Patsy Cline
September 8, 1932 – March 5, 1963

Just hearing a song by Patsy Cline brings back a time in my life (and a person)  in which I look back with great fondness.

Patsy Cline (born Virginia Patterson Hensley) was an American singer.  At a young age she taught herself to play the piano.  Her rich tone and contralto voice allowed her to pursue a successful singing career.

At the age of 14, Patsy performed at a local radio station (WINC).  In 1953, she decided to enter a music contest in which she came in first place, winning $100 and a chance to perform on the television broadcast, Connie B Gay’s Town and Country.

Patsy released several top ten hits in her 8 year career such as Crazy, Walking After Midnight, I Fall To Pieces, She’s Got You and Sweet Dreams.

In 1963, Patsy participated in a benefit show for the family of DJ Jack “Cactus” Hall who had been killed in a car accident. The benefit was held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.  On her return home, the plane she was in hit turbulent weather and crashed.  All on board perished which included country singers Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins along with manager Randy Hughs.  Patsy was 30 years old.

Patsy was a member of the Grand ole Opry.

In 1973, she became the first female performer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1999, Patsy was #11 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll and the Nashville Golden Voice Award (Legend Category).

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