In the 1970s and ’80s, few artists could match beloved country music superstar Crystal Gayle’s success. She recorded 20 No. 1 country music songs and released six six albums that were certified gold. She became the first female artist in country music history to have an album go platinum.

She’s won a Grammy, two country vocalist of the year awards, she was the first female country artist to host her own TV special, the first country artist to tour China and the list of firsts goes on and on. 

Her career is the subject of an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame called “Crystal Gayle: When I Dream” and it showcases her awards, her fashion and personal memorabilia.

Crystal looks back on her historic career with us, discussing what it was like to break into the business as famed singer Loretta Lynn’s little sister and how she ended up with the stage name “Crystal Gayle” rather than using her given name, Brenda Gail Webb, thanks to a hamburger chain!

These days, it’s not uncommon for country stars to appear on the pop charts or for pop artists to appear on the country music charts, but when Crystal did it, it was very controversial and not looked upon very favorably. She explains what it was like when artists like her, Kenny Rogers and Olivia Newton John first crossed back and forth across the charts. 

And is her legendary hair still long? She explains!