PATSY CLINE

by Shirley A. Ramaley


In 1957, Patsy Cline sang “Walkin’ After Midnight” on the Arthur Godfrey talent program, and launched her amazing singing career. She had auditioned for the Talent Scouts’ and originally wanted to sing another song. The show’s producers wanted her to sing “Walkin’ After Midnight” instead, and so she did. It was such a hit with the audience that she was invited back on the show.

She decided to release it as a single and it reached #2 on country charts and #12 on pop charts. That was always one thing about her music – she was loved by both country and pop fans. She was, and remains, my favorite female country singer. Although we seldom hear her songs on country radio stations today, I play her CDs in my office and my car. Along with Jim Reeves, she is one of, if not the very best and greatest country singers.

Initially Cline signed with Four Star but her options were limited with that company. Four Star wanted her to sing only country songs, and the typical country songs of the day. She sang Honky Tonk songs from 1955 to 1957 with little success. “Walkin’ After Midnight” changed that.

When Cline signed with Decca Records in 1960, she had immediate country and pop success. Her versatile vocal ability and Owen Bradley’s arrangements, along with the use of instruments, such as strings, were largely responsible for her great career. She was best known for country pop – crossover songs. Her new style became known as “The Nashville Sound.”

Cline’s first Decca release was in 1961. She sang “I Fall to Pieces,” another favorite of mine. It became her first #1 hit on the country charts. There would be more. In 1961 she released “Crazy” written by Willie Nelson. 

This eventually became her signature song and she is best known for this recording.
“Crazy” was released after Patsy was released from the hospital, following a near-fatal car accident. The song immediately became a Country Pop hit. I remember when it was released. It was played daily on both country and pop radio stations, and I bought the record. Now, of course, I have the CD and still love that song.

Many female country stars cite Cline as the reason for their success. These include Dottie West, Barbara Mandrell and Loretta Lynn. Cline led the way to a new style of country and others followed her.

In 1962, she became the first woman in country music to headline her own show in Las Vegas. There were many other firsts for Cline. She was a pioneer for women in country music. Her music was popular with teens as well as adults. Other favorites of mine include “She’s Got You,” “Imagine That,” and “The Wayward Wind.”

Tragically, Cline died in a plane crash 1963. In bad weather, and against advice of friends, her group departed for Nashville on March 5th. The plane crashed in Tennessee, near Camden. No one survived. Cline was only thirty years old.

After her death, Decca released more singles and several made it onto the charts. In March of 1967, Decca released “Patsy Clines’ Greatest Hits.” It became the biggest selling album of any country female artist.

She was well-liked, a fantastic singer, the favorite of many of us, and I still miss her.

more articles by  Shirley A. Ramaley