Connie Smith

Smith, who has often been compared vocally to the late great Patsy Cline, was one of the most successful female country artists of the 1960s and early '70s. She is a prime example of the Nashville Sound, and many of her records were produced by Nashville Sound architect Chet Atkins. Her first record went to No. 1 in the country charts, and she stayed near the top for most of the '60s. When her star began to fade somewhat, she launched a new and successful career as a Gospel singer.