I must agree with the two choices made on this thread. I first heard Jean on Dear John with Ferlin Husky, and when I was in the service in 1964, I fell in love with Connie Smith when she hit the scene with Once A Day. My prize possessions are that I have pictures with both of these ladies, and I will not ever trade them for anything.
However, I must add to this thread a third woman singer who has passed away, and in my opinion, had been overlooked as a solo artist, and that is Anita Carter. Of all the Carter Family, hers was the greatest voice, not taking away from the legacy of the Family, but she was far and away the best singer of the family.
As a non-professional, meaning not one of the famous out of Nashville, I have another favorite, and her name is Beverly Rose, of the Rose Family Band, located in Minnesota. She is among the best female singers I have ever heard, and not just because she is a friend of mine, but because she is a real talented lady, who can sing with the rest of them. At one point, she and the Rose Family band has opened shows for both Connie and Jean at the Midwest Country Theater in Sandstone, Minnesota, and at one time, was invited to join Jean on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. This has yet to be fulfilled, but given enough time, it may come to fruition.
Pardon me for touting my favorites here, but praise must be heaped upon those who deserve it.
Thanks to all the fine female singers that have graced our air waves: Jan Howard, Dolly Parton, Wanda Jackson, Rose Maddox, Donna Fargo, Jeanne Sealy, Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, Dawn Sears, Emmylou Harris, Heather Myles, Alison Krauss, and the list could go on.
Dennis
------------------
MSA S-10 Sidekick
Gorilla Amp with Digitech RP100 Processor
pedalman@msn.com
www.geocities.com/mnpedalman/index.html