30 Mar

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

3 on theBillboard charts and impressed studio executives. After a falling out with Dorsey, everyone seemed to go their own way. Circa 1955: American singer and actor Rosemary Clooney (1928 - 2002) sings and dances in a ballroom or on a stage, accompanied by a pianist and a band. A woman of many talents, June Carter Cash was an American singer-songwriter, author, comedian, actress, and dancer. Aretha Franklin - Respect Official Video Winner. A hardcore country traditionalist, Jean Shepard (1933-2016) played bass in an all-woman band called The Melody Ranch Girls before setting out on a solo career. by 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. In fact, any set that offers Bob Wills' "New San Antonio Rose," Ernest Tubb's "Walking the Floor Over You," Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line," Hank Williams' "Jambalaya The academy also inducted the songs Unforgettable, Teach Me Tonight, and What A Diffrence A Day Makes! into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This would also be the period when the music was battered by the advent of rock 'n' roll but would ultimately find renewed vigor through outlets as disparate as bluegrass festivals and crowd-appealing network TV shows. She has also been a board member of an organization called Center To Prevent Youth Violence, which works towards preventing gun violence. Site Map | Doris Day was an established singer and actress. From his time with the Almanac Singers to the Weavers, his refusal to testify in the McCarthy era, and subsequent blacklisting. 600 Opry Mills Drive With a career enduring more than 40 years, Julie London was a well-known torch singer and actress. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). She moved around a lot from one gig to another. She performed primarily as a jazz artist, incorporating blues, R&B, and pop styles into her music. Cline suddenly passed away during a plane crash in 1963, but she left a legacy behind, earning herself a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. 1 hit in 1950 and 1951. How Is Folk Music Different from Country. Her biggest hits include Over the Rainbow, The Man That Got Away, and The Trolley Song, all of which were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. She also has the distinction of having been the first Grand Ole Opry member to wear a miniskirt on stage -- although not without some grumbling from Opry management. She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. Sandman, Lollipop, Born to Be With You. Sign-Up For Our Newsletter. 1 hits. He's drawn praise from fellow singer/songwriters and critics alikeand has become a fixture at festivals nationwide since winning the Kerrville New Folk competition in 1984. He proceeded to write her debut single, Once a Day, that went No. Singing since their teens, the trio was first known as The Darling Sisters and changed their name to The Ronettes after signing toPhil SpectorsPhilles Records in 1963. Presley certainly wasn't the first to sing what's now considered rock 'n' roll; other notable artists She was another one of the female vocalists of the 1950s to get a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, she didn't reach No. Arden transferred to Decca Records in the mid-1950s. After winning the radio spot together, they received recognition from bandleader Tony Pastor. 1944) is most famous for writing two quirky hits, the puzzling Ode to Billy Joe, her recording of which now resides in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the explicit Fancy (Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy/and they'll be nice to you.). Miley Cyrus, the American singer-songwriter and actress, is known for her wide range in music, spanning from pop and country pop to hip hop. Originally called The Starlets, The New Jersey trio of The Angels first formed in 1958 and became best known for their 1963 hit My Boyfriends Back., Hits: My Boyfriends Back, I Adore Him, Til. 1. The film The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack was made about his life. Its 1957 in Detroit and two years before Motown would emerge, friends Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard, Gloria Williams, and Martha Reeves, who would move up as lead singer following Williams departure were finding their voice. Emmylou has long been an advocate of social justice and has counted Joan Baez and Bob Dylan among her many influences. Top 11 Girl Groups of the 1950s and 1960s - American Songwriter 2 in 1958. 13 hit, Wake The Town and Tell The People., Diana Ross gained glory as the lead vocalist for the best-selling girl group, The Supremes. She had three more no. She caught jazz musician Barney Rapps eye after she earned her first singing gig on the radio program Carlins Carnival. She sang a notable rendition of Day After Day, leading Rapp to suggest using the last name Day as her stage name. Other hits include Crazy and I Fall to Pieces.. Groups of the '50s and '60s 1 on the R&B chart. In response, Dobbins wrote the groups biggest hit Please Mr. Postman, which reached No. 44. Her 1938 rendition of the nursery rhyme A-Tisket, A-Tasket brought them into the spotlight. 