Authors

Shavar Ross Net Worth

Shavar Ross is an American actor, director, screenwriter, producer, editor, photographer, author, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his role as Dudley Johnson on the popular sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, where he gained fame at a young age. His early start in television set the stage for a diverse career path that has included both creative pursuits and business ventures. Beyond Diff’rent Strokes, Ross appeared in other television shows and films during his childhood and teen years, further establishing his presence in Hollywood, such as Family Matters and Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. As he matured, Ross transitioned behind the camera, studying film and directing and producing independent films and Christian-based projects. In addition to his work in film and television, Shavar Ross has ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own company involved in various sectors, including retail and digital media.

Steve Guttenberg Net Worth

Steven Robert “Steve” Guttenberg (born August 24, 1958) is an American actor, author, businessman, producer, and director. He rose to prominence in the 1980s with lead roles in major franchises such as “Police Academy,” “Cocoon,” “Short Circuit,” and “Three Men and a Baby.” His early success included “Diner” and “The Boys from Brazil.” After the 1980s, he transitioned to television movies and independent films. Notable later works include “It Takes Two” and “P.S. Your Cat Is Dead,” which he also directed. Guttenberg has also appeared on Broadway and had recurring roles in series like “Veronica Mars” and “The Gold Coast.” He has received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond acting, he has also been involved in philanthropic activities, including providing housing for at-risk foster youth and organizing campaigns to provide glasses for poor children.

Jenny Slate Net Worth

Jenny Slate is an American actress, stand-up comedian, voice actress, and author. She gained recognition for her roles in television, live variety shows in New York City, and for co-creating the Marcel the Shell with Shoes On short films and book series. Slate is known for her role as Donna Stern in ‘Obvious Child,’ as well as for her time as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ from 2009 to 2010. She has also appeared in shows like ‘House of Lies’, ‘Married’, ‘Parks and Recreation’, ‘Bob’s Burgers’, ‘Hello Ladies’, ‘Kroll Show’, and ‘Girls’. She lent her voice to the animated films such as ‘Zootopia’, ‘The Secret Life of Pets’, ‘Despicable Me 3’, and ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. Jenny Slate graduated from Columbia University with degrees in English and Comparative Literature. She is a versatile performer known for her comedic timing and voice acting skills.

Joan Baez Net Worth

Joan Chandos Baez, born on January 9, 1941, is an American folk singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. With a career spanning over 60 years, she has released more than 30 albums and is known for her distinctive vocal style and songs of protest and social justice. Baez’s music encompasses genres such as folk, folk rock, pop, country, and gospel. She began her recording career in 1960 and achieved immediate success, becoming a prominent figure in the American roots revival. Baez played a significant role in popularizing Bob Dylan’s early work and has covered songs by numerous artists, including The Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Beyond her musical achievements, Baez is a dedicated activist, advocating for civil rights, nonviolence, and environmental causes. She has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. She is also an accomplished painter and has published two memoirs, ‘Daybreak’ and ‘And a Voice to Sing With’.

Katherine Schwarzenegger Net Worth

Katherine Eunice Schwarzenegger Pratt (born December 13, 1989) is an American author, animal rights advocate, and daughter of actor and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger and broadcast journalist Maria Shriver. She is also the grandniece of President John F. Kennedy. Katherine is best known for her books, including “Rock What You’ve Got: Secrets to Loving Your Inner and Outer Beauty from Someone Who’s Been There and Back”, “I Just Graduated … Now What?: Honest Answers from Those Who Have Been There”, Maverick and Me”, “The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable”, and “Good Night, Sister”. Katherine graduated from the University of Southern California in 2012 with a degree in Communications. In 2019, she married actor Chris Pratt. She is an ASPCA Ambassador and supports the Best Friends Animal Society. Her writing often focuses on self-help, advice for young women, and animal welfare.

