Early in the 20th century, country music—with its roots in folk, blues, gospel and cowboy music—began to spread from the southeastern United States. The lives and music of women play a significant role in its evolution. This course will focus predominately on women of country music from the 20s to the 80s. We will explore the work of some of the innovators, like Mother Maybelle Carter and Ola Belle Campbell Reed. We’ll listen to the music of later acts like the Dezurik Sisters, Patsy Montana and the Carter Sisters; we’ll hear and discuss the songs of greats like Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. As always, class discussion is valued in this interactive setting. There are a lot of terrific women vocalists and songs to enjoy as we peruse a part of our musical history.