Crystal Gayle

At 73 years old, Crystal Gayle has this physical status:

Crystal Gayle (born Brenda Gail Webb; January 9, 1951) is an American country music performer.

Gayle began her singing in the 1970s, most notably Loretta Lynn, who appeared in the background of her siblings' bands.

Lynn was one of her sister's first two years with Decca Records, where she had minor success.

Gayle signed a new recording deal with United Artists Records in 1974, being encouraged by Lynn to craft her own musical identity.

Allen Reynolds' collaboration brought her music closer to a country pop style.

"Wrong Road Again" was Gayle's first big hit in 1975.

However, Gayle's greatest success with the single "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" was in 1977.

The song debuted on the Billboard country chart, made it to the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, and became a big international hit. Gayle's success grew from the late 1970s to the late 1980s.

"Ready for the Times to Get Better" (1977), "Talking in Your Sleep" (1978), "You and I" (1982), and "The Sound of Goodbye" (1984).

Gayle worked with Tom Waits on the soundtrack for Francis Ford Coppola's film One from the Heart in 1982.

She and Gary Morris produced the theme song for Another World in the mid 1980s and appeared in many of the show's episodes.

Gayle evolved artistically by recording various genres of music in the 1990s.

This collection included an album of inspirational music called Someday (1995) as well as an album of standards named Crystal Gayle Sings the Heart and Soul of Hoagy Carmichael (1999).

"Crystal's Fine Gifts and Jewelry" was also owned and operated by the narrator during the decade.

Gayle's last studio album was released in 2003, and she has continued to tour around the world. Gayle has received one Grammy Award and has been nominated for numerous others since the 1970s.

She has also been named in five Academy of Country Music Awards, among which have been named the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2016.

In addition, she has been recognized for two Country Music Association awards and three American Music Awards.

Rolling Stone ranked her among the top 100 best country artists of all time, and CMT ranked her among the top women of country music in the top 40 artists of all time.

Gayle is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted as a member of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.

Early life

Brenda Gail Webb was born in Paintsville, Kentucky, and Gayle was born. Clara Marie "Clary" Webb, her last of eight children born to Clara Marie "Clary" (née Ramey; May 5, 1912 – November 24, 1981) and Melvin Theodore "Ted" Webb (June 6, 1906 – February 22, 1959) She was the last of eight children born to Clara Marie "Clary" Webb (June 6, 1906 – February 22, 1959). Gayle was the only child born at the Paintsville hospital, not at home, unlike Loretta and her siblings. Gayle is a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless, who has a matriline. Gayle and her siblings identify as members of the Irish and Cherokee tribe, but they are not registered with any Native tribe. Gayle's father was a coal miner with black lung disease. The family moved to Wabash, Indiana, when Gayle was four years old, in search of better medical care. Clara Webb worked as a nurse's aide in a retired miner's neighborhood, and they loved it. Ted Webb died after suffering from a stroke in 1959. Gayle was a child at the age of eighteen and was always interested in singing. She described that she could sing before she could walk. The family's new home in Wabash was in a suburban setting. She was exposed to a multitude of cultural traditions and customs, in turn, to a variety of styles of music. She sang along to songs she heard on the radio and was inspired by Loretta Lynn's music.

Gayle's musical interests were influenced even more in her teenage years. She began singing in church, performed folk songs, and made demonstration tapes. She started touring in high school during the summers with Lynn's encouragement. Gayle appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in replacement of her sister who had been sick. She debuted in high school in 1970 and signed Decca Records, her sister's company. Gayle's first name, "Brenda," was replaced by the brand when signing with Decca. Brenda Lee was actually signed to Decca at the time, contributing to the conflict. Lynn saw a sign for the Krystal fast-food restaurant shortly afterwards and told Gayle, "That's your name." Crystals are brilliant and shiny, like you." She then changed her name to "Crystal Gayle," with "Gayle" removed from her middle name (Gail).

Personal life

Gayle and her siblings have traced to Cherokee roots both maternal and paternal. In October 2001, she was inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in honor of her Cherokee ties.

