An Overview of the Life of Kathy Mattea

She's as unique as any other country music singer in this day and age. She's produced and released single after single after single and made her family proud, as well as her fans. This South Charleston native definitely has something to offer the country music genre and has successfully fulfilled her dream. Not many people, especially not one's as special as her, can say they are living their dream. That truly is an amazing feat to conquer.

Not many girls develop their passion in life at a Scout camp on a muggy summer afternoon, as Kathy Mattea did. Singing would be the inevitable career of her choice and so far, Kathy has filled those shoes well. Her life would explode after graduating from Nitro High School in 1976.

The next year, during her college days, a very lucky bluegrass band entitled, The Pennsboro offered Mattea a spot as the lead singer. She performed well enough to obtain her position and awed the bluegrass world with one lyric at a time.

Kathy Mattea became very busy after Pennsboro hired her. Nashville, Tennessee was soon her target, and while paying her dues, Kathy was hired at the Country Music Hall of Fame building to speak at the local tours to pay the rent. She then began performing back-up vocals for soon-to-be star songwriters and other odd jobs.

In 1983, Kathy finally got her big break after a recording contract was labeled to her by releasing her first hit album. This record was only one of quite a few to come, but didn't score as high as could have, but Kathy didn't give up. Like all great singers, Mattea was determined to release a number one hit and thus obtain more recognition then previous experience had granter her.

Just three short years later, Kathy had already released, "Walk the Way the Wind Blows." This was her first hit from the third album, and plus became number ten on the billboard charts. "Train of Memories" also hit number six from the same album.

After long waiting periods working for her record label, she was finally rewarded with her first number one hit, which was called, "Goin' Gone," followed by her most famous song, "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses." One of my own favorites is "455 Rocket." This song has a certain ring to it that just tug's at your feet and makes you tap the beat, along with belting out the classy words.

The year 1997 proved to be a big year for her, not only did she marry the love of her life, but she also did a duet with him that brought tears to every listener's eyes. 1990 was also very valuable to Kathy Mattea because the award for Female Country Vocalist of the Year was graciously handed to her. This award was her first ever and was well worth her time and effort.

Later in her life, Kathy decided to contribute her time toward charity to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS, wars, and she promoted the Save the Music Company. Her concerts were shared with some of the greater known country music legends such as Reba McEntire, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Kenny Rogers. Next, her career took her to the realm of Gospel music and even earned her a Grammy in the year of 1993. She then got into the holiday spirit by singing Christmas favorites such as, "Mary Did You Know," which many may recognize by Reba McEntire's wonderful voice.

Seven years later Kathy joined RCA and released, "The Innocent Years" along with expanding her interest in cultural genres like Celtic melodies and folk music. In 2002, Mattea again switched labels and recorded "Roses" with Narada Records, which she is currently working for.

Kathy Mattea no doubt is an excellent singer and has done wonderful things for her our country, including working on educating people on the dangers of global warming. Again, her actions prove perfect examples of the multi-talented Kathy Mattea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Mattea