Kitty Wells is a name that resonates with the roots of country music, even if the younger generation may not immediately recognize her profound contributions. Often hailed as the “Queen of Country Music,” Kitty Wells was a trailblazer who paved the way for countless female artists in a genre that, during her time, was predominantly male-dominated.
Her iconic 1952 hit, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” not only became a chart-topping success but also broke barriers by addressing double standards in society. The song was a direct response to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life,” and it struck a chord with listeners, especially women, who resonated with its message of empowerment. Despite its initial ban from NBC for being “controversial,” the song’s undeniable popularity earned Kitty Wells an invitation to perform it live at the Grand Ole Opry—a historic moment that solidified her place in country music history.