Tammy Wynette (May 5th, 1942 – April 6th, 1998) was an American country music singer and songwriter who was considered among the genre's most influential and successful artists. Along with Loretta Lynn, Wynette helped bring a woman's perspective to the male-dominated country music field that helped other women find representation in the genre. Her characteristic vocal delivery has been acclaimed by critics, journalists, and writers for conveying unique emotion. Twenty of her singles topped the Billboard country chart during her career. Her signature song "Stand by Your Man" received both acclaim and criticism for its portrayal of women's loyalty towards their husbands. Wynette began her country music career in 1965 as she signed with Epic Records which led to her early successful hits such as her first single, "Apartment No. 9" in 1966 and "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" along with some number one Billboard country singles "I Don't Wanna Play House", "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and the self-penned "Stand by Your Man" in the late 1960's.
As her career entered the 1970's, Wynette was among country music's most popular artists and regularly topped the charts. During the same time, she met and married fellow country artist George Jones. The pair had a recording career together that resulted in several number one country singles and a successful touring act. Following their separation in 1975, Wynette returned as a headlining solo performer and continued to have singles regularly make the upper reaches of the country charts into the 1980's. Wynette has sold an estimated 30 million records worldwide. She has received two Grammy Awards, three Country Music Association awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards. Wynette was also among country music's first female performers to have discs certify gold and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Her influence as a country music artist led to several inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
On Thanksgiving morning of the 1973 Parade, Tammy Wynette along with George Jones were the first stars to ever ride the classic Turkey float, which debuted that same year. Together they brought the country flavor to Herald Square with their duet single, "We're Gonna Hold On".