Search - Melba Montgomery, Norma Jean :: First Ladies of Country

Two of Country's Greatest Female Vocalists

"Tee" | LA | 01/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Norma Jean and Melba Montgomery were two of the most highly regarded female vocalists to emerge in country music during the 1960's, both of them "pure country" singers. Neither quite had the superstar record success their talents deserved although they were on the charts well over a decade; Melba had a number one record with NO CHARGE and Norma earned two Grammy nominations. They were also quite popular with fans, especially Norma Jean who from 1964-67 was probably one of country's top five women stars thanks to both her weekly appearances on TV's PORTER WAGONER show and a string of fine RCA records.



These recordings were made during the 1980's and include remakes of their old hits, covers of country hits of the 1980's, and new songs. I like Melba Montgomery a lot but I absolutely love Norma Jean. Her honey vocals make every song her own and she can sing hits of Hank Williams or Anne Murray with equal ease. The diamond of the collection is a stunning Harlan Howard song called GOD MAY FORGIVE YOU BUT I WON'T that might have put Norma Jean back on the top had this been recorded for a major label.



12 of the tracks are by Norma Jean (songs 1-6, 12-17), the remaining 10 are by Melba Montgomery. Both ladies now past 60 are still singing their hearts out and remain in fine form; Melba has had success in recent years as a songwriter for the likes of George Strait and others and Norma Jean has been one of the leading draws on the Branson, Missouri country music scene for some time now. I'd love to hear both of them record new music but in the meantime this excellent package will more than satisfy fans of these great country singers."