. “I feel a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to express themselves artistically unless they have an audience,” said Snow. “I think ‘Poetry Man’ gives people who might not write songs an opportunity to express themselves.”
Many have also credited Snow with solidifying the “singer-songwriter” artist image in the 1970s, as more female songwriters began to gain recognition in the music industry during this time. Rolling Stone Magazine referred to Snow as “one of the first independent female artists to become a major figure in American rock and pop music.” Showing her far-reaching influence, “Poetry Man” has since been covered by many different artists, ranging from jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday and Julie London, to a more contemporary singer-songwriter, Winona Oak.
Within the song, Snow sings the refrain “Oh, I don’t wanna be a poet, gonna be a poetry man.” This alone has become synonymous with Snow’s career and, in 2009, it was chosen as the title for a documentary about her life. Furthermore, the lyrics of “Poetry Man” also contain lines that can remind listeners of the themes of her other songs, demonstrating her ability to cleverly weave multiple messages into one.
The Music Industry of The 1970s
In the mid-1970s, the music industry saw a sudden influx of female singers and songwriters, fueled in part by the release of Snow’s iconic album. While groundbreaking female artists like Aretha Franklin and Carole King had begun to establish themselves in the 1960s, Snow ushered in a new wave of female musicians in the 1970s. Compared to the prior decade, the mid-70s allowed more female musicians to obtain record contracts and showcase their talents, resulting in an overall more diverse music industry.
The 1970s was also a time of immense growth in live music venues and festivals. Venues such as The Apollo Theatre, The Fillmore East, and Carnegie Hall opened up new avenues for many budding musicians, allowing them to flaunt their talents in the spotlight. Snow was able to take advantage of these new opportunities, embarking on multiple tours throughout the US, Europe, and Japan.
The decade also provided new avenues for radio airplay and production. Through FM radio, albums such as Snow’s “Phoebe Snow” were able to reach a wider audience. Similarly, revolutionary new production techniques allowed Snow to experiment with her sound even further in the studio. Also, Snow was able to capitalize on the popularity of music videos, which were first introduced during the decade.
Through her music, Snow challenged the status quo of the music industry and created space for the many female musicians that would follow. Her accessible sound and optimistic lyrics have inspired countless people and caused a shift in the 1970s towards a more gender-balanced industry.
The Popularity of ‘Poetry Man’
Since its release in 1976, “Poetry Man” has seen a resurgence in popularity. It has become an anthemic empowering ballad for many women and has been featured heavily in pop culture. In 2018, pop superstar Britney Spear included a cover of the song as part of her Las Vegas residency. Additionally, the track has been sampled in a variety of different songs, from Earth Wind & Fire’s hit single “After The Love Is Gone,” to 50 Cent’s 2003 release “21 Questions.” Snow’s influence has even reached modern day Broadway in the musical “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” with a tribute being paid to Snow and her song in the act.
Other genres of music have not been left unscathed by “Poetry Man,” as its influence can be heard in the R&B and jazz hits from the decades following its release. As recently as 2017, “Poetry Man” has been covered by the likes of jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant and English soul group Jungle, demonstrating its everlasting presence as a timeless classic.
Despite the age of the track, Snow continues to be credited for her groundbreaking sound. In 2020, the vocalist was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, solidifying her impactful career in the music industry.
Phoebe Snow’s Legacy
Phoebe Snow’s name and music have been a beacon of hope for many melody makers and will continue to inspire them for many years to come. Her motivation for creating music has always been for the fans and listeners, which is why fans of her music continue to play her songs with enthusiasm. Her sound has been an embodiment of her core message: to create music that touches the human emotional core and contemplates the social issues of our society.
Snow’s truly remarkable career has left a lasting impression on many generations. Her combination of emotion, vitality, voice, and songwriting abilities garnered her success in a male-dominated industry. Her influence on the music industry continues to be seen today through samples, covers, and the innumerable talented women she has inspired.
Songwriting Process
Snow was not only a talented singer but also as a songwriter. Her unique ability to capture raw emotion and convert it into music was uncanny. Her early works such as “‘Poetry Man” show her talent for taking her thoughts and feelings and translating them into accessible tunes.
In an interview, Snow explained that much of her songwriting process was driven by memory, as she was drawn to songs that reveal her nostalgia for important moments or people in her life. She revealed that her favorite genre to write in was folk, as it normally encompassed her thoughts and emotions most effectively.
Snow believed in the power of individual expression, advocating for its importance in our society. For her, music was a way to connect with her inner self and express her emotions. She believed music was a way to connect with the audience on a deeper level and to express her vulnerabilities and fears.
Snow’s songwriting process also revolved around her belief in the importance of collaboration. She was not completely averse to collaboration as she believed it caused magic to come about. In an interview about the writing of “Poetry Man,” Snow revealed that collaborating with another artist helped her to develop her ideas further and encouraged her to keep going.
Cultural Impact
Phoebe Snow is considered to be a pioneer in the music industry for women. Snow was unafraid to take risks and challenged the norms of the industry, paving the way for female artists to make a name for themselves.
Her impact is evident today as many female musicians cite her as a major influence. From Adele to Sheryl Crow, many musicians point to Snow as an example of how a female artist should be. She was not afraid to embrace her vulnerabilities and put them into her music.
Snow also advocated for artist expression through her music. Her song “Poetry Man,” in particular, captured the imagination of many people, as it spoke to the power of individual expression and the potential of every person to express themselves.
Finally, Snow’s music has been an inspiration to many aspiring musicians. Her combination of lyrical depth and melodic songwriting has been an example of how to create meaningful music that touches the listener. Snow’s influence on music continues to resonate today and will continue to do so for years to come.
Conclusion
Phoebe Snow has had a lasting effect on the music industry since the mid-1970s, and her effect continues to be felt in modern day music. Her iconic single “Poetry Man” has inspired countless artists, as it speaks of the power of individual expression and the importance of self-expression. Snow’s music and message has been an encouraging force for aspiring female musicians, providing them with the determination and inspiration to follow their dreams and make a name for themselves. Her impact will live on through the many artists that she has inspired and her music will continue to be a timeless classic.