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); 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. It's hard to imagine that we'd still be talking about American folk music had there never been a Carter Family. Much progress had been made by the late '70s -- while punk rock was in some ways a throwback to rebellious '50s music and garage rock, this time around there was a place for women that didn't exist before. With gospel roots, she embarked on a soul-singing career at the age of 18. Her relationship with Johnny Cash inspired the 2005 film Walk the Line, where she was portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. In 1960, the girls auditioned for Berry Gordy who told them they needed to write an original song. 1 in 1964. List of American female country singers - Wikipedia Betty Jack was killed in a car wreck that same year, after which Skeeter moved on as a solo act. She also performed at the infamous sixth and twelfth Cavalcade of Jazz concerts at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. He was an activist and a songwriter, a Merchant Marine, and a former member of a barbershop quartet. She recorded nearly 600 songs and was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Joni Mitchell 11. 13 on the Top Pop Singles chart. Stand By Your Man, the 1968 No. Lynn also had many successful duet hits, first with Ernest Tubb, and later with Conway Twitty. After being diagnosed with intraductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer, Sheryl Crow opened the Sheryl Crow Imaging Center by joining hands with her surgeon Kristi Funk. From his work with Crosby Stills Nash and Young to his numerous solo albums, Neil Young has been a serious force in the folk-rock world. Shepard was welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. 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.. Singing songs targeted toward the teen or pre-teen young women of the times, the girl groups of the 50s and 1960s covered mostly innocent subject matter like The Angels My Boyfriends Back, Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals or The Dixie Cups dream of marriage on Chapel of Love.. She led the fund drive for building the original Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, was instrumental in creating the annual CMA Awards Show, which launched in 1967, and oversaw Fan Fair, which started in 1972 and has since morphed into the CMA Music Festival. Sheryl Crow is an American musician, actress, and singer-songwriter. 10 and won a Grammy, making her the first female Grammy winner in country music history. In many ways, what happened in this decade would set the stage for some of country musics biggest moments. 1 on the U.S. Lefty Frizzell - If You've Got the Money I've Got the Time 6. 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. Her tear-stained voice carried so much emotional weight that three of her songs were featured in the soundtrack of the 1970 film, Five Easy Pieces. The group dwindled to four members by the following year. Ernest Tubb - Waltz Across Texas 5. One of the earliest pop singers to enjoy a contemporary international following, Lee was among the most-charted singers during the 1960s. Stafford signed to a label as a solo artist in 1944. She hasn't stopped pushing the envelope sinceand is still releasing excellent records. The Marvelettes were the first all-female group on the Motown label. and her frequent collaboration with David Rawlings is one of the most appreciated musical partnerships these days. Jo Walker-Meador (1924-2017) guided the fortunes of the Country Music Association (which was established in 1958) from 1962 until 1991. She has won more Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist. She was nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning one for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance for her song, Is That All There Is? in 1969. Apart from being a bandleader, a solo artist, and an interpreter of other artists' works, Harris is also an activist; since 1999, she has been conducting Concerts for a Landmine Free World, an annual benefit tour. As prominent as women were during this fruiful period, better days were still to come. They worked with fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot, and also recorded several original and traditional folk songs. Skeeter Davis: Davis (1931-2004) first came to public notice in 1953 as half of the Davis Sisters (although she and Betty Jack Davis were not related). Last but certainly not least, we added probably one of the most famous 1950s female singers. In the last 40 years, he's released more than 50 recordsand has become a rather respected songwriter in the realm of protest song. Some famous Black female singers sing the blues while other top Black woman artists are pop superstars. WebTop 