In less than a year, Connie Smith moved from being a small-town Ohio housewife to country stardom with a number one single to her credit. Perhaps overly compared to and identified with Patsy Cline, Smith is still considered by many to be one of the best and most underrated vocalists in country history. Her lonely desperation came straight from the heart, also: Her father was abusive when she was a child, causing Smith to suffer a mental breakdown while she was in her teens. [1]
"Once a Day" launched Connie Smith straight to the top of the country music industry and, for a brief period, she was one of the top female stars of the genre during the mid 1960s. Although she never achieved the level of commercial success as some of her contemporaries, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Lynn Anderson and Dolly Parton, she is often hailed by music critics as one of the finest voices in country music, voted in 2001 by fellow artists and members of the Country Music industry as #9 of the 40 Greatest Women of Country Music of all time (CMT).Biography & career
[edit] Early life & rise to fame
Smith was born Constance June Meador in 1941 in Elkhart, Indiana. Although she was born in Indiana, she spent much of her early years in West Virginia and later in Ohio. Both of Smith's parents were from West Virginia. Her father was abusive when she was a child, causing Smith to suffer a mental breakdown while she was in her teens. [2] In West Virginia, she began to start singing locally. She was soon married and became a housewife and had children. By the early 1960s, Smith had already become a married woman with a four-month old son, living in Marietta, Ohio. During this time, Smith started singing locally again and appeared on local TV shows around her hometown area. While singing near Columbus, Ohio in August 1963, she was discovered by country singer Bill Anderson after winning a talent show contest. He recognized Smith's talents and offered his help into getting Smith a recording contract, Smith accepted his offer. A few months later, she was signed onto RCA Records, where she worked with legendary RCA producer Chet Atkins.
[edit] The success of "Once a Day" & the peak of her career in the 60s
At RCA, Smith recorded her signature song, "Once a Day" during one of her first sessions at the studio. The song, written by Bill Anderson took him over two years to write. He finally finished the song after hearing Smith needed songs for her recording sessions. "Once a Day", was released as a single in September and hit the top of the country charts, reigning as number one for eight weeks. [3]
To date, "Once a Day" is still the longest song in Country music history to stay at the No. 1 spot on the Country charts. The only other frmale singer who has recently came close to Smith's long-standing record was Carrie Underwood, who's 2006's "Jesus Take the Wheel" spent six weeks at the No. 1 spot. "Once a Day" is Smith's only No. 1 Country hit to date.
Image:Connie Smith-Opry.jpg
Connie Smith performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee in June 2004.Smith's follow-up, "Then and Only Then," hit number four (even the flip side reached the Top 25), and her Top Ten streak continued until late 1968, including the big hits "If I Talk to Him," "Ain't Had No Lovin'," and "The Hurtin's All Over." [4] Between 1965 and 1966 Smith had three No. 1 Billboard Country albums, Connie Smith, Cute 'n' Country, and Born to Sing. At this time, Smith was one of the most successful female vocalists of the genre, having the similar success Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette would later have. During this time, Smith had been twice nominated for Grammy Awards, one for "Once a Day" in 1965 and another for "Ain't Had No Lovin'" in 1967.
Meanwhile, her success began to take a toll; constant appearances on the road, in films, and on The Lawrence Welk Show pushed Smith to the brink of suicide in 1968. She credits her Christian faith with saving her from killing herself. [5] In 1969, Smith did a cover version of Marty Robbins' 1965 No. 1 hit "Ribbon Of Darkness," that made it to No. 13 on the Country singles chart. That same year, she recorded a duet album with Nat Stuckey entitled Young Love. A single also called "Young Love", which was originally a hit for Sonny James in 1956, only made it to No. 20 for Smith. Connie and Nat also did a gospel album in 1970 called Sunday Morning With Connie and Nat -- later re-released in 2001 under the title God Will.
She was a top draw in country music concert venues and even branched into minor movie stardom, appearing in such films as Las Vegas Hillbillys (1966) with Ferlin Husky and Jayne Mansfield, and "Hell's Angels on Wheels" (1967) with Marty Robbins. Nevertheless, Smith did not give her career 100 percent like many of her contemporaries, touring considerably less, stating her main priority was being a wife and mother.
