Kitty Wells and the Country Music Revolution
In 1952, a song called “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells rocketed to the top of the country music charts. The song, a response to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life,” was a bold and defiant statement from a female perspective in a genre that was often dominated by men.
The Song
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a country song written by J.D. Miller. The song tells the story of a woman who has been wronged by her husband and is now seeking solace in a honky tonk. The song’s lyrics are strong and unapologetic, and they resonated with many women who felt that they had been treated unfairly by their partners.
Kitty Wells
Kitty Wells was born Ellen Muriel Deason in 1919 in Nashville, Tennessee. She began her musical career in the early 1940s, and she quickly became one of the most popular female country singers of the era. Wells was known for her strong voice and her down-to-earth personality. She was also a pioneer for women in country music, and she helped to pave the way for many other female artists.
The Impact
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was a major hit for Kitty Wells, and it helped to make her a star. The song was also a significant moment in the history of country music. It was one of the first songs to challenge the traditional male perspective of the genre, and it helped to open the door for more female artists to be successful in country music.
Legacy
Kitty Wells is considered to be one of the most important figures in country music history. She was a pioneer for women in the genre, and she helped to pave the way for many other female artists. Wells was also a talented singer and songwriter, and she recorded many classic country songs. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is one of her most famous songs, and it continues to be a popular choice for country music fans today.
Other Important Information
- “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was released in 1952.
- The song was written by J.D. Miller.
- The song was produced by Paul Cohen.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
- The song was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance in 1953.
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Conclusion
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a landmark song in the history of country music. It is a powerful and defiant statement from a female perspective, and it helped to pave the way for more women to be successful in the genre. The song is also a testament to the talent and artistry of Kitty Wells, who was one of the most important figures in country music history.