Virginia Patterson Hensley was born on September 8, 1932 in Winchester, Virginia. Taking on Patsy Cline as her stage name, she would go on to be one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century with a career that transcended genres. Here are six of her biggest musical hits.
“Why Can’t He Be You”
This song was written by Hank Cochran; Patsy first recorded it in September of 1962. It was released as a single that year on the A-side. It would not appear on a full album until 1967’s Patsy Cline’s Great Hits. The song would have another life again when Loretta Lynn put it on her tribute disc
I Remember Patsy.
“Always”
“Always” was originally written back in 1925 by Irving Berlin. Patsy recorded her version of the song one month prior to her passing. The song was released five years after as a single.
“He Called Me Baby”
The original version of this song was written by Harlan Howard back in 1961. Cline’s sensual take on this song really stood out and evoked the longing for someone special. It was originally cut from her 1963 album Faded Love, but was later included after her passing. It reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles.
“I Fall To Pieces”
Written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard, “I Fall To Pieces” was features on Cline’s 1961 Showcase album. It became her first number 1 hit on the country charts, as well as her second hit single to cross over to the pop charts. It is not only one of her most recognizable songs, but it is considered by some as a country music standard.
“Sweet Dreams (Of You)”
Don Gibson wrote and recorded this song in 1955. His version even hit the top ten on the Billboard charts. However, Patsy Clines’ was something different. It would be on her posthumous album Faded Love, and would become a huge crossover hit.
“Crazy”
Many other musicians covered this song but none like Patsy. Composed by the great Willie Nelson, Patsy took this song to number 2 on the country charts back in 1962. It also became her only Top Ten on the Hot 100, peaking at number 9. Willie Nelson would go on to say that Patsy’s version was his favorite.
You may also want to check out:
5 iconic hits from George Jones
Jam out to 5 of Conway Twitty’s biggest hits.
10 facts you might not know about Johnny Cash.
8 songs written by Kris Kristofferson.
10 songs to remember Charlie Daniels.
Top 10 selling country songs of all time.
Top 10 country music artists who shaped the genre, pt. 1.
Top 10 country music artists who shaped the genre, pt. 2.