About the song
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells is a landmark in country music history. Released in 1952, this song broke new ground as it was the first number-one hit by a female artist on the Billboard country charts. Written by J.D. “Jay” Miller, the song was a response to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life,” which blamed a woman’s infidelity for a man’s downfall. In a bold move for the time, Wells’ song challenged this perspective, offering a woman’s point of view and addressing the double standards in relationships.
The song was recorded in May 1952 and released by Decca Records. Despite initial concerns about its controversial message, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” resonated with listeners, quickly rising to the top of the charts. It held the number-one spot on the Billboard country charts for six weeks and made Kitty Wells a household name. Her success paved the way for future generations of female country artists, proving that women’s voices could be both commercially viable and influential in the genre.
Musically, the song features a classic country arrangement with steel guitar and fiddle, complementing Wells’ clear, plaintive vocals. The lyrics reflect the frustrations of many women at the time, who felt unfairly judged for the same behavior that was often excused in men. By giving a voice to these feelings, Wells not only changed the course of her career but also made a lasting impact on the country music industry.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” remains a powerful statement about gender roles and morality, a reminder of Kitty Wells’ pioneering role in country music history.