Fran Lebowitz Net Worth

Frances Ann Lebowitz, born on October 27, 1950, is an American author, public speaker, and actor renowned for her sardonic social commentary on American life, particularly through the lens of her New York City experiences. Often compared to Dorothy Parker, Lebowitz gained fame with her books ‘Metropolitan Life’ (1978) and ‘Social Studies’ (1981), later combined into ‘The Fran Lebowitz Reader’ in 1994. She is known for her witty and observational humor, delivered with a distinctive deadpan style. Lebowitz’s career began with odd jobs like taxi driving and cleaning apartments before she became a columnist for Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine and Mademoiselle. Despite a self-professed writer’s block, she remains a prominent cultural figure, appearing on talk shows and in documentaries. Martin Scorsese has directed two projects about her: the HBO documentary ‘Public Speaking’ (2010) and the Netflix docu-series ‘Pretend It’s a City’ (2021). Lebowitz is known for her sartorial style, favoring men’s suit jackets, white shirts, and cowboy boots. She offers acerbic views on current events, media, and various pet peeves, solidifying her status as a modern-day wit and social observer. She also had a recurring role as Judge Janice Goldberg on the television drama Law & Order.

Jerry Clower Net Worth

Howard Gerald “Jerry” Clower (September 28, 1926 – August 24, 1998) was a renowned American stand-up comedian, best known for his stories of the rural South and was given the nickname “The Mouth of Mississippi”. Born and raised in Liberty, Mississippi, Clower’s comedic style drew heavily from his upbringing in a close-knit, rural community. After serving in the Navy and graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in Agriculture, Clower initially worked as a fertilizer salesman. His storytelling talents began to shine during this time, as he entertained farmers with humorous anecdotes. Clower made 27 full-length recordings in his 27-year career as a professional entertainer. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1973, and continued to perform regularly until his death. He was also the author of four books. Clower passed away on August 24, 1998, following heart bypass surgery, leaving behind a legacy as one of country comedy’s most beloved figures. His humor highlighted the simplicity and charm of rural Southern life, continuing to inspire comedians today.

Joe Bastianich Net Worth

Joseph “Joe” Bastianich, born on September 17, 1968, is an American restaurateur, author, television personality, and musician. He is the son of Felice and Lidia Bastianich, who are also restaurateurs. Joe initially pursued a career in finance after graduating from Boston College, working on Wall Street as a bond trader. However, he soon transitioned to the food industry, opening Becco with his mother, Lidia. He later partnered with Mario Batali to open Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca, which received critical acclaim. Bastianich gained further recognition as a judge on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. Beyond restaurants, he’s involved with Eataly and has authored books, including his memoir ‘Restaurant Man’. He also owns vineyards and produces wine in Italy and Argentina. Bastianich has more than 30 restaurants around the world including Los Angeles, New York, Hong Kong, and Milan

Chuck D Net Worth

Carlton Douglas Ridenhour (born August 1, 1960), most famously known as Chuck D, is an American rapper, activist, and author. He rose to prominence as the leader and frontman of the iconic hip-hop group Public Enemy, co-founded in 1985. Public Enemy redefined hip-hop by infusing it with politically and socially conscious themes, addressing issues such as race, rage, and inequality. The group’s groundbreaking albums like ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’ and ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ are celebrated for their powerful messages and innovative sound, earning Chuck D a spot as one of the Top 50 Hip-Hop Lyricists of All Time, with his booming and authoritative voice becoming one of the most distinctive in rap. In addition to his work with Public Enemy, Chuck D has also released several solo albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, showcasing his versatility. Beyond his music career, Chuck D is an active political voice, advocating for social justice and cultural awareness. He has co-hosted radio shows, testified before Congress, and founded the record label Slam Jamz.

