Patsy Cline’s Death Was the Most Tragic Day in Music History

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Patsy Cline’s Humble Beginnings

Patsy Cline was one of the fastest rising stars when her life was tragically cut short, but what most people did not know was that her journey to stardom wasn’t smooth sailing.

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Patsy’s father abandoned the family when the future country star was just a teenager, including Patsy’s two younger siblings. To help support her family, Patsy dropped out of school. She performed several jobs, including singing on a local radio station. 

Her exposure quickly earned the young singer a following, and she started performing regularly, including with Jimmy Dean on Connie B. Gay’s Town and Country Jamboree radio show.

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In 1954, Patsy finally signed with Four Star Records. Despite her dissatisfaction from the numerous restrictions found in her contract, including only allowing her to record songs written by Four Star’s own writers, she achieved her first big hit, “Walkin’ After Midnight.” 

Patsy endured several more years of records that stiffed before she scored her second hit in 1961 with “I Fall to Pieces.” The hit track gave Patsy her first No. 1 single in 1961. “Crazy” and “She’s Got You,” followed, both of which became big hits for Patsy.

In 1960, the singer became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She kept a busy touring and recording schedule until her shocking death.


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