Gayle has remained close to her seven siblings since childhood. She toured with her brother, Jay Lee Webb, before signing a recording deal. A cover of Webb's "You Never Were Mine" is included on her 2019 studio album. Gayle wished she had "done it a long time ago" in an interview with Rolling Stone because they spent a lot of time touring together. In addition, Peggy Sue, our elder sister, has been an active participant of Gayle's road show for many years. Peggy Sue does background vocals on Gayle's show and also does her own solo work.

Gayle was also close to her oldest sister Loretta Lynn. The pair's "sibling rivalry" had been reported by music writers and journalists, according to music journalists and journalists. Lynn explained in an interview with People that such a rivalry did not exist: "People try to make it seem like we do," she said, but it's all in their minds...We fight a little bit, but that's just sisters." We'll never argue over the music industry." "Of course, we're sisters," Gayle said in a 2017 interview. We can debate, but we don't have a problem. You know, I look up to my sister's. We all have flaws in different ways, but we're not going to tell what they are. Well, I mean, we love each other."

Gayle has been married to Bill Gatzimos since 1971. The couple first met in high school, and although Gayle was signed to United Artists Records, Gatzimos attended law school at Vanderbilt University. Gatzimos became Gayle's boss and has since been president of Gayle Enterprises, a law firm. According to Gayle, their marriage has been fruitful because the couple pursues their "own interests" and allows each other to "breathe." Catherine (born 1983) and Christos (born 1986). Gayle's uncle is now a record producer and co-produced her 2019 album.

Gayle's first child was born in a house where she continued working regularly. "I remember going offstage and breast-feeding and then doing another show," she said in 2003. Gayle stayed home with the children when the couple had their second child. Elijah and Björn are also interested in two grandchildren. In a 2011 interview, Gayle talked about her love for grandchildren, saying, "Holidays are so amazing with Elijah." We make cookies, which is fantastic because I never had a chance to do this with my own children. If I'm not around him, I'm pulled, and I want to be. He's just a bright spot that you should be able to see all the time. He loves life."

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Career

Since signing with Decca Records, Gayle was first managed by Oliver Lynn (Loretta Lynn's husband). Routine appearances on Jim Ed Brown's television show The Country Palace were among her first professional appearances. Gayle performed original songs by Loretta Lynn, including "Sparklin' Look of Love" and "Mama, It's Different This Time," on the program. "I've Cried (The Blue Right Out of My Eyes)" was her debut single in 1970. The song was also written by Lynn and debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, ranked at number 40. "Everybody Oughta Cry" (1972) and "I Hope You're Havin' Better Luck Than Me" (1972) were followed by other singles on the country songs chart: "Everybody Oughta Cry" (1972) and "I Hope You're Havin's Better Luck Than Me" (1972). Gayle's career slowed during his time as a member of the Decca label. This was due to the fact that Gayle wanted to perform in the same way as her sister. AllMusic's Steve Huey slammed her early singles, calling them "little Loretta records." Gayle was "probably stigmatized" for being Loretta Lynn's sibling, according to writers Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann. Gayle reflected on the experience in a Forbes interview in 2019. "It didn't take me long to understand that I was only there because I was Loretta's sister" was the case. Lynn gave Gayle's advice during this period, which prompted her to reimagine her musical styles. "Queil singing my songs...We have one Loretta Lynn and we don't need another." Gayle was inspired by the talk that led to his departure from Decca in 1974.

In 1974, Gayle signed a new recording deal with United Artists Records. Her musical style changed under producer Allen Reynolds' direction. Reynolds (who had recent success with Don Williams) encouraged Gayle to record in a more mellower style. He also helped her music be seen in front of a broader audience. "Respectless" was Gayle's first United Artists single released in 1974. The song was described as "assertive" and "sexy" by Mary Bufwack and Robert Oermann. On the Billboard country songs chart, the album debuted at number 39. Gayle's self-titled debut album was released last year, debuting at number 25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. With "Wrong Road Again," Allen Reynolds' first top ten hit on the country chart the year before, she had her first top ten hit on the country chart. "This Is My Year for Mexico" (1975) and "Beyond You" (1975) were minor hits on the singles. Gayle and her partner, Bill Gatzimos, co-wrote the latter song. She released her second studio album Somebody Loves You for her second top ten hit: the title track.

