In Memoriam: Kitty Wells, 1919-2012

Just a few weeks shy of her 93rd birthday, the Queen of Country Music has passed away.

Kitty Wells was the first female country superstar, and for many years, the only consistent female hit-maker.

She also started a long tradition of controversial female records being banned at country radio. Her answer song to The Wild Side of Life spent six weeks at #1 in 1952, and her name would forever be associated with It Wasnt God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. Indeed, the record made such a big impact that many dont even know it was an answer song in the first place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKleTa94dC8

Her other big classic was Making Believe, which spent an astonishing 15 weeks at #2 in 1955.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Wqb3-Tzx0

Wells trailblazing... [via Country Universe]