Remembering K.T. Oslin

 

The country music community lost another artist today with the passing of K.T. Oslin at the age of 78.  The Arkansas native was best known for her string of hits in the late 80’s that included ten Top-30 hits, of which four that peaked at #1.  Her best known hit was “80’s Ladies,” a song that peaked at #7 on the charts when it released, but went on to have more lasting power than any of her other releases.

Here is what her peers are saying about her loss:

• B.J. Thomas – I am very saddened by K.T.’s passing. I am a huge fan of her music.
• Brandy Clark – I’ll never forget the night that I opened for Mike Reid at the Franklin Theater in 2013. My friend Robert Filhart asked if he could bring someone backstage. I didn’t know that that someone was KT Oslin until she blew through the door with him like something out of a movie.  Larger than life, smart, funny, elegant, beautiful….the list could go on and on. I quickly forgot that I was sitting there talking to one of my musical heroes and for a while was just talking to a very wise and very classy woman.  I’ll never forget our conversation that night, just like I’ll never forget KT and her music. My heart is heavy this morning hearing about her passing, but Heaven has TRULY gained an Angel.
• Carl Ray – K.T. Oslin was a great artist that taught us about life, love, joy, and pain, who also had the ability to connect with her audience like no other. Her music was awesome and soulful. I loved how she would squeeze every note and deliver a masterful expression of each song. I remember when I first heard her hit “Do Ya.” WOW! Rest In Peace K.T. and for sharing your life with us all.
• Chely Wright – K.T. Oslin was a pioneer in every sense of the word.  Oslin shattered the long-standing industry norms of who got a shot at making it in the business.  Nashville was absolutely gobsmacked by her genius and the gatekeepers didn’t even have a chance to decide whether or not they’d let her in. K.T. Oslin didn’t ask anyone for permission to enter. She waltzed in with her brilliant songs, her unmatched intellect, her perfectly foul mouth and she changed everything— forever.
• Deborah Allen – K.T. Oslin was truly the ultimate 80’s Lady… and so much more! Her spicy southern wit, mixed with her amazing voice, musical talent, and theatrical flair was a one of a kind recipe making her larger than life personality a delicious, sensual, soul stew that made country music lovers all over the world fall in love! The honesty in her heartfelt, velvety voice could mesmerize, make you laugh and cry all at the same time! I always loved her as an artist! And, I count it as one of life’s true blessings to have gotten to spend quality time with K.T., laughing and talking and getting to know her as a friend! We had so much fun! It makes me sad to think of her being gone, but she gave us all so much, that even through my sadness, just thinking about her makes me smile! God Bless You K.T…Carry on.
• Doug Stone – I can’t believe the year of losses country music has suffered. Just got the news of KT Oslin. We were on countless shows together & toured as a package show for a year with Ricky Van Shelton. She was a one of a kind lady with a one of a kind voice.The good ones are all leaving us
• Eli Young Band – On a more somber note, we just want to say RIP to the legend KT Oslin. One of my earliest memories of seeing live music was KT Oslin at the Houston Rodeo. She obviously left a big impression on me and a lot of people. – Mike
• J.D. Shelburne – 2020 just keeps rollin’ in the sad news. The Nashville music community lost another great one today with K.T. Oslin. Prayers to her family during this difficult time.
• Janie Fricke – K.T. made a big impact on country music with her style, flair, and talented, unique voice during the Eighties Ladies era. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
• Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) – The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened by the loss of the Eighties Lady, K.T. Oslin. We didn’t know her very well, but anytime we met, she was always gracious and first-class all the way. REST EASY K.T.
• John Anderson – K.T. was the definition of a songstress. Her work stood on its own and will always stand the test of time.
