Cherry Vanilla - Sexuality

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So where does Cherry sit in terms of women in rock? Its hard to say. I don't recall anyone ever mentioning her as an influence or as a reason they took up music but this was most likely due to her lack of success and so lack of visibility. 

Her whole career essentially involved sex in some form be it the plays or her role for Bowie as PR inventing stories, sexual and otherwise, about him for the press and assorted media. With a background as a groupie as well It was no suprise then that her look, clothes and lyrics played on a sexual theme. Cherry didn't seem to think so...

Its really strange how people read such a lot of sexuality into my shows. I'm flattered in a way that so many people think the way I sing or move about stage is sexy, but that isn't where its at. Record Mirror 3.6.78
Cherry was always good for a sexual quote though...

"The first time I jacked off with was my mom's plastic banana...but I put it back again!"

"When I'm on stage, what makes me hot is to think what its like when you're fucking. The energy you get at orgasm...I try to reach that with my music."

Zigzag

So how did Cherry view herself... "Blondie & Patti Smith have all done a hell of a lot for women in rock, I came out a little later than them, but although the competition is obvious, in essence we're all adding strength to each other. Women in rock now feel that the turn is theirs. As for being competitive with men, well, I suppose I am but I don't think of it in those terms. I want what I deserve out of life, and realise that I'll get no more than I work for....Everything I've always wanted to be I've achieved myself as an individual, I didn't need the identity of feminism to hide behind."  Record Mirror 3.6.78
Cherry had a very good idea of how the rock'n'roll machine worked and was a very slick operator. She knew people in the business and it got her a record deal. She knew sex sells and played that game accordingly getting the maximum amount of publicity from her look, songs and quotes.

She used what she had to get the furthest she could and on her own terms. Not a feminist but then again an example of a strong willed and determined individual.

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