The first time that singer/songwriter Bill Anderson heard Connie Smith sing (in her home state of Ohio), he thought she was lip-syncing — she was so good. He was surprised to discover she was actually singing live. Ms. Smith not only has a powerful voice, but one of the best in country music — and she knows how to use it to best effect. There is a unique “cry” in her voice that captures the soul of any “real” country fan. Her natural beauty, her genuine personality, her perfect pitch and careful diction, all combine to make her “the complete package.”

“The Essential Connie Smith” is a prime example of 1960s country at its best, with prominent steel guitar. But it is ultimately Connie's vocals that create the magic. She just soars. Admittedly, Connie never became as big of a star as Loretta Lynn or Tammy Wynette. She certainly had the potential of becoming even bigger than either of those ladies, because she has pop appeal. Yet Connie was not interested in crossover success and claims to have no regrets, even now. She had 38 Billboard hits from 1964-1978, but chose to stay anchored in the “country” field rather than explore other musical options.

The liner notes of this CD read: “Dolly Parton once said: ‘There's really only three female singers in the world: Streissand, Ronstadt and Connie Smith. The rest of us are just pretending.’”

There are 20 gems here — 19 of which achieved Top 20 status on the charts. With heartache that can be felt through her voice, the CD starts with her debut classic, “Once A Day,” written by Bill Andersron. Also included are six other Anderson songs: “Nobody But A Fool (Would Love You),” “I Can't Remember,” “Then And Only Then,” “You And Your Sweet Love,” “Cincinnati, Ohio” and “I Never Once Stopped Loving You” (co-written by Bill's duet partner, Jan Howard). The disc contains only one song penned by Connie herself, “I’ll Come Running.”

Also included are Smith's versions of standards like Gordon Lightfoot’s “Ribbon Of Darkness” and “Cry, Cry, Cry,” as well as Don Gibson's “Just One Time.” High points are “The Hurtin’s All Over,” “Run Away Little Tears” and especially a pleading “Just For What I Am.” Every male in a relationship with a female should listen to that one! When this woman pleads, you will pay attention!

One thing you will notice is that Connie is usually showcased in simple arrangements. She doesn't need to hide behind the instruments like some singers do.

Born Constance June Meador in 1941, she was subjected to abuse by her father when she was a child. When she was seven, her parents divorced. Her mother then married a man who had eight children. Along with the five kids her mother had, the couple had two more children together — which meant 14 youngsters under one roof! Connie's stepfather played mandolin, while her mother played fiddle, and a brother played guitar. On Saturday nights she'd listen to the Grand Ole Opry. As a teen she was injured in a lawnmower accident that nearly severed her leg. While in the hospital recovering, she was given a guitar and learned to play different chords. After her recovery she began performing in local talent contests, before being “discovered” by Bill Anderson. When Chet Atkins heard her, he signed her to a contract with RCA. Connie Smith has earned 11 Grammy Award nominations, and became the 12th solo female vocalist and 19th woman to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Elvis Presley had many of Smith's albums in his record collection at his Graceland home. When you listen to this CD, you'll know why.

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!