In 1959, Lynn began singing at local nightclubs and won a talent contest in Tacoma. She recorded a single, the Kitty Wells-influenced “I'm a Honky Tonk Girl,
” for the small record label Zero in 1960. Lynn and her husband tirelessly promoted the record, sleeping in their old car as they traversed the country, their efforts pushing the single up to No. 15 on the country charts. After moving to Nashville, Lynn befriended Patsy Cline, who convinced Decca Records...