Step back to an era when women artists’ incredible talent and determination revolutionized country music.

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a surge of female voices that broke through the barriers and left a lasting impact on the genre.

These remarkable singers conquered challenges, shattered stereotypes, and set the stage for future generations of women in country music.

Their heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies captured the essence of life, love, and strength, striking a chord with listeners everywhere.

This article embarks on a nostalgic tour of these two groundbreaking decades, spotlighting the most influential female country singers who defined an era.

From Patsy Cline’s soul-stirring performances to Dolly Parton’s undeniable charisma, we’ll delve into these legendary artists’ journeys, triumphs, and enduring impact.

Join us in paying tribute to the women who reshaped country music and inspired countless others to follow their dreams.

The Rise of Female Country Singers

In the 1960s and 1970s, the country music scene was on the brink of a significant transformation. While male artists had long dominated the genre, a new wave of female talent emerged, ready to make their voices heard.

The Nashville Sound, characterized by lush orchestrations and polished production, was gaining popularity, and these women were eager to put their spin on it.

However, breaking into the male-dominated industry was no easy feat. Female artists faced numerous obstacles:

• Limited radio airplay
• Skepticism from record labels
• Expectations to conform to traditional gender roles
• Harsher judgment compared to male counterparts

Despite these challenges, these determined women refused to be silenced.

Armed with their incredible vocal abilities, songwriting skills, and unwavering passion, these female country singers persevered.

They crafted songs about women’s experiences, sharing stories of love, heartbreak, and empowerment.

Their music resonated with audiences, and they began to gain a devoted following.

Through their talent and tenacity, these women gradually removed the barriers that had long held them back.

They proved that they were not just mere “girl singers,” but formidable artists in their own right.

Their success paved the way for greater equality in the industry, inspiring future generations of female country singers to pursue their dreams.

As the 60s and 70s progressed, female country singers continued to make their mark:

• They topped the charts
• Won prestigious awards
• Earned the respect of their peers

Their music became a vital part of the country music tapestry, and their influence could be felt far beyond the genre’s borders.

The rise of female country singers in the 1960s and 1970s was a testament to their resilience, talent, and determination.

These women overcame countless obstacles to make their voices heard, forever changing the face of country music.

Their legacy continues to inspire and empower artists today, reminding us of the incredible impact that women can have when they refuse to be silenced.

Top Female Country Singers of the 60s

1. Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was a pioneering country singer known for her powerful and expressive voice. Her music transcended genres, influencing country, pop, rock, and R&B artists.

• Famous songs: “Walkin’ After Midnight” (1957), “I Fall to Pieces” (1961), “Crazy” (1961)
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female (1961)
• Years Active: 1952-1963

2. Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn was a trailblazing country singer and songwriter known for her honest and autobiographical lyrics. Her music fearlessly addressed social issues and the challenges faced by women, earning her a reputation as a feminist icon.

• Famous songs: “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” (1966), “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1970), “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” (1966)
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards
• Years Active: 1960s-1980s

3. Tammy Wynette

Tammy Wynette was a highly successful and influential country singer known for her powerful voice and ability to convey the joys and sorrows of life through her songs.

• Famous songs: “Apartment No. 9” (1966), “Stand By Your Man” (1968), “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” (1968)
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards
• Years Active: 1960s-1970s

4. Jeannie C. Riley

Jeannie C. Riley was a country singer known for her distinctive voice and ability to infuse her songs with a sense of empowerment. Her music often tackled controversial subjects, challenging societal norms.

• Famous songs: “Harper Valley PTA” (1968), “The Girl Most Likely” (1968), “There Never Was a Time” (1969)
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance
• Years Active: 1960s-1970s

5. Connie Smith

Connie Smith was a respected and admired country singer known for her pure and powerful voice. Her music was deeply rooted in traditional country and gospel influences.

• Famous songs: “Once a Day” (1964), “Then and Only Then” (1965), “If I Talk to Him” (1965)
• Awards: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2012)
• Years Active: 1960s-1970s

6. Skeeter Davis

Skeeter Davis was a beloved country singer known for her warm and expressive voice. Her music often blended country, pop, and folk elements, captivating audiences with her heartfelt performances.

• Famous songs: “I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know” (1953), “The End of the World” (1962)
• Awards: None mentioned
• Years Active: 1950s-1970s

7. Dottie West

Dottie West was a pioneering country singer known for her powerful voice and songwriting skills. Her music often addressed themes of empowerment and resilience.

• Famous songs: “Here Comes My Baby” (1964), “Would You Hold It Against Me” (1966), “Country Sunshine” (1973)
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance
• Years Active: 1960s-1980s

Top Female Country Singers of the 70s

8. Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a country music superstar known for her songwriting, voice, and larger-than-life personality. Her music often addresses themes of empowerment and storytelling.

• Famous songs: “Dumb Blonde” (1967), “Just Because I’m a Woman” (1968), “Jolene” (1973)
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards
• Years Active: 1960s-present

9. Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris is a highly influential country singer known for her ethereal vocals and eclectic taste in music. Her music often bridges traditional country and contemporary folk and rock.

• Famous songs: “If I Could Only Win Your Love” (1975), “Together Again” (1975), “Sweet Dreams” (1976), “Two More Bottles of Wine” (1978), “Beneath Still Waters” (1980), “Orphan Girl” (1995)
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Elite Hotel” (1976) and “Trio” (1987, with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt), Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year for “Trio” (1987)
• Years Active: 1970s-present

10. Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson was a country singer known for her appearances on “The Lawrence Welk Show” and her debut album “Ride, Ride, Ride” (1967).