100 Artists of the 50's based on sales, Billboard charts and airplay. For the latest songwriting tips, reviews, podcasts, and more. Singing seemed to be a family talent. Menu. Rosanne Cash is an American singer-songwriter. Rose Lee Maphis just may be the oldest country singer still alive. He's received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Folk Alliance and continues to tour nationwide. His song "Wild World" has frequently been covered by artists of various genres. Since then, the Fearless star has not looked back and also made her acting debut in 2009. Earle's brand of country-folk protest music sets him apart from his peers. List of American female country singers While gender equality was an elusive dream in many fields, women were well represented in popular music, and the best female singers are legends. Check out the full track listing below: 1. In fact, the only musicians who have outsold Elvis are the Beatles. She also happens to be a beloved old country music star. 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. In 1955, despite music trends moving toward rock and roll and Carson being a pop singer, she managed a no. Little Miss Dynamite, as she was early known, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997. Music! This is a professional review website. 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. Eventually, she would gravitate more toward country tunes, finding better success in that genre. She even got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Well known as the First Lady of Rock and Roll, Connie Francis was a pop singer, actress, and one of the best female singers in the 1950s. Even though he'd been playing music his whole life, Shindell didn't start making waves in the folk world until Joan Baez picked up three of his songs for her 1997 album. 1 tracks on the American charts and the first to get a gold certification. March 31, 2022, 8:55 am. Here are 11 of the top girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s, who all left a mark with their eternal hits. A talent agent discovered her while she worked as an elevator operator in a clothing store on Hollywood Boulevard. Probably the most prolific female songwriter of them all, Felice Bryant (1925-2003) and her fiddle-playing husband, Boudleaux, moved to Nashville in 1950 to work as full-time composers. ], 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. Pete Seeger is, undeniably, one of the most prolific and influential artists in the history of American music. 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. During the mid-1960s, the Supremes achieved mainstream success with Ross as lead singer, backed by the Motown hit-making HollandDozierHolland as its songwriting and production team throughout the mid-60s. Discover our 2022 Class of Country's Rising Sound. Originally the group was formed with Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins, who was later replaced by Wanda Young. Patsy Cline was an American singer widely regarded as one of 20th century's most influential, celebrated, and respected vocalists. A list of the most famous country singers of the 1950s would be remiss not to include Patsy Cline. However, this isn't just about country music. List of country performers by era - Wikipedia Unfortunately, her career was cut short after only eight years. 2 on the pop charts. The classic song hit No. 9 on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. 1 country single with her 1952 breakout hit It Wasnt God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels. Controversial and searing, the song was a response to Hank Thompsons Wild Side of Life and set the trend for answer songs. Top 100 Music Duos of the '50s and '60s On top of Another Motown-era hit, The Marvelettes first became friends in their high-school glee club coming up in Inkster, Michigan. He frequently pulls from the Wobbly (Industrial Workers of the World) songbook, and his live shows are peppered with as much silliness as serious protest songs. Even though they were pieced together with the intention of being an ideal folk-pop money-making supergroup, there's not a lot about Peter, Paul & Mary that was contrived. Although both Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon have had careers since the duo split up, and although Paul Simon has become a rather influential, prolific songwriter, it's hard to deny the level of artistry they were able to achieve as a pair. The Poppies - Lullaby of Love. First discovered as a calypso artist, Harry Belafonte became most popular for his "Banana Boat Song." She won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1962 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, more than 25 years after her death. Privacy Policy | 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. Kim Ruehl is a folk music writer whose writing has appeared in Billboard, West Coast Performer, and NPR. Nashville, Tennessee 37219. Michael Franti has become known for his electrifying live performances that can feel more like a peace rally than a standard music concert. 