Gayle's move toward country pop was received better than her earlier recordings with Decca. Kurt Wolff of Country Music: The Rough Guide praised the new style, describing it as a "pleasant, straightforward blend of country-folk blend," a close cousin of Emmylou Harris's "easygoing style of country-folk blend. Collin Larkin, an encyclopedic writer, said her new music attempt would have the same "easygoing charm" of Don Williams' records. Allen Reynolds' "gentle rhythm performances" were lauded by Oermann and Bufwack, who praised Allen Reynolds' new style as "ear-catching."

Reynolds had little time to write a piece about Gayle. Rather, he arranged for songwriters Bob McDill and Richard Leigh to assist in composing music. When Gayle's first number one hit on the country charts in 1976 with "I'll Get Over You," she wrote by Leigh, it was fruitful. "You Never Miss a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye)" was followed by a second number 1 hit, "You Never Forget a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye)" and the number two hit, "I'll Do It All Over Again," followed. Crystal, her third studio album, was released in 1976, peaking at number seven on the Top Country Albums chart.

Gayle was expected to have crossover pop success if the right songs were discovered, according to producer Allen Reynolds. Richard Leigh had written a song titled "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" in 1977. Shirley Bassey, a British singer, had the song intended for her. "You're not sending the song anywhere," Reynolds said to Leigh after hearing the song. Gayle achieved the track in a single take. In 1977, "Don't Make My Brown Eyes Blue" became a hit on the Billboard country songs chart and then fell to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard country songs chart and climbing to number two. It became a hit in many countries, including the United Kingdom, where it landed at the number 5 position. Music critics and fans have praised "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" since its debut. It has also been regarded as their signature tune. "She never emphasized it too much, nor were her vocals cloying," AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine said.

We Must Believe in Magic, Gayle's fourth studio album, was also released in 1977. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard country albums chart and at number 12 on the Billboard 200. Since its inception, Magic must have received raves. AllMusic rated the album 3.5 out of 5 stars. "Grade A" rating was given to My Kind of Country's Paul Dennis, describing it as "an eclectic mix of pop hits to rock'n't roll hits to songs by modern country songsmiths," the album's "unique collection of songs ranging from pop hits to rock 'n' roll hits." We Must Believe in Magic is the first album by a female country artist to be recognized platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America. Gayle received the Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance for "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" in 1978, when Leigh received a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance.

When I Dream was released in 1978, she became the fifth studio album to debut, gaining number 2 on the country albums chart. The album debuted at number 52 on the Billboard 200 and was rated platinum by the Royal Institute of British Architects. When I Dream also received glowing reviews, winning 3 out of five stars from AllMusic and another "Grade A" rating from My Kind of Country, giving me 3 out of five stars. "Talking in Your Sleep," Roger Cook-penned "Talking in Your Sleep" was the site's top single. On the Hot 100, it became the first country single and then moved to number 18. Gayle's second international success, peaking at number 11 in the United Kingdom, "Talking in Your Sleep" became Gayle's second international hit, and it reached their second peak. The album also featured hits such as "Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For" and the title track. Gayle had been named "Female Vocalist of the Year" by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association by the end of 1978. We Should Be Together (1979), her sixth studio album before being released on the United Artists label, was released. It featured two major hits: "Your Kisses Will" and "Your Old Cold Shoulder."

Gayle migrated to Columbia Records in 1979, bringing Reynolds with her. Gayle began recording more cover versions of songs under Columbia. Music critics lauded her for her "versatile" decision. Miss the Mississippi was her seventh studio album and was released in 1979. It included three major hits, including "Half the Way," the third crossover pop hit. Miss the Mississippi ranked third on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, ranking 36 on the Billboard 200 and awarded gold in revenues from the RIAA. These Days (1980) Gayle's eighth studio album The Days (1980) debuted two new No. 1 singles on the country's chart: "If You Ever Change Your Mind" and "Too Many Lovers." Gayle's ninth studio album Hollywood, Tennessee debuted at number five on the country albums chart in 1981 and at number 99 on the Billboard 200. Despite being profitable, the company received mixed critical feedback. Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann said the album "symbolized her uptown inspirations," and AllMusic's Jason Ankeny gave the album only 2.5 out of 5 stars. On the Billboard country songs chart, Hollywood, Tennessee produced three major hits. "The Woman in Me" was the crossover hit and "Life in These Troubled Times" was the social awareness tune.

