60s

The world of country music was thrown into shock after an unthinkable tragedy cut short the life of one of the rising stars in the industry on March 5, 1963. Patsy Cline was known for her powerful voice and timeless hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “Walkin' After Midnight." But this remarkable rising star lost her life in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee, 62 years ago as of this month. Her untimely demise at the age of 30, alongside fellow musicians Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and pilot Randy Hughes, not only left her numerous fans in tears but also created a huge void that the entertainment world has not fully recovered from to date. Patsy Cline died while returning home from a charity concert in Kansas City Patsy Cline, c. 1956 / Everett Collection The late musician had earlier performed at a charity concert organized to support the family of a disc jockey who passed away at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City on March 4. Desperate to get back home despite unfavorable weather, she boarded a Piper PA-24 Comanche plane, piloted by her manager, Randy Hughes, who—though experienced—was not an instrument-rated pilot PATSY CLINE, receiving an award from Charlie Lamb, publisher of The Music Reporter, November 3, 1961 / Everett Collection The plane took off from Dyersburg Municipal Airport after refueling, despite several warnings from the airfield manager about the unfavorable weather. Tragically, the aircraft crashed in a forest near Camden, about 90 miles west of Nashville, killing all four passengers including, Patsy, Randy Hughes, country singer Cowboy Copas, and Grand Ole Opry star Hawkshaw Hawkins. Patsy Cline remains celebrated to date Since her death, Patsy's impact on popular culture has increased significantly over the years. She was honored with a posthumous induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame making her the first female singer to receive such recognition. Many musicians from various genres have copied her songs, and her life story has become the subject of many books and documentaries, including the 1985 movie, Sweet Dreams with Jessica Lange playing her character. SWEET DREAMS, Jessica Lange as Patsy Cline, 1985. ©TriStar Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection Also, a memorial has been unveiled at the site of her crash near Camden as a tribute to the lives lost on March 5, 1963. The site has since turned into an attraction for her fans who visit with flowers and different mementos to honor her legacy.