Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You
August 24, 2012 - June 10, 2013
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum pays tribute to one of country music's most iconic artists, the inimitable Patsy Cline, with Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You, a biographical exhibit is open for a 10-month run in the museum's East Gallery through June 10, 2013.
Employing costumes, personal possessions, vintage photographs, correspondence, career-spanning audio and video and more, Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You explores the life and impact of this incomparable artist. The exhibition lets Cline tell her story largely in her own words, and its narrative draws extensively from the many letters Cline wrote to her family and her first fan club president, Treva Miller. The correspondence offers a wealth of information about Cline's background, touring and recording activities, and the challenges of balancing life as a performer with her roles as wife and mother.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a powerful and moving film, created by museum staff, that includes new interviews with four Country Music Hall of Fame members-Harold Bradley, Brenda Lee, Willie Nelson and the Jordanaires' Ray Walker-each of whom knew and worked with Cline; archival performance footage; and audio clips from Owen Bradley's original three-track recordings of some of Patsy's greatest performances. For the first time, the public will be able to hear Cline's spine-tingling vocals, isolated without instrumental accompaniment, on "Crazy," "Sweet Dreams" and other classics.
These video outtakes come from interviews conducted for the exhibit Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You. They contain wonderful stories and insights too valuable to leave on the cutting-room floor.
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Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline not only were friends, they also shared a producer: the legendary Owen Bradley. Here, Lee talks about Bradley's success with the female artists he produced. |
In this clip, Brenda Lee speaks of Patsy |
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Harold Bradley played guitar on most of Patsy Cline's recordings. Here, he speaks about the invaluable contributions that great musicians make to a record, and the power of Cline's recording of "Crazy." |
Guitarist Harold Bradley is the brother of Bradley, Patsy Cline's producer. Owen was key to Cline’s sound—and her success. Here, Harold talks about Owen's recording style and the talent and skill with which the session musicians created and executed their parts. |
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Willie Nelson wrote “Crazy,” one of Patsy Cline'smost enduring hits. Here, he recounts how he first presented the song to her. |
In this clip, Willie Nelson muses on Patsy Cline's place in the pantheon of country music greats. |
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As a member of Nashville’s premier background vocal group, the Jordanaires, Ray Walker sang on many of Patsy Cline's recordings. Here, he recalls how Cline reacted to having a hit single. |
Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You Upcoming Program Schedule
All programs are included with museum admission and free to museum members, except as noted below.
Saturday, August 25 11:00 a.m.
Panel Discussion: I've Got Your Memory: Family and Friends Remember Patsy Cline
Those who knew Cline as a wife, mother, friend, and musical collaborator will share memories of her. Panelists include Cline's husband, Charlie Dick, and daughter, Julie Fudge; Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley, who played bass guitar on many of Cline's records; and singers George Hamilton IV and Jan Howard, personal friends of Cline who often shared the stage with her. This discussion will be illustrated with vintage photographs, film footage and recordings. Streamed live on www.countrymusichalloffame.org. Limited seating. Program pass required.
Saturday, August 25 3:00 p.m.
Concert: Sweet Dreams of You: A Musical Tribute to Patsy Cline
Hear the classic songs of Patsy Cline performed by a cast of singers who revere her. Performers include singer-songwriter Jessi Alexander, Mandy Barnett, star of the musical Always...Patsy Cline, duo Striking Matches and singer Emily West. The house band will be led by Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley on tic-tac bass, and will also include Brad Albin on bass, Jimmy Capps on guitar, Bob Mater on drums and Jeff Taylor on keyboard. Streamed live on www.countrymusichalloffame.org. Limited seating. Program pass required.
Sunday, August 26 2:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Patsy Cline: Sweet Dreams Still (2005)
This documentary explores the magic of Cline's brief career and features many classic hits and her first televised performance. Archival footage of songs such as "I Fall to Pieces," "Walkin' After Midnight" and "Crazy" is put into context by journalist Robert K. Oermann. 55 minutes. Free.
Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You will be accompanied by an ongoing series of programs throughout the exhibit's run.
Click here to read the press release about this exhibit.
