Patsy Cline - Country Music
One of the most legendary female country singers of all time, Patsy Cline opened their door for female artists in a predominantly male industry. Born Virginia Patterson Hensley on Sept. 8, 1932, Winchester, Virginia, Patsy credited her strong voice to a severe childhood throat infection. Her parents realized her talent when she was young and provided her with voice and dance lessons.
Leaving school after her father deserted the family, she contributed to their support by working in a drugstore and performing at a local radio station. Although she began performing in the mid 1950's, she failed to produce a hit for several years until "Walkin' After Midnight". "I Fall to Pieces" was her first number one hit in 1961. Although she suffered injuries and an automobile accident in 1961, her momentum and popularity continued to climb with the legendary songs "Crazy" and "She's Got You" which topped both the country and pop charts.
At the age of 30, Patsy was at her peak when she was tragically killed at the age of 30 in a plane crash in Nashville in March, 1963. In 1995, her memory was honored with the Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award.