For much of the history of American roots music, women were not allowed to travel and perform unless they were accompanied by a husband, father, or brother. For some time, it was even considered radical to have a woman fronting a performing group. Yet there have always been women music makers pulling traditional music forward-consider Maybelle and Sara with the Carter Family, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Hazel & Alice, and so many others. This issue digs into the deep roots of the women who laid the foundation for American roots music, from the perspective of No Depression's finest writers, as well as musicians themselves. Included in this issue: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt / Joni Mitchell / Ruthie Foster / Karen Dalton / Annie Oakley / Elizabeth Cotton / Maybelle and Sara Carter and The Carter Sisters / Alice Gerrard / Joni Mitchell / Bonnie Bramlett / art by Caitlin Cary, and more.