K. T. Oslin

K.T. Oslin

K. T. Oslin (born Kay Toinette Oslin; May 15, 1942 – December 21, 2020) was an American country music singer and songwriter. She is best known for a series of hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including "80's Ladies" and "Do Ya". Oslin was a significant figure in the country music genre, known for her mature perspective and storytelling ability.

Early Life

K. T. Oslin was born in Crossett, Arkansas. She spent her early years in Mobile, Alabama, and later moved to Houston, Texas after the death of her father. Oslin attended Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, where she studied drama.

Career

Oslin began her career as a folk singer in the 1960s, performing with Guy Clark and David Jones. She later transitioned to musical theatre, appearing in productions such as Hello, Dolly! and Promises, Promises.

Breakthrough

Her breakthrough came in the mid-1980s when she signed with RCA Records. Her debut album, 80's Ladies, was released in 1987 and produced several hit singles, including the title track "80's Ladies", which won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Continued Success

Oslin continued to enjoy success with subsequent albums such as This Woman (1988) and Love in a Small Town (1990). Her songs often dealt with themes of love, loss, and the experiences of middle-aged women, which resonated with a broad audience.

Later Career

In the 1990s, Oslin's popularity waned, but she continued to record and perform. She released the album My Roots Are Showing... in 1996, which featured a mix of new songs and covers of classic country hits. Oslin also made occasional appearances on television and in films.

Personal Life

Oslin was known for her private nature and rarely discussed her personal life in public. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 2010s and retired from performing. Oslin passed away on December 21, 2020, at the age of 78.

Legacy

K. T. Oslin is remembered as a trailblazer in country music, particularly for her contributions to the genre as a mature female artist. Her storytelling and unique perspective have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Discography

• 80's Ladies (1987)
• This Woman (1988)
• Love in a Small Town (1990)
• My Roots Are Showing... (1996)

Awards and Honors

• Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (1988)
• Country Music Association Award for Female Vocalist of the Year (1988)
• Academy of Country Music Award for Top Female Vocalist (1988)

See Also

• List of country music performers
• Women in country music

External Links

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