Okay, I’ve written a bit about the MEN of country music, but there are quite a few talented singers/writers/performers who are WOMEN! Reba, as we all know, is a star known ALL over the world (music/film/TV), as are Shania Twain and Faith Hill. I saw Faith WAAAAY back in 1993 when she was touring w/ Alan Jackson! She had her big, long wavy hair and wore black, elegant dresses back then. Now on to two other GREAT voices (and luckily- beauties) in country…
Lorrie Morgan
Confident, glamorous, and more talented AND beautiful than BOTH Shania and Faith, Lorrie Morgan has deep, rich, powerful vocals. She was truly a classy, feminine star in ’90s country- someone who was powerful AND vulnerable at the same time. Even my “I’m not into country music” lil sis said she was cool! Her image- clothes, hair, demeanor didn’t scream out “Hey, country singer here!”so she appealed to the masses (ppl who were NOT always country fans). No padded/sequined gowns or big hair needed to accentuate her talent.
It’s TOO bad that Lorrie is known to most ppl b/c of her relationships w/ various “high profile” men (like Troy Aikmen and former congressman from TN, Fred Thompson). Wow, she could’ve had a shot at being First Lady (the hottest one) if that had lasted!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwFsjOK96BA (I Didn’t Know My Own Strength)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6h5D-Ed03E (Watch Me)
Tanya Tucker
Wow, it’s so weird to relaize that this GORGEOUS singer will turn 50 this year! She is one of my dad’s faves, and has been a success for a LONG time- a rare kid singer who grew more popular with age. Though born in TX, she spent most of her formative years in AZ (like me!) Her parents nurtured her talent; several of her songs are about the importance of a solid marriage and close family life.
Tanya’s smoky voice is truly the “voice of experience” in country music. She combines country and rock, but maintains a balance (enabling her to reach ppl who may not be HUGE fans of “traditional” country). She has her own label nowadays, and will release new stuff later this year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3SfcANH-9A (Go waaaay back in time- a v. young Tanya sings her 1st hit, Delta Dawn re: middle-aged woman who is STILL waiting for her only- looong gone- love)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUsyHVjacJ0 (Two Sparrows in a Hurricane– my dad loves this song dedicated to her parents; she looks AMAZING in this vid!!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-197v5Ioow (Little Things: a more recent song)