female country singers of the '50s and '60s female country singers of the '50s and '60s

Her subsequent 47 chart singles included such Top 5 hits as Then and Only Then, If I Talk to Him, Nobody But a Fool (Would Love You), Ain't Had No Lovin' and The Hurtin's All Over. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and in 1997 married Marty Stuart. WATCH: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley Delight Fans, Reunite for "Paisleywood" at Her Nashville Show. 1. In 1958, Frances Preston (1934-2012) was hired to head the Nashville office of BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.), a major performance rights organization that collects and distributes to songwriters and publishers royalties earned from the public use of BMI-registered songs. Their manner of incorporating bluegrass and jazz-like solo jams has inspired countless jam bands since their inception. 1 on the U.S. Georgia Holt is a retired American actress, singer-songwriter, and former model. She has been a major influence on artists, such as Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, and Dottie West. Betty Jack was killed in a car wreck that same year, after which Skeeter moved on as a solo act. The music industry, like most occupational fields in history, had its own harmful gender roles, and the gist of it was that women were pretty singers and men were serious musicians. Privacy Policy | Ross embarked on her acting and solo career, and Wilson also released two solo albums throughout her career, including an expanded version of her 1978 self-titled debut prior to her death in 2021. After finishing first multiple times in a contest, Starr received a 15-minute radio show. In 1945, her career took flight with a scat recording of Flying Home. When she reached a point of stagnation with her music, she turned to a new manager, Norman Ganz, who developed Verve records around her. Cat Stevens (a.k.a. Thank you! She's also an award-winning artist in her own rightand has recorded album after album of incredible folk, gospel, and blues songs. Many have credited the Weavers with helping to fuel the folk revival that followed their success and subsequent blacklisting during the McCarthy era. After winning the radio spot together, they received recognition from bandleader Tony Pastor. 600 Opry Mills Drive The Primettes formed in 1959 and signed to Motown by 1961 as The Supremes. In his collaboration with Portland fiddle player Tracy Grammer, the duo managed to sing and play their way into the hearts of folk fans, even in the short time before Carter's death in 2002. Kitty Wells made history as the first woman to have a No. In 1955, despite music trends moving toward rock and roll and Carson being a pop singer, she managed a no. While gender equality was an elusive dream in many fields, women were well represented in popular music, and the best female singers are legends. Ani DiFranco is probably the most prominent Gen-X folksinger. She was mentored and produced for years by Porter Wagoner and starred on his syndicated TV show from 1967 to 1974. She created her biggest-selling record there, which reached no. Stay Up-To-Date with The Opry. 1 on theBillboardHot 100. Rosanne Cash is an American singer-songwriter. He also became an active force in the Civil Rights Movement of the '60s. One year later, after auditioning for WDAY in Fargo, radio personality Ken Kennedy gave her the stage name Peggy Lee. Among these were The Girl Most Likely, There Never Was a Time, Country Girl, Oh, Singer and Good Enough to Be Your Wife.. Here are 11 of the top girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s, who all left a mark with their eternal hits. ], Carmel by the Sea / The Man I Used to Know, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkiJgm6MWA8, When Two Worlds Collide / I Want to Be Where You're Gonna Be, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rww6Sqqzi4g, I Still Believe in Love / Life's That Way, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRnli0d-Gas, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQkm3I2BNgo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vlZjLUkd9s, Keeping Up With the Joneses / No Thanks, I Just Had One, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSphfySIfKw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9iLt8sXbu4, My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy / 'Til Death Do Us Part, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDcoKbX_zBM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o02f4ArNcWA, The French Song (Quand le soleil) / Sit Down and Write a Letter to Me, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WLFvVL2Sg. Sign-Up For Our Newsletter. His classic, "What Did You Learn in School Today?" In both art and life, no other artist could hit on heartache and tragedy in quite the same way