Iconic Country Women of the 1980s

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s take a look back at some iconic country women of the 1980s.

1. Dolly Parton

Parton’s career has been extensive and impressive over the decades; however, her music was most noted in the 80s. She released her iconic hits, “9 to 5," “Save the Last Dance for Me," “Tennessee Homesick Blues," and so many other classics. Within the 80s, she reached number one on the pop and adult contemporary charts. Along with this achievement, she produced twelve top-10 hits in four years. Parton has always been a powerhouse!

2. The Judds

The Judds’ career took off in 1983 when Naomi convinced a record producer to listen to her music. Shortly after, the full-length album, Why Not Me, was released in 1984. The album sold millions of copies and The Judds became a hit. For seven years in a row, the two won ACM Top Vocal Duo. The Judds truly thrived in the 80s.

3. Rosanne Cash

Rosanne Cash is well known as Johnny Cash’s oldest daughter. Cash first began her career in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Her second album, Seven Year Ache, received many titles and awards. The title track gained number one on the Billboard Country chart. After this successful album, Cash released several top 10 singles. Cash continues to make great country music today.

4. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is a household name today, but she got her start in the early 80’s. When she started out, she did covers of other classic country songs until Polygram/Mercury Records picked her up. In 1980, McEntire formed her own band with her siblings and went on tour. After her tour flopped, she went on to sign with MCA Records. She worked with this company to produce music that satisfied what she wanted to produce. Because of this, she was awarded several titles, including Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1986. McEntire’s career is still prominent today as she continues to stay true to herself.

5. Tanya Tucker

Tucker started out as a teen star in the 1970s. During her young age in stardom, she produced a few hits; however, her career began to go downhill in the early 80s. Though she produced a few hits, she struggled for her music to be heard. She struggled after her hard-hitting breakup with Glen Campbell and decided to take a small break. After her time of rest, she signed on with Capitol Records. Because of this move, Tucker produced four top-10 hits within a year. With her hard work, she received prestigious titles, like Female Video Artist of the Year by CMT. Tucker is currently on tour with several sold-out shows.

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