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; The Top Female Country Singers - Ranker Female Country Singers: The Top 45 Singers of All Time - Wide Singers 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. Female Singers of the '60s: Top 20 Greatest Artists We Love Aretha Franklin. Sitting at the top of our list of the greatest female singers of the '60s, Aretha Franklin was the real "Queen of Soul." Nina Simone. Although the nickname "The High Priestess of Soul," Nina Simone wasn't tied down by any musical genres. Etta James. Shirley Bassey. Dusty Springfield. Janis Joplin. Dionne Warwick. Joan Baez. Cass Elliot. More items Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" melody was taken from an old Carter Family tune. Besides her father, Ardens brother, Jan, was a singer. 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 If 1960s country music has now largely faded from the public memory, then 1960 country music by female performers is even more obscure. Heartache, thy name is Tammy Wynette (1942-1998). Success would come more She's managed to influence an enormous crop of folksingers, including Gillian Welch and Janis Ian. A [ edit] Kay Adams Julien Aklei Lauren Alaina Daniele Alexander Jessi Alexander Susie Allanson Deborah Allen Rosalie Allen Amy Allison Liz Anderson Lynn Anderson Jessica Andrews Sheila Andrews Lisa Angelle Susan Anton Katie Armiger Susan Ashton Patti Austin B [ edit] Joan Baez Katherine Bailess WebHere's a playlist of Holler's Best Country Songs of the 1950s. She blended country music with pop. Mandy Moore is a popular singer, songwriter, and actress who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line 4. She has also worked in several movies and is a prolific songwriter. Admired for her powerful, intense vocals, Connie Smith (b. James Taylor is often considered one of the most successful of the "sensitive singer/songwriters." She became widely renowned for her performances of Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend, When Love Goes Wrong (Nothin Goes Right), and Bye Bye Baby in a film adaptation of the Broadway musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.. In the 1950s, country music continued to benefit from commercial success thanks to post-war prosperity. By the time Berry Gordy Jr.sMotown Records was in full swing, Martha & The Vandellas signed on releasing hit after hit with songs like Dancing in the Street, Heat Wave, Come and Get These Memories, Jimmy Mack, Nowhere to Run, Im Ready for Love, and Bless You. The Chiffons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973. Female One club owner was impressed enough to hire her. After winning a 1949 contest on Arthur Godfreys radio program, the quartet became a regular fixture on the show and recorded their debut album Harmony Time in 1950. 1's in a chart history that extended into 1979. 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. After beginning her career as a child singer, Holt started appearing on popular TV shows which increased her popularity. Black Female Singers Lesley Gore 12. Who is the greatest female country singer of all time?Carrie Underwood. Born in March 1983, Carrie Underwood claims the first spot for the best country female singers of all time.Dolly Parton.Shania Twain.Patsy Cline.Martina McBride.Taylor Swift.Miranda Lambert.Reba McEntire. 5. Frank Sinatra soon joined the band and led them all to the top of theBillboardcharts for 12 weeks in 1940 with their version of Ill Never Smile Again., The group toured across the U.S. for three years, with Stafford making a solo recording on the side in 1941. Lees career as a singer, songwriter, and actress spanned six decades. Somewhere in the middle of mostly male-dominated doo-wop groups, Elvis Presley swiveling his hips and the emergence of rock and roll with the likes of Little Richard, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and a burgeoning British invasion of the 1960s, there were the women of girl groups. 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. Joni Mitchell is revered for her poetic imagery and her lovely, soaring soprano. She was one of the most popular female folk singers in the '60s folk revivaland started her own record company, Wildflower Records. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976. Garland also left a legacy and continues her fame through her films. Her 2014 single Ex's & Oh's became one of the top songs in US. She changed labels in 1951 and subsequently released her best-seller Till I Waltz Again With You in 1953. Identified with Country Sunshine, the No. She's also an award-winning artist in her own rightand has recorded album after album of incredible folk, gospel, and blues songs. Bobbie Gentry: Smoky-voiced Gentry (b. 