Kitty Wells

Kitty Wells, known as the Queen of Country Music, rose to fame in the '50s with hits like "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," establishing her as the first major female country star. Born Muriel Deason in Nashville, she began singing as a child and gained recognition in the music industry through her successful partnership with Johnnie Wright. Wells' influential career paved the way for future female country artists, earning her a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 1991. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the country music world.

Raised in a musical family, Wells started performing on local radio stations and eventually formed the group Johnnie & Jack with her husband and sister-in-law. She made her mark in country music history with her thought-provoking lyrics and chart-topping hits throughout the '50s and '60s. Wells' impact on the genre extended beyond her own success, influencing artists like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Despite a decline in commercial success in the late '60s and '70s, she remained a beloved figure in the industry, continuing to perform and receive accolades for her contributions to country music until her passing in 2012.