Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

The Story of Kitty Wells, Country Music’s First Female Superstar

The Story of Kitty Wells, Country Music's First Female Superstar
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Before the rise of icons like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton, there was Kitty Wells—the first female superstar in country music. In an industry dominated by men, Kitty Wells broke barriers and paved the way for every woman who followed. Her contributions didn’t just open doors—they shattered them, changing the course of country music history.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Ellen Muriel Deason on August 30, 1919, in Nashville, Tennessee, Kitty Wells was seemingly destined for a life in music. Growing up in a musical family, she began singing and playing guitar at an early age, and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing on local radio stations.

At just 18 years old, Kitty married country singer Johnnie Wright, and their marriage would last an impressive 74 years. Together, they shared a love of music and began touring as part of Johnnie and Jack’s group. Though Kitty was successful as the “girl singer” on the tour, she almost left the music industry in the early 1950s to focus on her family—until one song changed everything.

Breaking Barriers with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”

In 1952, Kitty Wells recorded “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” for Decca Records, as noted by the Library of Congress. This song would become a defining moment for women in country music, not just for her. The song boldly responded to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life,” which blamed women for marital troubles. Kitty’s version told the story from a woman’s perspective, and in doing so, she challenged the narrative that men were the sole victims of heartbreak.

The song shot to No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, staying there for six consecutive weeks. Kitty Wells became the first female artist to top the country charts, and her success proved that female artists could sell records and captivate audiences just as much as their male counterparts. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” sold over 800,000 copies in its first year and set the stage for the future of women in country music.

A Legacy of Timeless Music

Following her breakout success, Kitty Wells continued to record hit after hit throughout the 1950s and ’60s. Songs like “Making Believe” became timeless classics. Though many artists recorded their own versions of the song, Kitty’s 1955 rendition remains a favorite for country music fans. Her success showed that women could thrive in the country music world, inspiring future stars like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Tammy Wynette.

Though her chart-topping days began to wane in the late 1960s, Kitty never stopped performing. She toured the world alongside her husband, Johnnie, bringing her signature voice and stage presence to adoring fans everywhere. Kitty’s career spanned over five decades, and even in her later years, she continued to captivate audiences with her authenticity and undeniable talent.

The Queen of Country Music

Kitty Wells’ impact on country music cannot be overstated. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. But her greatest legacy is the path she forged for generations of female country artists. Without her courage and determination to break through in a male-dominated industry, the careers of artists like Dolly, Tammy, and Loretta may have looked very different.

As NBC News reported, Kitty Wells passed away in 2012 at 92, but her influence continues to be felt across country music. Her songs, particularly “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” remain as relevant today as they were in the 1950s, reminding us of her trailblazing spirit and the doors she opened for women in country music.

Kitty Wells wasn’t just the Queen of Country Music—she was the woman who proved that country music belongs to everyone. Her legacy continues to inspire, and her pioneering work ensures that women’s voices always have a place in country music.

Latest Stories

Rascal Flatts and the Jonas Brothers collaborate on 'I Dare You,' a powerful heartbreak anthem, ahead of Rascal Flatts' 25th Anniversary Life Is a Highway Tour.

Rascal Flatts and Jonas Brothers Collaborate on New Song “I Dare You”

Rascal Flatts may have built their legacy on heartfelt country anthems. Still, their latest collaboration proves they’re not afraid to shake things up. The iconic trio has teamed up with ...

Cody Johnson opens up about learning to be romantic with his wife, Brandi, after 15 years of marriage, emphasizing the importance of simple gestures.

Cody Johnson Shares How He Learned to Be Romantic With His Wife Brandi

Cody Johnson might be a country music powerhouse, but he’s just a husband trying to get it right at home. Married to his wife, Brandi, since 2008, Johnson has spent ...

Luke Bryan Says Beyonce Is The Greatest Singer Of All Time

Luke Bryan Just Called Beyoncé “The Greatest Singer of Our Lifetime”

Luke Bryan poured gasoline on an already blazing fire by calling Beyoncé “the greatest singer in our lifetime.” As Cowboy Carter continues to divide country music fans, Bryan’s comments feel ...

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé, dressed in a champagne-colored gown, sits wide-eyed and open-mouthed in her seat, displaying visible shock as Taylor Swift announces her as the winner for Best Country Album. In the background, Kacey Musgraves, wearing a white tank top, claps with a neutral expression, her face showing no visible emotion.

The Real Reason Beyoncé Won a Grammy for Best Country Album

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter winning Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys was never about the music. It was about power, control, and pushing an agenda unrelated to country music. The ...

Whoopi Goldberg passionately defends Beyoncé's Grammy win for Best Country Album on 'The View.' Seated at the show's panel, Goldberg gestures emphatically, her expression animated as she addresses the camera. She wears a patterned blouse and round glasses, conveying determination. Co-hosts listen attentively, and the studio backdrop features 'The View' logo. Goldberg's body language underscores her firm stance against critics of Beyoncé's achievement.

Whoopi Goldberg Sides With Beyoncé’s Country Grammy Win and Tells Critics to “Sit Down”

Whoopi Goldberg has a long history of running her mouth without understanding the issue. Still, this time, she’s stomping all over country music like it’s just another Hollywood punchline. On ...

Wynonna Judd raising her granddaughter Kaliyah as her daughter Grace Kelley navigates ongoing legal challenges.

Wynonna Judd Reveals She’s Raising Her Granddaughter After Daughter’s Legal Troubles

In two weeks, Wynonna Judd’s world changed forever. She lost her mother. She became a grandmother. And somewhere in the middle of grief and joy, she stepped into a role ...

Alan Jackson's fans on his Last Call tour go viral for dressing in Chattahoochee-inspired outfits, catching the attention of Jackson himself.

Alan Jackson Fans Go Viral for Dressing in “Chattahoochee” Outfits at Concert

Alan Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour has been an emotional farewell for fans who have spent decades following his legendary career. With this being his final ...

Randy Travis releases 'Horses in Heaven,' his second AI-assisted single, blending nostalgia, faith, and classic country storytelling to fans' delight.

Randy Travis’ New Single “Horses in Heaven” Is Touching Hearts Everywhere

Randy Travis has done it again. The country legend just released his brand-new single, “Horses in Heaven,” marking his second new song in over a decade. Fans have been eagerly ...

A TikTok singer reimagines Eric Church's 'Springsteen' from a female perspective, captivating fans and earning praise from Eric himself, sparking hopes for a full version.

TikTok Singer’s Version of “Springsteen” Is Taking the Internet by Storm

Eric Church’s Springsteen isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling. It’s the track that instantly transports you back to when love was young, summer nights felt endless, and a single song ...

Chris Stapleton delivers powerhouse performances of 'South Dakota' and 'It Takes a Woman' on Austin City Limits, celebrating the show's 50th anniversary season.

Chris Stapleton Delivers Stunning ‘Austin City Limits’ Performances of ‘South Dakota’ and ‘It Takes a Woman’

Chris Stapleton never does anything halfway, and his latest appearance on Austin City Limits proves just that. The long-running PBS show is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, and they brought ...