The essential women of country music playlist

This deeply personal track, penned by Loretta Lynn and released in 1970, reflects on the artist's hardscrabble upbringing in rural Kentucky. Ten years later, it inspired an Oscar-winning film starring Sissy Spacek. 

In 1952, Kitty Wells made history as the first woman to top the country charts with "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," a cheeky ode to the bawdy women who like to frequent honky-tonks. 

There are many Patsy Cline songs that should be considered iconic, but none more so than her take on "Crazy." Originally written by Willie Nelson, Cline's brooding alto makes this classic tune feel deeply emotional. 

Arguably the most iconic country song for folks who don't care about the genre, Dolly Parton's "Jolene" tells the story of a red-headed seductress in hot pursuit of her man. The song has continued to find a devoted audience throughout the decades, selling nearly a million copies in just the decade since it was added to digital platforms like iTunes. 

Originally recorded by Bobbie Gentry, Reba McEntire made "Fancy" her own in 1990. The song about a poor Southern girl who grows up to be a wealthy courtesan is full of tongue-in-cheek truths and remains a favorite in McEntire's live shows. 

Her husband Johnny Cash may get all the credit for singing "Ring of Fire," but let's not forget that it was originally written by June Carter. This classic anthem about falling in love remains one of country's most legendary songs, thanks in large part to its beautifully crafted lyrics. 

In 1998, Faith Hill officially made the transformation from country queen into a bonafide pop star with "This Kiss," a seriously catchy track that topped both the pop and country charts after its release. 

Shania Twain's career has shattered records, but it all began in 1995 with "Any Man of Mine," her first #1 single on the country charts. 

This poignant song, which explores domestic violence and its aftermath through the eyes of a child, is potent in more ways than one. In addition to the heavy subject matter, this story was propelled by Martina McBride's powerhouse vocals straight to the top of the charts. 

Recorded in 1972 when Tanya Tucker was just 13 years old, "Delta Dawn" is the definition of a country standard. Telling the tale of a woman who's waiting for a suitor who's never coming back, it's a stunning showcase of Tucker's powerhouse pipes and some of the best writing in the genre's history. 

Linda Ronstadt is both a rock legend and a country icon, with multiple songs hitting #1 on both charts thanks to those incredible vocals. Ronstadt scored her first country hit in 1974 with "Silver Threads and Golden Needles," one of the most beautiful songs in her catalog. 

In the early 1990s, Trisha Yearwood took the world of country music by storm with a slew of top-ten hits. Perhaps the most recognizable of those is her debut single "She's In Love With The Boy," which earned Yearwood a #1 hit. 

Widely considered one of country music's best vocalists, Alison Krauss's version of "When You Say Nothing At All" was a sleeper hit in 1993. Appearing on a tribute album featuring the songs of the late Keith Whitley, the song was a crossover success for Krauss, hitting #53 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. 

Written by Billy Joe Royal, Lynn Anderson delivered one of the most pointed lyrics in country music history in 1970 on her recording of "Rose Garden." "I beg your pardon," she croons. "I never promised you a rose garden." 

Telling the story of a woman who's fed up with small-town gossip, this Tom T. Hall-penned tune was a massive hit for Jeannie C. Riley in 1968, topping both the country and pop charts that year. 

Bringing together the powerhouse vocals of Wynonna and Naomi Judd, "Mama He's Crazy" is one of many hits the two recorded together as The Judds. They faced plenty of tumult and tragedy throughout their time together, but there's no denying that the Judds remain one of country's most legendary duos. 

Arguably one of country music's best break-up tunes, "Mama's Broken Heart" was written by Kacey Musgraves, and made a #1 hit by Miranda Lambert. Since its release in 2013, the song has sold more than a million copies, earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Academy of America. 

A break-up anthem for the ages, Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" is total revenge fantasy catharsis. Whether or not you've actually taken a Louisville Slugger to anyone's headlights, there's no denying that this song is seriously fun to scream-sing after you've been dumped. 

In the late 1970s, Crystal Gayle, the sister of Loretta Lynn, established her own presence as a country star with breezy, easy-listening tunes like "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," a #1 hit for the artist in 1977. 

Even though the message of this song has been criticized as time marches on, Tammy Wynette still delivers one of the most powerful vocal performances in country music history on "Stand By Your Man," a 1968 hit.