After signing to RCA and changing to “KT”, Oslin released his debut album The ladies of the ’80s in 1987. The melodic, nostalgic ballad was a hit, reaching only number 7 on PanelHot Country Songs, but the winning song of the year at the 1988 CMA Awards – the first winning female singer in the category – and the best female country vocal performance at the ’88 Grammys. It became Oslin’s signature song and established the earthly Oslin as a star, as LadiesThe next two singles (“Do Ya” and “I’ll Always Come Back”) are both led by Hot Country Songs and also appeared on Alabama label colleagues, “Face to Face”.
Oslin’s second album This woman had a similar success, following The ladies of the ’80s to RIAA certified platinum status and the introduction of three more Country Songs hits the first five hits of “Hold Me” (No. 1), “Hey Bobby” (No. 2) and the lead track (No. 5). The set took home the album of the year at the 1988 Academy of Country Music Awards, while the man-and-wife odyssey “Hold Me” won best country song at next year’s Grammys. Oslin’s music videos, based on narratives, often interspersed with dramatic dialogues, also found great success during this period on the growing TNN and CMT country music video channels.
The third album Love in a small town released the fourth hit no. 1 of Oslin in 1990 with the song “Come Next Monday”, but the other singles of the set were less successful, and the LP sold less than its predecessors. In the 1990s, Oslin retired from touring and did not release another American-themed album until 1996. My roots are displayed, which failed to reach the Billboard 200 albums or produce a top 40 hits on Country Songs.
Although her days as a hitmaker were largely over, Oslin remained visible throughout the 1990s as a television star and late host, and appeared in the 1993 film Peter Bogdanovich. The thing called love. He recorded two more albums: 2001 Live nearby, visit often, and 2015 Simply, before retiring from music. Her legacy was recognized in 2014, with her entry into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
’10s country singer and songwriter Brandy Clark pays tribute to Oslin the series of tweets this morning, reminding me of my first meeting with the Nashville veteran behind the scenes in 2013. “Bigger than life, smart, funny, elegant, beautiful … the list could go on and on,” he described Oslin. “I will never forget our conversation that night, just as I will never forget KT and its music.”
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, also issued a statement about Oslin, saying that “she had one of the most soulful voices in Country Music and was a strong influence for the women of her successful” 80’s Ladies. . ”. one of the best voices in the history of our format. Our thoughts turn to her loved ones at this difficult time. “