Kim Wayans Net Worth

Kim Wayans is an American actress, comedian, producer, writer, and director. Born on October 16, 1961, in New York City, she’s part of the famous Wayans family, including siblings Keenen Ivory, Damon Sr., Marlon, and Shawn. Kim rose to prominence as a key cast member on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’ (1990-1994), where she showcased her talent for parodying celebrities like Whitney Houston and Naomi Campbell. She also played Tonia Harris on ‘In the House’ (1995-1998). Beyond comedy, Kim has demonstrated her versatility by taking on dramatic roles, including a critically acclaimed performance in the film ‘Pariah’ (2011), earning her a Black Reel Award and NAACP Image Award nominations. She’s also worked behind the camera, writing, producing, and directing episodes of ‘My Wife and Kids’. Additionally, Kim is a co-author of the children’s book series ‘Amy Hodgepodge’, reflecting her commitment to addressing diversity and self-acceptance.

Mary Elizabeth McDonough Net Worth

Mary Elizabeth McDonough, born on May 4, 1961, is an American actress and writer, celebrated for her role as Erin Walton in the popular TV series “The Waltons” (1972-1981). McDonough’s career began as a child actor, and she continued to act in various television series and films. Her early film appearances included roles in “Lovely But Deadly” (1981), “Midnight Offerings” (1981), and the slasher film “Mortuary” (1983). Throughout the 1990s, she reprised her role as Erin Walton in several reunion movies. In the 2000s, she guest-starred in series like “Boston Legal” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine”. Beyond acting, McDonough is also an author, sharing her experiences in her book. She has also been open about her health challenges, including her battle with lupus erythematosus. McDonough remains active in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and a writer.

Max Lucado Net Worth

Max Lucado is an American Christian author, writer, and preacher with an estimated net worth of $10 million. Born in San Angelo, Texas, he graduated from Abilene Christian University and began his ministry as an associate minister at Central Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. He served as a minister at Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas, for 20 years before stepping down in 2007 due to health reasons. Lucado has authored nearly 100 books, with approximately 80 million copies in print. He has received the Charles “Kip” Jordon Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year Award for titles such as *Just Like Jesus*, *When God Whispers Your Name*, and *In the Grip of Grace*. Lucado has frequently appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List and has been recognized as “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest. He has also been featured on TV series like NBC Nightly News, The Fox News Channel, and Larry King Live.

Malcolm Gladwell Net Worth

Malcolm Timothy Gladwell CM (born September 3, 1963) is a Canadian journalist, author, and speaker. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996. Gladwell’s writings often deal with the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences, such as sociology and psychology, and he makes frequent and extended use of academic work. Born in England, he grew up in Elmira, Ontario, Canada. He received a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Toronto in 1984. Before joining The New Yorker, he covered business and science at The Washington Post for nine years. Gladwell is the host of the podcast Revisionist History and co-founder of the podcast company Pushkin Industries. He is the author of several books, including ‘The Tipping Point’, ‘Blink’, ‘Outliers’, and ‘David and Goliath’. Gladwell was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011.

Kevin O’Leary Net Worth

Terrence Thomas Kevin O’Leary (born July 9, 1954), also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” is a Canadian businessman, investor, and television personality. He gained prominence through his appearances on the reality TV shows “Dragons’ Den” and “Shark Tank.” O’Leary co-founded SoftKey Software Products, a company that was later sold to Mattel for $4.2 billion. He is the founder of O’Leary Financial Group and serves as Chairman of O’Leary Ventures, Beanstox, and O’Shares Investments. O’Leary is a frequent commentator on business news networks like CNBC and Fox Business, offering insights on the economy and financial markets. He is also an author, having written books such as “Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women & Money.” Known for his straightforward and often blunt approach, O’Leary has become a well-known figure in the world of business and entrepreneurship. He is also a strategic investor in WonderFi.

John Lithgow Net Worth

John Arthur Lithgow (born October 19, 1945) is an American actor, author, and musician. He was born in Rochester, New York, to Sarah Jane (Price), an actress, and Arthur Washington Lithgow III, who was a theatrical producer and director. He has appeared in a wide range of films, television shows, and theatrical productions. Lithgow graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1967 with a degree in history and literature and later received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Lithgow began his esteemed acting career on Broadway in 1973, earning a Tony Award for his debut performance in ‘The Changing Room.’ He is also known for his roles in movies such as ‘The World According to Garp,’ ‘Terms of Endearment,’ and ‘Footloose,’. On the small screen, he is known for his award-winning roles on the sitcom ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and the Netflix historical drama ‘The Crown.’ As an author, he has written several best-selling children’s picture books.

