Norma Jean Beasler was born on January 30, 1938 in Wellstown, Oklahmoma and went on to become one of Country Music’s most popular singing stars. Known simply as Norma Jean, she got her big break when Porter Wagoner asked her to become a member of his syndicated TV show. Later, in 1967 she was replaced by Dolly Parton, but went on to have a successful career, recording for RCA Victor most of the 1960s and 1970s. Norma Jean’s recordings are still being played by traditional DJs around the world.

Norma Jean began performing over local radio stations and singing with western swing bands in and around Oklahoma City at the tender age of 12. Six years later she was the full-time vocalist with the Billy Gray Band, and made guest appearances with Leon McAuliff and Hank Thompson. After a two year stint with Red Foley’s “Ozark Jubilee Show,” Norma Jean found herself in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry. It was there she met Porter Wagoner and landed the TV show.

Chet Atkins, who had become A & R man for RCA Victor, signed Norma Jean to a recording contract and produced many of her hit records like “Company’s Coming,” “I Wouldn’t Buy A Used Car From Him,” “Heaven Help The Working Girl,” and the song that won her the Grammy Award nomination in 1965, “Let’s Go All The Way.”

Norma Jean continues to work some out of nostalgia, making her home base in Branson, Missouri where she has appeared with “The Grand Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry.” In these last years, her tours have taken her to Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Holland and Austria.

Norma Jean plans to do a new gospel show in Branson to start soon. She credits her talents and abilities to the Lord, and wishes to give back something to Him. She intends to share her faith through her music.

Happy birthday, Norma Jean and thanks for all the memories!

Dusty Owens
TCM Radio News