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Cristy Lane

November 23, 2023

Cristy Lane[1][2] (born Eleanor Johnston; January 8, 1940)[2] is an American Christian and country music singer. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, she had a series of hits on the North American country charts with songs like "Let Me Down Easy", "I Just Can't Stay Married to You" and the number one hit "One Day at a Time". The latter recording inspired a book of the same name, which was sold on cable television and brought renewed interest to Lane's career.

Cristy Lane
Born
Eleanor Johnston

(1940-01-08) January 8, 1940 (age 83)
Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation
  • Singer
Years active1966–present
Spouse
Lee Stoller
​
(m. 1959)​
Children3
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Labels
Websitecristylane.com

Lane was raised in Peoria, Illinois, and married Lee Stoller at age 19. She raised three children while Stoller worked a sales job in the Peoria area. One day, Stoller overheard his wife singing at home and got the idea that she could become a successful country music vocalist. Stoller soon became her full-time manager and by 1966 she released her first single on a small independent record label. Lane recorded for a series of small labels during the decade with no success. In 1969, Lane and Stoller traveled the far east where she performed over 100 shows for American soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War. Traumatized by the experience, Lane considered ending her career but ultimately decided to continue.

The family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in the early 1970s to restart Lane's country singing career. Facing rejection from every major record company, Stoller decided to form his own label, which he named LS Records. The company began releasing Cristy Lane singles in the mid 1970s. In 1977, she had her first major hit with "Let Me Down Easy". It was followed by a series of top ten hits over the next several years. In 1979, Lane signed with United Artists Records, where she would record "One Day at a Time". The single would become her biggest hit in her career and prompted Lane to record a series of albums tailored to the Christian market in the 1980s. This included LPs such as One Day at a Time (1981) and Footprints in the Sand (1983).

In 1982, Stoller went to prison on federal bribery charges. The criminal conviction halted Lane's career, but when he was released, he published her biography also titled One Day at a Time (1983). Marketing the book on cable television in combination with her record albums, One Day at a Time sold over a million copies. Over the next several decades, Lane's biography and recordings were sold over television commercials, the worldwide web and through other major distributors. In the 1990s, the couple opened a theater in Branson, Missouri, which ran shows for several years.

Early life edit

Lane was born Eleanor Johnston in Peoria, Illinois, to Andrew and Pansy Johnston; one of 12 children.{{sfn|Chaney|St[2] The Johnston family lived in a two-bedroom home located in the nearby town of East Peoria, Illinois. She was given the nickname, "Ellie", by her father at an early age and was called it throughout her early years. During her childhood, Ellie developed an interest with the family's kitchen radio, which often played soap operas and popular songs of the era.[3] During her school-aged years, she took a specialized course for a speech impediment that she had developed as a young child.[4] Ellie was often bullied in school for her lisp and her small stature.[5] She eventually graduated from East Peoria High School in the late 1950s.[4]

She was introduced to country music from her husband, Lee Stoller, whom she met in her late teens. Her first country music artists of interest were Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves and Marty Robbins.[6] After marrying, the Stollers moved into an apartment in East Peoria before buying a converted garage in the same area with a 50-dollar per-month mortgage.[6] The couple soon had three children by 1964.[1] Now known as Ellie Stoller, she took employment at a printing company in East Peoria, while her husband was employed as a salesmen with Pepperidge Farms.[7][1] In 1965, Stoller overheard his wife singing Patti Page's "Tennessee Waltz" and was impressed by her voice. From then on, it was Stoller's idea that she could become a country music singing star[1] and began encouraging her to perform in front of people.[2]

Career edit

1966–1972: Career launch and touring overseas edit

A first attempt to launch her singing career began when Lee Stoller arranged for a tape to be made of his wife's vocals. The recording was made in the Stoller's living room, with Ellie standing in front a microphone taped to a chair. Stoller then arranged for a local nightclub owner to visit and hear Ellie sing.[8] Ellie's husband believed that she had the talent to become a professional performer, but she suffered from shyness.[2] After the nightclub organized Ellie's first public performance, she was reluctant to get up on stage. "What am I doing up here?" she recalled saying to herself. However, once the band started playing the song "Paper Roses," she was able to get through the tune. Following her performance, the audience applauded and she performed several more selections that evening.[9]

During this time, Lee changed her name from Ellie Stoller to "Cristy Lane" and had her dye her hair.[1] However, the pressures of performing publicly caused continued fear and anxiety for Lane. Stoller had her read several self-help books and see a psychiatrist, who gave her tranquilizers.[2][1] Nonetheless, the couple continued her singing career. She continued finding more nightclub work, sometimes changing out of her nightgown to perform last-minute dates.[10] She also was given a slot to perform on Chicago's local country music television program titled National Barn Dance.[1] The Stoller's also opened a pair of nightclubs in the late 1960s where Lane could perform on a regular basis. The first nightclub titled Cristy's Inc. was bought out by a nursing home company. Their second nightclub, The Flame, opened up shortly afterward.[11]

