Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was born Virginia Hensley in Winchester, Virginia in 1932. Her father left the family in 1947, but Patsy's mother, just 16 when Patsy was born, introduced her to singing at their local church. Despite no formal musical training and never learning to read music, Cline began to perform on local radio stations under the name Ginnie Hensley. Her professional career would be marked by highs and lows, but Patsy Cline is still known as one of the great icons of country music with a rich voice that helped her become one of country's first stars to cross over into pop stardom.

Four Star Records offered Cline her first recording contract in 1955, but the feisty Cline was never very happy with the material or the financial arrangements. She was only allowed to record songs written by studio writers, which did lead to her first big hit, "Walkin' After Midnight." The song went to #2 on the Country chart and #12 on the Pop chart in 1957. The piano player on the song was Owen Bradley, who went on to be one of the most successful and respected producers in Country music.

Cline's career endured a dry spell after her success with "Walkin' After Midnight" and the end of her contract with Four Star Records. In need of money and a career boost, she signed with Decca Records in 1960, teaming up with Owen Bradley. Despite occasional disagreements with him, Cline's career took off under Owens. "I Fall to Pieces" became a cross over hit in 1961, hitting #1 on the country chart and #12 on the pop charts. However, a serious car accident in June left her unable to devote time to promoting the song and her momentum slowed.