• Johnny Lee – We’ve lost another great one! K.T. Oslin had such an amazing voice and will be missed. Prayers to her family during this time.
• Kelleigh Bannen – This one made me pretty sad. If you’re new to the name, look up a K. T. Oslin song and welcome to the journey.  I think about the ways we glamorize youth in the entertainment industry and don’t look at women with a wholistic view (myself included at times). K.T. was a woman. A grown up. With hits after the age of 40. And she was smart & sexy as hell. RIP K.T.
• Lacy J. Dalton – She was the ultimate 80’s lady.
• Larry Gatlin – I nearly ran off the road when ‘Don’t kiss like we’re married, kiss me like we’re lovers’ came across my car radio back in 1980 somethin’ or other. I nearly fell out of my rockin’ chair just this minute when I listened to it again. What a song!! What a singer!! What a songcraftswoman!! What a woman… PERIOD!! Rest in Peace, Lady K. T. Why don’t you go look up my old friend Roy Orbison and y’all write and sing a duet up there. I always thought you were a female Roy Orbison… or maybe Roy was a male K.T. Oslin. I miss both of you.
• LeAnn Rimes – Omg, this breaks my heart! K.T. Wow, what a voice! She’s was so unique and powerful. She’ll be deeply missed. Many prayers of comfort to her family and friends. #RIPktoslin
• Lee Greenwood – I am very sorry to hear that K.T. Oslin passed away. My prayers are with her and her family during this time.
• Lorrie Morgan – First off, I’m blown away to get the sudden news today. It was very awakening to say the least. I was a huge K.T. Oslin fan and just recorded one of her songs on my last album with Pam Tillis. She was a big inspiration to me and her writing about the strength of women. I also know she had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was a great lady from a great time of great music. One who will truly be missed by me and many fans.
• Maggie Rose – Love this one from K.T. Oslin. May she Rest In Peace.  
• Oak Ridge Boys – Rest In Peace “Eighties Lady” KT Oslin…. another country singer goes home…
• Paige King Johnson – The news of K.T.’s passing is so sad for all women in country music. She was a spitfire & a trailblazer for so many & will truly be missed! My prayers go out to her family and friends during this season.
• Pam Tillis – Did we look up to her? Did we admire her? Hell, we studied her. As a young artist I knew she knew things I wanted to know. I met K.T. Oslin on her terms and never regretted it. We all just loved her.
• Randy Owen (Alabama) – She was one of the most unique, talented songwriters and singers in music. She will be missed. Rest in Peace, K.T.
• Ray Stevens – What a unique talent. She was a breath of fresh air to country music. We will miss you.
• Ricky Skaggs – I am so sad to hear that K.T. Oslin has passed. She was truly one of the best singers I ever heard. I loved the way she made the words come alive with the expressiveness of her unique voice. Thank God we still have her music to learn from.
• Suzy Bogguss – What a year! So sad to hear that KT Oslin has passed on. She has been such a trooper through the last few years dealing with Parkinson’s! Such an original and true musical spirit! We’re gonna miss your clever wit and surprises KT! Thanks be setting a brave example eighties lady
• T. Graham Brown – K.T. was a great artist, with an instantly identifiable voice and a Hall of Fame songwriter, who was a joy to hang out with. She had a big smile, a big heart, and a big laugh! She was a sweet soul and we are all going to miss her. Condolences to her friends and family. Rest easy, sister.
• Tim Atwood – K.T. Oslin was one of my music heroes because she never gave up on her dream. She signed with a major label in her 40’s and had her first #1 record at the age of 45. I am ashamed to say. that in our youth-driven climate, that often listens with its eyes and not its ears, she would be a rarity today. She was an 80’s lady with “balls,” and I loved the passionate way she approached every song she sang. I often sing her song “Do Ya” in my roadshow–and I try to bring the same sass and class to the song as she did.
• Travis Tritt – Sad to hear that K.T. Oslin has passed away. I toured with her often at the beginning of my career and we even hosted the Music City News Awards show together along with Vince Gill.  She was a brilliant songwriter and a helluva lady.