Female Country Singers Who Smoke: Impact on Careers and Vocal Health

In the heart of country music a complex relationship has long existed between female country singers and cigarettes. This connection, as controversial as it is, weaves a tale of personal choice, public image, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.

Smoking has historically been more prevalent in the country music scene compared to other genres. This trend has deep roots in the rural, working-class image often associated with country music. While some stars have kept their smoking habits private, others have embraced it as part of their public persona.

The Last Frontier of Freedom: Smoking in Country Music

While city slickers might furrow their brows at the sight of smoke, country music territory has historically been more accepting. Smoking, for many, harkens back to a time when cowboys would light up around the campfire after a long day on the trail. It's not just a habit; it's a statement of independence and a nod to rough-and-tumble roots.

Historically, smoking has been more prevalent in the country music scene compared to other genres. This trend has deep roots in the rural, working-class image often associated with country music. It's as much a part of the atmosphere as the twang of a steel guitar or the stomp of cowboy boots on a hardwood floor.

Queens of Country and Their Smoky Crowns

Let's tip our hats to some of the leading ladies who've been known to enjoy a smoke:

Dolly Parton: The Rhinestone Smoker

The Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, has never shied away from her smoking habit. In an interview with Larry King, Parton admitted, "I've tried to quit smoking, and I've quit a few times, but I just don't want to." Like a true cowgirl, she's faced this challenge head-on, being open about her struggles to quit.

Miranda Lambert: Gunpowder and Smoke

This fiery Texas native has been spotted smoking in public, though recent reports suggest she may have quit. Miranda's occasional puff has only added to her image as a no-nonsense country girl who plays by her own rules. However, she's kept mum on the topic in recent years, leaving fans to wonder if she's stubbed out for good.

Gretchen Wilson: Redneck Woman, Smokin' Lady

Gretchen's "Redneck Woman" persona is as iconic as it gets, and her smoking habit is part and parcel of that image. She's even incorporated smoking into her music, with her hit song "All Jacked Up" making direct references to lighting up.

LeAnn Rimes: Blue Smoke

From child star to country music royalty, LeAnn Rimes has been spotted enjoying a cigarette over the years. While it's unclear if she still indulges, her past smoking habits have been a topic of fan discussion.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lesser-Known Smoking Songbirds

While we've tipped our hats to some of the more famous smoking stars, let's shine a light on a few lesser-known female country artists who've been known to enjoy a smoke:

• Tanya Tucker: This country rebel started young and has never been shy about her vices, smoking included.

• Shelby Lynne: With a voice as smooth as Tennessee whiskey, Lynne has been spotted with a cigarette in hand, adding to her sultry, independent image.

• Ashley Monroe: Part of the Pistol Annies alongside Miranda Lambert, Monroe has been known to partake in the occasional smoke.

The Price of Freedom: Career and Health Impacts

Now, let's not beat around the bush - smoking can take its toll, especially on a singer's most precious instrument: their voice. Our country queens risk:

• Vocal cord damage that could affect their signature twang

• Breathing troubles that might make those long, soulful notes a challenge

• A bit of side-eye from some fans, as times change and smoking becomes less fashionable

Dr. Steven Zeitels, a laryngeal surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains: "Smoking causes swelling in the vocal cords, which results in a lower speaking voice. It also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause reflux."

Interestingly, smoking can lead to a raspier, deeper voice, which some singers may view as beneficial for their style. However, this comes at a significant cost to vocal health and overall performance capability.

The Balancing Act: Image vs. Health

In the world of country music, authenticity is key. But how do our smoking stars balance their image with their health and the changing attitudes of fans?

• Vocal Training: Many smoking artists invest heavily in vocal coaching to maintain their distinctive sound.

• Controlled Indulgence: Some stars reserve smoking for special occasions or use it as part of their onstage persona only.

• Alternative Methods: E-cigarettes and vaping have provided a new option for artists looking to maintain their image while potentially reducing health risks.

The Changing Tides of Tobacco

Even in our world of wide-open spaces and personal freedom, times are a-changin'. The country music scene isn't immune to the shifting winds:

• Gone are the days when every honky-tonk was filled with a haze of smoke

• More artists are choosing to quit, inspiring fans to follow suit

• Health consciousness is rising faster than a tumbleweed in a dust storm

Many venues now prohibit smoking, affecting artists' habits during performances and meet-and-greets. This change in the performance landscape has undoubtedly influenced some artists' decisions regarding their smoking habits.

Success Stories: Stubbing Out for Good

Several high-profile female country singers have successfully quit smoking, recognizing the benefits for their health and careers:

• Faith Hill quit smoking in 2006 and has spoken about the positive impact on her voice and overall health.

• Shania Twain quit smoking in the early stages of her career, citing the importance of vocal health for her performances.

• Carrie Underwood has been vocal about her smoke-free lifestyle and its benefits for her vocal performance, setting a positive example for fans and fellow artists alike.

These success stories serve as inspiration, demonstrating that it's possible to overcome the habit and potentially enhance one's career in the process.

The Fan Perspective: What the Listeners Think

Let's not forget the folks who keep the country music machine running - the fans:

• Divided Opinions: Some fans see smoking as part of the authentic country experience, while others prefer their idols to set a healthier example.

• Generational Gap: Younger country fans often have different views on smoking compared to older generations.

• Concert Experience: Non-smoking fans have expressed appreciation for smoke-free venues, while others miss the "authentic" atmosphere.

Riding Off Into the Sunset: The Future of Smoking in Country Music

As we gaze out at the sunset, what does the future hold for smoking in the world of female country artists?

• Personalized Choice: It's likely we'll continue to see a range of choices, with some artists embracing smoking as part of their image and others abstaining.

• Health-Conscious Shift: As health awareness grows, we might see more artists publicly quitting or advocating for smoking cessation.

• New Forms of Rebellion: In a world where smoking is less common, country artists may find new ways to express their rebellious spirit.

At the end of the day, smoking in country music, like the decision to ride a bucking bronco, remains a personal choice. Whether they're holding a microphone or a cigarette, these women remind us why we fell in love with country music in the first place - its raw, unfiltered celebration of life, in all its complex glory.

So here's to the ladies of country - may your voices stay strong, your spirits remain free, and your songs continue to capture the heart of the American West, come hell or high water.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.