Ellen Muriel Deason, better known by her stage name Kitty Wells, was a pioneering female country music singer who shattered barriers and set new standards for women in the industry. Her most notable achievement came with the release of her timeless hit "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" in 1952. This iconic song not only established her as the first female country singer to top the U.S. country charts but also catapulted her to the status of the first female country superstar.
Wells' musical journey began with little success in the late 1940s when she recorded on RCA Victor. However, her fortunes took a turn for the better when she signed with Decca Records in 1952 and stepped into the recording studio for her first session. It was during this session that she laid down the legendary "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," a song that would go on to change the landscape of country music.
The genesis of the song can be traced back to the hit "The Wild Side of Life" by Hank Thompson. In a daring move, Kitty Wells decided to respond to Thompson's song with her version, penned by J. D. "Jay" Miller. This answer song was a bold statement from Wells, challenging the prevailing sentiments of the time, where women were often held responsible for men's infidelity in relationships. "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" flipped the narrative, asserting that men, too, were responsible for leading women astray.
The song's powerful lyrics and Wells' captivating voice struck a chord with the audience, propelling it to the top of Billboard magazine's country charts, where it remained for an impressive six weeks. This historic achievement made Kitty Wells the first woman ever to attain the coveted No. 1 position on the country charts as a solo act, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the male-dominated country music scene.
At the time, the NBC radio network banned the song for being "suggestive," and Wells was even denied performances on the Grand Ole Opry and NBC's "Prince Albert" radio program. Nevertheless, her fans rallied around her.
Beyond its chart-topping success, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" opened doors for other female artists in the industry. Kitty Wells' trailblazing journey paved the way for the likes of Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and many others, who found inspiration in her success and sought to break their own barriers.
Kitty Wells' legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking hit. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, she ranks as the sixth most successful female vocalist in the history of the Billboard country charts. Her influence on country music earned her the well-deserved title "Queen of Country Music."
