“Making Believe” is a timeless country classic performed by the legendary Kitty Wells, released in 1955. Kitty Wells, born Ellen Muriel Deason, was a trailblazing figure in country music, widely recognized as the “Queen of Country Music.” She paved the way for countless female artists in a male-dominated industry, becoming the first female country singer to top the U.S. charts with her 1952 hit “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Wells’ career spanned decades, earning her numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 and inductions into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the National Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Making Believe,” a beautifully melancholic ballad, solidified Wells’ place in country music history. The song poignantly explores the complexities of unrequited love and the painful charade one engages in when faced with such longing. The lyrics paint a picture of someone pretending to be content and over their beloved, all while secretly yearning for their affection. The song’s raw emotional honesty resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to move on.
Upon its release, “Making Believe” climbed the country charts, reaching number two and further cementing Kitty Wells as a force to be reckoned with. Audiences connected with the song’s vulnerability and Wells’ heartfelt delivery. Feedback at the time and continuing to this day often highlights the song’s relatable themes and Wells’ ability to convey genuine emotion. Many listeners consider “Making Believe” to be one of Kitty Wells’ signature songs and a cornerstone of classic country music, a testament to its enduring power and Wells’ remarkable talent.
