American singer Patsy Cline lived from September 8, 1932, until March 5, 1963. She is regarded as one of the most important vocalists of the 20th century and was a pioneer of country music’s transition into pop music.  Cline had a number of significant hits during the course of her eight-year recording career, including two number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart.

Cline wrote a letter to the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 15 requesting an audition. She told Ralph Grubbs, a local photographer, about the letter “A friend thinks I’m insane for sending it. What are your thoughts?” Grubbs advised Cline to send it. Several weeks later, she received a letter from the Opry requesting photos and recordings. Simultaneously, gospel singer Wally Fowler headlined a concert in her hometown. Cline persuaded concertgoers to let her backstage, where she approached Fowler about an audition. Cline’s family received a call asking her to audition for the Opry after a successful audition.

She took an eight-hour drive to Nashville, Tennessee, with her mother, two siblings, and a family friend. Due to financial constraints, they drove overnight and slept in a Nashville park the next morning. The same day, Cline auditioned for Opry performer Moon Mullican. The audition went well, and Cline expected to hear back from the Opry the next day. She never received word, and the family returned to Virginia.

How did Patsy Cline die?

Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins were killed in an airplane crash near Camden, Tennessee, on March 5, 1963, along with the pilot Randy Hughes.