Anita Carter, Country Music Trailblazer, Remembered on 93rd Birthday

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Ninety-three years ago today, Anita Carter, the youngest member of the iconic Carter Family, was born in Maces Spring, Virginia. Anita rose to fame as part of The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle in the 1950s, becoming one of the first women to represent country music on national television. She was also the first artist to record 'Ring of Fire,' which later became Johnny Cash's biggest hit.

Why it matters

The Carter Family was a pioneering force in country music, and Anita Carter carried on that legacy as both a solo artist and member of the group. Her trailblazing work on television and as a recording artist helped pave the way for future generations of women in the genre.

The details

Anita Carter was born on March 31, 1933, to 'Mother' Maybelle and Ezra Carter. She and her sisters, Helen and June, formed The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle in 1949 after the original Carter Family disbanded. The group made their national TV debut on The Kate Smith Evening Hour in 1952, becoming the first women to represent country music on a major network broadcast. Anita also had a successful solo career, releasing four albums and one collaborative LP with Hank Snow. In 1963, she recorded the song '(Love's) Ring of Fire,' which was later covered by her brother-in-law, Johnny Cash, and became his biggest hit.

• Anita Carter was born on March 31, 1933.
• The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle made their national TV debut on The Kate Smith Evening Hour on March 26, 1952.
• Anita Carter recorded '(Love's) Ring of Fire' in 1963, which Johnny Cash later covered and released as a single.
• Anita Carter passed away from rheumatoid arthritis in 1999.