Godmothers of Chick Rock release a new album

The World

Story from The World. Listen to the above audio for a complete report.

June and Jean Millington have been dubbed “The Godmothers of Chick Rock.”

The two sisters were born in the Philippines. In 1961 they moved to California and discovered rock and roll. They became full blown rock stars in the 1970s with their group Fanny.

Now older, the women who conquered racism and sexism are facing a new ism: ageism. In an effort to combat what June says is the invisibility that comes along with going over 60, she has let her hair grow and grow.

“My hair is long and is the way it is naturally. I keep it long as a political statement.”

June said her long, bright white hair has led to moving experiences with many people, old and young, male and female. Perfect strangers will come up to her and tell her how much they love her hair — or ask to touch it.

“It really touches something very authentic in people,” she said.

The sisters have a new album out, it’s called “Play Like a Girl.”

Fanny’s appearance on the Sonny & Cher show.

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PRI’s “The World” is a one-hour, weekday radio news magazine offering a mix of news, features, interviews, and music from around the globe. “The World” is a co-production of the BBC World Service, PRI and WGBH Boston. More about The World.

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