There are singers who sing songs and there are singers who live songs.  Dottie West was the latter.  Born into poverty, abused as a child, broken vows, shattered dreams and a tragic death are the things country songs are made of.  But Dottie wasn't a tragic heroine in some country song.  She was determined to be a star and that she was.

She was part of an elite group when she came to Nashville.  Not only was she an incredible singer, but also a musician AND a gifted songwriter.  Unheard of in the male dominated world of Music City USA.  Her career spanned parts of five decades with dozens of hit records and albums.  She performed on stage and screen (big and small).  She would entertain royalty, presidents and millions of fans worldwide.  Unfortunately, she was overshadowed by fellow country "girl singers" and really never got the recognition or credit she deserved.