In 1966, the Stollers took a trip to Nashville where Lane recorded several selections supervised by businessman Cliff Parnum. In her first recording sessions, Lane cut Jeanne Pruett's "Janie Took My Place". She also cut "I'm Saving My Kisses", "Stop Fooling with Me" and "Heart in the Sand".[12] Yet Lane's songs were rejected by every major country record label. Although Stoller met with major-label producers Owen Bradley and Chet Atkins, the companies had no interest in his wife. The independent K-Ark Records took interest and signed Lane to a recording contract.[13] In 1966, K-Ark issued "Janie Took Place" as her debut single.[14] Stoller paid one thousand dollars to manufacture her record and he promoted 500 single records by himself.[12]

Lane's early material was described by music writer Greg Adams as a style that "pointed towards the country-pop sound with which she would eventually find success.[15] Stoller billed her as "the female Jim Reeves" and the "Sweetest Voice This Side of Heaven".[1] Despite his early efforts, Lane's country career did not yield any commercial success.[2] She recorded several more singles for K-Ark in the mid 1960s and cut material for the Spar and Extremely Brave record labels through 1972. Yet, further material proved unsuccessful.[15]

In 1969, Lane and her husband traveled to Vietnam to perform for the American troops stationed there for the war.[2] The engagement was planned in a span of two weeks and was nearly cancelled due to hired-band backing out last minute.[12] The 120-concert tour took Lane to the front lines of American combat.[1] At times, Lane performed despite hearing bombs and fighter jets less than a mile away.[16] During other performances, Lane had to shelter in place to avoid being killed.[17] In a car headed to Saigon, Lane witnessed the soldier sitting beside her get shot and killed. "Bullets were ripping through his body, their impact jerking him back. He slumped over the gun he had been strapped to. He was dead," Lane's biography book recalled in 1983.[18] Because several shows had to be cancelled, the Stollers lost an estimated twelve thousand dollars during their trip.[1] Following her return to the United States, Lane recorded her first album titled Cristy Lane Salutes G.I.'s of Viet Nam. The project was released in 1969 and was dedicated to the soldiers fighting overseas.[19][15]

Lane became increasingly unhappy following her return home from Vietnam. She continued regularly performing at "The Flame", but found her schedule too busy and unfulfilling. She was also reliving the experiences of watching warfare day after day.[20] In 1970, Lane overdosed[1] on Valium medication.[21] Following the experience Lane considered the idea of giving up a career in music. However, after contemplating it for several days, she reconsidered. "I’m not going to let every little thing build up inside me. I’ve got to quit carrying everyone else’s problems—especially my own family’s—around on my shoulders. I want to go back to singing," she said.[20] In 1972, the Stoller's moved to Nashville, Tennessee in a second attempt to launch Lane's country music career.[2][15]

1972–1981: Breakthrough in country music and "One Day at a Time" edit

Following their Nashville move, Lee Stoller began learning more about the country music industry to help further Lane's career.[15][22] He arranged several recording sessions for his wife, paying a reported three thousand dollars per session.[22] He also made regular trips to Nashville where he shopped Lane's material.[15] However, her recordings were rejected by all the major record labels. Ultimately, Stoller decided to form his own record company.[2] To fund the project, he collaborated in a business venture joining law enforcement on fundraising projects.[23] Stoller then established his newly-formed LS Records in a small office located in Madison, Tennessee. He also arranged for a photography business to operate from the office.[24] LS began releasing singles by Lane in 1976, starting with a cover of Melissa Manchester's "Midnight Blue".[25] Her next two singles were Lane's first to make the American country charts: "Tryin' to Forget About You" and "Sweet Deceiver".[2]

In 1977, Lane recorded her next single release titled "Let Me Down Easy".[26] The song was produced by Charlie Black, a Nashville songwriter, who had also been working as an independent producer. For the song's promotion, LS Records made an arrangement for the GRT label to distribute the product.[27] "Let Me Down Easy" became Lane's first major country hit, climbing to number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.[28] Lane's commercial success continued with her next three single releases. Between 1977 and 1978 she had top ten hits with "I'm Gonna Love You Anyway" and "Penny Arcade". A cover of Marion Worth's "Shake Me I Rattle", also reached the country top 20 on Billboard.[28][29] The latter songs were included on her second album titled Cristy Lane Is the Name. The LP was released on LS Records in February 1978[30] and was reviewed favorably by Billboard magazine, who named it among its "Top Album Picks".[31]

 
Cristy Lane in Billboard magazine, 1977

In November 1978, the Charlie Black-penned "I Just Can't Stay Married to You" was issued as a single[32] and reached the top five of the Billboard country chart.[29][28] It also became her second top ten hit in Canada, reaching number four on the RPM country survey.[33] Her third studio LP, Love Lies, was issued on LS in December 1978.[34] With her growing popularity, Lane's recordings were receiving attention from music critics and journalists. Greg Adams of AllMusic described her voice as "light", "pretty" and "distinctive".[29] He also rated Love Lies four stars in his AllMusic album review and called it "among her best efforts".[35] Writers Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann called her vocal delivery "whispery", and characterized her songs as being "whimpering heartache material".[1] Her success was recognized by the Academy of Country Music Awards, who named her their "Top New Female Vocalist" in 1979.[2]

