Inspiration on teh World Stage: Nita Strauss Reflects on Her Guitar Hero
Nita Strauss has carved out a prominent place in the music industry, touring with iconic artists such as Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato, while also establishing a remarkable catalog of solo work and collaborations. Her prowess on the guitar has made her a household name among music enthusiasts.
During a recent discussion at the Guitar Summit, Strauss shared a pivotal moment in her journey, revealing that her career might have taken a different path without the influence of a particular guitarist.
The importance of Role Models
“Being a role model is crucial, even if it’s not on a massive scale,” Strauss emphasized.“Growing up, I struggled to find female guitarists who resonated with me. For me, that inspiration came from Jennifer Batten.”
Jennifer Batten: A Trailblazer
Jennifer Batten is celebrated for her groundbreaking work as the lead guitarist for Michael Jackson during his Bad world tour. She was an integral part of JacksonS ensemble in the late ’80s and ’90s, even performing in his legendary 1993 Super Bowl halftime show.
In addition to her work with the King of Pop, Batten toured with Jeff Beck for three years and contributed her talents to albums like Who Else! (1999) and You Had It Coming (2001).
A Moment of Revelation
“Watching Jen on the grandest stage with the biggest star, Michael Jackson, shredding and delivering blazing solos was awe-inspiring. It was incredible to see a woman up there doing that,” Strauss recalled. “I thought, ‘If I can create that moment for the next generation of girls, that would be something truly special.’”
![Michael Jackson - super bowl Performance 1993 [AI UPSCALED 4K 60 FPS] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/d_pqWF_MvC4/maxresdefault.jpg "From the Shadows to the Spotlight: Nita Strauss Reflects on the Guitar Legend Who Ignited Her Musical Journey 2")
Strauss previously described her revelation of Batten as akin to “a child finding a doll that looks just like her for the first time.”
Breaking Barriers
“Seeing someone like me achieving such heights was empowering. Here she was, performing with the biggest star in the world, and it wasn’t just about being a woman,” Strauss stated in a 2023 interview with Premier Guitar. “She was outplaying everyone, not as of her looks or stage presence, but due to her remarkable skill and consistent performances. That was my biggest takeaway: If she can do it, so can I.”