thatHank Williamsdid. The chatter surrounding the song -- including Riley being forced to wear a miniskirt when accepting her CMA award for single of the year -- dimmed the fact that she scored several Top 10s after her glittery debut. The group released their first and only album Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica in 1964. Since then, the Fearless star has not looked back and also made her acting debut in 2009. He was a great fan of traditional music, and often performed traditional spiritual songs and the like in his performances with wife June Carter. The two sang as a duo for most of Clooneys early career. Besides her father, Ardens brother, Jan, was a singer. Emmylou Harris is often considered a country singer, but her roots really lie in contemporary folk. While the man who would later become known as The King had a hard time catching a break in Nashville, one rockabilly artist signed under the same record label would capture the hearts of country enthusiasts and rock n roll fans alike: Johnny Cash. 1/10 SLIDES Circa 1955: American singer and actor Rosemary Clooney (1928 - 2002) sings and dances in a In many ways, what happened in this decade would set the stage for some of country musics biggest moments. Janis Joplin 5. Discovered by fellow gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Della Reese had her breakthrough upon winning a contest allowing her to perform at a popular Detroit bar for a week straight. Dave Carter was inarguably one of the best songwriters the contemporary folk scene as known in some time. She is credited with releasing several chart-busting albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide. 2 on the pop charts. In 1993, she joined Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton for the album Honky Tonk Angels. Presley certainly wasn't the first to sing what's now considered rock 'n' roll; other notable artists BillboardHot 100, including songs such as Come See About Me and Love Child., After leaving the group to pursue a solo career, Ross debuted an album in 1970 featuring her legendary songs, Reach Out And Touch (Somebodys Hand) and Aint No Mountain High Enough (her first no. Teresa Brewer incorporated a mixture of genres into her singing style to become one of the best female singers of the 1950s. Typically made up of trio or quartet of young women, they sang in harmony about the perfect guy, the one that got away or did them wrong. Two-time Grammy-winning country singer Miranda Lambert is known for her hit album Platinum and the track Automatic. Her first chart song and only No. Patsy Cline was an American singer widely regarded as one of 20th century's most influential, celebrated, and respected vocalists. on The Ed Sullivan Show, 25 Best 50s Musicians (Top Artists From The 1950s), 15 Best Female Metal Bands (Or Female Fronted), The best female singers of the 1960s (our picks), The best female singers from the 1970s (70s female singers), Top female singers of all time list (our choices), Our picks for the best black female singers of all time, highest weekly gross of any other musical, The best blues singers of all time (most famous picks). She is also the Community Manager for the folk music magazine NoDepression. She charmed generations of movie viewers in the blockbuster film Grease. They've released more than 40 albums in the last 50 years, and have become somewhat of an institution in contemporary folk music. Most might gravitate towards Elvis Presley or Chuck Berry, who laid the foundation for rock and roll during that time. Little Miss Dynamite, as she was early known, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997. June Carter Cash: As the daughter of Maybelle Carter, one of country music's founding mothers, the former wife of country star Carl Smith and later the wife and singing partner of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash (1929-2003) was as close as it comes to being country music royalty. Subscribe for updates, events, offers and more. She developed 27 R&B top 10 hits within seven years. She came to light as a solo singer in the early 1950s with her first hit song, Come On-A My House. Some additional hits include This Ole House, Hey There, and Half As Much.. 2023 Opry. She averaged about an album a year of her own workand has managed to also slide in several collaborations and benefit albums, not to mention an endlessly rigorous tour schedule. Was there a male Joni Mitchell, or a male Stevie Nicks? is one of the best topical tunes about the American educational system. One club owner was impressed enough to hire her. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and no. 1 on the R&B chart. 