The 100+ Greatest Female Country Singers, Ranked
Country music has always had a special place in the hearts of many, and it's undeniably enhanced by the incredible voices of women. The top female country singers of all time have not only dominated the charts but have also broken barriers and inspired generations of musicians and fans alike. Their contributions have shaped the genre, making it what it is today.
When you think of iconic names in country music, Reba McEntire immediately comes to mind with her powerful vocals and stage presence. Dolly Parton, another legend, has charmed the world with her unique voice and songwriting prowess. And who could forget Patsy Cline? Her emotional depth and timeless hits have left an indelible mark on country music history. These women, among others, have paved the way for future talents and have left a significant mark in the industry.
Now, it's your chance to weigh in. Who stands out to you as the ultimate female country artist? Your votes will help shape our list of the best female country singers of all time. So, pick your favorites and see how they stack up. Let's celebrate the unforgettable voices that continue to resonate through the years and keep the spirit of country music alive and kicking.
A powerhouse in the country music world, Reba McEntire has been captivating audiences for decades with her emotive storytelling and powerful vocals. With 33 studio albums under her belt, McEntire has produced countless hits such as "Fancy," "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia," and "Does He Love You." Her accolades include two Grammy Awards, seven CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards, and a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an influential figure in country music, Reba's impact spans multiple generations, solidifying her status as one of the best female country artists of all time.
An iconic figure in the world of country music, Dolly Parton boasts an impressive discography spanning over five decades. Known for hit songs like "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You," Parton has released 50 studio albums throughout her illustrious career. Her numerous accolades include nine Grammy Awards and an induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Beyond her musical achievements, Parton's philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on literacy programs worldwide through her Imagination Library initiative.
Patsy Cline's soulful voice and timeless classics like "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces" have left an indelible mark on country music. Though her career was tragically cut short due to a plane crash, she managed to release three influential studio albums that showcased her unique vocal talents. Today, Patsy is remembered as a pioneer for women in country music, having been the first female solo artist to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and later being posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A trailblazer for women in country music, Loretta Lynn's career spans over six decades, producing countless hits such as "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)." Her autobiographical songwriting style resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her four Grammy Awards and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a prolific songwriter with over 50 albums to her name, Loretta Lynn's enduring influence on country music is immeasurable.
With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Martina McBride has become synonymous with powerful ballads and awe-inspiring vocal performances. Her hit songs such as "Independence Day," "Concrete Angel," and "A Broken Wing" showcase her ability to convey emotion and resonate with listeners on a profound level. McBride has released 13 studio albums and received numerous awards, including four CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards. As an advocate for ending domestic violence, her music often tackles important social issues, solidifying her place among the best female country artists.
Since winning American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood has taken the country music world by storm. Her powerful vocals have earned her numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards and multiple CMA Awards. With hit songs like "Before He Cheats," "Jesus Take The Wheel," and "Blown Away," Underwood's discography spans eight studio albums showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. As one of the best-selling female country artists in recent history, her impact on the genre is undeniable.
Heralded as the queen of pop-country crossover success, Shania Twain dominated charts worldwide throughout the '90s and early 2000s with smash hits like "You're Still The One," "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" and "That Don't Impress Me Much." Her third studio album, Come On Over, remains the best-selling country album of all time by a female artist. Twain's unique blend of catchy pop hooks and country sensibilities pushed genre boundaries and opened doors for future artists, earning her five Grammy Awards and solidifying her status as one of the best female country artists in history.
Known as the "First Lady of Country Music," Tammy Wynette's emotional and heartfelt songs resonated with fans worldwide. With iconic hits like "Stand By Your Man" and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," Wynette's music was honest, raw, and often tackled taboo subjects for her time. Throughout her career, she released 33 studio albums and received numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. Her groundbreaking contributions to country music have solidified her place among the best female country artists in history.
Since her debut in 2005, Miranda Lambert has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music. With powerful songs like "The House That Built Me," "Kerosene," and "Mama's Broken Heart," Lambert has consistently showcased her ability to tap into raw emotion through her songwriting. Throughout her career, she has released seven studio albums and earned numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and an impressive nine consecutive CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards. As a trailblazer for women in modern country music, Miranda Lambert's impact on the genre is undeniable.
One of the most successful crossover artists in country music, Faith Hill's powerful vocals and pop-infused sound propelled her to superstardom in both the country and pop worlds during the '90s and early 2000s. With hit songs like "Breathe," "This Kiss," and "The Way You Love Me," Hill's discography spans nine studio albums showcasing her ability to effortlessly blend genres. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, proving her enduring impact on both the country music world and beyond.
As one of the most renowned bluegrass-country crossover artists, Alison Krauss has captivated audiences with her angelic voice and exceptional musicianship for over three decades. Her work with Union Station has produced numerous hit songs such as "When You Say Nothing At All" and "Man Of Constant Sorrow." Boasting an impressive 27 Grammy Awards - more than any other female artist - Krauss' impact on the genre is undeniable.
Comprised of mother Naomi Judd and daughter Wynonna Judd, The Judds became one of country music's most successful duos throughout the '80s. With hits like "Mama He's Crazy" and "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)," their harmonious blend of traditional country sounds with modern themes resonated with fans worldwide. Over the course of their career, The Judds received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards and eight CMA Awards.
A true country music prodigy, Tanya Tucker burst onto the scene at the age of 13 with her debut single "Delta Dawn." Since then, she has released a staggering 25 studio albums and produced countless hits such as "Two Sparrows In A Hurricane" and "Strong Enough To Bend." Her unique blend of traditional country sounds and modern themes earned her numerous awards, including two CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards. As one of country music's most enduring talents, Tanya Tucker remains an influential figure in the genre.
Since her debut in 1997, Sara Evans has become a mainstay in the world of country music. With powerful ballads like "Born to Fly" and "Suds In The Bucket," Evans' emotive storytelling style has resonated with audiences across generations. She has released nine studio albums to date and earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including a CMA award for Video of the Year. As an influential figure within modern country music, Sara Evans continues to make her mark on the genre.
With a distinctive voice that effortlessly oscillates between tender vulnerability and raw power, Patty Loveless remains one of country music's most revered artists. Her hit songs such as "Blame It On Your Heart" and "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye" showcase her ability to convey authentic emotion through her performances. Throughout her career, Loveless has released 14 studio albums and earned numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards.
A versatile powerhouse in both the country music world and beyond, Trisha Yearwood boasts a discography filled with hits like "She's In Love With The Boy," "Walkaway Joe," and "How Do I Live." With 15 studio albums under her belt, Yearwood has earned numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and multiple CMA and ACM awards. Her ability to effortlessly transition between country, pop, and even Broadway showcases her immense talent as a vocalist and performer.
A true icon in the world of country music, Emmylou Harris' ethereal voice and genre-defying sound have made her one of the most influential artists in modern music. With hit songs like "Boulder To Birmingham" and "Pancho & Lefty," Harris' discography spans an impressive 26 studio albums. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a collaborator with artists across various genres, Emmylou Harris' impact on the world of music is immeasurable.
At the tender age of 13, LeAnn Rimes burst onto the country music scene with her powerful rendition of "Blue," showcasing a voice well beyond her years. Since then, she has released 12 studio albums featuring hit songs such as "How Do I Live" and "Can't Fight The Moonlight." Rimes' numerous accolades include two Grammy Awards and an ACM award for Top New Female Vocalist. As one of the best-selling female country artists in history, LeAnn Rimes remains an influential figure in the genre.
Though not exclusively a country artist, Linda Ronstadt's contributions to the genre cannot be overlooked. Known for her versatile voice and hit songs such as "When Will I Be Loved" and "Blue Bayou," Ronstadt's career spans multiple genres, including country, rock, pop, and folk. With over 30 studio albums to her name, she has received numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy Awards and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a trailblazer for women in music, Linda Ronstadt remains an influential figure across various genres.
Renowned for her rich, emotive vocals, Lee Ann Womack has been enchanting audiences since her debut in 1997. With hits like "I Hope You Dance" and "A Little Past Little Rock," Womack's discography spans nine studio albums that showcase her ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary themes. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and multiple CMA Awards.
With her silky-smooth voice and signature floor-length hair, Crystal Gayle captivated audiences throughout the '70s and '80s with hits such as "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and "Talking In Your Sleep." Her discography includes 24 studio albums that showcase her unique blend of country-pop sensibilities. Throughout her career, Gayle has received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
A multi-instrumentalist known for her groundbreaking role in establishing women as headliners within country music during the '70s and '80s, Barbara Mandrell produced hits like "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" and "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool." Throughout her illustrious career, Mandrell released 25 studio albums and earned numerous accolades such as two CMA Entertainer of the Year awards. Her influence on the genre is undeniable.
Best known as one-half of the celebrated duo Sugarland alongside Kristian Bush, Jennifer Nettles has become a force in the world of country music. With hit songs like "Stay" and "Stuck Like Glue," Sugarland's unique blend of contemporary country-pop sounds has resonated with fans worldwide. In addition to her work with Sugarland, Nettles has released three solo studio albums, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Often referred to as the "Queen of Country Music," Kitty Wells paved the way for future generations of female artists in the world of country music. With hits such as "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and "Making Believe," Wells' career spanned over six decades and included 35 studio albums. Her groundbreaking contributions to the genre earned her numerous awards, including a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
As one of country music's most enduring talents, Lorrie Morgan has released numerous hit songs throughout her career such as "Five Minutes," "What Part Of No," and "Except For Monday." With a discography spanning 13 studio albums, Morgan's emotive storytelling style resonates with fans across generations. She has earned multiple awards throughout her career, solidifying her place among the best female country artists.
As an integral part of the legendary Carter Family and wife of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash's contributions to country music are immeasurable. Known for hit songs such as "Jackson" and "Ring of Fire," her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence made her a beloved figure within the genre. Throughout her career, June received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards.
Following her success as one-half of The Judds alongside mother Naomi Judd, Wynonna embarked on a successful solo career in the '90s, producing hits like "No One Else On Earth" and "I Saw The Light." Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made her a mainstay within the genre throughout her career, which includes nine solo studio albums.
Though primarily known for her pop-rock hits like "I'm Sorry" and "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," Brenda Lee's contributions to country music cannot be overlooked. With hit songs such as "Big Four-Poster Bed" and "Broken Trust," Lee showcased her ability to effortlessly transition between genres. Her impact on both the country music world and beyond is undeniable.
As the daughter of country legend Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis inherited not only musical talent but also a passion for storytelling through song. With hits such as "Maybe It Was Memphis" and "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)," Tillis' discography spans 13 studio albums that showcase her ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern themes. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
With a career spanning over four decades, Dottie West produced numerous hits such as "Country Sunshine" and "A Lesson In Leavin'," showcasing her unique blend of country-pop sounds that captivated audiences worldwide. Throughout her career, West released 32 studio albums and earned several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
While not exclusively a country artist, Kelly Clarkson has successfully ventured into the genre with hits like "Don't Rush" featuring Vince Gill and collaborations with Reba McEntire on "Because Of You." As one of the most versatile vocalists in modern music, Clarkson's forays into country have been well-received by fans and critics alike.
Since making her debut in 1996, Jo Dee Messina has become known for powerful anthems such as "Bye Bye," "I'm Alright," and "Stand Beside Me." Her emotive storytelling style has resonated with fans across generations, earning her numerous awards throughout her career. With six studio albums to her name, Jo Dee Messina remains an influential figure within the genre.
As one of Canada's most successful country artists, Anne Murray has captivated audiences with hits like "Snowbird," "You Needed Me," and "Could I Have This Dance." Throughout her career, Murray released over 30 studio albums that showcased her unique blend of country-pop sensibilities. Her numerous accolades include four Grammy Awards, proving her enduring impact on both the country music world and beyond.
Though primarily known for her blues-rock sound, Bonnie Raitt's contributions to country music are undeniable. With hit songs such as "Something To Talk About" and collaborations with artists like Lyle Lovett on "Good Man, Good Woman," Raitt showcases her versatility across genres. Throughout her illustrious career, she has released 17 studio albums and earned numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy Awards.
As one of the rising stars in modern country music, Kacey Musgraves has quickly become known for her clever songwriting and refreshing authenticity. With hits like "Follow Your Arrow" and "Space Cowboy," Musgraves' discography spans four studio albums that showcase her ability to push boundaries within the genre. Her numerous accolades include six Grammy Awards, proving she's a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music.
As one of the most successful female country artists of the '70s, Lynn Anderson captivated audiences with her tender voice and heartfelt lyrics. Her iconic hit "Rose Garden" remains a beloved classic within the genre. Throughout her career, Anderson released over 30 studio albums and earned numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Hailing from Canada, Terri Clark brought a fresh perspective to the world of country music with hits like "Better Things To Do," "Poor Poor Pitiful Me," and "Girls Lie Too." Her discography spans ten studio albums that showcase her distinctive voice and engaging storytelling style. Throughout her career, Clark has earned multiple awards, including the CMA Global Country Artist Award.
With a career spanning over three decades, Mary Chapin Carpenter has become known for her poignant storytelling and thoughtful lyrics. Her hit songs such as "Passionate Kisses," "He Thinks He'll Keep Her," and "Shut Up And Kiss Me" showcase her ability to connect with audiences through relatable themes. Carpenter has released 16 studio albums and received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, solidifying her place among the best female country artists.
As the daughter of country legend Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash has continued her family's musical legacy with hits like "Seven Year Ache," "I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me," and "Runaway Train." Her discography spans 14 studio albums that showcase her evocative storytelling style. Throughout her career, Cash has received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards.
Best known for her fiery anthem "Redneck Woman," Gretchen Wilson burst onto the country music scene in 2004 with a bold attitude and powerful vocals. With hits like "Here For The Party" and "All Jacked Up," Wilson's discography spans five studio albums that showcase her unique blend of country-rock sensibilities. Throughout her career, she has earned multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Since finishing sixth on American Idol in 2006, Kellie Pickler has made a name for herself in the country music world with hits such as "Red High Heels," "I Wonder," and "Best Days Of Your Life." With four studio albums under her belt, Pickler's emotive vocals have resonated with fans across generations. Her work in television and philanthropy further cements her status as an influential figure within the genre.
Renowned for her emotive storytelling style, Kathy Mattea captivated audiences throughout the '80s and '90s with hits such as "Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses" and "Where've You Been." Her discography spans 17 studio albums that showcase her ability to convey emotion through powerful vocals. Throughout her career, Mattea has received numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards.
Although primarily known as a pop-rock artist, Sheryl Crow has successfully ventured into the realm of country music with songs like "Easy" and collaborations with artists such as Willie Nelson on "If I Were A Carpenter." Her versatile voice and engaging songwriting have allowed her to seamlessly transition between genres throughout her illustrious career.
Formerly known as Dixie Chicks, The Chicks have become one of the most successful female groups in country music history. With hits like "Wide Open Spaces," "Goodbye Earl," and "Not Ready To Make Nice," their discography spans eight studio albums that showcase their powerful harmonies and unapologetic songwriting. Throughout their career, The Chicks have received numerous accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards.
Despite being primarily known as a pop artist, Olivia Newton-John made significant contributions to the country music genre with hits such as "Let Me Be There" and "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)." Her early success in the world of country music earned her multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Primarily known as a contemporary Christian artist, Amy Grant has also made an impact on the world of country music with hits such as "The Next Time I Fall" and collaborations with artists like Vince Gill on "House Of Love." Grant's versatile voice and heartfelt songwriting have resonated with fans across genres throughout her career.
As one of the rising stars in modern country music, Kelsea Ballerini has quickly become known for her catchy tunes and relatable lyrics. With hits like "Love Me Like You Mean It" and "Miss Me More," Ballerini's discography spans four studio albums that showcase her ability to connect with fans across generations. Her numerous accolades include multiple CMT Music Awards and ACM nominations, proving she's a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music.
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While primarily known as a pop-folk singer, Jewel has ventured into the world of country music with her 2008 album Perfectly Clear, featuring the hit single "Stronger Woman." Her emotive storytelling style and versatile voice have allowed her to effortlessly transition between genres throughout her career.
- Bobbie Lee Gentry (born Roberta Lee Streeter; July 27, 1942) is an American singer-songwriter who was one of the first female artists to compose and produce her own material. Her songs typically drew on her Mississippi roots to compose vignettes of the Southern United States. Gentry rose to international fame with her intriguing Southern Gothic narrative "Ode to Billie Joe" in 1967. The track spent four weeks as the No. 1 pop song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was fourth in the Billboard year-end chart of 1967 and earned her Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1968. Gentry charted eleven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and four singles on the United Kingdom Top 40. Her album Fancy brought her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. After her first albums, she had a successful run of variety shows on the Las Vegas Strip. In the late 1970s she lost interest in performing. Since 2010, Gentry has lived in a private gated community outside Memphis, Tennessee.
With hits like "Strawberry Wine" and "We Danced Anyway," Deana Carter's unique blend of contemporary country sounds captivated audiences throughout the '90s. Her discography spans seven studio albums that showcase her ability to craft relatable narratives through song. Throughout her career, Carter has received multiple awards, including several CMT Music Awards.
- Skeeter Davis (born Mary Frances Penick; December 30, 1931 – September 19, 2004) was an American country music singer who sang crossover pop music songs including 1962's "The End of the World". She started out as part of the Davis Sisters as a teenager in the late 1940s, eventually landing on RCA Victor. In the late 1950s, she became a solo star. One of the first women to achieve major stardom in the country music field as a solo vocalist, she was an acknowledged influence on Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton and was hailed as an "extraordinary country/pop singer" by The New York Times music critic Robert Palmer.
- Judy Kay "Juice" Newton (born February 18, 1952) is an American pop and country singer, songwriter, and musician. To date, Newton has received five Grammy Award nominations in the Pop and Country Best Female Vocalist categories - winning once in 1983 - as well as an ACM Award for Top New Female Artist and two Billboard Female Album Artist of the Year awards (won consecutively). Newton's other awards include a People's Choice Award for "Best Female Vocalist" and the Australian Music Media's "Number One International Country Artist." Newton has several Gold and Platinum records to her credit, including Juice, Quiet Lies and her first Greatest Hits album. During the 1980s, she charted 14 Top-10 hits across the Billboard Country, AC, and Billboard Hot 100 charts, with many of the recordings achieving crossover success and six of the songs hitting the No. 1 position.
- Jeannie C. Riley (born Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson; October 19, 1945) is an American country music and gospel singer. She is best known for her 1968 country and pop hit "Harper Valley PTA" (written by Tom T. Hall), which missed (by one week) becoming the Billboard Country and Pop number one hit at the same time.In subsequent years, she had moderate chart success with country music, but never again duplicated the success of "Harper Valley PTA". She became a born-again Christian and began recording gospel music during the late 1970s.
Though now primarily a pop artist, Taylor Swift first rose to fame within the country music sphere with hit songs like "Tim McGraw," "You Belong With Me," and "Love Story." Her early discography showcases her talent for crafting relatable narratives through song. Swift's undeniable impact on the world of country music earned her numerous accolades, including multiple CMA and ACM awards.
- Susan Kay Bogguss (born December 30, 1956) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She began her career in the 1980s as a solo singer. In the 1990s, six of her songs were Top 10 hits, three albums were certified gold, and one album received a platinum certification. She won Top New Female Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music and the Horizon Award from the Country Music Association.
- Connie Smith (born Constance June Meador; August 14, 1941) is an American country music artist. Discovered in 1963, Smith signed with RCA Victor Records the following year and remained with the label until 1973. Her debut single "Once a Day" reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in November 1964 and remained at the top position for eight weeks. The song became Smith's biggest hit and was nominated at the Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Smith's success continued through 1960s and mid 1970s with nineteen more top-ten hits (including "Then and Only Then", "Ain't Had No Lovin'", "Cincinnati, Ohio", "I Never Once Stopped Loving You" and "Ain't Love a Good Thing") on the country songs chart. In the early 1970s, Smith began recording Gospel music more frequently as she became more serious in her Christianity. As she focused more heavily on religion, Smith became known for her outspoken religious demeanor at concerts and music venues. At the same time, Smith spent more time raising her five children than focusing on music. She eventually went into semi-retirement in 1979. Smith would return to recording briefly in the mid 1980s with Epic Records. However, it was not until her collaboration with Marty Stuart in the 1990s that she returned permanently. Their musical friendship would turn romantic, leading to their marriage in 1997. The pairing led to Smith's first studio album in twenty years, Connie Smith. Critically acclaimed, Smith began performing again and has since recorded two more studio albums. Smith has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards, including eight nominations for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. She has also been nominated for 1 Academy of Country Music award and 3 Country Music Association awards. Rolling Stone included her on their list of the 100 greatest country music artists and CMT ranked her among the top ten in their list of the 40 greatest women of country music. She has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast since 1965. In 2012, Smith was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Malinda Gayle McCready (November 30, 1975 – February 17, 2013) was an American country music singer. Active from 1995 until her death in 2013, she recorded a total of five studio albums. Her debut album, 1996's Ten Thousand Angels, was released on BNA Records and was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA, while 1997's If I Don't Stay the Night was certified Gold. 1999's I'm Not So Tough, her final album for BNA, was less successful, and she left the label. A self-titled fourth album followed in 2002 on Capitol Records. McCready's fifth and final studio album, I'm Still Here, was released in March 2010 on Iconic Records. McCready's first four studio albums yielded twelve singles on the Billboard country singles charts. This figure includes the No. 1 hit "Guys Do It All the Time," as well as the Top 10 hits "Ten Thousand Angels" and "A Girl's Gotta Do (What a Girl's Gotta Do)." Although she had not charted a single since 2002, McCready received significant media coverage regarding her troubled personal life and suicide attempts and her eventual death by suicide.
- Naomi Judd, born Diana Ellen Judd on January 11, 1946, in Ashland, Kentucky, is a celebrated figure in the world of country music. She kick-started her career alongside her daughter, Wynonna Judd, forming the Grammy-winning duo, The Judds. Their story, from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success in the 1980s, serves as a tale of perseverance and passion. Judd's early life was marked by struggle and hardship, including a teenage pregnancy and a failed marriage. However, she transformed these challenges into stepping stones towards her future success. Working as a nurse while raising her two daughters, Judd began singing with Wynonna as a hobby. This pastime paved the way for their breakthrough in the music industry, leading to a string of number one hits such as "Why Not Me" and "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)". Their rich harmonies and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, making The Judds one of the most successful acts in country music history. In the early 1990s, Naomi Judd announced her retirement due to a Hepatitis C diagnosis, marking the end of The Judds' era. However, she did not retreat from the public eye. Judd authored several self-help books, sharing her experiences and life lessons. She also made appearances in acting roles and as a motivational speaker, showcasing her versatility beyond music. Despite personal health battles and the constant trials that came her way, Naomi Judd's resilience continues to inspire millions, making her a true icon in the entertainment industry.
- Donna Fargo (born Yvonne Vaughn, November 10, 1945, in Mount Airy, North Carolina) is an American country singer-songwriter, who is best known for a series of Top 10 country hits in the 1970s. These include "The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA" and "Funny Face," both which became crossover pop hits. The former in 1972, and the latter in 1973.Fargo has won major awards since her debut in the late 1960s, including one Grammy Award, five awards from the Academy of Country Music and one award from the Country Music Association.
- Carly Cristyne Pearce (born April 24, 1990) is an American country music singer based in Nashville. Her debut single, "Every Little Thing," peaked at number one on the US Country Airplay chart. In 2016, she was a featured vocalist on Josh Abbott Band's "Wasn't That Drunk", which charted in the top 40 of Country Airplay. Pearce also toured with the band to perform the song, including a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Kimberly Perry is a member of the country music group The Band Perry.
- Maddie & Tae are an American female country music duo composed of Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye, both of whom are singers, songwriters, and guitarists. The duo was signed to the revived Dot Records in 2014. Their debut album, Start Here, was released on August 28, 2015 and includes the singles "Girl in a Country Song", "Fly", "Shut Up and Fish", and "Sierra". Following the closure of Dot, they signed to Mercury Nashville in 2018.
- Hillary Scott worked on a variety of projects during her entertainment career. Scott worked on a variety of projects during her early entertainment career, including "Country Strong" with Gwyneth Paltrow (2010) and "The Voice" (NBC, 2010-). In the 2010s, Scott's music continued to appear on the silver screen, including in films like the thriller "Zero Dark Thirty" (2012) with Jessica Chastain and the dramatic adaptation "The Best of Me" (2014) with Michelle Monaghan. Scott's music was most recently used in the Reese Witherspoon comedic action flick "Hot Pursuit" (2015).
- "Mother" Maybelle Carter (born Maybelle Addington; May 10, 1909 – October 23, 1978) was an American country musician. She is best known as a member of the historic Carter Family act in the 1920s and 1930s and also as a member of Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters.
- Maren Larae Morris (born April 10, 1990) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She has released four studio albums. Her 2015 extended play, Maren Morris, charted on two Billboard charts. Her major label debut album, Hero, reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart and number one on the Top Country Albums chart. Her debut single, "My Church", peaked at number one on the Country Digital Songs chart in 2016 and reached the top five on the US Hot Country Songs chart.
- Karen Fairchild is a member of the musical group, Little Big Town.
- Jana Rae Kramer (born December 2, 1983) is an country music singer and actress. She is known for her role as Alex Dupre on the television series One Tree Hill. Kramer began her musical career in 2012 and has released two albums: Jana Kramer (2012) and Thirty One (2015). The albums produced seven charted singles on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 hits "Why Ya Wanna" and "I Got the Boy". She competed on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in fourth place.
- Jane Marie Fricke ( FRIK-ee; December 19, 1947) is an American country music singer, best remembered for a series of country music hits released from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Fricke was one of the most popular female country singers of the 1980s, producing a string of hits and proving herself a versatile vocalist with a particular flair for ballads. She won the Country Music Association's "Female Vocalist of the Year" awards in 1982 and 1983.
- Holly Suzette Dunn (August 22, 1957 – November 14, 2016) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Dunn recorded for MTM Records between 1985 and 1988, Warner Bros. Records between 1988 and 1993, and River North Records between 1995 and 1997. She released 10 albums and charted 19 singles, plus two duets on the Hot Country Songs charts. Two of her single releases, "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going", went to No. 1 on that chart. Other songs for which she is known include "Daddy's Hands" and "Maybe I Mean Yes". Dunn's brother, Chris Waters, is a songwriter and record producer, having worked with both his sister and other artists in these capacities. Dunn retired from music in 2003, and died of ovarian cancer in 2016.
- Bonnie Tyler, born as Gaynor Hopkins on June 8, 1951, in Skewen, Wales, is a distinctively raspy-voiced pop singer who has made a significant impact on the international music scene. Her parents, Glyndwr and Elsie Hopkins, noticed her love for music early on, encouraging her to participate in various singing competitions as a youngster. This early immersion into the world of music laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career, spanning decades. Tyler got her first big break in 1976 with the release of her debut single "Lost in France", which climbed into the UK Top 10. However, it was her 1977's hit "It's a Heartache" that truly propelled her into the limelight, becoming a massive hit worldwide. But what sealed Tyler's place in the annals of pop music royalty was the unforgettable 1983 power ballad, "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Written and produced by Jim Steinman, this song catapulted Tyler to unprecedented heights, reaching Number 1 in multiple countries and earning her a Grammy nomination. Despite facing vocal cord issues in the late 1970s that could have ended her singing career, Bonnie Tyler proved resilient, adapting her singing style to accommodate the changes in her voice. This adaptation resulted in her distinctive husky voice that she's known for today. Throughout her career, she has released over 20 albums, showcasing her versatility across pop, rock, and country genres. In addition to her Grammy nomination, she has received several prestigious awards, including three Brit Award nominations and the World Music Award for World's Best Selling UK Female Rock Artist. Always true to her roots, Tyler maintains a deep connection with her Welsh heritage and continues to be a beloved figure in her homeland and around the globe.
- Cassadee Blake Pope (born August 28, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Pope was the lead vocalist of the rock band Hey Monday (on hiatus as of December 2011), with whom she released two studio albums and three EPs. Pope embarked on a solo career in early 2012, and released the EP Cassadee Pope in May 2012. She took part in the third season of The Voice and became the first female winner on December 18, 2012. Her debut solo country album, Frame by Frame, was released on October 8, 2013 to a top 10 Billboard 200 charting. It debuted at No. 1 on Top Country Albums, with 43,000 copies sold in its first week.
- Gabby Barrett (born March 5, 2000) is an American country music singer. She finished third on the sixteenth season of American Idol. Her debut single "I Hope" was the first top ten Hot Country Songs debut by an unaccompanied woman since October 2017. It has since become a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA. Her debut album Goldmine was released on June 19, 2020.
- Richell Rene "Chely" Wright (; born October 25, 1970) is an American country music singer and activist. On the strength of her debut album in 1994, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) named her Top New Female Vocalist in 1995. Wright's first Top 40 country hit came in 1997 with "Shut Up and Drive". Two years later, her fourth album yielded a number one single, the title track, "Single White Female". Overall, Wright has released seven studio albums on various labels, and has charted more than fifteen singles on the country charts. As of May 2010, Wright's previous eight albums and 19 singles released had sold over 1,500,000 copies and 10,000,000 digital impressions to date in the United States. In May 2010, Wright became one of the first major country music performers to publicly come out as lesbian. In television appearances and an autobiography, she cited among her reasons for publicizing her homosexuality a concern with bullying and hate crimes toward gays, particularly gay teenagers, and the damage to her life caused by "lying and hiding". She has written songs that have been recorded by Brad Paisley, Richard Marx, Indigo Girls, Mindy Smith and Clay Walker, among them Walker's top ten hit, "I Can't Sleep" that won her a BMI award. On May 4, 2010, Wright simultaneously released her memoir, the LAMDA nominated Like Me, and her first album of new songs since 2005, Lifted Off the Ground. Wright's eighth album, I Am the Rain, was released on September 9, 2016, by MRI/Sony and was produced by Joe Henry. It entered the Billboard country chart at 13, the second highest debut of her career. It was also her first appearance on the Americana album chart, where it reached number 9. Wright released her first Christmas EP in 2018 titled "Santa Will Find You." She released an EP titled Revival in May 2019.
- Kimberly Schlapman is a member of the musical group, Little Big Town.
- Kay Toinette Oslin (born May 15, 1942) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Best known for her 1987 top ten hit country single, "80's Ladies". She is also well known for a series of other top-ten country hits during the late 1980s and early 1990s, four of which topped the American Country chart. Worldwide, Oslin, has sold about 5 million albums. As of 2014, she had a net worth of $2 million.
- Carlene Carter (born Rebecca Carlene Smith; September 26, 1955) is an American country singer and songwriter. She is the daughter of June Carter and her first husband, Carl Smith. Between 1978 and the present, Carter has recorded twelve albums, primarily on major labels. In the same timespan, she has released more than twenty singles, including three No. 3-peaking hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
- Shelly West (born May 23, 1958) is an American country music singer. Her mother was the country music star Dottie West, whose career spanned three decades. The younger West reached her peak in popularity during the 1980s before mostly retiring in the wake of her mother's death.
- Mirriam Johnson (born May 25, 1943), known professionally as Jessi Colter, is an American country music artist who is best known for her collaboration with her husband, country singer and songwriter Waylon Jennings, and for her 1975 country-pop crossover hit "I'm Not Lisa". Colter was one of the few female artists to emerge from the mid-1970s "outlaw country" movement. After meeting Jennings, Colter pursued a career in country music, releasing her first studio LP in 1970, A Country Star Is Born. Five years later, Colter signed with Capitol Records and released her first solo single, "I'm Not Lisa", which topped the country charts and reached the top five on the pop charts. In 1976 she was featured on the collaboration LP Wanted: The Outlaws, which became an RIAA-certified Platinum album.
- 79Racheal Lynn Woodward, better known as RaeLynn, is an American singer-songwriter who was a contestant on The Voice in season two. She was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
- 80SHeDAISY is an American country music group founded in the late 1980s by sisters Kristyn Robyn Osborn, Kelsi Marie Osborn, and Kassidy Lorraine Osborn from Magna, Utah. The group's name is derived from the word shideezhí, a Navajo term meaning "my little sister". The trio began their careers as The Osborn Sisters, were signed to the Nashville division of RCA Records, and recorded an album that was never released. By 1999 the sisters renamed the group SHeDAISY and signed to Lyric Street Records. Their first album, The Whole SHeBANG, was issued that year and certified platinum in the United States. A Christmas album entitled Brand New Year was released in 2000, Knock on the Sky was issued in 2002, the gold-certified Sweet Right Here was released in 2004, Fortuneteller's Melody in 2006, and the compilation The Best of SHeDAISY in 2008. SHeDAISY has charted 15 times on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Their hits include "Little Good-Byes," "This Woman Needs", "I Will… But", "Don't Worry 'bout a Thing", and two Christmas singles.
- Sweethearts of the Rodeo is an American country music duo composed of sisters Janis Oliver (guitar, vocals) and Kristine Arnold (née Oliver) (vocals). The duo recorded for Columbia Records between 1986 and 1991, releasing four albums and twelve singles for the label. During the 1990s, they also recorded two albums for Sugar Hill Records. The duo reached Top Ten on the Hot Country Songs chart seven times in the late 1980s, with their highest-charting singles being the No. 4 hits "Midnight Girl/Sunset Town" and "Chains of Gold", both in 1987.
- Lacy J. Dalton (born Jill Lynne Byrem; October 13, 1946, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania) is an American country singer and songwriter. She is known for her gritty, powerful vocals, which People Magazine likened to a country equivalent of Bonnie Raitt.Dalton had a number of hits in the 1980s, including "Takin' It Easy," "Crazy Blue Eyes" and "16th Avenue." Though absent from the U.S. country charts since 1990, she still continues to record and perform, having most recently released three independently recorded albums, Wild Horse Crossing on Shop Records in 1999; The Last Wild Place, on Song Dog Records in 2004; and her 2010 self-released Here's To Hank.When asked about her musical influences, she replied: "Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin, Robert Johnson, Karen Dalton, Fred Koller, Big Mama Thornton, Billie Holiday, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and J.J. Cale."
- 83Sylvia Jane Hutton (née Kirby, born December 9, 1956), known professionally by her first name Sylvia during the 1980s, is an American country music and country pop singer and songwriter. Her biggest hit, a crossover chart topper, was her single "Nobody" in 1982. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 9 on the Cashbox Top 100, and number 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. The song earned her a gold record certification and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Her other country chart hits include "Drifter" (number 1 in 1981), "Fallin' in Love", "Tumbleweed" and "Snapshot". In 1982, she was named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. She is also credited with making the first "concept" music video clip to air on Country Music Television (CMT), with "The Matador".
- Ashley Lauren Monroe (born September 10, 1986) is an American country music singer-songwriter. Monroe has released two solo singles, "Satisfied" and "I Don't Want To" (which featured Brooks & Dunn singer Ronnie Dunn), that reached the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at #43 and #37, respectively. Both singles were from her debut album, Satisfied, that was intended for a 2007 release but was pushed back. Monroe left Columbia Records' roster in late 2007 and Satisfied was finally released on May 19, 2009 under Sony Music. In June 2011, Monroe, Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley formed a band called Pistol Annies. Monroe's second studio album, Like a Rose, was released on March 5, 2013, followed by her third album, The Blade, released on July 24, 2015. Her fourth studio album, Sparrow, was released on April 20, 2018.
- Ashley McBryde is a country music singer-songwriter from Arkansas. Her song "A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega" was named one of the 54 Best Songs of 2017 by The New York Times. McBryde's debut album Girl Goin' Nowhere is scheduled for release on March 30, 2018.
- Thelma Louise Mandrell (born July 13, 1954) is an American country music singer. She is the younger sister of fellow country singer Barbara Mandrell, and older sister of actress Irlene Mandrell. Louise had a successful singing career in country music from the 1970s, with a string of hits all during the 1980s.
- Danielle Simone Bradbery (born July 23, 1996) is an American country singer from Cypress, Texas. She won season four of NBC's The Voice in 2013, becoming the youngest contestant to come in first place. Her debut studio album, Danielle Bradbery, was released on November 25, 2013, featuring the single "The Heart of Dixie".
- Sammi Smith (August 5, 1943 – February 12, 2005) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Born Jewel Faye Smith, she is best known for her 1971 country-pop crossover hit "Help Me Make It Through the Night", which was written by Kris Kristofferson. She became one of the few women in the outlaw country movement during the 1970s.
- Charlotte Denise McClain (born March 26, 1956) is an American country music singer, best known for string of country hits during the 1980s. McClain's biggest hits include "Who's Cheatin' Who," "Sleepin' with the Radio On," and "Radio Heart."
- Linda Kaye Davis (born November 26, 1962) is an American country music singer. Before beginning a career as a solo artist, she had three minor country singles in the charts as one half of the duo Skip & Linda. In her solo career, Davis has recorded five studio albums for major record labels and more than 15 singles. Her highest chart entry is "Does He Love You", her 1993 duet with Reba McEntire, which reached number one on the Billboard country charts and won both singers the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Her highest solo chart position is "Some Things Are Meant to Be" at No. 13 in 1996. Davis is the wife of the country singer Lang Scott and the mother of Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum. Davis won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Album and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song as part of the Scott Family's album Love Remains. Linda Davis now has three Grammy wins in her career. Linda won the Billboard Music Award, as part of Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, for Top Christian Song ("Thy Will") in May, 2017.
- Ellen Irlene Mandrell (born January 29, 1956) is an American musician, actress, and model. She is the younger sister of country singers Barbara and Louise Mandrell. Irlene Mandrell first rose to prominence as a model for CoverGirl, and later gained national attention when she appeared from 1980–1982 with her siblings on the highly rated Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters TV variety show. Shortly after the show's cancellation, she joined the cast of Hee Haw for a number of years as one of the "Hee Haw Honeys." She also appeared on two episodes of The Love Boat, and worked as a commercial spokesperson for a wide range of products. She has also competed in auto racing as well. Since the late 1990s, Mandrell has hosted the annual Irlene Mandrell Celebrity Shoot to raise money for Wish Upon a Star, Inc. and the Boy Scouts of America. The event, previously held in Branson, Missouri, was held in Jennings, Louisiana in 2008.
- Brandi M. Carlile (born June 1, 1981) is an American three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer whose music spans multiple genres. As of 2018, Carlile has released six studio albums and earned seven Grammy Award nominations, including one for The Firewatcher's Daughter and six for By the Way, I Forgive You. She was the most nominated woman at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards (six) including nominations for Album of the Year (By the Way, I Forgive You), Record of the Year and Song of the Year ("The Joke"). In 2019, Carlile formed an all-female quartet with Amanda Shires, Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby called The Highwomen. Carlile dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, teaching herself piano and guitar. Her debut major label album, Brandi Carlile, was released to critical acclaim yet achieved limited commercial success. Carlile garnered wider recognition with her 2007 single "The Story", from her album of the same name. The Story was awarded gold status in 2017, having sold more than 500,000 copies to date. The Firewatcher's Daughter earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album and peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200.Carlile has released seven albums, including The Story (2007), Give Up the Ghost (2009), and Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony (2011), the latter reaching No. 14 on the Top Rock Albums chart. In May 2017, Carlile released Cover Stories, featuring 14 artists covering tracks from the original The Story album, including Adele, Pearl Jam, and Dolly Parton, it debuted at No. 30 on the Billboard 200. Her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You, was released in February 2018 to critical and commercial acclaim. It debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, her highest charted position to date, and also reached No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums. Carlile's music through the years has been categorized in several genres, including pop, rock, alternative country, and folk. She said of her style, "I've gone through all sorts of vocal phases, from pop to blues to R&B, but no matter what I do, I just can't get the country and western out of my voice." Carlile has been a part of several activism campaigns and an advocate for causes ranging from spreading awareness for health issues to empowerment of women.
- Wanda Lavonne Jackson (born October 20, 1937) is a retired American singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist who had success in the mid-1950s and 1960s as one of the first popular female rockabilly singers, and a pioneering rock-and-roll artist. She is known to many as the "Queen of Rockabilly" or the "First Lady of Rockabilly".Jackson mixed country music with fast-moving rockabilly, often recording them on opposite sides of a record. As rockabilly declined in popularity in the mid-1960s, she moved to a successful career in mainstream country music with a string of hits between 1966 and 1973, including "Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine", "A Woman Lives for Love" and "Fancy Satin Pillows". She had a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s among rockabilly revivalists in Europe and younger Americana fans. In 2009, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the category Early Influence.On March 27, 2019, Jackson announced her official retirement from performing.
- Lari Michele White Cannon (; May 13, 1965 – January 23, 2018) was an American country music artist and actress. She first gained national attention in 1988 as a winner on You Can Be a Star, a talent competition which aired on The Nashville Network. A recording contract with RCA Records Nashville followed a year later, producing three studio albums, a greatest hits package, and several chart singles, with three of her singles having reached Top Ten: "That's My Baby" and "That's How You Know (When You're In Love)" at No. 10, and "Now I Know" at No. 5. A fourth studio album was released in 1998 on Lyric Street Records, followed by two more releases on her own label, Skinny White Girl. Overall, White charted twelve times on the Billboard country music charts. White was also married to Nashville-based songwriter Chuck Cannon.
- Shelby Lynne (born Shelby Lynn Moorer, October 22, 1968) is an American singer and songwriter and the older sister of Allison Moorer. The success of her pop rock album I Am Shelby Lynne (1999) led to her winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist (despite being her sixth studio album). She released a Dusty Springfield tribute album called Just a Little Lovin' in 2008. Since then she has started her own independent record label, called Everso Records, and released three albums: Tears, Lies and Alibis, Merry Christmas, and Revelation Road. Lynne is also known for her distinctive contralto voice.
- Cindy Walker (July 20, 1918 – March 23, 2006) was an American songwriter, as well as a country music singer and dancer. As a songwriter Walker was responsible for a large number of popular and enduring songs recorded by many different artists. She adopted a craftsman-like approach to her songwriting, often tailoring particular songs to specific recording artists. She produced a large body of songs that have been described as “direct, honest and unpretentious”. She had Top 10 hits spread over five decades.Walker was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in March 2011.
- Popularly known for her enchanting voice and spectacular performances, k.d. lang is a Canadian-born singer-songwriter. Her musical journey began in the mid-1980s and she quickly gained recognition due to her distinctive singing style that blended country, pop, and folk music seamlessly. She was born in 1961 in Alberta, Canada, as Kathryn Dawn Lang. However, the world knows her best by her stage name, k.d. lang, which she prefers to write in lowercase letters as a symbol of humility. In 1984, k.d. lang took her first major step into the music industry with the release of her debut album, A Truly Western Experience. This album brought her under the spotlight and helped her make a unique space in the highly competitive music industry. Over the years, she released several successful albums, including Shadowland and Hymns of the 49th Parallel. It was her single, "Constant Craving" that won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1993, cementing her reputation as a formidable force in the realm of music. Apart from her illustrious music career, k.d. lang is also known for her activism. She publicly came out as gay in 1992, at a time when it was challenging to do so. Through her actions, lang has continually advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, becoming a beacon of hope and courage for many in the community. Her music, combined with her relentless activism, has marked k.d. lang as a trailblazer, whose influence extends far beyond the confines of the music industry.
- Born on July 20, 1988, in Orem, Utah, Julianne Hough was one of five children in her family. Her passion for dance was evident from an early age, leading her to train at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Hough's talent shone brightly, and she quickly became the youngest dancer, and only American, to win both Junior World Latin Champion and International Latin Youth Champion at the Blackpool Dance Festival. Hough's dancing prowess led her to the small screen, where she sparkled on the hit television show Dancing with the Stars. She joined the show in its fourth season and quickly made a name for herself, winning the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy twice. However, Hough wasn't content with just dancing. She ventured into the world of music, releasing a self-titled country album in 2008 that debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Album chart and earned her a nomination for Top New Female Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music Awards. She starred in a range of films, from the musical Footloose to the romantic drama Safe Haven, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with her performances. Despite her success in film, Hough didn't abandon her love for dance and returned to Dancing with the Stars as a judge, bringing her career full circle. Throughout her journey, Julianne Hough has proven herself to be a formidable talent in the entertainment industry, seamlessly transitioning between dance, music, and acting while continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
- Ollie Imogene "Jean" Shepard (November 21, 1933 – September 25, 2016) was an American honky tonk singer-songwriter who pioneered for women in country music. Shepard released a total of 73 singles to the Hot Country Songs chart, one of which reached the No. 1 spot. She recorded a total of 24 studio albums between 1956–81, and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. After Kitty Wells' 1952 breakthrough, Shepard quickly followed, and a national television gig and the Opry helped make her a star when few female country singers had enduring success. Her first hit, "A Dear John Letter", a 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky, was the first post-World War II record by a woman country artist to sell more than a million copies.
- 100Jessica Rose James Decker (born April 12, 1988) is an American country pop singer-songwriter, reality television personality, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. At age 15, after auditioning for and being rejected by most of the country labels in Nashville, Tennessee, Decker began working with Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog Music. One of her songs attracted the attention of Mercury Records, which offered her a recording contract. She released her debut album, Jessie James, in 2009. A few years later in 2013, she starred with her husband Eric Decker, a wide receiver in the National Football League, in the E! reality show Eric & Jessie: Game On. On April 18, 2014, Decker released an EP through iTunes entitled Comin' Home. On Epic in 2017, she released a five-track EP, Gold, and released a surprise live EP on June 9, 2017 titled Blackbird Sessions. On October 13, 2017, she released her second full-length album and first for Epic Records, Southern Girl City Lights. On This Holiday, her first full-length Christmas album, was released on October 26, 2018. Decker was scheduled to release a full-length studio album in mid-March 2019.
- Julie Roberts (born February 1, 1979) is an American country music singer. Signed to Mercury Nashville in 2003, Roberts made her debut with the single "Break Down Here" in February 2004, a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts and the first track from her self-titled debut album. A second album for Mercury, Men & Mascara, followed in 2006. This album produced two non-charting singles in its title track and a cover of Saving Jane's "Girl Next Door". In 2013, she took part in the Blind Auditions of fourth season of the reality television show The Voice but failed to qualify. Her comeback album Good Wine & Bad Decision charted on both US Country Albums chart and the US Indie Albums charts. Roberts has multiple sclerosis.
- Gillian Howard Welch (; born October 2, 1967) is an American singer-songwriter. She performs with her musical partner, guitarist David Rawlings. Their sparse and dark musical style, which combines elements of Appalachian music, bluegrass, country and Americana, is described by The New Yorker as "at once innovative and obliquely reminiscent of past rural forms."Welch and Rawlings have collaborated on seven critically acclaimed albums, five released under her name, and two released under the name Dave Rawlings Machine. Her 1996 debut, Revival, and the 2001 release Time (The Revelator), received nominations for the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Her 2003 album, Soul Journey, introduced electric guitar, drums, and a more upbeat sound to their body of work. After a gap of eight years, she released a fifth studio album, The Harrow & The Harvest, in 2011, which was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Welch was an associate producer and performed on two songs of the soundtrack of the Coen brothers 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a platinum album that won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2002. She also appeared in the film attempting to buy a Soggy Bottom Boys record. Welch, while not one of the principal actors, did sing and provide additional lyrics to the Sirens song "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby." In 2018 she and Rawlings wrote the song "When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings" for the Coens' The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, for which they received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Welch has collaborated and recorded with distinguished musicians such as Alison Krauss, Ryan Adams, Jay Farrar, Emmylou Harris, the Decemberists, Sam Phillips and Ani DiFranco.
- 103Teresa Fay Gibbs (born June 15, 1954) is an American country music artist who is blind. Between 1980 and 2017 she has recorded eleven studio albums, including four for MCA Records and one for Warner Bros. Records. She also charted 13 singles on the Billboard country singles charts in that timespan, including her debut single "Somebody's Knockin'", which reached No. 8 on the country charts, No. 13 on the pop charts and No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary charts. She also entered the country top 20 with "Rich Man", "Mis'ry River", "Ashes to Ashes" and "Anybody Else's Heart but Mine."
- 104Ina Anita Carter (March 31, 1933 – July 29, 1999), the youngest daughter of Ezra and Mother Maybelle Carter, was a versatile American singer who experimented with several different types of music and played upright bass with her sisters Helen Carter and June Carter Cash and mother Maybelle Carter as Mother Maybelle and The Carter Sisters. The trio joined the Grand Ole Opry radio show in 1950 (Anita was 17 years old at the time), opened shows for Elvis Presley, and joined The Johnny Cash Show in 1971. As a solo artist, and with her family, Carter recorded for a number of labels including RCA Victor, Cadence, Columbia, Audiograph, United Artists, Liberty and Capitol. Chet Atkins praised her talent on the bass and used her on many of his record productions. She played 12-string guitar and autoharp with the family after giving up the bass in later years.
- 105Sara Elizabeth Carter (née Dougherty; later Sara Carter Bayes; July 21, 1898 – January 8, 1979) was an American country music musician, singer, and songwriter. Remembered mostly for her deep, distinctive, mature singing voice, she was the lead singer on most of the recordings of the historic Carter Family act in the 1920s and 1930s. In her earliest recordings her voice was pitched very high.
- Lucinda Gayle Williams (born January 26, 1953) is an American rock, folk, blues, and country music singer, songwriter and musician. She recorded her first albums in 1978 and 1980 in a traditional country and blues style and received very little attention from radio, the media, or the public. In 1988, she released her self-titled album, Lucinda Williams. This release featured "Passionate Kisses," a song later recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter, which garnered Williams her first Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1994. Known for working slowly, Williams recorded and released only one other album in the next several years, Sweet Old World, in 1992. Her commercial breakthrough came in 1998 with Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, an album presenting a broader scope of songs that fused rock, blues, country and Americana into a distinctive style that remained consistent and commercial in sound. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, which includes the Grammy nominated track "Can't Let Go", became Williams' greatest commercial success to date. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and earned Williams a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album, while being universally acclaimed by critics. Williams released the critically acclaimed Essence three years later, and the album also became a commercial success. One of the album's tracks, "Get Right With God," earned Williams the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2002. Williams has released a string of albums since that have earned her more critical acclaim and commercial success. She has won 3 Grammy Awards, from 15 nominations, and received 2 Americana Awards, from 12 nominations. Additionally, Williams ranked No. 97 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Rock & Roll in 1998, and was named "America's best songwriter" by Time magazine in 2002.
