Patsy, Kitty, or Tammy?

[GoogaMooga]

Patsy, Kitty, or Tammy?

[BARON CORNY DOG]

I love them all, but Tammy is on another dimension.

[mudshark]

Agreed. I'm sure they all suffered, but Tammy really sounds like she got a good beating just before she stumbled to the microphone.

[Muskrat]

You played me by adding two more names to the choices. Of the three in the subject line, Tammy by miles -- voice and material. Patsy would follow, with Kitty bringing up the end -- I never could get into her voice, though of course I realize she was probably the most significant of the three.

But then you added Dolly. No contest. Not even remotely.

[GoogaMooga]

Yes, Dolly and Loretta were an afterthought. Dolly I'd rank third, before Kitty Wells.

1. Patsy
2. Tammy
3. Dolly
4. Kitty
5. Loretta

[jimboo]

Dolly is a giant in music never mind just country.
She is country musics dylan.

[BARON CORNY DOG]

I like the fact that Dolly Parton has become a National Treasure and is getting respect that she deserves, and I would have loved to have seen one of her shows. But generally, her records and singing do not interest me.

Sticking with the gender ghetto, I see Tammy as the female analog of George Jones. The great voice of country music. I could be wrong, but they are simply great singers and are somewhat at the mercy of their producers. Others brought more to the game as writers or people who exercised some agency over their records (and also were great singers), but there are no other voices I'd rather hear than Tammy (and George).

[Brickyard Jack]

Loretta for me.
I have a soft spot for Emmylou Harris, but would not think she is the queen.
Wynona Judd could have a shout,
Taylor Swift isn't really country.

[mudshark]

Emmylou is not on the list so I didn't mention her. But now that you do: she may be one of the most important torchbearers for the "Americana". I just don't think she fits in the same mould as the nominees.

[GoogaMooga]

Emmylou is not on the list so I didn't mention her. But now that you do: she may be one of the most important torchbearers for the "Americana". I just don't think she fits in the same mould as the nominees.

I agree. That's also why I left her out.

[Muskrat]

Emmylou is not on the list so I didn't mention her. But now that you do: she may be one of the most important torchbearers for the "Americana". I just don't think she fits in the same mould as the nominees.

Love her to death and have the greatest respect for her, but Emmylou is and always will be a folkie, no matter where she sources her material.

Incidentally, Tammy was involved in writing some of her best songs. To what degree, I can’t say.

[BARON CORNY DOG]

Incidentally, Tammy was involved in writing some of her best songs. To what degree, I can’t say.

Then she's even more amazing than I thought!

I've been filling in the gaps in my 70s George & Tammy vinyl in anticipation of the new season of Cocaine & Rhinestones, which I expect will cause these records to become even more overpriced than they are. I'm looking forward to digging further into her discography, beyond the first handful of LPs she released (which is basically what I have).

[pcqgod]

If I pick my favorite of these, I'd have to say Loretta. But Tammy was the Queen.

[Jeff K]

Dolly first and then followed by Tammy, Loretto, Patsy and Kitty.

All of them great.

[Muskrat]

It’s just a hype thing, of course, but country singers used to have all-but trademarked names. Loretta was the Coal Miner’s Daughter, Conway was The Best Friend a Sing Ever Had, etc. (wish I could remember more).
To a point where where on The Hollywood Squares, Glen Campbell answered “who is known as the Queen of Country Music?” properly with “Kitty Wells.”
He lost: The show’s writers had it as Loretta Lynn. I practically threw my shoe at the screen.

[BARON CORNY DOG]

The Singing Sheriff!!

[Muskrat]

The Singing Sheriff!!

Faron Young ain’t a filly.
Maybe you’re thinking of Marshall Chapman?