Female Singers of the '60s: Top 20 Greatest Artists We Love Aretha Franklin. Sitting at the top of our list of the greatest female singers of the '60s, Aretha Franklin was the real "Queen of Soul." Nina Simone. Although the nickname "The High Priestess of Soul," Nina Simone wasn't tied down by any musical genres. Etta James. Shirley Bassey. Dusty Springfield. Janis Joplin. Dionne Warwick. Joan Baez. Cass Elliot. More items Debby Boone is an American singer, actress, and author. The day after graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville. 1 single Somebody Else Is Taking My Place was released in 1942, quickly followed by Why Dont You Do Right? a year later, which sold over a million copies, spurring her to stardom. 1/10 SLIDES Circa 1955: American singer and actor Rosemary Clooney (1928 - 2002) sings and dances in a First lionized as a teen rock 'n' roll star, Brenda Lee (b. Check out the full track listing below: 1. ], Carmel by the Sea / The Man I Used to Know, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkiJgm6MWA8, When Two Worlds Collide / I Want to Be Where You're Gonna Be, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rww6Sqqzi4g, I Still Believe in Love / Life's That Way, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRnli0d-Gas, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQkm3I2BNgo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vlZjLUkd9s, Keeping Up With the Joneses / No Thanks, I Just Had One, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSphfySIfKw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9iLt8sXbu4, My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy / 'Til Death Do Us Part, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDcoKbX_zBM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o02f4ArNcWA, The French Song (Quand le soleil) / Sit Down and Write a Letter to Me, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WLFvVL2Sg. 1941) struck gold when Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson discovered her in an Ohio talent contest. Regardless, Ochs is considered one of the more gifted songwriters of his generation. Seely scored a hit Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You with fellow Opry member Jack Greene in 1969 and a solo hit Can I Sleep in Your Arms in 1973. She wouldnt be recognized for her vocals until she performed in an L.A. jazz club in early 1955. 1 that Wynette and Sherrill co-wrote, won a Grammy for best female vocal and was later installed into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Privacy Policy | Ella Fitzgerald. Garland also left a legacy and continues her fame through her films. and her frequent collaboration with David Rawlings is one of the most appreciated musical partnerships these days. He's managed to maintain a sort of cult following, bringing his soulful folk stylings to rather biting protest songs and incantations about justice and the human experience. Even though he'd been playing music his whole life, Shindell didn't start making waves in the folk world until Joan Baez picked up three of his songs for her 1997 album. Patti Page: Best known for her 1950 crossover hit, The Tennessee Waltz, Page (1927-2013) charted various other country singles through 1982, including the 1972 Top 20 duet with Tom T. Hall, Hello We're Lonely. Her recording of The Tennessee Waltz was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Beatles were arguably the greatest group of the period -- but many would say that their biggest chart rival wasn't the Rolling Stones or the Beach Boys, but the Supremes. Charts), Canadian singer Anne Murray became the first Canadian female solo artist with No. Many have even crossed over finding audiences in the pop and rock worlds, including women country singers Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and top selling female Jeannie C. Riley: Riley (b. In a career spanning six decades, she has released multiple gold albums and has won Grammy Award thrice. 27. of 50. Also a humanitarian, Cash supports many charitable organizations like Children, Incorporated, which supports young adults and children. Hits: Please Mr. Postman, Beechwood 4-5789, Dont Mess With Bill, Playboy. Kelsea Ballerini Announces Third Leg of Heartfirst Tour. However, she didn't reach No. Picture this: Youre back in the 1950s, grabbing a bite to eat at the local diner, and theres a jukebox sitting in the corner waiting for you to insert your coin and pick a song. Opry House Unfortunately, her career was cut short after only eight years. Loretta Lynn (b. Originally the group was formed with Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins, who was later replaced by Wanda Young. 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She also happens to be a beloved old country music star. See his full schedule! 100 Best Female Singers Of The '50s, '60s and '70s - Groovy The daughter of musician Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash followed in the footsteps of her father. Her singing style helped influence several artists and musical genres. Listen live to the station that made us famous: WSM, broadcasting since 1925! Afterward, in 1947, she signed with Mercury Records as their first thriving female singer. In both art and life, no other artist could hit on heartache and tragedy in quite the same way thatHank Williamsdid. It's hard to imagine that we'd still be talking about American folk music had there never been a Carter Family. 