Crystal Gayle’s voice captured hearts, but it was her long, flowing hair that captured imaginations. As her career blossomed in the 1970s, so did the legend of her floor-length tresses a feature that became as integral to her identity as her soulful, smooth vocals.
Crystal Gayle, born Brenda Gail Webb on January 9, 1951, in Paintsville, Kentucky, grew up in a musical family, surrounded by the sounds of her older sister Loretta Lynn’s rising career. Unlike her siblings, Crystal spent her formative years in Wabash, Indiana, where her family relocated in search of better opportunities after her father’s health began to decline. This urban setting exposed her to a diverse range of music styles, influencing her own unique sound that would later blend country with pop sensibilities.
As a child, Crystal’s hair was kept short, a common style for many young girls at the time. However, everything changed when she visited Nashville and saw a woman with knee-length hair. Inspired by this sight, Gayle decided to grow her hair long, a decision that would become a defining aspect of her public persona.
By the late 1970s, Crystal Gayle’s hair had reached considerable lengths, becoming a hallmark of her image. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; her long hair symbolized a certain grace and elegance that perfectly complemented her smooth vocal style. This combination of beauty and talent set her apart in the competitive world of country music, where image often plays as crucial a role as the music itself.
During this period, Gayle’s music career was reaching new heights. With hits like ‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’, she became a crossover sensation, appealing to both country and pop audiences. But as much as her music captivated listeners, her hair fascinated them. The flowing, dark tresses became synonymous with her name, often featured in media and fan discussions alike.
In the early 1990s, as her hair reached the floor, Gayle considered cutting it. The maintenance was time-consuming, and she experienced headaches due to its weight. Despite these challenges, her daughter persuaded her not to go through with the drastic change, saying, “You can’t cut your hair you won’t be Crystal Gayle.” This sentiment resonated with many of her fans, who had come to see her long hair as an essential part of her identity.
Crystal Gayle’s decision to maintain her long hair despite the challenges it posed was seen as a commitment to her image and the persona she had cultivated over the years. Her hair, like her music, was a signature element of her brand, making her instantly recognizable in the crowded landscape of country music.
Even as her career evolved, Gayle’s long hair remained a constant. It was featured prominently on album covers, during performances, and in interviews. The media often highlighted her tresses, sometimes as much as her music, underscoring how integral her hair had become to her public image.
Her hair was more than just a physical characteristic; it was a symbol of the elegance and poise she brought to the stage. It represented a continuity in an industry where trends often come and go, and it helped solidify her status as a country music icon.
In addition to its symbolic significance, Gayle’s hair contributed to her appeal as a sex symbol in the 1970s and 1980s. The combination of her smooth, polished vocal delivery and her striking physical appearance created a powerful image that resonated with audiences. She became known not just for her musical talent but also for her distinctive look, which set her apart from other artists of the time.
Crystal Gayle’s long hair remains one of the most talked-about aspects of her legacy. It is a reminder of an era in country music when artists were not just singers but also icons who embodied the spirit of their music in every aspect of their being. Her decision to keep her hair long, despite the challenges, speaks to her dedication to maintaining the image that her fans had come to love.