After Lane won the ACM award, Lee Stoller faced the possibility of declaring bankruptcy after losing GRT Records as his label distributor. Stoller arranged for Lane to sign with General Talent in Hollywood, California, who made arrangements to find a major record label interested in signing her.[36] She had several offers from major labels before choosing United Artists Records in 1979. The label picked up her 1979 single, "Simple Little Words".[37] The song became her fifth top ten hit on the Billboard country chart.[28] United Artists agreed to use the LS record label logo in Lane's recordings and chose to compile several selections from her previous album to put into her next studio project, Simple Little Words.[38] Three new recordings were also included on the album project, which was released in September 1979 on United Artists.[39] It became her second LP to reach the Billboard Top Country Albums list, peaking at number 38.[40] The album also spawned the top 20 Billboard country singles, "Slippin' Up, Slippin' Around" and "Come to My Love".[28]

In the late 1970s, Lane began incorporating the Christian song, "One Day at a Time", into her live show. The song received a positive response from her fans, prompting Lane to record the track. To bring further attention to it, Lane and Stoller planned to release it as a single.[37] However, United Artists was hesitant about the idea. The promotion department argued that the song was too religious for country music radio stations.[2][41] Promotion director, Jerry Siebolt, also argued that the song had previously been recorded and had not "made an impression on the public".[41] Composed by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson, "One Day at a Time" had first been a hit for Marilyn Sellars and again for Lena Martell.[42][2] Lane eventually received approval from label record-head Don Grierson to release the track.[43] At first, "One Day at a Time" received a mixed response from country disc jockeys. However, Lee Stoller used his position as manager to promote the song by calling radio stations continuously.[43] In 1980, the song went to number one on the Billboard country singles chart. It was Lane's first and only single to reach the number one spot.[2][28] The track also reached the top ten of the RPM Country Songs survey.[33] It was included on her corresponding album titled Ask Me to Dance (1980). The disc was Lane's highest-charting Billboard country album, climbing to number 14.[40] It also spent 34 weeks on the Cashbox country LP's chart.[37] The album also spawned Lane's follow-up single release, "Sweet Sexy Eyes". The song reached number eight on the Billboard country survey in 1980.[28]

Lane's career saw continued opportunities, including on television. During the early 1980s, she made frequent appearances on American television programs such as The Dinah Shore Show and The Merv Griffin Show.[37] Her next single release was a cover of ABBA's "I Have a Dream" (1981).[44] Despite receiving positive reviews, including one from Billboard magazine,[45] the single was her final to chart in the top 20.[37] A corresponding album of the same name followed that peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard country LP's chart.[40] Lane continued to record "straight country music and secular pop", according to writer Greg Adams.[37] Between 1981 and 1982, she had top 40 country hits with "Love to Love You", "Cheatin' Is Still on My Mind" and "Lies on Your Lips".[28] The latter two recordings were featured on Lane's next studio release titled Fragile – Handle with Care (1981). The album peaked at number 43 on the country chart.[40]

1982–present: Christian music transition and slowing down edit

In 1982, Lane's country music commercial success began to wane and her singles reached progressively-low positions on the charts.[46] Songs such as "The Good Old Days" and "I've Come Back (To Say I Love You One More Time)" reached chart positions outside the country top 40.[28] Her next studio album titled Here's to Us (1982), only reached number 42 on the country albums list.[40] Her sales decline was partly due to Stoller going to prison in 1982 on federal bribery and racketeering charges.[2][37] His usual responsibilities of promotional and management were put aside and "caused a negative effect on Lane's organization," according to writer Greg Adams.[37] For the first time, Lane had to tour without her husband. While not on stage, she spent most of the time in her bus's bedroom reading books and chose not to engage with others.[47] "She had tried to put up a strong show of cheerfulness for the band. She didn’t want anyone to pity her," her biography recalled.[48]

During his prison sentence, Stoller wrote Lane's biography, also titled One Day at a Time.[49] In 1983, the biography was published and sold over one million copies.[42] Advertisements for Lane's music and life story were also placed inside magazines, such as the National Enquirer and TV Guide.[42] Stoller also used cable television as a way to market the album and it was sold in conjunction with her 1981 gospel album of the same name. The sales increase in her Christian music prompted Stoller to market Lane towards the genre.[2][42]

In 1983, Lane's musical version of the poem "Footprints in the Sand" was a success on contemporary Christian radio.[37] A corresponding Christian release of the same name followed in 1983 that also reached a charting position on the Billboard country albums list.[40] The album would be reissued several times, which also helped increase sales of the product. Lane left Liberty Records in 1985 and began recording exclusively for LS Records.[50] Her next studio project was an album of traditional pop standards called Harbor Lights.[51] It was followed by a re-recorded patriotic salute to Vietnam veterans in 1986.[42] She released the holiday-themed White Christmas in 1987.[52]

In 1987, a pair of singles released on the label reached minor Billboard country chart positions, including a cover of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands".[28] The label released Lane's next studio album in 1988 titled All in His Hands. The record was sold on television and was a collection of more Christian material.[53] It was followed by an album of secular cover tunes in 1991.[54] Transitioning into the 1990s, Lane and Stoller opened the "Cristy Lane Theater" in Branson, Missouri. Lane was among the first country artists to use Branson as a tourist attraction to Nashville music fans. Lane's theater was also used as a way to introduce up-and-coming music acts.[2][42] The theater was sold after Lane fell off the stage in 1995 and injured her leg.[4]

