American country music singer Crystal Gayle, born on this day in 1951, remains one of the genre’s most recognizable and beloved voices. Rising to international fame in the late 1970s, Gayle carved out her own place in country and pop music history with her smooth vocals, crossover appeal, and unmistakable image.

Gayle is best known for her 1977 hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” a song that soared to No. 2 on the U.S. charts and reached No. 5 in the United Kingdom. The single became her signature recording, earning her a Grammy Award and cementing her status as a major force in contemporary country music.

Born Brenda Gail Webb, she is the younger sister of country legend Loretta Lynn. While Lynn’s influence helped open doors, Gayle developed a sound and style uniquely her own—softer, more polished, and often blending country with pop and adult‑contemporary elements. That artistic independence helped her stand out during a transformative era for the genre.

Beyond her music, Crystal Gayle became instantly recognizable for her extraordinary floor‑length hair. As a child, her mother kept her hair cut short, but a chance encounter in Nashville changed everything. Gayle once saw a woman with hair flowing nearly to her knees and decided she wanted the same. Over the years, her long, sleek hair became part of her signature look—an image as iconic as her voice.

Today, Crystal Gayle is celebrated not only for her chart‑topping hits but also for her enduring influence on country music. Her career spans decades, marked by awards, collaborations, and a legacy of songs that continue to resonate with listeners around the world.

As she celebrates another birthday, fans remember the artistry, elegance, and individuality that made Crystal Gayle a standout star—and a lasting figure in American music.