Sunny Hostin Net Worth

Asunción “Sunny” Cummings Hostin, born on October 20, 1968, is an American lawyer, journalist, columnist, television host, and social commentator. She is best known as a co-host on ABC’s morning talk show, The View, since 2016, and as the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News. Prior to her career in television, Hostin worked as a federal prosecutor specializing in child sex crimes and domestic violence. She began her television career as a commentator for Court TV and then became a legal contributor for CNN from 2007 to 2016. Hostin has written a memoir, ‘I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds,’ and several novels, including the ‘Summer’ series. She is also the founder of Sunny Hostin Productions, a company focused on telling diverse stories. Hostin’s legal expertise and insightful commentary have made her a respected voice in both legal and media circles.

Al Roker Net Worth

Al Roker, born Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. on August 20, 1954, is an American television weather forecaster, TV personality, actor, and author. He is most widely recognized as the longtime weatherman on NBC’s “The Today Show” and serves as a co-host on “3rd Hour Today.” Roker began his broadcasting career in the mid-1970s and has since become a household name. He’s known for his friendly demeanor and expertise in meteorology, connecting with audiences across the nation. Beyond weather forecasting, Roker has appeared in television shows and films, showcasing his acting skills, and is also an author with several books to his name. He has diversified his career and remains an iconic figure in the media landscape. Al Roker’s net worth is $70 million, attributed to his long and successful career in television, as well as his ventures into acting, writing, and production.

Christina Crawford Net Worth

Christina Crawford is an American writer and actress, born on June 11, 1939. She is widely known for her memoir “Mommie Dearest,” published in 1978, which details her experiences of alleged abuse by her adoptive mother, the famous actress Joan Crawford. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a film. Beyond “Mommie Dearest,” Christina Crawford has worked as an actress in Off-Broadway productions and in television series such as “The Secret Storm.” She has also written other books, including “Survivor” and “No Safe Place.” In addition to her career in entertainment, Crawford has been involved in various business ventures and political activities, including running Seven Springs Farms (a bed & breakfast) and serving as a County Commissioner in Benewah County, Idaho. Christina Crawford founded the Benewah Human Rights Coalition in 2011 and served as its first president.

Creflo Dollar Net Worth

Creflo Dollar is an American pastor and televangelist, best known as the founder of World Changers Church International in College Park, Georgia. He also heads the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association and Arrow Records. Dollar’s ministry gained prominence through his prosperity theology, which has drawn both followers and considerable controversy. Prosperity theology posits that financial success and well-being are attainable through faith and donations. This doctrine has enabled him to amass considerable wealth, but has also made him a target of criticism. He has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle, which includes multiple million-dollar homes, a private jet, and luxury cars. He has also faced scrutiny for his reluctance to disclose financial information related to his ministries. Despite the controversies, Creflo Dollar remains a prominent figure in the world of televangelism, continuing to preach to a large following and exerting influence through his various religious organizations and media platforms.

Larry Elder Net Worth

Laurence Allen Elder (born April 27, 1952), known as Larry Elder, is an American conservative political commentator, talk radio host, author, and former attorney. He hosts The Larry Elder Show. The show began as a local program on Los Angeles radio station KABC in 1993 and ran until 2008, followed by a second run on KABC from 2010 to 2014. The show is nationally syndicated, first through ABC Radio Networks from 2002 to 2007 and then Salem Media Group from 2015 to 2022. Elder is a registered Republican and labels himself a ‘small-l libertarian,’ summarizing his political philosophy as ‘I believe that a government that governs less governs best.’ Elder has written nonfiction books and a nationally syndicated column through Creators Syndicate. In 2021, Elder ran as a Republican candidate in the California gubernatorial recall election but was unsuccessful. He also ran for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election but dropped out.

