Trisha Yearwood is celebrating the powerful contributions of women in country music with her latest single, “Country Music HerStory,” which she recently performed at the iconic Ford Theater in Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Grammy-winning artist’s performance will be available for exclusive viewing via PEOPLE, coinciding with her current tour in support of her recent album, *The Mirror*.
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“Country Music HerStory” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary women who have shaped the genre, featuring references to trailblazers like Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline, among others. This performance arrives during Women’s History Month, highlighting Yearwood’s commitment to celebrating female artists in a field often overlooked in terms of gender representation.
In a recent email interview with PEOPLE, Yearwood spoke about her collaboration with co-writers Leslie Satcher and Bridgette Tatum, elaborating on the song’s inception. “Leslie, Makayla, and I wanted to create something that captured the spirit of the women who have paved the way for us, all while giving it a rocking Emmylou feel,” she explained. The result, she notes, flowed naturally as they crafted the lyrics to honour their female predecessors and contemporaries alike.
Remarkably, Yearwood has had the privilege of knowing and befriending many of the women mentioned in her song, allowing her to draw on personal experiences and relationships to enrich her tribute. “Other than Patsy Cline, I have had the honour to meet and know everybody else referenced in the song,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for the support and inspiration those artists provided throughout her own career.
The emotional weight of their music resonates deeply with Yearwood, who credits these pioneering women with helping her navigate the highs and lows of her artistic journey. “What their music has brought to me is a hand on my shoulder when I was lonely or sad, with songs I could relate to,” she confessed. The influence of these iconic figures has also paved the way for the next generation, including esteemed artists like Reba McEntire and Wynonna Judd.
In addition to honouring the past, Yearwood is also devoted to mentoring young female artists entering the country music scene. “My biggest piece of advice is to absorb everything you can from those artists, from vocal techniques to discovering your own musical style,” she advised. However, she emphasises the importance of individuality, encouraging artists to embrace their uniqueness even if their approach diverges from what has come before. “Don’t be afraid to be yourself, even if you’ve never seen anyone else doing it the way you’re doing it,” she said.
As part of *The Mirror Tour: An Acoustic Evening of Stories and Songs*, Yearwood is performing alongside Satcher and Tatum, engaging audiences with both heartfelt narratives and her wealth of musical talent. The tour allows Yearwood not only to showcase her songs but also to connect with fans in a more intimate setting.
Later this month, Yearwood is set to host the second annual “Band as One Nashville Concert for the Cure,” an event in collaboration with Susan G. Komen, at the Grand Ole Opry House. This concert reflects her ongoing commitment to various charitable efforts, blending her musical influence with meaningful causes.
Through her music and her advocacy, Trisha Yearwood continues to illuminate the significant contributions of women in country music while paving the way for future generations. As she says, the journey doesn’t just stop with celebrating the legends; it also includes encouraging young artists to carve their own paths.