Kitty Wells, born Ellen Muriel Deason, was a pioneering American country music singer who broke down barriers for women in the genre. Often dubbed the “Queen of Country Music,” Wells was the first female country singer to top the U.S. country charts with her 1952 hit, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” a response to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life.” This success launched a career that spanned decades, earning her numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976. While “Honky Tonk Angels” marked her breakthrough, her catalog is rich with songs that resonated deeply with audiences.
In 1955, Kitty Wells gifted the world with “Making Believe,” a heart-wrenching ballad that cemented her status as a voice for women grappling with heartache and infidelity. The song poignantly explores the emotional turmoil of a woman who is forced to pretend everything is fine in her marriage, despite knowing her husband’s love lies elsewhere. She sings of “making believe” that she’s happy, that his kisses are genuine, and that their love is real, while inwardly she’s facing the stark reality of loneliness and betrayal.
“Making Believe” struck a chord with audiences, particularly women, who identified with the vulnerability and pain expressed in the lyrics. The song resonated with listeners who understood the social pressures and limitations placed on women in the 1950s, where divorce was still stigmatized and many felt trapped in unhappy marriages. While not reaching the same chart-topping heights as “Honky Tonk Angels,” “Making Believe” became a signature song for Wells, showcasing her ability to deliver emotionally charged performances that were both relatable and deeply moving. Many contemporary reviews praised Wells’ nuanced vocal delivery and the song’s stark, honest portrayal of marital unhappiness, solidifying its place as a country classic.