[edit] Career slows down in the 1970s
After Smith recovered from the pressure of being a female country star, she began to balance chart success with a lighter schedule. Though her country hits were rarer than in her mid-'60s heyday, she was a better performer — and person — for it. Smith still managed the Top Tens "You and Your Sweet Love" in 1969, "I Never Once Stopped Loving You" the following year, and "Just One Time" in 1971. Her most successful year during the '70s was 1972. She recorded three big hits: the number five "Just What I Am," the number seven "If It Ain't Love (Let's Leave It Alone)," and the number eight "Love Is the Look You're Looking For." [6] Smith continued to cut a lot of hits by Bill Anderson, but also cut a lot by Dallas Frazier, including, "If It Ain't Love (Let's Leave It Alone)".
By 1972, Smith began to incorporate more Gospel into her act. With the help of her third husband, Evangelist Marshall Haynes, she turned her live show into a traveling gospel road show and signed with Columbia, which permitted her to record more straight gospel songs. Though the material didn't score as well on the charts as her secular singles had, she managed to stay in the Top 20 during much of the '70s. [7] Smith recorded more Gospel albums under Columbia, including 1974's God Is Abundant, and was nominated for Grammy for Best Gospel Performance for her song, "All the Praises". Smith's Country career, didn't remain as successful, her hits rarely hit the Top 10. Her last Top 10 came in 1976 with "('Til) I Kissed You", which peaked at No. 10, the very top of the top 10.
Image:Connie Smith-Newer.jpg
Connie Smith later photo.When Smith was signed to Monument, she broke away from recording too much Gospel. Instead, Smith's Country music got more Pop-sounding, as Smith was keeping up with the times, during a the time when Country music was becoming more Pop-sounding. This type of sound was evident in some of her biggest hits from the late 70s, including the Top 10, "(Till) I Kissed You" and "I Don't Want to Talk It Over Anymore".
After she signed with Monument in 1977, most of her singles dropped out of the Top 40. [8] Her 1978 single "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" was Smith's last significant hit on the country music charts, making it to No. 14. The single was originally a hit for Barry Gibb, who formed the popular Pop group The Bee Gees. Smith's version has been said to be the only notable cover version because it sounds like the original. As for her other singles released between 1978 and 1979 (most notably, "Smooth Sailin'" and "Ten Thousand and One"), they failed to become hits, and peaked outside the Country Top 40. Although these songs were updated to fit the time period, Smith was not one hundred percent focused on touring, performing and promotiing, focusing more of her time on family and later raising her children, which is one of the reasons for why she later temporarily left the business.
Smith was nominated three times for the Country Music Association "Female Vocalist of the Year" award and earned 10 various Grammy nominations but has won neither. Smith has also occasionally dabbled in songwriting, penning over 30 songs and earning a Broadcast Music Incorporated award for her 1967 hit "I'll Come Running." Another Smith-penned hit "You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me" was later recorded by Reba McEntire.
[edit] Later career & life today
Smith left Monument records in 1979, and officially left recording and touring for awhile for Smith to raise her children. However, in 1985, Smith returned on the Epic Records label to record one single titled, "A Far Cry From You", which peaked at only at No. 71. No album was ever released from the label. Smith did not release any studio albums in the 1980s.
In 1992, she released her first album in many years called The Wayward Wind. The following year, Smith did a live album entitled Live In Branson, Missouri, USA. Since 1997, she has been married to 90s Neo-Traditionalist Country star Marty Stuart, 17 years her junior. Connie and Marty actually met back in the 60's when as a kid he went to see her in concert. On the way home he reportedly told his mother "One day I'll marry her!" The two met again while Stuart was producing Smith's 1998 comeback album, Connie Smith. Although the album didn't gain any attention, Smith co-wrote nine of the ten tracks on the album. The album was released on Stuart's label, Warner Brothers. In 2003, Connie Smith released a Christian album with Barbara Fairchild and Sharon White (from the country group The Whites) entitled Love Never Fails.
