Stilly River Sage - I appreciate your comments; and, I, for one, have long been a protester on behalf of women in music because talent alone will not get them the same distance as a man - they must look good as well. It's a sad situation but it is the music "business." Truth is that good looks get you places in all walks of life that plain looks - all else being equal - just can't get you.

You did mention two of my favoites, Emmylou and Allison Krause.
I might suggest that you take a look at AK when she first came out compared to the way she looks now - today she looks totally different from 1993 and is much prettier than she used to be. It could be that she matured into a prettier woman, but, knowing this business, I would bet that she was "advised" to make some "changes" and "modifications" to her appearance by the Nashville mafia. Either way, she is a great talent. Cheers,.............mwh