With the introduction of the world wide web in the late 1990s, Lane and Stoller started selling her music through an official website.[2] Previously-recorded Christian songs were re-packaged into various compilations by Lane during this time[37] This proved successful when her 2003 compilation, One Day At A Time: 22 All Time Favorites Vol. I & II, was her first since 1983 to reach the country albums chart, peaking at number 62.[55] In August 2003, she was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in San Antonio, Texas for her recognition to the military, and was inducted into its hall of fame.[56] Lane was the first female country performer to be inducted into their hall of fame.[57] Plans were also laid during this period to film a biopic of Lane's life story,[2][57] however, it has yet to be produced.[58]

Discography edit

Main article: Cristy Lane discography

Awards and nominations edit

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
1978 Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Female Vocalist Won [59]
1983 26th Annual Grammy Awards Best Inspirational Performance – "I've Come Back (To Say I Love You One More Time)" Nominated [60]

References edit

Footnotes edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Bufwack & Oermann 2003, p. 298.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Manheim, James. "Cristy Lane: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  3. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 16.
  4. ^ a b c Kendall, Jeanette. "Country/gospel star has roots in East Peoria". East Peoria Times Courier. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  5. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 24-25.
  6. ^ a b Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 42.
  7. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 50-51.
  8. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 66-67.
  9. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 70-71.
  10. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 77-78.
  11. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 115.
  12. ^ a b c Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 95.
  13. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 95-98.
  14. ^ Lane, Cristy (May 1966). ""Janie Took My Place"/"Stop Foolin' with Me" (7" vinyl single)". K-ark Records. 686.
  15. ^ a b c d e f Adams 2005, p. 1.
  16. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 125-27.
  17. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 127.
  18. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 129.
  19. ^ Lane, Cristy (1969). "Cristy Lane Salutes G.I.'s of Viet Nam". Lane Records. L-101.
  20. ^ a b Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 159-64.
  21. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 160.
  22. ^ a b Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 169.
  23. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 169-170.
  24. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 171.
  25. ^ Lane, Cristy (June 1976). ""Midnight Blue"/"The Feeling of Love" (7" vinyl single)". LS Records. IRDA-068.
  26. ^ Lane, Cristy (August 1977). ""Let Me Down Easy"/"This Is The First Time I Saw The Last Time In Your Eyes" (7" vinyl single)". LS Records. LS-131.
  27. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 177-178.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  29. ^ a b c Adams 2005, p. 1-2.
  30. ^ Lane, Cristy (May 1978). "Cristy Lane Is the Name (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". LS Records. LS GRT-8027.
  31. ^ "Top Album Picks: Country". Billboard. February 18, 1978. p. 72. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  32. ^ ""I Just Can't Stay Married to You"/"Rainsong" (7" vinyl single sleeve insert)". LS Records. November 1978. LS-169.
  33. ^ a b "Search results for "Cristy Lane" (Country Singles)". RPM. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  34. ^ Lane, Cristy (December 1978). "Love Lies (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". LS Records. LS-8029.
  35. ^ Adams, Greg. "Love Lies: Cristy Lane: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  36. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 204-205.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Adams 2005, p. 2.
  38. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 206.
  39. ^ Lane, Cristy (September 1979). "Simple Little Words (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". United Artists Records. UAG-30277.
  40. ^ a b c d e f Whitburn, Joel (1997). Joel Whitburn's Top Country Albums: 1967-1997. Record Research Inc. ISBN 0898201241.
  41. ^ a b Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 208.
  42. ^ a b c d e f Bufwack & Oermann 2003, p. 299.
  43. ^ a b Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 209.
  44. ^ Lane, Cristy (December 1980). ""I Have a Dream"/"Rio Grande" (7" vinyl single)". Liberty Records. Liberty-1396.
  45. ^ "Top Single Picks: Country". Billboard. December 27, 1980. p. 63. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  46. ^ Planer, Lindsay. "Greatest Country Hits: Cristy Lane: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  47. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 243-44.
  48. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 242.
  49. ^ Chaney & Stoller 1983, p. 246.
  50. ^ Morris, Edward (March 2, 1985). "Unconventional Push for Cristy Lane". Billboard. p. 53-58.
  51. ^ Lane, Cristy (1985). "Harbor Lights (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". LS Records. SLL-9224.
  52. ^ Lane, Cristy (November 1987). "White Christmas (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". LS Records. LS-1986.
  53. ^ Lane, Cristy (1988). "All in His Hands (LP Liner Notes and Album Information)". LS Records. R02469.
  54. ^ Lane, Cristy (1991). "Top 10 Songs of All Time plus "Star Spangled Banner" (Cassette Liner Notes and Album Information)". LS Records. LSC-2010.
  55. ^ "One Day At A Time: 22 All Time Favorites Vol. I & II chart history". Billboard. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  56. ^ "Veterans name Cristy Lane into VFW hall of fame". IP press.com. Retrieved September 12, 2008.
  57. ^ a b Hatch, Danielle. "Country star returns home". Journal Star. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  58. ^ "Biography". Cristy Lane. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  59. ^ "Search winners: Cristy Lane". Academy of Country Music Awards. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  60. ^ "Cristy Lane: Artist". Grammy Awards. Retrieved December 30, 2021.

