Country Artist courtesy of Coral Casino and sports book
Kitty Wells
Known as the Queen of Country music, and many female artist have broken her sales records, but that doesn't matter because it was Kitty who broke the mould of country music.
Born in Nashville in 1919 as Muriel Deason by the age of 14 she was playing local dances and radio shows. She married Johnny Wright in 1938 and she toured with the group which included the Tennessee Boys, it was her husband who gave her the stage name of Kitty Wells which was taken from the Carter Family song, 'Sweet Kitty Wells'.
Securing a spot on the Mid Day Merry Go Round in Knoxville, Tennessee they were soon to become one of the first stars of the new Louisiana Hayride.
However Kitty continued to play a bit part to her husband until she recorded a song for Decca which not only changed her career but opened the way for female soloist. The song was the answer song to Hank Thompsons ' Wild Side of Life' The song was 'It wasn't God who made honky angels' It was the first number one for a female country artist it also led to an immediate offer of membership on the grand ol opry.
She has recorded duets with the top names in country music including Roy Acuff, Webb Pierce. Kitty was elected to the country jmusic hall of fame in 1976.