In 2002, Smith was voted at No. 9 on CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music, one of the highest honors of her career. George Jones also credits Smith as his favorite female country music singer in his book I Lived To Tell It All.
Dolly Parton has also credited Smith by once saying, "There’s only three real female singers: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending." The quote was put on Smith's 1995 comnpilation album by RCA, The Essential Connie Smith.
Most recently country singer Martina McBride recorded a cover version of Smith's signature tune "Once a Day" and was put in McBride's 2005 album, Timeless. Smith continues to be a regular member of the Grand Ole Opry, and when not on the Opry, she does occasional dates with her husband. As a solo artist, Smith continues to tour on her own. In May 2007, she sang "A World of Our Own", a hit for Sonny James, at the Country Music Hall of Fame's Medallion Ceremony honoring James' induction into the Hall of Fame. In 2007, Smith joined her husband on his album, Compadres for a duet.
[edit] Personal life
Smith has been through many marriages. Now Smith is married to Stuart. Smith has five children and five grandchildren. One of children lives overseas in Norway. Smith is a devout Christian, and has made pilgrimages to Israel in the past, including one with Waylon Jennings and his wife, Country singer Jessi Colter.
[edit] Awards & Nominations
Year Award Program Award Result
1964 Grammy Awards Best Female Country Vocal, "Once a Day" Nominated
1964 Grammy Awards Best New Country Artist Nominated
1964 Grammy Awards Best Country & Western Single, "Once A Day" Nominated
1966 Grammy Awards Best Female Country Vocal, "Ain't Had No Lovin'" Nominated
1966 Grammy Awards Best Sacred Recording, "Connie Smith Sings Great Sacred Songs" Nominated
1967 Grammy Awards Best Female Country Vocal, "Cincinnati, Ohio" Nominated
1967 CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Nominated
1969 Grammy Awards Best Female Country Vocal, "Ribbon Of Darkness" Nominated
1969 Grammy Awards Best Sacred Performance, "Whispering Hope" with Nat Stuckey Nominated
1970 CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Nominated
1972 CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Nominated
1972 Music City News Top Female Vocalist Nominated
1973 Grammy Awards Best Inspirational Performance, "All the Praises" Nominated
1974 Music City News Top Female Vocalist Nominated
1975 Music City News Top Female Vocalist Nominated
1975 Grammy Awards Best Gospel Performance (Other Than Soul Gospel), "Connie Smith Sings Hank Williams Gospel" Nominated
1979 Music City News Gospel Group/Act of the Year Won
[edit] Discography
Main article: Connie Smith discography
[edit] DVD Releases featuring Connie Smith
1966 Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar (performs "Once a Day"). Time Life, 2006. See review of the movie on this URL: In the Balcony - Latest DVD Views.
1966 The Las Vegas Hillbillys (performs "Nobody But a Fool (Would Love You)"). VCI Home Video, 2000. URL: VCI Entertainment
1967 Road to Nashville (performs "I'll Never Get Over Loving You", "Nobody But a Fool (Would Love You)"). Rhino, 2000. URL:Rhino.
1967 Hell on Wheels (performs 2 songs). Rhino, 2000.
[edit] References
^ Connie Smith at All Music Guide
^ Connie Smith at All Music Guide
^ Connie Smith at All Music Guide
^ Connie Smith at All Music
^ Connie Smith at All Music Guide
^ Connie Smith at All Music Guide
^ Connie Smith biography at All Music Guide
^ Connie Smith at All Music Guide
Cooper, Daniel. (1998). "Connie Smith". In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 490-1.
[edit] External links
Connie Smith at CMT.com
Connie Smith at Opry.com
Connie Smith at All Music Guide
Connie Smith Brief Biography & Annotated discography
Connie Smith at LP Discography to the left: scroll down to 'S' and to 'SMITH Connie' (this discography is quite complete w/ original picture sleeves, chart positions and lyrics)
That's What It's Like To Be Lonesome
Connie Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You think about your love affair and wonder what went wrong
You go to bed each night and pray you'll never see the dawn
Afraid of each tomorrow with its heartless cold unknown
And that's what it's like to be lonesome without your love it's such an empty world
And that's what it's like to be lonesome I know cause I'm a mighty lonesome girl
You search to find a tavern where the music's playing loud
But the happy couples make you think of things that might have been
And you have to fight the teardrops 'till you're by yourself again
And that's what it's like
to be lonesome without your love, it's such an empty world. The lyrics describe the feeling of being alone after losing someone you love. The streets are dark and empty, mirroring the loneliness the singer feels. They reflect on their love affair, wondering where it went wrong, unable to find closure. Each night they go to bed praying they won't see another dawn, afraid of what tomorrow holds without their partner. The unknown future seems heartless and cold to them, and they feel powerless against it.
