Women have been the backbone of country music for decades. From the proto-country bluegrass banjo-playing trailblazers to the classic country songstresses to the modern-day country-pop hitmakers, women have had a big hand in what country music is today. Let’s look at seven of the most influential women in country music!
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1. Dolly Parton
When it comes to influential women in country music, most people would think of the legendary Dolly Parton first and foremost. She’s the definitive country artist who managed to be very versatile in her music as well as her additional business ventures through the years. Almost every modern country starlet has mentioned her influence and inspiration at some point. Dolly Parton is the GOAT, without a doubt.
2. Loretta Lynn
Like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn influenced generations of country artists who followed in her footsteps. She was a trailblazer in many ways. Not only was her particular style of country music quite groundbreaking for its time, but Lynn didn’t shy away from controversy. She had no qualms with singing about the hardships of the American working class as well as women’s rights. The song “The Pill” was quite controversial when it came out in 1975; and today, it’s a protest song still used by those who are fighting the good fight.
3. Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert is one of country music’s more modern stars. She’s on the younger end of the influential women in country music spectrum, but her influence is undeniable. Some consider her the go-to country singer when you need to wallow over a cheatin’ two-timin’ partner. Beyond her niche, Lambert really can’t be pigeonholed into a single musical element. You don’t win 14 different Female Vocalist of the Year awards for being a one-trick pony.
[See Miranda Lambert Live In Concert]
4. Reba McEntire
What would a list of influential women in country music be without Reba McEntire? The “Fancy” hitmaker has been focusing more on television appearances over new music in recent years, but that doesn’t mean her music career hasn’t been massively inspirational to other female country stars today.
5. Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline was by far one of the most powerful women in country music during her heyday. Her name transcends the country genre, too. You’ll often hear her name in discussions about the greats along with Elvis Presley and Hank Williams. We lost her far too young.
6. Kitty Wells
Kitty Wells is considered by many to be the very first actual female country star. She was a pioneer in the 1950s era of Nashville country music. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was the song that made her a certified superstar. It’s essential listening for any fan of the old-school greats.
7. Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris loved to experiment with different genres, but she’s still a country music icon. Not only is Harris an incredible singer/songwriter, but her activism efforts are also quite admirable. “Together Again” and “Sweet Dreams” are essential listening.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives
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