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Patsy Cline (September 8, 1932 March 5, 1963) was part of the Nashville sound during the late 1950s and early 1960s. She successfully "crossed over" to pop music and was one of the most influential, successful, and acclaimed vocalists of the 20th century. Cline was known for her rich tone, emotionally expressive and bold contralto voice, and her role as a country music pioneer. She helped to pave the way for women as headline performers in the genre, along with Kitty Wells. She overcame poverty, a devastating automobile accident, and significant professional obstacles, and she has been cited as an inspiration by Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and other singers in diverse styles. Books, movies, documentaries, and stage plays document her life and career. Cline died at age 30 in the crash of a private airplane. Her flight crashed in heavy weather on the evening of March 5, 1963. Her recovered wristwatch had stopped at 6:20 p.m. The plane was found some 90 miles from its Nashville destination, in a forest outside Camden, Tennessee. (AP Photo)

Patsy Cline (September 8, 1932 March 5, 1963) was part of the Nashville sound during the late 1950s and early 1960s. She successfully "crossed over" to pop music and was one of the most influential, successful, and acclaimed vocalists of the 20th century. Cline was known for her rich tone, emotionally expressive and bold contralto voice, and her role as a country music pioneer. She helped to pave the way for women as headline performers in the genre, along with Kitty Wells. She overcame poverty, a devastating automobile accident, and significant professional obstacles, and she has been cited as an inspiration by Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and other singers in diverse styles. Books, movies, documentaries, and stage plays document her life and career. Cline died at age 30 in the crash of a private airplane. Her flight crashed in heavy weather on the evening of March 5, 1963. Her recovered wristwatch had stopped at 6:20 p.m. The plane was found some 90 miles from its Nashville destination, in a forest outside Camden, Tennessee. (AP Photo)

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