Tammy Wynette

(May 5, 1942 - April 6, 1998)

Although she born in the small town of Tremont in Itawamba County, Mississippi, Tammy Wynette – the future “First Lady of Country Music” – spent much of her childhood in Red Bay. Amid the drudgery of farm work, young “Nettie” (as she was called by her family and friends) taught herself to play the guitar, served as pianist at her church, sang in school programs and dreamed of becoming a star on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1967, she moved to Nashville and auditioned for Epic Records producer Billy Sherrill, an Alabama native who signed her after an impromptu audition. She immediately cut a hit and her winning streak extended into the mid-’70s with hits such as He Loves Me All the Way, Good Lovin’ (Makes It Right) and Woman to Woman. She had a brief, stormy marriage to George Jones (1969-1975) and during that time they produced many successful duets including The Ceremony and Two Story House.

Wynette died in her sleep of a pulmonary blood clot at the age of 55. Her career achievements included 21 country hits and three County Music Association awards for female vocalist. She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame shortly after her death.

1993 Inductee Alabama Music Hall of Fame (Lifework Award)

Source: Alabama Music Hall of Fame

For more information:
www.alamhof.org