Patsy Cline Net Worth

## Patsy Cline: A Look at Her Net Worth, Life, and Legacy

What Was Patsy Cline’s Net Worth?

Patsy Cline, a name synonymous with country music excellence, possessed a net worth of $10 million at the time of her untimely death in 1963, accounting for inflation. This impressive figure underscores not only her financial success but also her profound influence on the music industry. Cline’s contralto voice and unique style set her apart, making her one of the most successful and influential vocalists of the 20th century. She was a pioneer who broke barriers and helped to pave the way for other women in country music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Early Life and Influences

Born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Winchester, Virginia, Patsy Cline’s early life was marked by challenges that would later inform her music. Her mother, Hilda Patterson, was only 16 when Patsy was born, and the family faced financial instability, frequently relocating as her father, Samuel Hensley, sought work as a blacksmith. Patsy’s childhood experiences, including a bout of rheumatic fever at 13 that affected her voice, shaped her into the artist she would become. After recovering, she stated that the illness had given her “this booming voice like Kate Smith’s.” She began singing in a local church choir and taught herself to play the piano. As a teenager, Cline showcased her talents on Winchester radio station WINC and in a nightclub cabaret act. Forced to drop out of John Handley High School before graduating, she helped support her family by working at Gaunt’s Drug Store. These early hardships instilled a resilience and a deep well of emotion that she would later pour into her music.

Rise to Stardom and Musical Achievements

Cline’s ambition and talent quickly led her toward a career in music. At 15, she wrote to the Grand Ole Opry, seeking an audition. While the Opry showed interest, the audition did not lead to an immediate contract. However, her perseverance paid off when she began performing with Bill Peer’s Melody Boys and Girls in 1952. Peer suggested she adopt the stage name “Patsy,” a nod to her middle name, Patterson, which she combined with the surname Cline after her marriage. A local country music contest win in 1953, along with regular performances on “Connie B. Gay’s Town and Country Time,” helped build her reputation. Cline signed a two-year contract with Four Star Records in 1954, though the label retained most royalties. Her breakthrough came in 1957 when she performed “Walkin’ After Midnight” on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” winning the competition. The song’s release by Decca Records reached #2 on the “Billboard” Hot Country Songs chart and #12 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. She went on to release three studio albums during her lifetime: “Patsy Cline” (1957), “Showcase” (1961), and “Sentimentally Yours” (1962). Her other hit singles included “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “She’s Got You,” “When I Get Thru with You,” and “Leavin’ on Your Mind.” “Crazy” was written by Willie Nelson, and, despite initial reservations, Cline’s version became a crossover hit, showcasing her ability to interpret songs in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. Cline was named “Favorite Female Vocalist” by “Billboard” magazine and “Most Programmed Female Artist” by “Cashbox Magazine” during the peak of her career. She also headlined a show at the Merri-Mint Theatre in Las Vegas, becoming the first female country artist to do so.

Personal Life and Relationships

Patsy Cline’s personal life was as complex as her music. She married Gerald Edward Cline in 1953, but they divorced four years later. In 1957, she married Charlie Dick, with whom she would remain until her death. Their marriage, described as passionate and tumultuous, produced two children, Julie and Randy. Her relationships and the challenges she faced informed her music, giving it a raw, authentic quality. Cline also faced a near-fatal car accident in June 1961, where she sustained serious injuries. Despite the severity of the accident, including extensive facial injuries and a dislocated hip, Cline made a remarkable recovery. The accident, and her subsequent return to the Grand Ole Opry, demonstrated her resilience and the deep connection she had with her audience.

The Tragic Plane Crash

The world mourned the loss of Patsy Cline on March 5, 1963, when a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee, claimed her life at the age of 30. Cline, along with fellow country stars Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, was returning from a benefit concert. The plane, piloted by Cline’s manager, Randy Hughes, encountered severe weather conditions. Despite offers of alternative travel arrangements due to the weather, Hughes opted to fly. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Dyersburg, Tennessee, and the tragedy shook the country music community to its core. Cline’s premature death cut short a career that promised even greater heights, leaving fans and fellow musicians heartbroken. A bronze plaque at her grave in Shenandoah Memorial Park in Winchester, Virginia, reads “Death Cannot Kill What Never Dies: Love”, a testament to the enduring impact of her music and spirit. The Country Music Hall of Fame has items recovered from the plane.

Awards, Honors, and Lasting Legacy

Patsy Cline’s influence continues to resonate through numerous posthumous honors. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973, awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Her songs “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces” have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1993, the United States Postal Service featured Cline on a commemorative stamp as part of its “Legends” series. Her childhood home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and opened for tours after renovation. In 2017, the Patsy Cline Museum opened in Nashville, celebrating her life and career. Her music has been covered by countless artists, and her impact on the genre is undeniable. Cline’s influence continues to inspire and shape country music, solidifying her status as a true legend.

Patsy Cline’s Real Estate

In early 1962, after receiving a $22,000 royalty check, Cline purchased a 2,770 square foot home near Nashville, her “dream house.” However, she lived in the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home for less than a year before her death. The house was later sold to singer Wilma Burgess, who claimed the house was haunted. In April 2022, the property sold for $540,000, demonstrating the lasting value of the connection to this iconic singer.

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