Patsy Cline

Born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, Virginia, Patsy Cline (September 8, 1932-March 5, 1963) defined modern country music by using her singular talent and heart?wrenching emotional depth to break down barriers of gender, class and genre.

Despite growing commercial success and a rigorous schedule, Patsy Cline continued to manage her household herself. Even as "Crazy" rocketed to the top of the charts in 1962, she balanced domestic duties like cooking, cleaning and raising her children with all of the demands of life as a performing artist.

Forced to drop out of school to earn money, Patsy Cline was an incredibly hard worker, holding several jobs as a teenager while also singing with local groups and competing in talent shows. Cline was unafraid of breaking with social norms and walked her own path, wearing men's pants and bright red lipstick.

Patsy Cline and Charlie Dick were two young, passionate musicians from working-class backgrounds. After meeting at a club, the two struck up a relationship, and it seemed like a perfect match.

At 29 years old, with a successful career and several hits climbing the charts, Patsy Cline was almost killed in a head-on car collision. Permanent scarring and chronic pain could've ended the young musician's career, but Cline refused to let it slow her down. Six weeks after the accident, still on crutches, she appeared on the Grand Ol' Opry's stage to perform her biggest hit yet: Crazy.

When Patsy Cline first signed a record deal with Four Star Records, she was paid half of the industry standard, and walked away with 2.34% minus deductions.

Some of the last songs Patsy Cline recorded, especially "Sweet Dreams," still inspire country musicians like Reba McEntire today.

When Patsy Cline began working in country music, female headliners were rare. Her tenacity and talent allowed her to overcome bias and become one of the first female solo artists in country music.

Julie Fudge, daughter of Patsy Cline, shares a story about how Cline's mother fibbed, acting as her manager, in order to get Patsy Cline onto Arthur Godfrey's CBS show to perform live.

Bill Anderson, long-time friend of Jimmy Dean, comments on the "not quite oil-and-water" relationship between Cline and Dean.

Alan Stoker talks about Patsy's gift as a singer and an artist, exploring the difference in style between live performances and studio recordings.

Filmmaker Barbara Hall comments on the making of the film, "Patsy Cline."