Tina Bell: Unsung Goddess of Grunge

Sound & Vision

KEXP tells the story of Bam Bam and the life of frontwoman Tina Bell, a Black woman-fronted grunge band in Seattle in the early '80s — before grunge was a defined genre.


 
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photo by Christina King / via buttocks productions

Bam Bam was a Black woman-fronted grunge band in Seattle in the early '80s — before grunge was a defined genre. Larry Mizell Jr. tells the story of Bam Bam and the life of frontwoman Tina Bell. He also explores why we’ve never heard of this group before and why their story has been erased from Seattle music history.

Then, KEXP Audioasis DJ and The Black Tones frontwoman Eva Walker leads a panel of fellow Black musicians to react to Bam Bam’s music and story and discuss the landscape for Black rockers in Seattle’s music scene today.

Introducing

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In Our Headphones

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

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A Deeper Listen

Host Emily Fox and KEXP’s editorial team talk with artists about the stories behind their songs and the experiences that inform their work. Through each conversation, we uncover the humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it in a whole new way.

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