Books edit

  • Adams, Greg (January 26, 2005). "Cristy Lane: Greatest Country Hits (CD Biography)". Collector's Choice Music/EMI. 72435-63454-2-3.
  • Bufwack, Mary A.; Oermann, Robert K. (2003). Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music: 1800–2000. Nashville, TN: The Country Music Press & Vanderbilt University Press. ISBN 0-8265-1432-4.
  • Chaney, Pete; Stoller, Lee (1983). One Day at a Time. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 9780312585228.

External links edit

  • Official website

November 23, 2023
cristy, lane, born, eleanor, johnston, january, 1940, american, christian, country, music, singer, late, 1970s, early, 1980s, series, hits, north, american, country, charts, with, songs, like, down, easy, just, stay, married, number, time, latter, recording, i. Cristy Lane 1 2 born Eleanor Johnston January 8 1940 2 is an American Christian and country music singer In the late 1970s and early 1980s she had a series of hits on the North American country charts with songs like Let Me Down Easy I Just Can t Stay Married to You and the number one hit One Day at a Time The latter recording inspired a book of the same name which was sold on cable television and brought renewed interest to Lane s career Cristy LaneBornEleanor Johnston 1940 01 08 January 8 1940 age 83 Peoria Illinois U S OccupationSingerYears active1966 presentSpouseLee Stoller m 1959 wbr Children3Musical careerGenresCountryChristianInstrument s VocalsLabelsK ArkSparExtremely BraveUnited ArtistsLibertyLSWebsitecristylane wbr comLane was raised in Peoria Illinois and married Lee Stoller at age 19 She raised three children while Stoller worked a sales job in the Peoria area One day Stoller overheard his wife singing at home and got the idea that she could become a successful country music vocalist Stoller soon became her full time manager and by 1966 she released her first single on a small independent record label Lane recorded for a series of small labels during the decade with no success In 1969 Lane and Stoller traveled the far east where she performed over 100 shows for American soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War Traumatized by the experience Lane considered ending her career but ultimately decided to continue The family moved to Nashville Tennessee in the early 1970s to restart Lane s country singing career Facing rejection from every major record company Stoller decided to form his own label which he named LS Records The company began releasing Cristy Lane singles in the mid 1970s In 1977 she had her first major hit with Let Me Down Easy It was followed by a series of top ten hits over the next several years In 1979 Lane signed with United Artists Records where she would record One Day at a Time The single would become her biggest hit in her career and prompted Lane to record a series of albums tailored to the Christian market in the 1980s This included LPs such as One Day at a Time 1981 and Footprints in the Sand 1983 In 1982 Stoller went to prison on federal bribery charges The criminal conviction halted Lane s career but when he was released he published her biography also titled One Day at a Time 1983 Marketing the book on cable television in combination with her record albums One Day at a Time sold over a million copies Over the next several decades Lane s biography and recordings were sold over television commercials the worldwide web and through other major distributors In the 1990s the couple opened a theater in Branson Missouri which ran shows for several years Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 2 1 1966 1972 Career launch and touring overseas 2 2 1972 1981 Breakthrough in country music and One Day at a Time 2 3 1982 present Christian music transition and slowing down 3 Discography 4 Awards and nominations 5 References 5 1 Footnotes 5 2 Books 6 External linksEarly life editLane was born Eleanor Johnston in Peoria Illinois to Andrew and Pansy Johnston one of 12 children sfn Chaney St 2 The Johnston family lived in a two bedroom home located in the nearby town of East Peoria Illinois She was given the nickname Ellie by her father at an early age and was called it throughout her early years During her childhood Ellie developed an interest with the family s kitchen radio which often played soap operas and popular songs of the era 3 During her school aged years she took a specialized course for a speech impediment that she had developed as a young child 4 Ellie was often bullied in school for her lisp and her small stature 5 She eventually graduated from East Peoria High School in the late 1950s 4 She was introduced to country music from her husband Lee Stoller whom she met in her late teens Her first country music artists of interest were Eddy Arnold Jim Reeves and Marty Robbins 6 After marrying the Stollers moved into an apartment in East Peoria before buying a converted garage in the same area with a 50 dollar per month mortgage 6 The couple soon had three children by 1964 1 Now known as Ellie Stoller she took employment at a printing company in East Peoria while her husband was employed as a salesmen with Pepperidge Farms 7 1 In 1965 Stoller overheard his wife singing Patti Page s Tennessee Waltz and was impressed by her voice From then on it was Stoller s idea that she could become a country music singing star 1 and began encouraging her to perform in front of people 2 Career edit1966 1972 Career launch and touring overseas edit A first attempt to launch her singing career began when Lee Stoller arranged for a tape to be made of his wife s vocals The recording was made in the Stoller s living room with Ellie standing in front a microphone taped to a chair Stoller then arranged for a local nightclub owner to visit and hear Ellie sing 8 Ellie s husband believed that she had the talent to become a professional performer but she suffered from shyness 2 After the nightclub organized Ellie s first public performance she was reluctant to get up on stage What am I doing up here she recalled saying to herself However once the band started playing the song Paper Roses she was able to get through the tune Following her performance the audience applauded and she performed several more selections that evening 9 During this time Lee changed her name from Ellie Stoller to Cristy Lane and had her dye her hair 1 However the pressures of performing publicly caused