Kitty Wells,It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels: A Country Music Anthem

It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels: A Country Music Anthem

Kitty Wells, the “Queen of Country Music,” released her groundbreaking single “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” in 1952. This song, written by J.D. Miller, became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard country charts and revolutionizing the country music landscape.

Before “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” country music was largely dominated by male artists singing songs about heartbreak and loss from a male perspective. Wells’ song, however, flipped the script, giving a voice to women who had been wronged by their cheating husbands.

The song’s lyrics are powerful and direct, with Wells singing about how “the Wild Side of Life” and “too many times married men think they’re still single” have led to “good girls” going astray. She argues that it is not God who made “honky tonk angels,” but rather the actions of unfaithful men.

The song’s message resonated with women across the country, and it helped to change the way that female artists were portrayed in country music. Wells’ success with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” paved the way for other female country singers, such as Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, to achieve mainstream success.

Impact and Legacy

“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was not only a commercial success, but it also had a significant impact on country music. The song’s success helped to break down gender barriers in the genre and inspired a new generation of female country singers.

In addition to its impact on country music, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” has also been recognized for its cultural significance. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and was named one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine.

“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a powerful and timeless song that continues to resonate with listeners today. The song’s message of female empowerment and its catchy melody have made it a classic of country music.

Other Information

• Genre: Country
• Songwriter: J.D. Miller
• Producer: Paul Cohen
• Recorded: 1952
• Released: 1952
• B-side: “I’ll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)”
• Chart performance:
  • Billboard Hot Country Singles: #1
  • Billboard Hot 100: #22

Accolades:

• Grammy Hall of Fame (1999)
• Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” (2004)

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