Crystal Gayle, One of the most popular and widely recognised female country singers of her era, Crystal Gayle supported her trademark, nearly floor-length hair with a supple voice, a flair for ballads, and a crossover-friendly country-pop style that netted her the occasional mainstream hit. Gayle was born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, Kentucky, in 1951; her older sister was future superstar Loretta Lynn, though Lynn had already left home by the time Brenda was born. Inspired in part by Lynn's success, Brenda learned guitar and started performing folk songs in high school, additionally singing backing vocals in her brother's band. Lynn's label, Decca, signed the young singer as soon as she was done with high school, but suggested a name change so as to avoid confusion with labelmate Brenda Lee. Brenda adopted her middle name to come up with Crystal Gayle. ^[1]