Patsy Cline, one of the most important figures in country music history, first gains national attention with her winning appearance on Arthur Godfrey‘s Talent Scoutson January 21, 1957. Widely admired for her incredible voice, Cline also stood out for her trailblazing independence as a female star in an era very much dominated by men. As many classic recordings as she left behind, her career was hampered for many years by a terrible recording contract and cut short by her tragic death in an airplane crash en route to Nashville from Kansas City in March 1963. Hear Patsy Cline at the library, and on hoopla and Freegal. Remember you can stream Patsy for up to three hours daily on Freegal.

Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene” is released on January 21, 1955. It was Berry’s first single release and his first hit. “Maybellene” is considered one of the pioneering rock and roll singles: Rolling Stone magazine wrote, “Rock & roll guitar starts here.” The lyrics describe a man driving a V8 Ford chasing his unfaithful girlfriend in her Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Find Chuck Berry at the library,  and on hoopla and Freegal.  Remember you can stream Chuck Berry for up to three hours daily on Freegal.