Her Musical Career
Although West had her breakthrough in the ‘60s, the singer began establishing a close relationship with other rising country stars as early as the 1920s. Among those who she befriended were Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, and Roger Miller. It was in the ‘60s when West’s career took off. During this period, songs she recorded such as “Here Comes My Baby” and “Would You Hold it Against Me” became big hits. The former earned West a Grammy Award win in 1964.
The following decade, she began partnering with Kenny Rogers and likewise reached greater heights in her career. Among their successful duets were “Every Time Two Fools Collide” and “All I Ever Need Is You.” Both songs became No. 1. After her stint with Rogers, West continued recording as a solo artist. Accordingly, “A Lesson in Leavin’” was among her notable solo records. At the onset of the ‘90s decade, West’s personal life and career experienced some setbacks leading her to declare bankruptcy.