BY DESARAE GABRIELLE AND CARRIECOUROGEN

New York native soprano Pat Benatar came crashing onto therock and roll scene ready to change the landscape of the maledominated music industry. Four time Grammy award winningBenatar kick-started her lengthy list of accomplishments bybeing the first female artist to be played on MTV — performingher hit “You Better Run” on August 1, 1981 — later becomingone of the most heavily featured artists on the network. Benatarwas among the wave of female pioneers who took the Top 40singles chart by storm – 15 of her songs were featured on thechart which included popular singles “Hit Me With Your BestShot,” “We Belong,” and “Love is a Battlefield.” Benatar’s firstsingle “Heartbreaker” propelled the rock star to platinum statuswith her debut album In The Heat of the Night.

After a tour date at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles,co-headlining with Melissa Etheridge, we spoke to Benatarabout her history in rock music as a feminist, her memoirBetween a Heart and a Rock Place, her inspirations and more.

What was it like to be the first woman played on MTV?

Thrilling, odd, crazy and fun. We had no idea what was aboutto happen — we thought we were just doing anotherperformance video that would be shown on TV. The idea thatthe video would be played 24 hours a day — wasunfathomable. In one week, our lives were forever changed.

Did you feel any sort of pressure to play to the changinglandscape of the music industry or play to that video starpersona?

Absolutely not, we were part of that emerging landscape. Wewere creating the video star persona organically, we were justbeing ourselves.

INSPIRER | FALL 2016

Getting control of your career and fightingthe over -sexualization of your image wasn’tan easy thing to do. What was that battlelike?

The struggle to take control of the imagewas difficult. When it was my idea, itworked, but it was very limiting and becametedious. But of course, by that time, therecord company had a winning combinationand fought hard to keep it, we foughtconstantly and bitterly for the rest of ourtime there.

Catch A Rising Star was a place where a lotof comics got their breaks. What attractedyou to it as a singer?

I was living in Richmond, VA playing in alocal band and going to school. I had read anarticle in the New York times about Catch, itmentioned that up and coming singers couldaudition there as well. I missed New York somuch and wanted to go home, it was theperfect excuse.

How did The Zinger shape your transitioninto rock and roll from a more lounge inspired style?

The Zinger was such a campy production, itreally was more musical theater than rockand roll. It didn’t really have much of aninfluence on my future career. Working withyoung songwriters at Catch, helped me findmy voice. And of course, meeting my muse,Neil Giraldo, putting the band together andworking side by side was the most importantfactor — the catalyst that propelledeverything forward.

How do you think your career has influencedyour daughters’ endeavors?

As for our youngest, Hana, who is the singersongwriter, she was born feisty! I’m suresome of it’s genetic, but she is a highlymotivated, talented, tornado. Her genre ofmusic is vastly different from ours. Ouroldest daughter, Haley is a designer. I think— I hope– both of our daughters witnessedthe power of hard work and commitmentfrom both parents. They certainly saw firsthand what can be accomplished as a female.They are both very smart, confident, kindand talented young women.

You were nominated for Best Female RockVocal Performance eight times are tied formost wins in the category. The categorymerge in 2005 came with a lot of scrutiny onboth sides of the argument. On one side,there’s the idea that distinguishing male andfemale vocals is sexist and they should bejudged together. But the other side is that,since the merge, only six women have beennominated, even though there’s certainly nota lack of outstanding female performanceseach year. What are your thoughts?

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This is always such a difficult topic. I have mixed feelings — Ihate the idea of being singled out as a “Female Rocker.” Itdefeats the entire argument that we are all the equal. At thesame time, the sheer number of males versus females will alwaystip the scale. Because of the era grew up in, it’s hard to shakethat nagging rub, that being separated, labeled as “female” insome way is a slight, a way to subliminally suggest inferiority.It’s interesting, because personally, I don’t feel that way at all.I’m proud, so secure, and even a little arrogant when it comes tobeing a woman. I wait for the day when that feeling permeateseverything!

How has your self-identification as a feminist influenced yourcareer and the ways you’ve given back to the music community?

Yes, definitely. Mentoring young women is where my heart is.Having two daughters has made it my mission.

What about the music industry would you like to see change,from a feminist perspective? Why were you reluctant to writeyour memoir Between a Heart and a Rock Place?

There has been so much progress in the music industry, but theold prejudices and ideas still exist. Old habits die hard!Thankfully, we now have laws and legislation to protect us, forthe most part. There is still much to be done. I do feel confidentthat women today, are very aware and take a strong, passionatestance about their rights. I thoroughly enjoyed writing Between aHeart and a Rock Place. I was a little reluctant to write it becauseof the time necessary to get it done properly. I only said yesbecause they promised I’d have help.

The co-writer, Patsi Bale Cox, came to me and said, ”You can dothis. You should do this. It needs to be in your own voice.” So I did.She helped me organize the stories and all my thoughts and thenshe pushed me “out of the nest.” In the end, she was right and Iloved every moment of the process.

You were on the We Live For Love Tour with your husband Neil andsinger Melissa Etheridge through the summer. You chose tocontinue to play in states where anti- LGBTQ laws were passed,such as Mississippi and North Carolina. Why is that?

Neil (Spyder) and I have been staunch advocates for LGBTQ rightsfor 37 years. We felt that we could better serve the community bycontinuing to support them the way we always have, by standing indefiance, to those who seek to squash their rights. We discussedthis with Melissa and she agreed.

What social issues inspire you to try to make change in the world?

Hunger, children’s rights, the elderly’s rights, women’s rights,animal rights, racial and sexual equality — we don’t have enoughtime. We all have the ability to make changes in the world,everyone has the power to do good.

If you could give your 25 -year -old self advice, what would it be?

My 25-year-old self? You are about to begin an amazing adventure,do not be afraid! Listen to your gut, it’s always right. Be kind, beloving, be smart. All you have at the end of the day is the peopleyou love and who love you, and your integrity. Lighten up and tryto have a little fun along the way.

INSPIRER | FALL 2016