The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will pay tribute to Patsy Cline, one of the most iconic country music singers from Aug. 24, 2012 to June 10, 2013.
Entitled "PATSY CLINE: Crazy for Loving You," the exhibit will honor Cline by featuring her biography and old performance footage, her personal handwriting, costume collection and stage wear, and more.
"Patsy Cline is an American music icon and perhaps the most accessible artist in country music history," said Museum Director Kyle Young.
"Though she recorded for only eight years and made her last record nearly 50 years ago, her body of work-those classic torch songs and ballads of heartache-have continued to resonate with music fans of all genres. While she considered herself a country singer, she was equally adept at pop stylings, and was a key influence in bringing the two genres closer stylistically in the 1960s. The quintessential torch singer, she could wring every nuance of emotion from a lyric; and her prodigious vocal stylings and unique delivery have influenced scores of artists, including Loretta Lynn, Linda Ronstadt and Reba McEntire," Young continued.
Young added, "Though her life was tragically cut short, her classic recordings are timeless, alive and vibrant. Our exhibit will not only explore Patsy's musical contributions, but will also offer visitors a look at the woman behind the songs, the firecracker who overcame childhood hardships to emerge as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. We are grateful to Patsy's family and friends for sharing their mementos and memories and allowing us to tell this extraordinary tale."
Born in 1932 in Winchester, Virginia, Patsy Cline became one of the most acclaimed female vocalists of the 20th century. She died at the height of her career at age 30 in a private plane crash in 1963. In 1973, ten years after her untimely death, she became the first female solo artist to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Musicals tributes which showcased her life and music include "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline" by Dean Regan and "Always...Patsy Cline," produced by Ted Swindley.
Opening weekend events will include a Saturday's panel discussion with Cline's husband Charlie Dick and their daughter Julie Fudge. The concert will also feature Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley and singers George Hamilton IV and Jan Howard.