continued fear and anxiety for Lane Stoller had her read several self help books and see a psychiatrist who gave her tranquilizers 2 1 Nonetheless the couple continued her singing career She continued finding more nightclub work sometimes changing out of her nightgown to perform last minute dates 10 She also was given a slot to perform on Chicago s local country music television program titled National Barn Dance 1 The Stoller s also opened a pair of nightclubs in the late 1960s where Lane could perform on a regular basis The first nightclub titled Cristy s Inc was bought out by a nursing home company Their second nightclub The Flame opened up shortly afterward 11 In 1966 the Stollers took a trip to Nashville where Lane recorded several selections supervised by businessman Cliff Parnum In her first recording sessions Lane cut Jeanne Pruett s Janie Took My Place She also cut I m Saving My Kisses Stop Fooling with Me and Heart in the Sand 12 Yet Lane s songs were rejected by every major country record label Although Stoller met with major label producers Owen Bradley and Chet Atkins the companies had no interest in his wife The independent K Ark Records took interest and signed Lane to a recording contract 13 In 1966 K Ark issued Janie Took Place as her debut single 14 Stoller paid one thousand dollars to manufacture her record and he promoted 500 single records by himself 12 Lane s early material was described by music writer Greg Adams as a style that pointed towards the country pop sound with which she would eventually find success 15 Stoller billed her as the female Jim Reeves and the Sweetest Voice This Side of Heaven 1 Despite his early efforts Lane s country career did not yield any commercial success 2 She recorded several more singles for K Ark in the mid 1960s and cut material for the Spar and Extremely Brave record labels through 1972 Yet further material proved unsuccessful 15 In 1969 Lane and her husband traveled to Vietnam to perform for the American troops stationed there for the war 2 The engagement was planned in a span of two weeks and was nearly cancelled due to hired band backing out last minute 12 The 120 concert tour took Lane to the front lines of American combat 1 At times Lane performed despite hearing bombs and fighter jets less than a mile away 16 During other performances Lane had to shelter in place to avoid being killed 17 In a car headed to Saigon Lane witnessed the soldier sitting beside her get shot and killed Bullets were ripping through his body their impact jerking him back He slumped over the gun he had been strapped to He was dead Lane s biography book recalled in 1983 18 Because several shows had to be cancelled the Stollers lost an estimated twelve thousand dollars during their trip 1 Following her return to the United States Lane recorded her first album titled Cristy Lane Salutes G I s of Viet Nam The project was released in 1969 and was dedicated to the soldiers fighting overseas 19 15 Lane became increasingly unhappy following her return home from Vietnam She continued regularly performing at The Flame but found her schedule too busy and unfulfilling She was also reliving the experiences of watching warfare day after day 20 In 1970 Lane overdosed 1 on Valium medication 21 Following the experience Lane considered the idea of giving up a career in music However after contemplating it for several days she reconsidered I m not going to let every little thing build up inside me I ve got to quit carrying everyone else s problems especially my own family s around on my shoulders I want to go back to singing she said 20 In 1972 the Stoller s moved to Nashville Tennessee in a second attempt to launch Lane s country music career 2 15 1972 1981 Breakthrough in country music and One Day at a Time edit Following their Nashville move Lee Stoller began learning more about the country music industry to help further Lane s career 15 22 He arranged several recording sessions for his wife paying a reported three thousand dollars per session 22 He also made regular trips to Nashville where he shopped Lane s material 15 However her recordings were rejected by all the major record labels Ultimately Stoller decided to form his own record company 2 To fund the project he collaborated in a business venture joining law enforcement on fundraising projects 23 Stoller then established his newly formed LS Records in a small office located in Madison Tennessee He also arranged for a photography business to operate from the office 24 LS began releasing singles by Lane in 1976 starting with a cover of Melissa Manchester s Midnight Blue 25 Her next two singles were Lane s first to make the American country charts Tryin to Forget About You and Sweet Deceiver 2 In 1977 Lane recorded her next single release titled Let Me Down Easy 26 The song was produced by Charlie Black a Nashville songwriter who had also been working as an independent producer For the song s promotion LS Records made an arrangement for the GRT label to distribute the product 27 Let Me Down Easy became Lane s first major country hit climbing to number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart 28 Lane s commercial success continued with her next three single releases Between 1977 and 1978 she had top ten hits with I m Gonna Love You Anyway and Penny Arcade A cover of Marion Worth s Shake Me I Rattle also reached the country top 20 on Billboard 28 29 The latter songs were included on her second album titled Cristy Lane Is the Name The LP was released on LS Records in February 1978 30 and was reviewed favorably by Billboard magazine who named it among its Top Album Picks 31 nbsp Cristy Lane in Billboard magazine 1977In November 1978 the Charlie Black penned I Just Can t Stay Married to You was issued as a single 32 and reached the top five of the Billboard country chart 29 28 It also became her second top ten hit in Canada reaching number four on the RPM country survey 33 Her third studio LP Love Lies was issued on LS in December 1978 34 With her growing popularity Lane s recordings were receiving attention from music critics and journalists Greg Adams of AllMusic described her voice as light pretty and distinctive 29 He also rated Love Lies four stars in his AllMusic album review and called it among her best efforts 35 Writers Mary A Bufwack and Robert K Oermann called her vocal delivery whispery and