2. In 2006, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The chatter surrounding the song -- including Riley being forced to wear a miniskirt when accepting her CMA award for single of the year -- dimmed the fact that she scored several Top 10s after her glittery debut. Thanks, and welcome! Subscribe for updates, events, offers and more. Ross earned the title of Female Entertainer of the Century, given byBillboardin 1976. Her recording debut came later that year, and both that record and its successor made theBillboardHarlem Hit Parade in 1944. Nashville, Tennessee 37219. Diana Ross in 1965, photographed by Barrie Wentzell. Shirley Bassey 3. Del Wood: Wood (1920-1989) had only one chart hit -- the No. Become a member. Next: The top Soprano singers of all time. 2 on the pop charts. His early songs were brief and sharp topical songs like "I Ain't Marching Anymore" and "Draft Dodger Rag." Judy Collins was one of the artists instrumental in the peace movement of the 1960s. In the Name of Love, Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, I Hear a Symphony, You Cant Hurry Love, You Keep Me Hangin On, Love Child, Someday Well Be Together. However, Days breakthrough hit didnt come until 1955, when she starred as singer Ruth Etting in Love Me Or Leave Me., She also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and three Grammy Hall of Fame Awards for Sentimental Journey, Secret Love, and Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera).. Phil Ochs is known for writing exceptional protest songs, and he spared nobody with his sharp tongue. Mandy Moore is a popular singer, songwriter, and actress who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other hits include Crazy and I Fall to Pieces.. The oldest daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra established herself as a popular singer and actress during the 1960s and 1970s. The group dwindled to four members by the following year. Uncommonly witty, ambitious and market-savvy despite having been born dirt poor, she has built an empire that embraces performing, music publishing, recording, conventional and television movies, the Dollywood theme park in her native east Tennessee and a worldwide books-to-children charity. There are some exceptions- the work of Judy Garland. Originally called The Starlets, The New Jersey trio of The Angels first formed in 1958 and became best known for their 1963 hit My Boyfriends Back., Hits: My Boyfriends Back, I Adore Him, Til. His gritty voice and dark, dirty songs have almost a punk-rock sensibility. Joni Mitchell 11. Aside from being a master flat-picker, Doc Watson has helped inspire a number of other influential folk artists, including Bob Dylan. That year,Billboardvoted her The Most Promising Singer. Ian & Sylvia were one of the most successful folk duos of the 1960s and '70s. 2. 2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. She began her singing career at a radio station in Oklahoma, where she embraced the name, Patti Page. They were a close duo that sang together. In 1945, she and her sister won a spot on a radio station as singers. With his simple, folksy imagery and tunes inspired by his Midwest hometown, Greg Brown has become one of the most inimitable songwriters around these days. Carrie Underwood is an American singer-songwriter and one of the best female country music singers of all time. Apart from recording songs and appearing in musical theater productions, Boone also co-authors children's books. She was killed in a plane crash in 1963, along with fellow stars Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas, while returning to Nashville from a benefit concert. Navigation. Shepard was welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. Due to his innovative blend of hard rock guitars with folky, rootsy lyrics and themes, Young has become one of the most influential artists in contemporary folk-rock. Though their roots began in the San Francisco Bay area bluegrass scene, the Grateful Dead soon became one of the most prolific, popular, successful folk-rock bands. Cuts by Carl Smith would follow. 3 on the charts. She kept the stage name after performing the song Dinah for many of her auditions. In the Ken Burns PBS series on country music, producer Billy Sherrill recalls how he gave Virginia Wynette Pugh the name Tammy and how, later on, she and her former husband and singing partner George Jones interacted like wounded animals. She did not, as Sherrill promised her, make history with her first single, Apartment #9, which was released in late 1966 and rose only to No. John Gorka's literary, poetic folk songs are among some of the most well-written around these days. Multifaceted personality, Dolly Parton is a singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, author and businesswoman and is known mainly for her work in country music. Etta James 2. Lynn was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988. What list of folk music greats would be complete without a nod to Mr. Bob Dylan? In his collaboration with Portland fiddle player Tracy Grammer, the duo managed to sing and play their way into the hearts of folk fans, even in the short time before Carter's death in 2002. She was one of the most popular female folk singers in the '60s folk revival and started her own record company, Wildflower Records. Her biggest hits include Over the Rainbow, The Man That Got Away, and The Trolley Song, all of which were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This position brought her a visit from Lionel Hampton, who provided Washington with the opportunity to be the female vocalist in his band and perform at the Chicago Regal Theater. Gillian Welch is definitely one of the most respected songwriters on the scene these days. Earle's brand of country-folk protest music sets him apart from his peers. Jenningss career as a country singer started in the 1950s and 60s. One club owner was impressed enough to hire her. Dierks Bentley's 28-city musical journey will run from June through August. Also a philanthropist, Judd joined hands with Habitat for Humanity and helped raise more than $90 million to aid victims of natural disasters. And while female singers were prominent, there were almost never any women playing instruments in the band. For the latest songwriting tips, reviews, podcasts, and more. Dave Van Ronk was one of the most important figures in the Greenwich Village folk-music scene of the 1960s. But she would not return to the country rankings again until 1969, after which many hits would follow into the 1980s, such as her rendition of Kris Kristofferson's "Nobody Wins.". This is a professional review website. After beginning her career as a child singer, Holt started appearing on popular TV shows which increased her popularity. Cass Elliot 8. Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet. Kelsea Ballerini is the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as CMT Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. 1944) put one single, One Step at a Time, on the country chart in 1957. 1 in 1964. She was another one of the female vocalists of the 1950s to get a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has received various accolades and awards in her very successful singing career spanning several decades and has composed over 3,000 songs. 1 hits. Singing songs targeted toward the teen or pre-teen young women of the times, the girl groups of the 50s and 1960s covered mostly innocent subject matter like The Angels My Boyfriends Back, Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals or The Dixie Cups dream of marriage on Chapel of Love.. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line 4. Additional no. The music industry, like most occupational fields in history, had its own harmful gender roles, and the gist of it was that women were pretty singers and men were serious musicians. The Best Female Country Singers Of 2020 1. Lindsay Ell. Lindsay Ell's debut official single 'Trippin on Us' became the most added song on country music radio in 2. Miranda Lambert. Miranda Lambert became the first female artist to win the 'Album of the Year' award twice at the 3. Gabby Janis Joplin 5. Besides her father, Ardens brother, Jan, was a singer. She gained fame with her 1957 release And That Reminds Me, which sold millions and made the Top 20 pop hits chart. While the man who would later become known as The King had a hard time catching a break in Nashville, one rockabilly artist signed under the same record label would capture the hearts of country enthusiasts and rock n roll fans alike: Johnny Cash. Page attained a unique sound that most pop singers didnt adapt to in the 1950s. As a result, Franti has inspired and motivated fans, critics and fellow songwriters to action through his work. Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Chryssie Hynde, Siouxsie Sioux -- these women were creating the role of rock and roll frontwoman as they went along. Together, they created Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Song Book, the first of eight songbooks Fitzgerald recorded at Verve from 1956 to 1964. She was initially heard by agent Richie Lisella, who soon had her signed with London Records. Her album Della and song You Gave Me Love received Grammy Award nominations, and she was honored with a Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Award in 2017. She gained fame with her first hit, Sentimental Journey, which became a sort of anthem during World War II. She's managed to influence an enormous crop of folksingers, including Gillian Welch and Janis Ian. In many ways, what happened in this decade would set the stage for some of country musics biggest moments. She was one of the most popular female folk singers in the '60s folk revivaland started her own record company, Wildflower Records. He hired them both, and they hit the road, appearing in a movie short with the Pastor Orchestra and recording numerous songs, such as The Secretary Song and If I Had a Million Dollars., When Rosemary went to record Come On-A My House, Betty returned home. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Their debut album was recorded in their kitchenand went on to become a favorite among folk enthusiasts nationwide. The remaining members took an offer from Tommy Dorsey to perform with his orchestra. Brenda Lee is a singer best-known for performing country music and pop. She won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1962 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, more than 25 years after her death. The 50 best singer/songwriters, artists, and bands in the history of American folk music, from the 1940s through the 60s until today. An American actress, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, writer, and YouTuber, Jennette McCurdy is truly an inspiration to several young girls and women; despite suffering from conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia, and bulimia, McCurdy has managed to establish herself as a successful entertainer. She recorded her first single (which did not chart) when she was 12. These songbooks became her most significant and successful pieces. The women featured here are standouts in a number of genres. 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North After Webbs death, Fitzgerald took over as band leader while performing with the Benny Goodman orchestra and working on her own side project. Ernest Tubb - Waltz Across Texas 5. His first major hit, I Walk The Line, which was recorded in 1956, bridged the gap between the two genres, suggesting at his widespread appeal in the decades to follow. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers. Meanwhile, women began to carve out a space for themselves in the genre, too. Nashville, Tennessee 37214, Ryman Auditorium He proceeded to write her debut single, Once a Day, that went No. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. However, despite gender equality still being a major issue, many female vocalists of the 1950s rose to fame and made their mark in history. It almost seems like every folk artist of note came up listening to the Carter Family and learning their songs. But in the 70s, together with Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr., Jennings started the Outlaw Country Movement as an attempt to break away from the more traditional Nashville Sound. Norma Deloris Egstrom began singing professionally at the young age of 16 in 1936. In 1959, she presented her first pop single, What A Diffrence A Day Makes! to make the top 10, peaking atno. Hits: Heat Wave, Dancing in the Street, Quicksand, Nowhere to Run, Produced by Phil Spector, The Crystals has a steady run of hits from 1961 through 1964 with Hes a Rebel, Uptown, Da Doo Ron Ron, Theres No Other (Like My Baby), Then He Kissed Me, andHes Sure the Boy I Love., Hits: Da Doo Ron Ron, Then He Kissed Me, Hes a Rebel, Ellie Greenwichhad originally written Chapel of Love forThe Ronettes, but the song was ultimately recorded by The Dixie Cups and produced by Phil Spector. Emmylou Harris 14. With gospel roots, she embarked on a soul-singing career at the age of 18. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). The Weavers spun off from the earlier group the Almanac Singers, in which Pete Seeger and Lee Hays were core members. She has won more Academy of Country Music Awards than any artist. The Glories - I Stand Accused (Of Loving You) The Simon Sisters - Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod. Apart from being the most decorated female country singer, Loretta is also the only female Academy of Country Music (ACM) Artist of the Decade (the 1970s). In response, Dobbins wrote the groups biggest hit Please Mr. Postman, which reached No. After the show went off the air, Francis signed up with a record company to no immediate avail. This would also be the period when the music was battered by the advent of rock 'n' roll but would ultimately find renewed vigor through outlets as disparate as bluegrass festivals and crowd-appealing network TV shows. 13 on the Top Pop Singles chart. 9 on the U.S. singles chart and got inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. Kay Starrs aunt launched the singers career when she was only seven by making arrangements for her to sing on the radio after hearing her voice. When she settled into life as a solo artist, she popped out hits like Side by Side, The Man Upstairs, Rock and Roll Waltz, and Wheel of Fortune, which was her biggest hit, reaching no. WATCH: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley Delight Fans, Reunite for "Paisleywood" at Her Nashville Show. Although he's not a traditionalist folk singer, his music blends the tenets of folk with a more mainstream folk-pop style. Her debut albumJulie Is Her Namecame out later that year. In 1994, The Shirelles were honored with a Pioneer Award by theRhythm and Blues Foundation, which was accepted by Owens, Lee, and Coley. WebHer and Bob Regan made good music together. Doris Day was an established singer and actress. Her voice is an extraordinary soprano, and she's played everything from classic traditional songs to the work of Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs. In 1958, Frances Preston (1934-2012) was hired to head the Nashville office of BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.), a major performance rights organization that collects and distributes to songwriters and publishers royalties earned from the public use of BMI-registered songs. 5. Dionne Warwick 6. Stand By Your Man, the 1968 No. Vote for Your Favourite Female Country Singers 1 Taylor Swift Some famous Black female singers sing the blues while other top Black woman artists are pop superstars. 1 songs include Endless Love, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, and When You Tell Me That You Love Me.. The Kendall Sisters - Yea, Yea. He had a very low bass voiceand was renowned for bringing some classic African-American spirituals like "Go Down Moses" to national and international attention. Well, no -- but was there a male Aretha Franklin? Her songs have been used in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" She began her solo career in 1949, recording for a major label, Columbia Records. She also had a solo career, but it was far less prominent than her sisters. WebIf 1960s country music has now largely faded from the public memory, then 1960 country music by female performers is even more obscure. Although she passed away in 1962, Monroes stardom lives on. Women were judged on their appearance much more than their male counterparts. Patsy Cline. Carrie Underwood welcomed Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Jimmie Allen on stage for duets. James Taylor is often considered one of the most successful of the "sensitive singer/songwriters." Sandman, Lollipop, Born to Be With You. Doris Day. She influenced the future of country music. Indeed, there aren't a lot of songwriters working these days who don't feel some reverence towards his work. She caught jazz musician Barney Rapps eye after she earned her first singing gig on the radio program Carlins Carnival. She sang a notable rendition of Day After Day, leading Rapp to suggest using the last name Day as her stage name. Pictured (L-R): Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton. Music!" Leonard Cohen is one of the most distinguished songwriters in contemporary folk music. Such was her wide vocal appeal and heart-melting songs that Patsy Cline (1932-1963) achieved legendary status in the relatively short six-year period she recorded. The group released hits Baby, I Love You, (The Best Part of) Breakin Up, Walking in the Rain, and Be My Baby, all christened by Ronnie Spectors tender and tough vibrato. Some of her most famous hits include You Belong to Me, Make Love to Me, and A-Round the Corner.. Another Motown-era hit, The Marvelettes first became friends in their high-school glee club coming up in Inkster, Michigan. 