Trailblazing Women of Country

February 22, 2025 in Wright Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Trailblazing Women of Country, will entertain and inspire audiences during this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, featuring soloists, featuring GRAMMY® nominee, Rissi Palmer, and Nashville based singer, Kristina Train, supported by a 5-member all-female band.

Cline, Lynn, and Parton harnessed country music’s rich storytelling tradition to offer their uniquely empowered—and unmistakably female—perspective on issues faced by women of their day. Their shared legacy of musical excellence, earthy glamour, and unapologetic authenticity continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds in the 21st century.

Patsy’s assured contralto affirms that a woman can be heartbroken and sure of herself at the same time(“Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight”); Loretta Lynn’s songs exalt autonomy attained through contraception(“The Pill”) and self-respect (“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ with Lovin’ On Your Mind”); and Dolly Parton demonstrates that a woman can ascend the career ladder (“9-to-5”) while never losing sight of her roots(“Coat of Many Colors”).

Through their singular voices and artistry, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton defied restrictive gender norms, proving that women can be at once beautiful and strong, vulnerable, and powerful.

Women of Country appears by arrangement with IMG Artists and is produced by Eli Wolf.

About The Artist

Kristina Train

Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Kristina Train is a Nashville-based musician who splits her time with the UK. Her debut album premiered on Blue Note Records followed by a second solo album released on Mercury Records. She has toured the world as a feature vocalist and violinist in Herbie Hancock’s band, collaborated with Dr. Dre, performed at The Nobel Peace Prize, and made a fan of Bruce Springsteen. Train's voice is pure, richly embodied, and crystal clear, with a recognizable nod to the vocal traditions of Nat King Cole, Roy Orbison, and Dusty Springfield.

Learn More About Kristina

Rissi Palmer

Rissi Palmer's gift lies in reaching across all musical boundaries. While she made her mark in Country Music, she is equally at home in R&B music, bringing the entire spectrum of popular music to bear on music she calls “Southern Soul.”

Learn More about Rissa

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact ECU’s ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1018 or ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.