“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” released in 1952, is more than just a song; it’s a landmark moment in country music history, performed by the pioneering “Queen of Country Music,” Kitty Wells. Born Ellen Muriel Deason, Kitty Wells (1919-2012) broke down barriers for women in a male-dominated genre. Prior to her success, female country singers were largely relegated to novelty acts or singing duets. Wells carved a path as a solo artist, paving the way for generations of female country stars. Her career spanned over six decades, earning her accolades like a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was an answer song to Hank Thompson’s hit, “The Wild Side of Life,” which blamed women for the downfall of men. Wells’ song flips the narrative, arguing that it’s heartbroken men who drive women to honky-tonks and a life of supposed sin. The lyrics are a powerful indictment of the double standards prevalent at the time, holding men accountable for their role in creating the very “angels” they condemned.
The song’s impact was immediate and significant. While some radio stations initially banned it due to its controversial subject matter, the public embraced its message. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” soared to the top of the country charts, becoming the first song by a solo female artist to reach number one. The audience reaction was overwhelming; women felt heard and validated, while men were forced to confront uncomfortable truths about societal expectations and personal responsibility. The song’s success catapulted Kitty Wells to stardom, solidifying her place as a true icon and forever changing the landscape of country music. It marked a turning point, demonstrating the commercial viability and artistic power of female voices in a genre that had long sidelined them.
