Jean Shepard, born Ollie Imogene Shepard on November 21, 1933, was a pioneering figure in country music and one of its most influential female voices. Hailing from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, she began her music career as a teenager and quickly established herself with her bold, assertive style and rich, emotive vocals. In 1953, Shepard signed with Capitol Records and made history with her hit "A Dear John Letter," a duet with Ferlin Husky, which became one of the earliest post-World War II country recordings by a female artist to sell over a million copies.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Jean Shepard continued to blaze trails in a male-dominated industry, releasing a string of successful records that earned her acclaim and a devoted following. Her sound, a seamless blend of honky-tonk twang and heartfelt balladry, defined an era of country music and paved the way for future female country stars. Shepard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and her commitment to the genre led to a lengthy and celebrated tenure on the stage that lasted until 2015. Albums like "Her Very Best" and "Honky Tonk Heroine: Classic Capitol Recordings 1952-1964" serve as testaments to her substantial contribution to the fabric of country music. Shepard's career was marked by her uncompromising authenticity and a resilience that inspired many. Unfortunately, the world lost this country music legend on September 25, 2016, but her music and legacy continue to resonate with fans across generations.

Genres

Bakersfield Sound

Classic Oklahoma Country

Western Swing

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Conway Twitty

Latest Release

I'll Hold You In My Heart

Jean Shepard

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 28, 2023