* Mary Francis Penick 30.12.1931 Dry Ridge, Kentucky

Skeeter Davis was one of country music's most distinctive female voices -and outspoken woman -for three decades. Skeeter began her career in 1952 as one-half of the duo, The Davis Sisters, with her friend Betty Jack Davis.

The duo racked up a Number One hit for RCA in 1953 with 'I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know' before Betty Jack's death in a car crash on August 2nd, of that year.

After a brief period of performing with Betty Jack's older sister Georgie, Skeeter struck out on a solo career, remaining with RCA Records.

Between 1958 and 1973, the singer/songwriter recorded over 60 singles and 30 albums for the label and was nominated for five Grammys.

Cashbox Magazine wisely named her its Most Promising Female Country Vocalist in 1958, after which Skeeter went on to produce hits including 'Set Him Free' (1959), I’m Falling Too' (1900), 'Where I Ought To Be' (1962) and 'The End of the World', which hit the top of both of the Country and Pop charts in 1963 to become Skeeler's first Gold record. In the 1970s she became known for her rendition of sacred songs and often appeared in the programs of televangelist Oral Roberts. She was married to Ralph Emery from 19’60 to '64, and is currently married to Joey Spampinato of the rock group, NRBQ, with whom she sometimes records. She's been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1959.

In 1993 she chronicled her life in her autobiography, Bus Fare to Kentucky; which told a story of the considerable ups (and downs) of her career

It also took many jabs at ex-husband Emery.

In 1973 werd zij geschorst van de Grand Ole Opry i.v.m. kritiek op de Nashville Police Department

Albums:

1959 -Set him free

1962 -The End of the Wold 1963 -I'm saving my Love

1964 -Gonna get along without you  now

1965 - A Dear John Letter

1967 - What does it take

1969 - I'm a lover - not a fighter

1971 – Your husband, Your wife

1985 - The Best of Skeeter Davis (LP)***

1986 - She Sings, They Play