Born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, Virginia, she received her first contract as a country singer in 1953 and, despite her short life, would become one of the most influential singers in history.
Her breakthrough hit was "Walkin' After Midnight" (1957), written by Don Hecht and Alan Block. She became a mainstay on the country music showcase "Grand Ole Opry" in 1960. Though she began her career recording rockabilly, it became clear that Cline's voice was best suited for pop/country crossover tunes. Some signature songs are "Crazy" (written by Willie Nelson but forever linked to Cline), "She's Got You," "I Fall To Pieces" and Sweet Dreams."
Cline died in a plane crash at Camden, Tennessee while returning from Kansas City at the age of 30, in 1963. She is interred in the Shenendoah Memorial Park cemetery, in her hometown of Winchester, Virginia.
She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6160 Hollywood Blvd.
She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973.
Further reading