Richard Hammond Net Worth

Richard Mark Hammond, born on December 19, 1969, is an English journalist, television presenter, and author. He gained widespread recognition as the co-host of the BBC Two motoring programme ‘Top Gear’ from 2002 to 2015, alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. Hammond’s career began in local radio before he transitioned to television. Besides ‘Top Gear,’ he has hosted shows like ‘Brainiac: Science Abuse,’ ‘Total Wipeout,’ and ‘Planet Earth Live.’ Hammond is known for his passion for cars, reflected in his television work and personal life, including restoring and modifying vehicles in his workshop. In 2016, Hammond, along with Clarkson and May, moved to Amazon Studios to present ‘The Grand Tour’, and his annual salary rose significantly. Beyond television, he has written books on cars, motorcycles, and children’s stories, further establishing himself as a versatile media personality.

Major Elliott Garrett Net Worth

Major Elliott Garrett is an American journalist, currently serving as the chief Washington correspondent for CBS News. He also hosts ‘The Takeout’ podcast. Before joining CBS News, Garrett was the senior White House correspondent for Fox News and a correspondent for National Journal. His career includes roles as a senior editor and congressional correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, and a congressional reporter for The Washington Times. He has covered several presidential elections, including the 2004 and 2008 elections, as well as the War on Terror. Garrett is a frequent commentator on various news programs and has authored several books, including ‘Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride: The Thrills, Chills, Screams, and Occasional Blackouts of an Extraordinary Presidency.’ He graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in Journalism and Political Science. He is married to Lara Brown.

Susie Essman Net Worth

Susan ‘Susie’ Essman, born on May 31, 1955, is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer. She is widely recognized for her role as Susie Greene in the HBO comedy series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ where her character’s foul-mouthed and abrasive personality has become a signature element of the show. Essman began her career in the late 1970s, performing stand-up comedy in New York City clubs. She gained prominence throughout the 1980s, appearing at venues like Catch a Rising Star and The Comic Strip. Besides ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ she has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including ‘Broad City,’ ‘Law & Order,’ and ‘Crank Yankers,’ and has also done voice work for animated series such as ‘American Dad!’ and ‘Bolt’. In 2009, she published her book ‘What Would Susie Say?’ Essman remains an active figure in comedy, celebrated for her fearless humor and memorable characters.

David Venable Net Worth

David Venable is an American broadcast journalist, TV personality, and author, best known for hosting ‘In the Kitchen with David’ on QVC since 2009. Born on November 12, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Venable earned a bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before joining QVC in 1993, where he initially promoted gourmet food products, he worked as a news anchor and reporter for WOAY-TV in West Virginia and WTAJ-TV in Pennsylvania. His show, ‘In the Kitchen with David,’ has garnered a large viewership and features gourmet foods, cookware, and cookbooks. While not a chef, Venable is considered QVC’s resident foodie and has also written cookbooks, one of which became a best-selling cookbook for QVC. He is known for his warm manner and connection with his viewers.

Cynthia Lennon Net Worth

Cynthia Lennon (née Powell; 1939-2015) was the first wife of John Lennon. She was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. She met John Lennon at the Liverpool College of Art. They married in 1962, and their son Julian Lennon was born in 1963. Their marriage occurred during the height of Beatlemania. The couple divorced in 1968 after John Lennon began a relationship with Yoko Ono. Cynthia wrote two memoirs about her life with John Lennon: ‘A Twist of Lennon’ (1978) and ‘John’ (2005). In her later years, she lived in Majorca, Spain, where she died of cancer on April 1, 2015. She had a career as an artist and author, and her connection to John Lennon made her a significant figure in pop culture history. She also owned a restaurant called Oliver’s Bistro, located in Ruthin, Wales, from 1973 until she sold the business in 1983.