- 107Lucy Hale, born as Karen Lucille Hale on June 14, 1989, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a multi-talented American actress and singer widely recognized for her role as Aria Montgomery in the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars. The youngest of three children, Hale discovered her passion for music at an early age, taking vocal lessons and performing at local events in her hometown. Her talent was undeniable and it wasn't long before she ventured into acting, making her first significant appearance in Drake & Josh in 2006. Hale's breakthrough came in 2010 when she was cast in ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars, a show that quickly gained a massive following and catapulted Hale into stardom. Over seven seasons, Hale's portrayal of Aria Montgomery earned her several awards, including a People's Choice Award for Favorite Cable TV Actress. Concurrently, Hale pursued her love for music, signing with Hollywood Records and releasing her debut country album, Road Between, in 2014. The album, which showcased her warm vocals and storytelling prowess, peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Beyond Pretty Little Liars, Hale has demonstrated her versatility with roles in various genres. She starred in the thriller Truth or Dare in 2018 and later played the title role in the television series Katy Keene, a spin-off of the popular show Riverdale. Hale's dynamic career, marked by her commitment to both acting and music, has established her as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
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The Lynns
The Lynns is an American country music duo, consisting of Loretta Lynn's twin daughters, Peggy Lynn and Patsy Lynn. The Lynns have received CMA Award nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year in 1998 and 1999. - Ashton Delilah Shepherd (born August 16, 1986) is an American country music singer-songwriter. She was first signed to Universal Music Group Nashville's MCA Nashville division in April 2007. Her 2008 debut album Sounds So Good produced two top 40 hits on the Hot Country Songs charts: "Takin' Off This Pain" and the title track. In 2011, she released her second album, Where Country Grows, which includes the top 20 hit "Look It Up".
- 110Roselea Arbana "Rose" Maddox (August 15, 1925 – April 15, 1998) was an American country singer-songwriter and fiddle player, who was the lead singer with the Maddox Brothers and Rose before a successful solo career. Her musical styles straddled hillbilly music, rockabilly and gospel. She was noted for her "reputation as a lusty firebrand", and her "colorful Western costumes"; she was one of the earliest clients of Hollywood tailor Nathan Turk.
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Tenille Townes
Tenille Townes (born January 20, 1994) is a Canadian country music singer, from Grande Prairie, Alberta. In 2011, at the age of 17, she was nominated for a Canadian Country Music Award for Female Artist of the Year. - 112Brandy Lynn Clark (born October 9, 1975) is an American country music singer-songwriter. Her songs have been recorded by Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, and Kacey Musgraves. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
- Heidi Newfield (born October 4, 1970) is an American country music artist. She was lead singer, rhythm guitarist and harmonica player for the group Trick Pony, alongside Keith Burns and Ira Dean from 1996 until 2006, when she left in pursuit of a solo career. Newfield has begun her solo career on Curb Records, debuting in 2008 with the single, "Johnny & June." This song, which peaked at No. 11 on the Hot Country Songs charts, is the first release from her solo debut album, What Am I Waiting For, which has produced a second Top 30 country hit, "Cry Cry ('Til the Sun Shines)."
- Michelle Branch, born on July 2, 1983, is an accomplished American singer-songwriter and actress. Hailing from Sedona, Arizona, Branch started her journey in the world of music at an early age. Being self-taught, she learned to play guitar by the age of fourteen which sparked her interest in songwriting. Her unique blend of pop and country music along with her soulful voice, quickly drew attention from Maverick Records, leading to her first contract in 2000. Branch gained nationwide recognition with her debut album, The Spirit Room, released in 2001. The album was a commercial success, selling over two million copies in the United States. It spawned three hit singles including "Everywhere", which garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Continuing her successful streak, Branch's second studio album, Hotel Paper, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in 2003 and earned her another Grammy nomination. In addition to her solo career, Branch also found success as part of the country music duo, The Wreckers, alongside fellow musician Jessica Harp. Their 2006 single "Leave the Pieces" peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, leading to a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Apart from music, Branch made several appearances in television shows, most notably in WB's Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In her career spanning over two decades, Michelle Branch has proven her versatility, leaving a significant mark in the realms of pop and country music.
- Laura Ashley Bell Bundy (born April 10, 1981) is an American actress and singer who has performed in a number of Broadway roles, her best known being the original Amber Von Tussle in the musical version of Hairspray, the original Elle Woods in the musical version of Legally Blonde and Dr. Jordan Denby on television's Anger Management. She signed to Mercury Records Nashville and released her first country music single, "Giddy On Up," on February 20, 2010. The album's second single, "Drop on By," was released to country radio on August 9, 2010.
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MacKenzie Porter
Mackenzie Porter was an actress who had a successful Hollywood career. Porter began her career with roles in "Supernatural" (2005-), "Dinosapien" (Discovery Family, 2006-07) and "The Other Woman" (Lifetime, 2007-08). She then acted in "45 RPM" (2008), "Hell on Wheels" (AMC, 2011-16) and "Seattle Superstorm" (Syfy, 2011-12). She also appeared in "Tom, Dick & Harriet" (Hallmark Channel, 2012-13) and "Guess Who's Coming to Christmas" (2014). More recently, Porter appeared in "The Unauthorized Full House Story" (Lifetime, 2015-). - Alecia Elliott (born December 25, 1982) is a former contemporary country music singer and actress. She was discovered by Lorrie Morgan, who was impressed by her demo recordings in the mid-1990s. Elliott issued her first studio recording on MCA Nashville in 2000 entitled I'm Diggin' It. As an actress, Elliott was one of the stars of the TNBC series All About Us, of which she also co-wrote its theme song.
- Priscilla Block (born August 11,1995) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She released her single "Just About Over You" in 2020.
- Lisa Hartman Black (born June 1, 1956) is an American actress and singer.
- Born on July 10, 1980, in Abilene, Texas, Jessica Simpson rose to fame as a pop singer, but her talents and pursuits stretch far beyond music. As a child, she sang in the local church choir, giving an early indication of the vocal prowess that would later define her career. Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she released her debut album, Sweet Kisses, which achieved double platinum status and set the stage for a successful music career. However, Simpson's influence is not confined to the music industry. She ventured into reality television in 2003 with the MTV show, Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, where she starred alongside her then-husband, Nick Lachey. The show was a hit, running for three seasons and introducing Simpson to a new audience. Despite its success, Simpson did not limit herself to reality TV. She showcased her acting chops in several films, including The Dukes of Hazzard and Employee of the Month. Simpson also made her mark in the business world with the launch of the Jessica Simpson Collection in 2005. This fashion line, which includes clothing, footwear, and accessories, proved to be a successful venture, becoming a billion-dollar business and solidifying Simpson's status as a savvy entrepreneur. Despite the ups and downs that come with life in the public eye, Jessica Simpson has consistently demonstrated resilience, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. With her diverse talents, she has managed to carve out a unique space for herself in the world of entertainment and business.
