Classic Country Spotlight is a weekly series covering legendary artists from country music’s past. Whether you still listen to the timeless hits or hope to become better acquainted with an older sound, classic country will never die. Brought to you by Val Turgeon.
You know what’s missing on mainstream country radio lately? The women. The bros have taken over and though they’ve provided us with numerous entertaining tailgate anthems, it feels like women aren’t getting the same kind of airplay. I’m thankful for powerhouses like Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood who are leading the way these days for female country artists, but it was in the late 50’s when Patsy Cline (1932-1963) paved a way for women in country music.
Cline taught herself to play the piano when she was about 8-years-old, and as a teenager she sang on her local radio station in her hometown of Winchester, Virginia and then performed at local nightclubs. This led to her regular spot with Jimmy Dean on Cannie B. Gay’s “Town and Country Jamboree” radio show in 1954. She appeared on national television for the first time on the television version of “A Grand Ole Opry” in 1955. That same year she signed with Four Star Records, but none of the 51 songs she recorded garnered enough attention for success.
Much like “American Idol” has created some of country’s biggest stars today, Cline auditioned and appeared on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” in 1957. She sang “Walkin’ After Midnight,” a song that transpired off her first album with Four Star Records. The song made Cline a hit. It reached No. 2 on the country charts and No. 16 on the pop charts. Initially, Cline didn’t want to record the song because she thought it was too pop. (Even in the late 50’s there was a blurred line between the country and pop genres.)
She then signed with Decca records and began a massive country music career earning top honors and awards including accolades from Cashbox, Music Reporter and Billboard. In 1960 she joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. “I Fall to Pieces” hit the top of the country charts in 1961 and was a top 20 single on the pop charts.
After Cline recovered from a near-death car crash in 1961, she got back on the road, performing with legendary names like Johnny Cash, June Carter and George Jones. She recorded “Crazy,” a song written by Willie Nelson. This became her signature song and biggest hit on both the pop and country charts. It reached No. 9 on the US Hot 100 chart. In 1962 “She’s Got You” hit No. 1 on the country charts.
On March 5, 1963 at the age of 30, Cline died in a tragic plane crash.
Since Cline’s first hit in 1957, her career expanded only about 6 years. In those 6 years, Cline’s charming, yet bold demeanor allowed her to establish a poised dominance as a respected country artist. She was undaunted by her male counterparts and acted just like “one of the boys,” who would sit down with a beer and tell a dirty joke. With desire to see continued success of women, Cline supported up-and-coming female country artists such as Jan Howard, Barbara Mandrell, Brenda Lee, Dottie West and Loretta Lynn.
Patsy Cline isn’t just a name and some hit songs, but she’s a long line of legendary female country artists who came after her and were shaped by her emotive voice and power to be forever known.
Here’s a video of Cline singing “Crazy” on the television version of “Grand Ole Opry” in 1962. *Note the headband she’s wearing. The car crash in 1961 left a scar on her forehead that she covered up with wigs, hats and headbands.
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