Second stunning collection of tracks by female singers taking us further into the world of country music. The album features an amazing line-up of classic female country artists – Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bobbie Gentry, Kitty Wells, Wanda Jackson and many, many more.

As well as extensive sleevenotes the accompanying large outsize booklet also includes stunning photography from the Getty picture archive.

Female country artists fought hard for equal rights for women in their songs, their careers and their personal lives. Whilst groundbreaking artists such as Kitty Wells and Patsy Cline paved the way for female empowerment in the 1950s, it was in the 1960s that artists such as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn,
Jeannie C Riley and Tammy Wynette first achieved great commercial success – a moment in time coinciding with the rise of both the women’s liberation and the civil rights movements.

At the same time these female artists also broke down musical barriers and, consequently, this album showcases some of country music’s many colours. From the Nashville Sound of Patsy Cline and the Appalachian roots and authenticity of Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn through to the country soul of Diana Trask and Jody Miller, the rockabilly stylings of Wanda Jackson, the West Coast pop and rock sound of Bobby Gentry, Linda Rondstadt and Cher, as well as the often maligned crossover modern soul of Barbara Mandrell.

Here you will also find Kitty Wells – the first solo female career recording artist – singing her stunning version of Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’, joined by an all star-group of Allman Brothers alumni, as well as African-American country singer Linda Martell’s incredible version of the Winston’s 60s soul classic ‘Color Him Father’. In fact the links between country and soul music
feature throughout, and also included are songs by Aretha Franklin, Luther Ingram and more.

As well as the slipcase CD edition there is also a special edition heavyweight gatefold double vinyl edition complete with full sleeve-notes and super-loud pressing.

What the press said about ‘Country Soul Sisters Volume 1’: “This superbly presented collection of songs by female pioneers in country music is a celebration of feminism.” – The Times;

“Illuminating. Prior to any collective theoretical consensus of feminism these women were already doing it on their own terms.” – The Guardian;

“A superb compendium of honky-tonk women” – Q;

“An unsurprisingly excellent emission from the imperious Soul Jazz stable.” – Clash