Tommy Chong Net Worth

Thomas B. Kin Chong, most famously known as Tommy Chong, is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, musician, and activist. Born on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, he rose to fame as one half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong, alongside Cheech Marin. Their comedy, which heavily revolved around marijuana use and counterculture themes, made them cultural icons in the 1970s and 1980s. Chong’s career extends beyond comedy, as he is also a musician and has appeared in various films and television shows, including a memorable role as Leo on ‘That ’70s Show’. He is a strong advocate for cannabis legalization and has launched his own line of cannabis products. In 2003, Chong faced legal troubles related to his involvement in the industry, resulting in a prison sentence. Nevertheless, he remains a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and the cannabis movement. He inspired Jordan Belfort to write the Wolf of Wall Street.

Geri Halliwell Net Worth

Geraldine Estelle Halliwell-Horner (née Halliwell), born on August 6, 1972, is an English singer, songwriter, television personality, author, and actress. She is best known as “Ginger Spice” from the iconic pop group the Spice Girls, which became the most commercially successful female group in history, selling over 75 million albums worldwide. Geri was a central figure in the music industry during that time, famous for shouting the phrase ‘girl power’ and wearing an iconic Union Jack dress. After leaving the Spice Girls to pursue a solo career, she released successful albums and singles, including ‘It’s Raining Men.’ Beyond music, Geri has appeared as a judge on reality TV shows like ‘The X Factor UK’ and ‘Australia’s Got Talent,’ and has also written autobiographies and children’s books. Geri reunited with the Spice Girls in 2007 and 2019 for reunion tours.

Katy Tur Net Worth

Katherine Bear Tur (born October 26, 1983), most famously known as Katy Tur, is an American author and broadcast journalist. She works as a correspondent for NBC News and serves as an anchor for MSNBC, where she has hosted ‘Katy Tur Reports’ since 2021. Throughout her career, Tur has also reported for various NBC news platforms, including ‘Early Today’, ‘Today’, ‘NBC Nightly News’, ‘Meet the Press’, and WNBC-TV, as well as for The Weather Channel. She gained significant recognition for her coverage of the Donald Trump presidential campaign in 2016 for NBC News and MSNBC. In 2017, Tur received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism. Katy’s career began after she graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. Before joining NBC News, she worked as a reporter for WNBC, The Weather Channel, WPIX, and News 12 Brooklyn. Besides journalism, Tur is also an author, having published ‘Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History’ in 2017 and a memoir titled ‘Rough Draft’ in 2022. Tur is married to Tony Dokoupil, a correspondent for CBS News, and they have two children together.

Pete Townshend Net Worth

Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend, born on May 19, 1945, is an English rock musician, singer-songwriter, and author, best known as the guitarist and principal songwriter for the British rock band The Who. His evocative songwriting and aggressive playing style have earned him critical acclaim and a reputation as an inventive and intellectual rock music composer. Townshend’s career began in the early 1960s, and he quickly rose to prominence as a driving force behind The Who, one of the most influential rock bands of the era. He is responsible for writing over 100 songs for the band, including rock operas like ‘Tommy’ and ‘Quadrophenia’. Beyond The Who, Townshend has also released several solo albums and is an established writer, having authored essays, articles, books, and scripts. He has received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Tammy Wynette Net Worth

Tammy Wynette (born Virginia Wynette Pugh; May 5, 1942 – April 6, 1998) was an American country music singer, songwriter, actress and author, considered among the genre’s most influential and successful artists. Along with Loretta Lynn, Wynette helped bring a woman’s perspective to the male-dominated country music field, paving the way for other women in the genre. Her emotionally rich vocal delivery won her acclaim from critics and fans alike. Twenty of her singles topped the Billboard country chart during her career. Wynette was born and raised near Tremont, Mississippi. She picked cotton on her family’s farm as a child but aspired to be a singer. She attended cosmetology school, married at 17, and later appeared on a local country music television program. After divorcing, she moved to Nashville in 1966 to pursue a music career, signing with Epic Records soon after. Wynette’s signature song ‘Stand by Your Man’ received both acclaim and criticism for its portrayal of women’s loyalty towards their husbands. She died at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy as the ‘First Lady of Country Music.’