44. Del Wood: Wood (1920-1989) had only one chart hit -- the No. Their tune "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" became a country-folk standard in the late '20s. He almost doesn't warrant an explanation as to how and why he deserves to be on this list, but I'll give one, anyway. Singing seemed to be a family talent. Judy Garland. Brenda Lee is a singer best-known for performing country music and pop. A rather talented trio of artists, Peter, Paul & Mary also became vocal advocates in the peace movement, and continue to be a force to be reckoned with in contemporary folk music. Though her solo career was phenomenal, her collaborations with trumpeter Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and The Ink Spots formed some of her most famous hits, including Dream a Little Dream of Me, Cheek To Cheek, and Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall. The singer won 13 Grammy Awards along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The Glories - I Stand Accused (Of Loving You) The Simon Sisters - Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod. Although this quartet only enjoyed a few years of success, those few years managed to help inspire a generation to turn their eyes and ears toward traditional American folk music. 5. She's possibly one of the most impressive vocalists in contemporary folk music. In the Ken Burns PBS series on country music, producer Billy Sherrill recalls how he gave Virginia Wynette Pugh the name Tammy and how, later on, she and her former husband and singing partner George Jones interacted like wounded animals. She did not, as Sherrill promised her, make history with her first single, Apartment #9, which was released in late 1966 and rose only to No. Leadbelly's influence has been felt across the musical spectrum, and his tunes spanned the old folk-blues and contemporary folk music. Although country music was dominated by men when Billboard began ranking country songs in 1944, the landscape changed for female artists in the 1950s and 1960s, as the genre claimed Nashville as a recording center and the Country Music Association was formed to create new and larger audiences. There are some exceptions- the work of Patsy Cline, Bobby Gentrie, and Loretta Lynn have achieved lasting renown- but overall the women on this list receive few plaudits these days. A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Lee is the only female performer to be inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. It's kind of funny that the Weavers and Woody Guthrie come up last in this alphabetical listing, as they're probably two of the most important artists in the history of the contemporary folk movement in this country. Their first chart-topper was Every Time Two Fools Collide, followed by All I Ever Need Is You. In 1980, she went No. Phil Ochs is known for writing exceptional protest songs, and he spared nobody with his sharp tongue. Bill Anderson, singer who is still a major songwriter of new hits Gillian Welch is definitely one of the most respected songwriters on the scene these days. WebSeven artists appear twice: Bing Crosby, as the "friend" of Gary Crosby (#28) and with Grace Kelly (#50); Perry Como, with Eddie Fisher (#52) and Betty Hutton (#77); Tony Martin, with Dinah Shore (#53) and Fran Warren (#83); Red Foley, with Kitty Wells (#36) and Ernest Tubb (#44); Marvin Phillips, with Johnny Perry (#64) and Jesse Belvin (#100); 4 on the U.S. charts. She appeared prominently on The Johnny Cash Show from 1969 to 1971. In the 1950s, country music continued to benefit from commercial success thanks to post-war prosperity. Cuts by Carl Smith would follow. Pictured (L-R): Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line 4. He's also quite the accomplished actor, having appeared in several films, including "A Star is Born" with Barbra Streisand. Her first no. The academy honored her with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Apart from being the most decorated female country singer, Loretta is also the only female Academy of Country Music (ACM) Artist of the Decade (the 1970s). But it was sufficient to earn her Grand Ole Opry membership in 1953, a niche she occupied until her death. Her first chart record, Dumb Blonde, was released in 1967 and she joined the Opry in 1969. 1 on the R&B chart. The song reached no. Townes Van Zandt could be considered one of the best songwriters of all time. When she was 15, Rosemary Clooney decided to remain in her hometown in Kentucky with her father and sister while her mom and brother moved to California after their parents divorce. This is dedicated to the one I love, said Coley as she accepted the award before singing The Shirelles 1964 hit Soldier Boy with Owens and Lee. An exhibit about their life is on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through August 2. Leonard Cohen is one of the most distinguished songwriters in contemporary folk music. Barbra Streisand 15. Hear New Tracks from Macklemore, Boygenius, Jeff Goldblum, and More, American Songwriter: a Savage Ventures Brand. He was an activist and a songwriter, a Merchant Marine, and a former member of a barbershop quartet. His first major hit, I Walk The Line, which was recorded in 1956, bridged the gap between the two genres, suggesting at his widespread appeal in the decades to follow. Afterward, in 1947, she signed with Mercury Records as their first thriving female singer. