Even though the current state of country radio doesn't reflect this truth, the women of the genre have always been at the forefront of what makes this genre so special. Without powerhouse vocalists like Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood, stellar songwriters like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, and incredible performers like Tanya Tucker and Miranda Lambert, country music just wouldn't be the same.
Flip through the slideshow below for an essential playlist showcasing the incredible talents of country music's most legendary women, from Kitty Wells's history-making 1952 hit "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" to modern favorites like "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood.
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