'The Cline', as she is affectionately referred to, was one of country music's most prized possessions and was one of the first artists of her style to cross over to the pop music world.
Though Patsy Cline began performing from a young age, it wasn't until her performance of 'Walkin' After Midnight' on the CBS-TV show 'Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts', that the world really began to take notice. Three albums later, the leading lady is still a joy to listen to and between her impressive work ethic and her dedication to her fans, there is no doubt she shall remain sentimentally yours.
'Always... Patsy Cline' is a tribute to the legend who died at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with a fan from Houston, Louise Seger. Louise befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
Courtney Conway, who plays Patsy, gets into character ahead of the show.
Patsy, was Winchester a good town to grow up in for a girl with your interests?
We moved around a lot when I was young so it was nice to find a place to settle and really call "home". It was a friendly place, the folk there were always lookin' out for one another. Winchester was the place I first discovered my love for music, it'll always be a special place for me. My Momma used to take us to Church every Sunday, that's when I started singing. It was difficult when Daddy left in 1947, I had to help Momma with the bills and look after the younger ones so I dropped out of school and worked as a waitress for a while. Momma was a lovin' soul, we didn't see our Daddy again but we had each other so we were happy.
Your mother has always been a big part of your life, was she a role model for the woman you've become?
She was such a beautiful person, inside and out! She had it tough but she never complained, she just got stuck in and got the job done! The older I got the more I appreciated her and everything she did for us kids. She most certainly was my role model, she was my hero! I may not have been as successful in the music business without her, she was my rock and she handmade all my beautiful stage outfits. I'll be forever grateful to her.
Are you proud to have paved the road for female musicians to be headline performers?
Absolutely! Why shouldn't us women be headline performers? We can sing just as good as any man?! I'm glad I could help other women follow their dream, it's not always easy so I know they'd appreciate me being the trail blazer! I just wouldn't take no for an answer.
Are there any other rights you would like to see women have in the future?
To be honest, I'm amazed at how far women have come. As I look back to the time I grew up in and the choices women have on offer these days - what a wonderful time to be alive! People get a bit too caught up in what "women can do" and what "men can do". I say if you wanna do somethin' just go for it! Don't let anyone stop you.
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Who are your biggest influences?
When I was a little child my Momma introduced me to artists that are still my favourites today. People like Hank Williams, Judy Garland, and Shirley Temple. Goodness I'd listen to their records for hours and hours singing along with my Momma, little John and Sis.
What's Elvis Presley like?
Ahhh, The Big Hoss. That's what I liked to call him. He was a true gentleman and even more handsome in real life! We met at a fundraiser one time, it was exciting to meet him as I'd watched him perform at the Grand Ole Opry in a rare performance. He was in high demand! I often recorded with his back up group The Jordanaires. They always spoke highly of him. I really admire his music. He was another artist that paved the way for up & coming artists.
Is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge really as magical as it sounds?
Absolutely. Ya'll should go and visit Tootsies sometime, you'd love it! It's this great little spot thats always got a swingin' beat blaring out the doors and into the street. It'll always be a magical place for me. I loved catching up with the boys for a drink, they always treated me as just another member of the group, they didn't treat me much different just because I was a woman and I liked that about 'em. We would spend hours in that ol' honky tonk telling stories about our experiences in the industry, sharing jokes and ideas for songs. Quite often the boys would get a shock at some of the naughty jokes I'd share with them!
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Is there anyone you'd love to perform with?
I do wish I'd gotten the chance to sing a song with The Big Hoss (Elvis) He sure was a honey! I loved his music, he had such a beautiful voice. I hear there are many great country artists still paving the way for others these days, I wouldn't mind sharing the stage with that Keith Urban, he's got spunk! And he's got a real nice Australian accent too! He's another one of them trail blazers paving the way!
You're well-known for treating your fans like your friends, do you ever draw inspiration from their stories?
I do love my fans, they're the ones that bought all those records and supported me! So I felt like they were my friends. I'd often spend time listening to their stories, how far they'd travelled to see me and what was happening in their lives. Made me feel like I wasn't the only one that had problems and that gave me inspiration to sing with honest emotion in my songs. They understood where I was comin' from and that connection was important to me.
What's Louise Seger like?
Oh she was a doll! She was such a kind hearted lady just full of love. She was quite the character, often making me laugh! I wish we could've met up another time, we really did have a ball that time in Dallas. I'm glad we kept in touch, she was a true friend.
What can we expect from 'Always... Patsy Cline'?
Ohhhh there will be wonderful music, lots of laughs, a little cryin' and many visits to the Grand Ole Opry - one of my favourite places to sing! It really is a wonderful story and I'm so glad I've been given an opportunity to share it with ya'll. It's very entertaining so ya'll should definitely pick up some tickets, you will not be disappointed! Ya'll will be amazed at how we take a step back in time and take you with us on a beautiful musical journey that you'll be raving about to your friends and family for weeks to come! Can't wait to see you there!
Patsy Cline Tour Dates
4 August - Redland Performing Arts Centre (Queensland)From 14 September - QUT Gardens Theatre (Queensland)
30 September - Orange Civic Theatre (New South Wales)
From 23 November - Subiaco Arts Centre (Western Australia)
