Kitty Wells, born Muriel Deason, was a pioneering force in country music, earning the moniker “Queen of Country Music.” Her breakthrough hit, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” released in 1952, shattered barriers and solidified her place in music history. Before this song, female vocalists in country music were largely relegated to supporting roles or singing about domesticity. Wells boldly challenged this norm, giving voice to a perspective rarely heard in the genre.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was an answer song to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life,” which blamed women for men’s infidelity. Wells’s song flips the script, arguing that if women are straying, it’s often due to the actions of unfaithful men. The lyrics paint a picture of heartbreak and disillusionment, suggesting that societal pressures and men’s own wandering eyes contribute to the creation of the “honky tonk angels.” The song’s message resonated deeply with women who felt unheard and misrepresented.
The song’s impact was immediate and significant. Despite initial resistance from some radio stations who deemed it too controversial, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” soared to the top of the Billboard country charts, making Wells the first woman to achieve a number-one hit as a solo artist in country music. This monumental achievement paved the way for future generations of female country singers. The audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, particularly among women who connected with the song’s honest and relatable portrayal of female experience. While some male listeners criticized the song, the widespread support it garnered proved that there was a strong demand for women’s voices in country music, and that Kitty Wells had successfully tapped into a powerful sentiment. The song remains a landmark recording, not just for its musical success but also for its social and cultural impact.