In addition to Gayle's music, she made more appearances outside of the Nashville establishment. Crystal and the Crystal Gayle Special were two prime time television specials among many of which were broadcast: Crystal and the Crystal Gayle Special. Both shows were broadcast on CBS and were lauded by the public. On the Road to China, Gayle would also appear with Bob Hope on his 1979 television special on the Road to China. Gayle and Hope performed on the Great Wall of China as part of the special. Gayle was the first artist to film a performance on the Great Wall as a member of the Special.

Gayle appeared on the soundtrack of Francis Ford Coppola's film One from the Heart in 1982. Bette Midler was chosen for the project in the beginning, but Midler couldn't make it fit into her schedule. Columbia Records delayed the recording of At first due to a dispute with Coppola's Zoetrope Studios. The soundtrack received rave reviews when it was released. AllMusic's Thom Jurek called the album "one of the most beautifully wrought soundtrack collaborations in history." It was "a dreamy sequence of duets with Crystal Gayle that drift in and out of the film," Rolling Stone's Steve Pond called it "a dreamy sequence of duets with Crystal Gayle that float in and out of the film, comment on the situation, and provide some critical transitions."

Gayle moved from Columbia to Elektra Records in 1982, which would later merge with Warner Bros. "You and I" was one of Eddie Rabbitt's first recordings. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard country singles chart, and it became her second top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100. True Love, Gayle's first studio album with Elektra, will also be released in 1982. Allen Reynolds first recorded it when it was delivered to Jimmy Bowen (Elektra's division head) and he said it "rocket too much." Bowen also recorded three additional songs for the album due to these reasons. The album will have a mixed reception. Despite the use of "tougher methods," Billboard Magazine's first review recognized Gayle's vocals. Gayle's success was lauded by AllMusic's Tom Roland, particularly on the tracks "Our Love Is on the Faultline" and "Deeper Than the Fire." Roland also slammed the production conditions Bowen arranged for. True Love produced three singles that all reached the top of the Billboard country charts: "Our Love Is on the Faultine," "Baby, What About You" and "Is It Gain Control Again" were three singles that all reached the top of the Billboard charts: "Our Love Is on the Faultine," "We're on the Faultine," "Baby, What About You."

Gayle's next album, Cage the Songbird, was released in 1983. It was the first time Jimmy Bowen had the ability to produce completely by Jimmy Bowen. The Songbird debuted at number 5 on the Top Country Albums chart and at number 171 on the Billboard 200. The crossover hits "The Sound of Goodbye" and "Turning Away" were among its singles. In 1985 and 1986, Gayle took more hits from her new studio appearances. "Straight to the Heart" (1986) and "Cry" (1986) were two of the top hits among them. The latter was a song that was originally released by Johnnie Ray. She would also perform the theme song for the television show Masquerade in 1983. She appeared in 1984 as she appeared on "Tell Me What Can I Do" in Hong Kong, but the result was largely unknown due to a lack of promotional funding.

Gayle collaborated with country artist Gary Morris on a string of duets between 1985 and 1987. "Makin' Up for Lost Time" was the first of the two books. In 1986, the song debuted at number one on the Billboard country charts. The CBS television series "Makin' Up for Lost Time" was also used as the theme song for the Dallas, "Makin' Up for Lost Time." The pair also produced the theme song for Another World. The theme song, "Another World," debuted on the charts, and it became a top-ten hit. Gayle will appear in the program as herself. In 1986, the two couples would release What If We Fall in Love, Their collaborative studio album. In September 1987, the album debuted at number 25 on the Billboard country albums chart. Gayle's last album of the decade was released in 1988. Nobody's Angel was released on the album, with two minor hits, including the single "Tennessee Nights."

