Patsy Cline, born Virginia Hensley on 8 September 1932, became one of country music's most influential vocalists before her career was cut short by her death in a plane crash in 1963. The article marks the anniversary of her birth by tracing her rise from a difficult childhood in Winchester, Virginia, to national stardom, noting the lasting influence she has had on generations of female country artists.

Cline began performing locally in her teens, adopted her stage name while singing with Bill Peer's band, and signed her first record deal in 1954. Her breakthrough came in 1957 with "Walkin' After Midnight" following a televised performance, and after joining the Grand Ole Opry and signing with Decca Records in 1960, she released a string of hits including "I Fall to Pieces", "Crazy" (written by Willie Nelson) and "She's Got You". She died in a plane crash on 5 March 1963, but her work went on to shape artists such as Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and Kacey Musgraves.