Patsy Cline is an American music icon and perhaps the most accessible artist in country music history,” says Country Music Hall of Fame and museum director Kyle Young (quote via GAC). “Though she recorded for only eight years and made her last record nearly 50 years ago, her body of work — those classic torch songs and ballads of heartache — have continued to resonate with music fans of all genres.”

The Country Music Hall of Fame, a Nashville, Tenn. music landmark, is set to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late country singer with Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You, an exhibit which will open August 24, 2012 and run through June 2013. Held in the museum’s East Gallery, the exhibit will be accompanied by a series of special programs throughout its residency.

Born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, Va. on September 8, 1932, Cline, who was known as ‘Ginny’ as a child, showed a tremendous amount of talent at a young age. The young entertainer crafted her skills through talent shows and regular performance slots on local radio stations before pursuing a professional country music singing career. Cline made her national television debut in January 1957 on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts performing ‘Walkin’ After Midnight,’ which became a No. 2 country hit and reached No. 12 on the pop charts. The singer collected a total of 6 Top 10 singles in her short career, including the No. 1 country singles, ‘I Fall to Pieces’ and ‘She’s Got You.’

Cline tragically passed on March 5, 1963 after her plane crashed in Tennessee following a benefit show. Pilot Randy Hughes and fellow Opry stars Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins also died in the crush.

“Though her life was tragically cut short, her classic recordings are timeless, alive and vibrant,” says Young. “Our exhibit will not only explore Patsy’s musical contributions, but will also offer visitors a look at the woman behind the songs, the firecracker who overcame childhood hardships to emerge as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.”

Cline was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973. Click here for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Official website.

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