Tammy Wynette's death in 1998 at age 55 saddened her many fans. She and her first husband, country singer George Jones, reigned as country music royalty for the years they were married. This self-taught musician from Mississippi endured a difficult childhood but rose from the ashes to become one of country music's biggest stars. "Stand By Your Man," written by the singer herself, reflected her view on the importance of family. Little did she know at the time the song was released in 1966 that it would have a negative social impact due to the rising Women's Liberation Movement.
Interestingly, she recorded another hit with a different take on marriage. The title of that song was "D-I-V-O-R-C-E."
2. "Jolene"
Answer: Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton may be petite but she is a powerhouse performer. This catchy tune, written and performed by her, is featured on the 1973 album of the same title. The message, from one woman to another, is simple but heartfelt. "Jolene" is autobiographical, as is the case with many country songs. According to the singer, the woman in question, though her name wasn't Jolene, really did exist.
This accomplished performer, in her seventies as of this writing, continues to enjoy the fruits of her long and successful career.
3. "For My Broken Heart"
Answer: Reba McEntire
This bubbly redhead is as well-rounded a personality as they come. Reba is not only a chart-topping country singer/songwriter but has also appeared in films, starred on her own TV show, and has produced her own clothing line. In 1986 she was named "Female Vocalist of the Year" and "Entertainer of the Year" by the Country Music Association.
The song "For My Broken Heart" was written in response to the eight members of her band who perished in a plane crash in 1991. Reba was deeply affected by this tragedy and the lyrics to this song reflect that.
4. "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed"
Answer: Barbara Mandrell
Hailing from Texas, the talented Mandrell was invited to tour with Johnny Cash at the young age of twelve. During the early 1980s, Barbara and her sisters appeared on their own TV variety show, showcasing their talents as well as those of other singers. "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed" was released in 1978 and appeared on her album "Moods."
5. "Before He Cheats"
Answer: Carrie Underwood
Who can forget the moment Carrie Underwood won the Season 4 "American Idol" competition? Blessed with a powerful voice, this small town native of Oklahoma has gone on to win numerous music awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. "Before He Cheats," about a two-timing lover, was featured on her debut album "Some Hearts."
6. "Man! I Feel Like a Woman"
Answer: Shania Twain
This Canadian songbird has not only made a name for herself in country music but pop music as well. Shania sang back-up vocals before releasing her self-titled debut album in 1993. She soon gained recognition for her vocal talents outside of Canada and her career took off.
A string of successful albums produced the hit songs "Any Man of Man," "Come on Over," and "That Don't Impress Me Much." "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," written by Twain and her ex-husband "Mutt" Lange, won a Grammy Award in 2000 for "Best Female Country Vocal Performance."
7. "Kerosene"
Answer: Miranda Lambert
Like many country artists, this Texas girl became interested in music at an early age. Her father taught her to play guitar so she could write her own songs. Her 2003 album "Kerosene," along with the single of the same title, reached the number one spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums charts. Lambert is an accomplished songwriter, writing many of the songs that appear on her albums. "Kerosene," co-written by Lambert, tells the story of a bad breakup, a familiar theme in the world of country music.
8. "Concrete Angel"
Answer: Martina McBride
One of the top female country singers of any time, Martina McBride began her music career with the single "The Time Has Come," released in 1991. She has since crossed over into pop. The song "Concrete Angel," about child abuse, was written by Stephanie Bentley and Rob Crosby. McBride's emotional delivery brings poignancy to the song's otherwise tragic message.
9. "Coal Miner's Daughter"
Answer: Loretta Lynn
If anyone knows how to sing about heartache it's Loretta Lynn. This country music queen married at age 15, had four children by the time she was twenty, six in all, and endured the loss of her coalminer father of eight who died of black lung disease at age 52.
Her marriage to "Doolittle" Lynn was a difficult one due to his philandering and alcoholism yet he was one of her greatest supporters. As many musicians have discovered, music is a great outlet for expressing deep emotions and Loretta Lynn did just that with her list of hits including "You Ain't Woman Enough" and "Don't Come Home a Drinkin (With Lovin' on Your Mind)".
Her signature song, "Coalminer's Daughter," is a tribute to her father and her childhood.
10. "Ode to Billy Joe"
Answer: Bobbie Gentry
Anyone who remembers the sixties will remember this Grammy-Award winning ballad about the suicide of a young man and how it plays out against the ordinary routine of everyday life as seen through the eyes of the narrator. It became a huge hit for this Mississippi-born singer/songwriter, domestically and internationally.
Unfortunately, Gentry never did find the same level of commercial success as she did with that one hit single. She appeared on some variety shows of the 1970s and later toured the country, performing at various venues.
As to the mystery of why Billy Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge, even the songwriter doesn't know.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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