Kay Toinette Oslin was a country music singer and songwriter. Best known for her 1987 single, “80’s Ladies”, Oslin also had other country hits in the 1980s and 1990s, four of which ranked first in the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The Grammy Award-winner had multiple top-ten singles, including “I’ll Always Come Back”. Oslin also appeared on the television show, “Evening Shade with Burt Reynolds”.
Oslin died on 21st December 2020 at 78 years, one week after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Her friend, Robert Oermann stated that she died in Nashville, learning of her death from her aunt.
K.T Oslin’s Net Worth Was $2 Million
According to NetWorthList.org, as of 2019, Oslin had a net worth of $2 million. She started as a folk singer in a folk trio with Guy Clark and David Jones. Oslin then moved to New York in the 1970s where she appeared in various productions, including West Side Story and Hello Dolly!. She also sang advertisement jingles before pursuing a music career.
Oslin signed with Elektra Records in 1981 and released two singles, one of which was listed 72nd in the Hot Country Songs chart while the other did not chart. After a performance, she was spotted by Harold Shedd who helped sign with RCA Records.
Under RCA Records, Oslin released “80’s Ladies” which topped number 7 and won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. She went on to release a hit series of country series including “Do Ya” and “I’ll Always Come Back”. From her second album, Oslin won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Song of the Year for the song, “Hold Me”. After her third album, Oslin retired from touring coinciding with the chart decline of many country artists.
K.T. Oslin Took A Hiatus From Her Singing Career
In 1993, Oslin announced that she would be taking a break from her singing. She starred in “Murder So Sweet” and “The Thing Called Love”. She also guest-starred in sitcoms and skit comedies.
Oslin returned to singing in 1996 with BNA Records. She also returned to the stage in 2013 performing at the Franklin Theatre and performed live at the Grand Ole Opry in 2014. After 14 years, Oslin released her fifth studio album, “Live Close By, Visit Often” in 2015, and in 2016, she released her last album, “Simply” but it failed to chart.
K.T. Oslin Dies Aged 78
The Country Music Association announced the death of Oslin. Although the cause of her death was not revealed, Oslin was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week.
CEO of the Country Music Association, Sarah Trahern released a statement, “K.T. Oslin had one of the most soulful voices in Country Music and was a strong influence for women with her hit ’80’s Ladies’. I was fortunate to work with K.T. on a number of television shows in the late 90s. She was always gracious to the crews and up-and-coming talent performing alongside her. She truly had one of the best voices in the history of our format. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones at this difficult time”.