The singer tries to distract themselves by going to a tavern where the music is loud, hoping to lose their heartache in the laughter of the crowd. However, seeing happy couples makes them think of what could have been, and they have to fight back tears until they return to their lonely state. The lyrics paint a picture of overwhelming sadness and the struggle to find solace after a devastating loss.
Line by Line Meaning
The streets are dark and empty and you walk them all alone
Feeling abandoned and isolated, with no one around to share your thoughts and feelings with.
You think about your love affair and wonder what went wrong
Reflecting on a past relationship that ended, attempting to understand what caused it to fall apart.
You go to bed each night and pray you'll never see the dawn
Desperately hoping to avoid facing another day on your own, overcome with loneliness and despair.
Afraid of each tomorrow with its heartless cold unknown
Filled with fear and uncertainty about the future, uncertain if you'll ever find happiness again.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome without your love it's such an empty world
A world without the one you love feels hopeless and barren, an unending cycle of pain and desolation.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome I know cause I'm a mighty lonesome girl
The sorrow and anguish of loneliness is all too familiar, a constant companion that's never far away.
You search to find a tavern where the music's playing loud
Attempting to distract yourself from the hurt and pain of being alone by seeking out places where others are gathered.
You try to lose your heartache in the laughter of the crowd
Hoping that the sounds of others enjoying themselves will lift your spirits and help you forget your pain.
But the happy couples make you think of things that might have been
Seeing others in happy relationships serves as a painful reminder of what you've lost and can never regain.
And you have to fight the teardrops 'till you're by yourself again
Hiding your emotions from others, ashamed of your pain and desperate to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome when memories are all you've got left
When all that remains of a broken relationship are memories, it can feel like a form of slow torture that never ends.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome when your heart is feeling so bereft
The emptiness and sorrow that come with a broken heart can be all-consuming, leaving you feeling like a shell of your former self.
The neon signs keep flashing out the rhythm of the night
In an effort to escape the loneliness, losing yourself in the sounds and sights of the city around you.
As you hurry to a phone booth, and you search your book to find
Seeking solace in the familiarity of someone you once cared for, hoping they can provide comfort and reassurance.
A number that you dialed so many times before
Repeating old patterns, hoping that they will lead to a different outcome than before.
But you hang up when the voice says hello like so many times before
Overcome with fear and self-doubt, unable to take that first step towards reconnecting with someone from your past.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome when you just can't seem to let go
Remembering the past can be a source of comfort and pain, with no clear way to let go of what once was and move on.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome when the one you love says no
Being rejected by someone we love can be extremely difficult to manage, leaving one feeling alone and unworthy of affection.
You lie and watch the shadows as they dance upon the wall
Caught in a moment of quiet contemplation, unable to escape the painful thoughts and feelings that accompany loneliness.
Each one a reminder that your world's so very small
Feeling trapped and isolated, unable to see a way out of the bleak situation you find yourself in.
And you heart's so filled with sorrow that you can't escape the pain
The weight of loneliness can be overwhelming and all-encompassing, leaving one unable to find any relief or comfort.
And you pray for just the courage to go out and love again
Yearning for the strength and bravery necessary to put oneself out there once more, hoping to find someone to share life with once again.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome when you feel like love's passed you by
Feeling like your chance at love has already come and gone, leaving you adrift and alone in an uncaring world.
And that's what it's like to be lonesome when you give up without even trying
Choosing to give up on love before even attempting to find it, fearing the pain and heartache more than the potential for happiness and fulfillment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind