On June 12, 1958, one of the most fearless voices of ’90s alternative rock was born.
? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
Meredith Brooks, a native Oregonian, helped break barriers in a male-dominated genre with her signature electric guitar-driven sound and unapologetic songwriting. But it was her 1997female empowerment anthem that transformed Brooks from alt-rock standout into a Grammy-nominated star and enduring symbol of women in rock.
During a time when alternative rock was driven by legends like Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Weezer, Brooks emerged alongside trailblazing women artists including Gwen Stefani, Sheryl Crow, AlanisMorissette, and DoloresO'Riordan. With one bold hit, she carved out her place in music history.
Released in March 1997, “B-tch” was penned in a single day by Brooks and songwriter Shelly Peiken at Peiken’s home in Laurel Canyon. According to Songfacts, Peiken turned a horrible day into the lyric, “I hate the world today.” She later recalled believing Brooks was the only artist with the confidence, authenticity, and, well, "b-lls," to turn the provocative track into a mainstream hit.
She was right. The anthem became a global phenomenon.
Featured on Brooks’ second studio album, Blurring the Edges, “B-tch” climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, helped the album reach No. 22 on the Billboard 200, and scored two Grammy nominations. More than a chart success, the song resonated with listeners across generations and genders for its honest portrayal of the complexities of womanhood.
”Men completely get it and are so relieved that somebody’s saying it," Brooks told Entertainment Weekly in 1997, adding, "When we don’t honor every mood we’re in, we move away from it and don’t notice what’s really going on with us."
Brooks was equally determined to challenge expectations as a musician. She played every guitar note on the album, hoping to inspire young women to pick up an instrument themselves.
“If I had listed a guy as a guitarist in the liner notes, everyone would’ve thought that he played all the cool stuff," she said. "Now I want all those 13-year-olds — especially the girls who don't have role models — to look at me with confidence and say, 'I can do that.’”
Though many remember Brooks for her signature hit, her influence and legacy extend far beyond a single song. After her early years in the Pacific Northwest music scene and rocking out with Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go’s and The Graces, Brooks built a successful music career as a songwriter, producer, and mentor. Through her production company, Kissing Booth Records, she has worked with artists including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hilary Duff, and Bebe Rexha.
View this post on InstagramToday, Brooks continues to inspire the next generation through her Anybody’s Mentoring Program, where she speaks with high school students about music, creativity, and perseverance. Proving that her impact on women in rock.
Rock on, Mer! And have a wonderful birthday, no matter your mood!
Related: The Original Rizzo Turns 81 Today
Hence then, the article about queen of the unapologetic 90s anthem turns 68 was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Queen of the Unapologetic ’90s Anthem Turns 68 )
Also on site :
- GIGABYTE feiert auf der COMPUTEX 2026 sein 40-jähriges Bestehen mit prämierten Innovationen in den Bereichen KI, Gaming und Design
- Carnival Announces a Massive Overhaul to Onboard Dining—Here's What's Changing
- Joanna Gaines Announces Delicious New Business Venture