characterized her songs as being whimpering heartache material 1 Her success was recognized by the Academy of Country Music Awards who named her their Top New Female Vocalist in 1979 2 After Lane won the ACM award Lee Stoller faced the possibility of declaring bankruptcy after losing GRT Records as his label distributor Stoller arranged for Lane to sign with General Talent in Hollywood California who made arrangements to find a major record label interested in signing her 36 She had several offers from major labels before choosing United Artists Records in 1979 The label picked up her 1979 single Simple Little Words 37 The song became her fifth top ten hit on the Billboard country chart 28 United Artists agreed to use the LS record label logo in Lane s recordings and chose to compile several selections from her previous album to put into her next studio project Simple Little Words 38 Three new recordings were also included on the album project which was released in September 1979 on United Artists 39 It became her second LP to reach the Billboard Top Country Albums list peaking at number 38 40 The album also spawned the top 20 Billboard country singles Slippin Up Slippin Around and Come to My Love 28 In the late 1970s Lane began incorporating the Christian song One Day at a Time into her live show The song received a positive response from her fans prompting Lane to record the track To bring further attention to it Lane and Stoller planned to release it as a single 37 However United Artists was hesitant about the idea The promotion department argued that the song was too religious for country music radio stations 2 41 Promotion director Jerry Siebolt also argued that the song had previously been recorded and had not made an impression on the public 41 Composed by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson One Day at a Time had first been a hit for Marilyn Sellars and again for Lena Martell 42 2 Lane eventually received approval from label record head Don Grierson to release the track 43 At first One Day at a Time received a mixed response from country disc jockeys However Lee Stoller used his position as manager to promote the song by calling radio stations continuously 43 In 1980 the song went to number one on the Billboard country singles chart It was Lane s first and only single to reach the number one spot 2 28 The track also reached the top ten of the RPM Country Songs survey 33 It was included on her corresponding album titled Ask Me to Dance 1980 The disc was Lane s highest charting Billboard country album climbing to number 14 40 It also spent 34 weeks on the Cashbox country LP s chart 37 The album also spawned Lane s follow up single release Sweet Sexy Eyes The song reached number eight on the Billboard country survey in 1980 28 Lane s career saw continued opportunities including on television During the early 1980s she made frequent appearances on American television programs such as The Dinah Shore Show and The Merv Griffin Show 37 Her next single release was a cover of ABBA s I Have a Dream 1981 44 Despite receiving positive reviews including one from Billboard magazine 45 the single was her final to chart in the top 20 37 A corresponding album of the same name followed that peaked in the top 40 on the Billboard country LP s chart 40 Lane continued to record straight country music and secular pop according to writer Greg Adams 37 Between 1981 and 1982 she had top 40 country hits with Love to Love You Cheatin Is Still on My Mind and Lies on Your Lips 28 The latter two recordings were featured on Lane s next studio release titled Fragile Handle with Care 1981 The album peaked at number 43 on the country chart 40 1982 present Christian music transition and slowing down edit In 1982 Lane s country music commercial success began to wane and her singles reached progressively low positions on the charts 46 Songs such as The Good Old Days and I ve Come Back To Say I Love You One More Time reached chart positions outside the country top 40 28 Her next studio album titled Here s to Us 1982 only reached number 42 on the country albums list 40 Her sales decline was partly due to Stoller going to prison in 1982 on federal bribery and racketeering charges 2 37 His usual responsibilities of promotional and management were put aside and caused a negative effect on Lane s organization according to writer Greg Adams 37 For the first time Lane had to tour without her husband While not on stage she spent most of the time in her bus s bedroom reading books and chose not to engage with others 47 She had tried to put up a strong show of cheerfulness for the band She didn t want anyone to pity her her biography recalled 48 During his prison sentence Stoller wrote Lane s biography also titled One Day at a Time 49 In 1983 the biography was published and sold over one million copies 42 Advertisements for Lane s music and life story were also placed inside magazines such as the National Enquirer and TV Guide 42 Stoller also used cable television as a way to market the album and it was sold in conjunction with her 1981 gospel album of the same name The sales increase in her Christian music prompted Stoller to market Lane towards the genre 2 42 In 1983 Lane s musical version of the poem Footprints in the Sand was a success on contemporary Christian radio 37 A corresponding Christian release of the same name followed in 1983 that also reached a charting position on the Billboard country albums list 40 The album would be reissued several times which also helped increase sales of the product Lane left Liberty Records in 1985 and began recording exclusively for LS Records 50 Her next studio project was an album of traditional pop standards called Harbor Lights 51 It was followed by a re recorded patriotic salute to Vietnam veterans in 1986 42 She released the holiday themed White Christmas in 1987 52 In 1987 a pair of singles released on the label reached minor Billboard country chart positions including a cover of He s Got the Whole World in His Hands 28 The label released Lane s next studio album in 1988 titled All in His Hands The record was sold on television and was a collection of more Christian material 53 It was followed by an album of secular cover tunes in 1991 54 Transitioning into the 1990s Lane and Stoller opened the Cristy Lane Theater in Branson Missouri Lane was among the first country