• Famous songs: “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden” (1970), “How Can I Unlove You” (1971), “Keep Me in Mind” (1973), “What a Man My Man Is” (1974), “Top of the World” (1973), “Cry” (1972)
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden” (1971), Academy of Country Music Awards for Top Female Vocalist (1967, 1970, 1971), Country Music Association Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year (1971)
• Years Active: 1960s-1990s

11. Barbara Mandrell

Barbara Mandrell was a country singer known for her versatility as a singer, musician, and entertainer. She was nicknamed “The Sweetheart of Steel” for her ability to play multiple instruments and her high-energy live performances.

• Famous songs: “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” (1978), “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right” (1979), “Years” (1979), “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (1981), “One of a Kind Pair of Fools” (1983), “‘Till You’re Gone” (1982)
• Awards: Multiple Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year (1980, 1981), Female Vocalist of the Year (1979, 1981), Instrumentalist of the Year (1981), Grammy Awards for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” (1979) and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (1982)
• Years Active: 1960s-1990s

12. Crystal Gayle

Crystal Gayle is a country singer known for her smooth, elegant phrasing and her crossover success. Her music often blends country, pop, and adult contemporary styles.

• Famous songs: “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” (1977), “Talking in Your Sleep” (1978), “Half the Way” (1979), “It’s Like We Never Said Goodbye” (1980), “Too Many Lovers” (1981), “You and I” (1982, duet with Eddie Rabbitt), “Cry” (1986)
• Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” (1978), Academy of Country Music Awards for Top Female Vocalist (1976, 1977, 1979), Country Music Association Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year (1977, 1978)
• Years Active: 1970s-present

13. Anne Murray

Anne Murray is a Canadian country singer known for her smooth, elegant vocals and ability to blend country, pop, and adult contemporary styles. Her music career spanned several decades, with hits like “Snowbird” and “You Needed Me,” and she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

• Famous songs: “Snowbird” (1970), “Danny’s Song” (1972), “You Needed Me” (1978), “Could I Have This Dance” (1980)
• Awards: Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (1993) and the Country Music Hall of Fame (2022)
• Years Active: 1960s-1980s

14. Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker is a pioneering female country singer known for her powerful vocals, rebellious image, and ability to push boundaries in the genre. Her hits like “Delta Dawn” and “Strong Enough to Bend” showcased her distinctive voice and influenced future generations of artists.

• Famous songs: “Delta Dawn” (1972), “What’s Your Mama’s Name” (1973), “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)” (1974), “San Antonio Stroll” (1975), “Here’s Some Love” (1976), “Just Another Love” (1986), “Strong Enough to Bend” (1988), “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” (1992)
• Awards: Country Music Association Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year (1991), Academy of Country Music Awards for Top Female Vocalist (1972, 1973), Grammy Awards for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for “I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love” (1988, with Paul Davis and Paul Overstreet) and “Bring My Flowers Now” (2020)
• Years Active: 1970s-present

15. Donna Fargo

Donna Fargo is a country singer known for her self-penned hits like “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” and her ability to infuse her music with themes of love, optimism, and empowerment.

• Famous songs: “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” (1972), “Funny Face” (1972), “Superman” (1973), “You Were Always There” (1977), “U.S. of A.” (1974), “Delta Dawn” (1972), “It Do Feel Good” (1973), “Mockingbird Hill” (1974)
• Awards: Academy of Country Music Awards for Top New Female Vocalist (1972), Grammy Awards for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” (1973) and “Funny Face” (1973), Country Music Association Awards for Single of the Year for “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” (1972)
• Years Active: 1970s-1980s

Impact on Country Music

The remarkable women featured in this article have left an indelible mark on country music and popular culture. Their unique voices, songwriting, and performances have captivated audiences and inspired generations of artists to follow in their footsteps.

Culturally, these singers have helped shape the perception of women in country music, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.

They have tackled subjects ranging from love and heartbreak to social issues and female empowerment, giving voice to the experiences and aspirations of women across America.

Through their music and personas, they have become role models and icons, influencing fashion, attitudes, and public discourse.

Musically, these trailblazing artists have contributed to the evolution and diversification of country music.

They have incorporated elements of pop, rock, folk, and other genres into their sound, expanding the boundaries of what country music can be.

Their songwriting has set new standards for creativity, emotional depth, and storytelling, raising the bar for future musicians.

The impact of these extraordinary women extends far beyond their careers. They have paved the way for countless female artists to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the industry.

Today, the country music landscape is more vibrant than ever, thanks in large part to the groundbreaking work of these pioneers.

As we celebrate their legacies and continue to enjoy their timeless music, let us remember the courage, talent, and dedication that made these women true legends of country music.

Their influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the genre for generations, inspiring new voices and visions that will carry country music into the future.

Conclusion

The female country singers of the 60s and 70s left an indelible mark on the genre and popular culture.

Through their unique voices, songwriting, and performances, these remarkable women broke down barriers and challenged stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of female artists.

Their impact on country music is immeasurable. They helped shape the genre’s evolution by incorporating elements from various musical styles and setting new standards for creativity, emotional depth, and storytelling.

As we reflect on the enduring legacy of these iconic artists, it becomes clear that their influence extends far beyond their successful careers.

They have inspired countless musicians to follow in their footsteps, making the country music landscape more vibrant.

So, let us celebrate their contributions by listening to their timeless music and appreciating the courage, talent, and dedication that made them true legends of country music.