1 and stayed there for a remarkable eight weeks. All came from different backgrounds but had one thing in common: much like their male counterparts their group name typically started with TheThe Ronettes, The Shirelles, The Shangri-Las, The Crystals, The Marvelettes, and dozens of other all-female groups of the era. Heartache, thy name is Tammy Wynette (1942-1998). Under the Influence, America's Sweetheart, Good Girls, Different for Girls, Wild Love are some of her other popular songs. Skeeter Davis: Davis (1931-2004) first came to public notice in 1953 as half of the Davis Sisters (although she and Betty Jack Davis were not related). Her organization MuttNation Foundation works for rehabilitation of rescue animals. It reached no. A contemporary and close friend of Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark is best known and appreciated for his deeply narrative story-songs. Speaking of proteges, Steve Earle was somewhat of a Townes Van Zandt protegeand has been known to call Townes a better songwriter than Bob Dylan. Success would come more Singing since their teens, the trio was first known as The Darling Sisters and changed their name to The Ronettes after signing toPhil SpectorsPhilles Records in 1963. 2023 Opry. Somewhere in the middle of mostly male-dominated doo-wop groups, Elvis Presley swiveling his hips and the emergence of rock and roll with the likes of Little Richard, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and a burgeoning British invasion of the 1960s, there were the women of girl groups. This earned her a slot in her best-known film, Singin In The Rain., She debuted on Broadway 20 years later in the revival of Irene. The show broke the record for the highest weekly gross of any other musical and earned Reynolds a Tony nomination. Among them were love songs, songs of praise, silly children's songs, songs about nature, and topical protest songs. Her subsequent 47 chart singles included such Top 5 hits as Then and Only Then, If I Talk to Him, Nobody But a Fool (Would Love You), Ain't Had No Lovin' and The Hurtin's All Over. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and in 1997 married Marty Stuart. Stafford signed to a label as a solo artist in 1944. 2 on theBillboardHot Country and Western Charts. But it was sufficient to earn her Grand Ole Opry membership in 1953, a niche she occupied until her death. They worked with fellow Canadian Gordon Lightfoot, and also recorded several original and traditional folk songs. Although they never again reached The Three Bells stature, they continued recording and touring until 1967. The Blossoms - Son-In-Law. In 1993, she joined Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton for the album Honky Tonk Angels. Through his haunting, intuitive songwriting skills, Harper has certainly earned his place among the best folk artists of all time. Her first hit, Walking After Midnight, came in 1957 and was followed by such standards-in-embryo as I Fall to Pieces, Crazy and She's Got You.. His own Red House Records has produced a number of successful artists like Eliza Gilkyson and others. As a writer, she has contributed immensely to publications like The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Seventeen. 1 until 1973 when she began duetting with Kenny Rogers. These classics include such semi-sermons as You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man), Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind) and Rated X. She raised the hackles of radio censors -- while delighting other women -- with The Pill, a song she didn't write but which echoed her approval of birth control pills. With their prodigious instrumental skills, the trio blended jazz, folk, rock, and bluegrass on originals and covers alike. Kelsea Ballerini will appear on Saturday Night Live this Saturday. Her most famous singles are Right or Wrong and In the Middle of a Heartache.. Emmylou has long been an advocate of social justice and has counted Joan Baez and Bob Dylan among her many influences. Any purchase that a visitor makes for a product mentioned or directed to by Music Grotto, may result in us receiving a commission.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Songs like Your Cheatin Heart and Im So Lonesome I Could Cry earned Williams the nickname of Hillbilly Shakespeare. Decades after his untimely passing at the height of his fame in 1953, Williams remains as one of the most fabled icons the genre has ever known. Utah Phillips has made it his life's work to sing the songs of the working class. Was there a female Elvis or Bob Dylan? Their first recording was titled Lets Get Together and Swing in 1936. WebHere's a playlist of Holler's Best Country Songs of the 1950s. The portrayal of the title character of television series, Hannah Montana, made her a teen idol. A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Lee is the only female performer to be inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. Shores legacy was honored with a dedicated street name in her hometown as well as a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Pop hits, country ballads, punk bangers and jazz standards, the best female singers' work is essential listening. This is dedicated to the one I love, said Coley as she accepted the award before singing The Shirelles 1964 hit Soldier Boy with Owens and Lee. Born and raised in Tennessee, Frances Shore made her debut as a singer on a Nashville radio station. The electrified panache of rockabilly artists like Elvis Presley drew criticism among purists.