artists to use Branson as a tourist attraction to Nashville music fans Lane s theater was also used as a way to introduce up and coming music acts 2 42 The theater was sold after Lane fell off the stage in 1995 and injured her leg 4 With the introduction of the world wide web in the late 1990s Lane and Stoller started selling her music through an official website 2 Previously recorded Christian songs were re packaged into various compilations by Lane during this time 37 This proved successful when her 2003 compilation One Day At A Time 22 All Time Favorites Vol I amp II was her first since 1983 to reach the country albums chart peaking at number 62 55 In August 2003 she was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in San Antonio Texas for her recognition to the military and was inducted into its hall of fame 56 Lane was the first female country performer to be inducted into their hall of fame 57 Plans were also laid during this period to film a biopic of Lane s life story 2 57 however it has yet to be produced 58 Discography editMain article Cristy Lane discographyAwards and nominations editYear Nominee work Award Result Ref 1978 Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Female Vocalist Won 59 1983 26th Annual Grammy Awards Best Inspirational Performance I ve Come Back To Say I Love You One More Time Nominated 60 References editFootnotes edit a b c d e f g h i j k l Bufwack amp Oermann 2003 p 298 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Manheim James Cristy Lane Biography amp History AllMusic Retrieved May 24 2021 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 16 a b c Kendall Jeanette Country gospel star has roots in East Peoria East Peoria Times Courier Retrieved May 24 2021 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 24 25 a b Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 42 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 50 51 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 66 67 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 70 71 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 77 78 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 115 a b c Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 95 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 95 98 Lane Cristy May 1966 Janie Took My Place Stop Foolin with Me 7 vinyl single K ark Records 686 a b c d e f Adams 2005 p 1 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 125 27 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 127 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 129 Lane Cristy 1969 Cristy Lane Salutes G I s of Viet Nam Lane Records L 101 a b Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 159 64 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 160 a b Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 169 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 169 170 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 171 Lane Cristy June 1976 Midnight Blue The Feeling of Love 7 vinyl single LS Records IRDA 068 Lane Cristy August 1977 Let Me Down Easy This Is The First Time I Saw The Last Time In Your Eyes 7 vinyl single LS Records LS 131 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 177 178 a b c d e f g h i j Whitburn Joel 2008 Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008 Record Research Inc ISBN 978 0 89820 177 2 a b c Adams 2005 p 1 2 Lane Cristy May 1978 Cristy Lane Is the Name LP Liner Notes and Album Information LS Records LS GRT 8027 Top Album Picks Country Billboard February 18 1978 p 72 Retrieved May 10 2021 I Just Can t Stay Married to You Rainsong 7 vinyl single sleeve insert LS Records November 1978 LS 169 a b Search results for Cristy Lane Country Singles RPM Retrieved May 7 2021 Lane Cristy December 1978 Love Lies LP Liner Notes and Album Information LS Records LS 8029 Adams Greg Love Lies Cristy Lane Songs reviews credits AllMusic Retrieved May 12 2021 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 204 205 a b c d e f g h i j Adams 2005 p 2 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 206 Lane Cristy September 1979 Simple Little Words LP Liner Notes and Album Information United Artists Records UAG 30277 a b c d e f Whitburn Joel 1997 Joel Whitburn s Top Country Albums 1967 1997 Record Research Inc ISBN 0898201241 a b Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 208 a b c d e f Bufwack amp Oermann 2003 p 299 a b Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 209 Lane Cristy December 1980 I Have a Dream Rio Grande 7 vinyl single Liberty Records Liberty 1396 Top Single Picks Country Billboard December 27 1980 p 63 Retrieved May 9 2021 Planer Lindsay Greatest Country Hits Cristy Lane Songs reviews credits AllMusic Retrieved June 4 2021 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 243 44 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 242 Chaney amp Stoller 1983 p 246 Morris Edward March 2 1985 Unconventional Push for Cristy Lane Billboard p 53 58 Lane Cristy 1985 Harbor Lights LP Liner Notes and Album Information LS Records SLL 9224 Lane Cristy November 1987 White Christmas LP Liner Notes and Album Information LS Records LS 1986 Lane Cristy 1988 All in His Hands LP Liner Notes and Album Information LS Records R02469 Lane Cristy 1991 Top 10 Songs of All Time plus Star Spangled Banner Cassette Liner Notes and Album Information LS Records LSC 2010 One Day At A Time 22 All Time Favorites Vol I amp II chart history Billboard Retrieved June 4 2021 Veterans name Cristy Lane into VFW hall of fame IP press com Retrieved September 12 2008 a b Hatch Danielle Country star returns home Journal Star Retrieved June 4 2021 Biography Cristy Lane Retrieved June 4 2021 Search winners Cristy Lane Academy of Country Music Awards Retrieved December 30 2021 Cristy Lane Artist Grammy Awards Retrieved December 30 2021 Books edit Adams Greg January 26 2005 Cristy Lane Greatest Country Hits CD Biography Collector s Choice Music EMI 72435 63454 2 3 Bufwack Mary A Oermann Robert K 2003 Finding Her Voice Women in Country Music 1800 2000 Nashville TN The Country Music Press amp Vanderbilt University Press ISBN 0 8265 1432 4 Chaney Pete Stoller Lee 1983 One Day at a Time St Martin s Press ISBN 9780312585228 External links editOfficial website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Cristy Lane amp 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