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Born and raised in New York City, Mindy Carson started performing in her teens for the radio show Stairway To The Stars. She and Harry Cool made a chart hit called Rumors Are Flying.. Charts), Canadian singer Anne Murray became the first Canadian female solo artist with No. 1955; 1956; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 60s; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 70s; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 80s; TOP 40 HOT COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 90s; Hits: Dedicated to the One I Love, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Mama Said, Baby Its You, Soldier Boy, Foolish Little Girl. The artistry of their music tells another story and speaks -- or sings -- for itself. He's written some of the most covered tunes in folk history. Seeger and Hays went on to form The Weavers. Her first hit, Walking After Midnight, came in 1957 and was followed by such standards-in-embryo as I Fall to Pieces, Crazy and She's Got You.. 1 on the charts for 10 weeks. Opry House She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973. The 2023 version of "The Exorcist" is a fresh interpretation of the horror classic that will be released in theaters on Oct. 13. Ranked the 30th best Hot 100 artist of all time byBillboard,she also received a Special Tony Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Aretha Franklin. In 1994, The Shirelles were honored with a Pioneer Award by theRhythm and Blues Foundation, which was accepted by Owens, Lee, and Coley. Thanks, and welcome! Garland also left a legacy and continues her fame through her films. In 1959, she presented her first pop single, What A Diffrence A Day Makes! to make the top 10, peaking atno. Her Top 5 country hits with Cash were It Ain't Me Babe, If I Were a Carpenter and Jackson, the last-named of which won her and Cash a Grammy as best vocal duo. Born as Clara Ann Fowler in Oklahoma in 1927, Patti Page was known as the top-charting and best-selling female singer in the 50s, selling at least 100 million records This earned her a slot in her best-known film, Singin In The Rain., She debuted on Broadway 20 years later in the revival of Irene. The show broke the record for the highest weekly gross of any other musical and earned Reynolds a Tony nomination. From his early 60s topical tunes to his heartbreak songs of today, Dylan is easily one of the greatest American folk artists. In all, Wynette would score 20 No. Her top hits were My Heart Cries For You and Sweet Violets, both reaching no. Earle's brand of country-folk protest music sets him apart from his peers. The song also earned her a Grammy Award the following year. How Is Folk Music Different from Country. Here are 11 of the top girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s, who all left a mark with their eternal hits. Dubbed Country Music's reigning Queen, Underwood has influenced several other singers, such as Kelsea Ballerini, Lucy Hale, Lauren Alaina, Mollie King, and Danielle Bradbery. Often referred to as the Queen of Jazz or First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz singer from Virginia. Jenningss career as a country singer started in the 1950s and 60s. She also recorded the infamous holiday song Baby, Its Cold Outside alongside Buddy Clark in 1949. Read about the first generation of female country artists, including Maybelle Carter, Minnie Pearl, and songwriter Cindy Walker. Only members can comment. American singer, Elle King, made her mark in showbiz when her debut single Good To Be A Man was released in March 2012 as a digital download. However, she didn't reach No. STREAM THE SHOWTIME ORIGINAL SERIES GEORGE AND TAMMY, Read About Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, and More, Dierks Bentley Announces Summer Gravel & Gold Tour with Jordan Davis, Elle King and More. She remains the only woman to be a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 1 hit Leader of the Pack, along with songs like Give Him a Great Big Kiss and Remember (Walking in the Sand)., Hits: Leader of the Pack, Remember (Walking in the Sand), I Can Never Go Home Anymore. 1 in the U.S., selling more than one million copies. However, Carsons career didnt make a splash until a few years later when she collaborated with Guy Mitchell on the song Cause I Love You Thats-A-Why, which made it to the top 25 on the charts.