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. Vote for Your Favourite Female Country Singers 1 Taylor Swift Peggy Lee. Stay Up-To-Date with The Opry. She also helped define the Nashville Sound style associated with country music. This position brought her a visit from Lionel Hampton, who provided Washington with the opportunity to be the female vocalist in his band and perform at the Chicago Regal Theater. The evolution of the genre in the 1950s was perhaps best captured at the Opry, where it wasnt uncommon to see honky-tonk, bluegrass, and rockabilly artists perform in succession of each other. There were plenty of issues, to be sure. 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. He had a very low bass voiceand was renowned for bringing some classic African-American spirituals like "Go Down Moses" to national and international attention. There was no template. 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). Kelsea Ballerini is an American singer and songwriter. In 1994, The Shirelles were honored with a Pioneer Award by theRhythm and Blues Foundation, which was accepted by Owens, Lee, and Coley. Hits: One Fine Day, Hes So Fine, Sweet-Talking Guy. Here are the 21 best 50s female singers: Patsy Cline dominated the country music scene as one of the best female vocalists of the 1950s. 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. Although she really wanted to be a painter, Mitchell managed to pen some of the most memorable folk songs of the past 40 years, including the preservationist tune "Big Yellow Taxi.". Next: Top female singers of all time list (our choices). The four-time, (Platinum-selling country music singer who is known for albums like 1996's Ten Thousand Angels), (Singer-songwriter, Musician, Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer), (Country Singer-songwriter Known for Her Album 'Jessie James'), Country and pop singer Jessica James Decker is known for her singles such as, (Singer Best Known or Her Hit Song You Light Up My Life). During her peak, she gained recognition worldwide as the most successful female singer. 1 and stayed there for a remarkable eight weeks. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he spent five years living at the Mount Baldy Zen Center in Los Angeles. Shirley Bassey 3. She appeared prominently on The Johnny Cash Show from 1969 to 1971. WebThe Bermudas - Donnie. Widely regarded as the Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain is the best-selling female artist in the history of country music, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Lynn was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988. 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. Meanwhile, women began to carve out a space for themselves in the genre, too. She won audiences over with songs like Buttons And Bows, The Gypsy, and The Anniversary Song, which were all no. Her 1977 cover of You Light Up My Life peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for ten weeks. Although she constructed her image around her often-elaborate blonde wigs and ample bosom, she has never used sexiness to sell her performances or grab headlines. She sang mostly pop and country songs. Gillian Welch is definitely one of the most respected songwriters on the scene these days. Although they started out as more of a bluegrass group, Nickel Creek evolved, over the course of their 20 years, into more of a generalized folk group. Brenda Lee 9. After Webbs death, Fitzgerald took over as band leader while performing with the Benny Goodman orchestra and working on her own side project. Teresa Brewer incorporated a mixture of genres into her singing style to become one of the best female singers of the 1950s. 1 country singles, won nine Grammys, received two Oscar nominations, and in 2019 was the Recording Academy's MusiCare's Person of the Year. They've released more than 40 albums in the last 50 years, and have become somewhat of an institution in contemporary folk music. She is also an ardent supporter of animal rights organizations, such as PETA. Wynonna Judd is an American country music singer. Ross earned the title of Female Entertainer of the Century, given byBillboardin 1976. Georgia Holt is a retired American actress, singer-songwriter, and former model. Jana Kramer is an American singer and actress who was adjudged Top New Female Artist at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. Music!" Leonard Cohen is one of the most distinguished songwriters in contemporary folk music. As the frontman of the North Carolina Ramblers, Poole became an influence on the founding fathers of American bluegrass. With a career spanning nearly 70 years, Debbie Reynolds was a singer, actress, and businesswoman. Patsy Cline. She gained fame with her 1957 release And That Reminds Me, which sold millions and made the Top 20 pop hits chart. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers. Cat Stevens (a.k.a. Female Singers Trisha Yearwood is an American recording artist, television personality, actress, author, and celebrity chef. 1 singles between 1950 and 1953. She was one of the most popular female folk singers in the '60s folk revival and started her own record company, Wildflower Records.