A Field Guide to the Mediated Legacy of Patsy Cline
While Patsy Cline was only 30 years old when she left this world, she left behind a legacy and repertoire of music that will never be forgotten. She will forever be remembered as a young lady with a feisty attitude and amazing voice that paved the road for women as headline country musicians. Patsy Cline cultivated a fan base that has carried her musical works throughout generations. She helped pioneer the country music industry and will forever be remembered.
In my field guide I would like to explore how Patsy Cline’s life has manifest as a legacy. Through the use of the media Patsy left behind such as records, video, pictures and letters, paired with the secondary accounts of her life in books, movies, documentaries, biographies, Broadway musicals, etc. to explore the amazing legacy left behind.
Patsy’s Contribution to Her Legacy
Patsy Cline left behind an art world that people have come to enjoy and explore to this day. Her recordings, television appearances, hand written letters, costumes and pictures leave behind a legacy that is impossible to forget.
RECORDINGS-
During her recording career, 1955-1963, Patsy Cline recorded 102 songs resulting in 4 albums, one album with 4 Star Records and two albums with Decca Records. She recorded honky-tonk, bluegrass, gospel, country music and what was eventually named pop.
*Include list of albums and examples of top hits
TELEVISION APPEARANCES
In addition to the songs Patsy Cline recorded during her life, some of the most famous pieces of media Patsy left behind are the live performances given on television shows. She is most famously known for her appearances on the Grand Ole Opry but also appeared on shows such as the Arthur Godfrey Show, Ozark Jubilee, Country Jubilee, Glen Reeves TV Special and many more.
*Include YouTube links to videos of TV performances
LETTERS
During her time on the road and performing she developed fans and fan clubs that she was in contact with regularly. She was very diligent about writing letters and providing information to her fan clubs. There are books dedicated to her letters written to fans including Treva Miller, Louise Seger and countless others.
*Insert copies of letters and the book-Love Always, Patsy Cline
COSTUMES AND PICTURES
In the beginning of Patsy’s career she was known for her elaborate cowgirl dresses, which she designed and her mother hand made. Later in her career she wore evening gowns and dressy outfits to fit the time. She is a great icon to watch move from 50s country to 60s glam. There are countless pictures and videos of Patsy performing in these outfits that are pieces of what she left behind. Many of her costumes and outfits are displayed in Patsy Cline exhibits that tour the United States.
Secondary Contributions to the Legacy of Patsy Cline
Since Patsy Cline’s death in 1963, her songs and story have attracted people to recount her life and build upon her legacy. Everything from biographies, movies, documentaries, dedications and Broadway musicals have been used to remember the life and legacy of Patsy Cline.
BIOGRAPHIES
Patsy Cline’s life has been recounted in biographies that range from short videos, books and collections. I hope to explore the many accounts of her life and find similarites and differences.
MOVIES
The two most famous moves that Patsy Cline is known for is Coal Miner’s Daughter which is actually about Loretta Lynn, with Patsy being referenced as being one of her most influential mentors and Sweet Dreams which is a biographical ‘Hollywood’ version of Patsy’s life, played by Jessica Lang. There is much contest from friends and family of Patsy of the exaggerations and fictional elements of the Sweet Dreams storyline.
DOCUMENTARIES
The documentaries of Patsy Cline’s life are some of my favorite media sources building the legacy of Patsy Cline. They all have friends and family of Patsy speaking about her life and about their interactions with Patsy. She was so well known for her unusual, for the time, personality. She made great friends and left behind family members that help bring Patsy back to life for just a blip in time.
MUSICALS
Two musicals have been written about the life of Patsy Cline, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline and Always…Patsy Cline. The first of the two, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is a biographical account of Patsy’s life before and after fame. Always…Patsy Cline is about the relationship she built with one of her most famous fans and how their friendship developed.
DEDICATIONS
Since Patsy’s death her legacy goes on and is represented through numerous inductions and dedications. To name a few:
Country Music Hall of Fame-First solo female inducted
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Grammy Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award
United States Postal Stamps dedicated to Patsy Cline
Resources
http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-patsy-cline-collection-mca-mw0000269114
-102 songs, album information
http://patsyclinediscography.com/film.php
List of television performances
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Always-Patsy-Clines-Letters/dp/042517168X
Book w/ letters from Patsy to fan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patsy_Cline
Biographical information
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915608111/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687582&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0306808862&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SXR1YXZCB384ZTY8JK4
Book with great pictures and biographical information
http://www.walkwithpatsycline.com/
http://alwayspatsycline.net/
Musicals
http://www.patsified.com/awards.html
Awards and achievements