SAYGRACE cover Lesley Gore’s Feminist, Civil Rights Anthem “You Don’t Own Me”

Originally written by two men, David White and John Madara, “You Don’t Own Me,” started out as another song about some boy in the 1960s then transformed into the anthem of female empowerment and racial equality.

The song returns to the limelight  recently thanks to an advertising spot by  Armani, with Lesley Gore who left behind the bubblegum pop of her previous hits like “It’s My Party,” into a darker marching elegy that went beyond her teenage years.

Recorded and released in 1963 when Gore was just 17, “You Don’t Own Me” was technically another song about “boys,” much like many of her previous hits like “Judy’s Turn To Cry,” but quickly transformed into a statement, not just about being a woman but being human, and powerful.

Throughout the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including a version by Australian singer Grace, (SAYGRACE)  featuring rapper G-Eazy, in 2015 with Quincy Jones producing again.

Grace Sewell (born 8 April 1997), known professionally as SayGrace (formerly Grace), is an Australian singer and songwriter. She is best known for "You Don't Own Me", a cover version of the 1963 Lesley Gore song, produced by Quincy Jones, Parker Ighile and featuring G-Eazy.   The song, a single from her debut album with Regime Music Societe  and RCA Records, was a number-one hit in Australia.