Introduction:
Country music in the late 1950s was a male-dominated landscape. Songs often revolved around themes of heartbreak from a man’s perspective, with female characters rarely stepping outside traditional gender roles. Then came Kitty Wells, a firecracker of a performer who challenged these norms with her powerful voice and unapologetic lyrics. In 1960, Wells released a song that would become an anthem for independent women – “Left To Right”.
Born Ellen Muriel Deason in Nashville, Tennessee in 1919, Wells possessed a rich, expressive voice that had captivated audiences since the 1930s. By the 1950s, she was a seasoned performer with a loyal following. However, the music industry remained largely closed off to strong female voices. Undeterred, Wells found an outlet for her talent with Decca Records, a label willing to take a chance on her.
“Left To Right” was written by Lorene Mann, a songwriter who understood the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The song tells the story of a woman who refuses to be a doormat in a failing relationship. The lyrics, delivered with Wells’ signature sass, depict a woman taking control of her own life. Lines like “I’m walking out that door and never coming back” and “You done lost the only good woman you ever had” resonated deeply with female listeners.
Owen Bradley, a legendary producer known for his innovative approach to country music, took the helm for “Left To Right”. Bradley’s production incorporated a driving steel guitar and a tight rhythm section, perfectly complementing Wells’ strong vocals. This dynamic arrangement provided the perfect backdrop for the song’s message of female empowerment.
“Left To Right” was a critical and commercial success. The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, a significant accomplishment for a female artist at the time. It not only challenged traditional gender roles in country music but also paved the way for other female singers to express themselves with greater freedom. Kitty Wells earned the nickname “The Queen of Country Music” for her groundbreaking work, and “Left To Right” remains a cornerstone of her legacy. The song continues to inspire generations of women to stand up for themselves and embrace their independence.
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