Gayle opened "Crystal's Fine Gifts and Jewelry" in Nashville in 1987. Various European artisans' jewelry and stones were on sale in the shop. Various types of crystals were also available in the shop. Gayle's 1994 interview revealed that "the little shop grew into a much larger store, and it takes a lot of work." We have a lot of fun with it," the author writes. In 2008, the store officially closed.

Gayle signed a new recording contract with Capitol Records in 1990 and reunited with producer Allen Reynolds. Ain't Gonna Worry's seventeenth studio album came out the same year. Bill Carpenter of AllMusic rated the album 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "an excellent collection of country pop." Various singles were born off the album, beginning with "Just an Old Love." Billboard's first inspection gave it a positive response, lauding Reynolds' production style. It's third album, "Never Ending Song of Love," will be Gayle's last charting single to date, peaking at number 72 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Three Good Reasons, her eighteenth studio album, was released in 1992. Buzz Stone produced the album. A music video was inspired by the album's lead single of the same name. "The film, which alternates between scenes of Gayle and her frenzing tresses with sparsely staged images of a single mother and her two children, is the kind of heartfelt, yet strong assertion that Gayle has parlayed to major success in the past," Bill Kohlhaase of the Los Angeles Times said. The album was also rated 3 out of 5 stars by AllMusic.

Gayle began recording material for smaller brands and launching exclusive projects in the 1990s. Branson Entertainment Group was her first small company, where she released an album of re-recorded hits titled Best Always. She signed with Intersound Records in 1995 and released a pair of gospel studio albums. The first was 1995's Anyday, which she co-produced with Bobby Wood. A song that was shot in Greece was included on the album's first single. "There are songs in there that have obviously you've lived," she said in a 1995 interview. The title track is a song that a lot of people could definitely relate to because of the way it's written." Joy & Inspiration was her second gospel collection, released in 1997.

Gayle widened her musical aspirations at the start of the new millennium. Crystal Gayle Sings the Heart and Soul of Hoagy Carmichael's 1999 release of an album of jazz and American Standards. It was in honor of Hoagy Carmichael, with whom Gayle worked shortly before his death in the early 1980s. "Stardust" and "Georgia on My Mind" were among his songs that were featured on his album. In his review of Heart and Soul, AllMusic's Thom Jurek awarded the four out of five stars. "A stunning set, one that reaffirms Gayle's artistry, but also one that gives the first truly new hearing of Carmichael in at least a decade," Jurek said. Billboard Magazine praised lead single "Two Sleepy People" (a duet with Willie Nelson) for being "sweet" and "playful." In 2000, she released In My Arms, a children's music compilation. All My Tomorrows, her second album of American standards, was released in 2003. "Gayle's singing exudes directness and subtlety," Robert Daniels of Variety wrote a positive note, adding: "Gayle's singing exudes directness and subtlety." There are no flashy or show-busy theatrics on display. Gayle's singing "stunning" and "capable" were the ratings on AllMusic, a four-out of five actors. Christopher Daniel Gay, a fugitive who was detained in jail at an Interstate 95 welcome center near Hardeeville, South Carolina, escaped from jail and traveled to Tennessee, where he robbed Gayle's tour bus. The bus was returned to Gayle the following day, and Gay was arrested the following day.

Gayle spent time recording her next studio release for several years. She said that the album would be made of covers of country music hits and that it would be produced by her son, Chris Gatzimos. Originally, the project was named Am I That Simple To Forget. You Don't Know Me: Classic Country will be renamed in 2019, Gayle announced. It was officially launched in September 2019 by Southpaw Productions and The Orchard. You Don't Know Me became Gayle's first studio album to chart since 1988, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard independent albums chart. Critics also praised the album. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, a writer for AllMusic, was given the opportunity to review 3 of the five actors. Erlewine said that her upper register is "a little smaller," but that she nevertheless "sounds amiable." "Overall, Crystal Gayle's latest album, You Don't Know Me," the Digital Journal's Markos Papadatos noted, "Overall, Crystal Gayle's latest album, You Don't Know Me," was a grit, which is country as grits." Grab a bottle of wine and let this country queen seduce you with her timeless voice."

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