30. Skeeter Davis

Mary Frances Penick (or as she would later be known, Skeeter Davis) had life troubles, but would go to become one of the early solo female crossover artists and an influence on legends like Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton. In high school she met a great friend named Betty Jack Davis, and they performed at talent shows together. Despite being unrelated, Mary would take Betty Jack’s last name to become Skeeter Davis, and they toured as the duo the Davis Sisters. After signing a recording contract, they quickly got a number one hit. Unfortunately, soon after that Betty Jack was killed in a car accident. With her own injuries and emotional stress, Skeeter took some years off. Beginning in 1957, she went solo and ended up with a nice stretch of hits throughout the 1960’s. Her song “The End Of The World” even ended up becoming the only song in history to hit the top ten of the country, pop, R&B and easy listening charts. Her chart success faded into the 70’s, but her influence on all of the country females to come cannot be denied.