This paper addresses the experiences and musical style of African American women such as P. P. Arnold, Merry Clayton, Venetta Fields, and Doris Troy, who brought their gospel-trained voices to hard rock during the late 1960s into the 1970s. Their interracial, cross-gender collaborations with artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, Lynryd Skynrd, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, and Neil Young highlight the intersection of race, gender, authenticity, and romanticized notions of "black sound" among artists and fans. Part of the Department of Musicology Distinguished Lecture Series.