Tanya Tucker was the youngest of three children, born Tanya Denise Tucker on October 10, 1958 in Seminole, Texas. She was raised in Wilcox, Arizona, and her older sister LaCosta was a country singer. At age 8, Tanya claimed that she too wanted to be a country singer when she grew up.
She made her debut with Mel Tillis, who was so impressed with her, he invited her on stage to perform. In 1969, the Tucker family moved to Las Vegas, where she often performed. She recorded a demo tape that got the attention of songwriter Delores Fuller, who sent it to producer Billy Sherrill. Sherrill was impressed with the demo, and ended up signing the young teen to Columbia Records.
Her first single, "Delta Dawn" was a Top 10 hit in 1972. Her second single, "Love's the Answer" was also a Top 10, but her third single, "What's Your Mama's Name" broke through in 1973, and became her first No. 1.
She changed labels, signing with MCA in 1975, and had a string of hits through the 1970's. In the 1980's her sales declined, and she paired up with Glen Campbell for a few duets, and as a couple. Their affair was a tumultuous one, and Tanya had substance abuse problems at the time.
In 1986, she signed with Capitol and her career seemed to be on the upswing, with hits like the duet with Paul Davis, "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love," "If It Don't Come Easy," and "Strong Enough to Bend." In 1988, her family finally convinced her to seek treatment at the Betty Ford Center, which she did, and it was in that year she was nominated for the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, among other awards. Her career was definitely looking up.
- Tanya
- The Definitive Collection
- TNT
- Delta Dawn Download/Purchase
- Two Sparrows and a Hurricane Download/Purchase
- San Antonio Stroll Download/Purchase
