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  New documentary from Sorbier, for the New Year schedules

  Posted on December 28, 2011

  Patsy Cline (1932-1963) was the first female singer to take the "Nashville Sound" - honed by early greats such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Eddy Arnold - to the top of the US charts. Although her exceptional vocal gift came early to the fore, as a girl she was forced to plough her own difficult furrow. She fought her way to stardom, competing with tough, male dominated music halls and studios to carve out a glittering - if desperately short - career.  Cline remains an inspiration to countless recording artistes - many from the Gaelic tradition, for whom the country style is an abiding influence.  In "Sweet Dreams - The Patsy Cline Story" they consider her achievements, with legendary rocker Suzi Quatro and Scots pop favourite, Eddi Reader also reflecting on their lifelong admiration for the 'honky-tonk angel'.

   

  Respected writer/director Morag Fullarton produced the stage tribute to the beloved star, depicting with sing-along charm how a hillbilly 'gal' from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, made it all the way to Vegas, in struggle and flourish by turns. The play was performed to packed audiences in Glasgow's Oran Mòr theatre, for a second successful run in October 2011 - and is currently back by popular demand. Filmed for the BBC ALBA programme, it offers up wit, warmth and a breathtaking central performance from actress Gail Watson. Taking all the atmosphere and entertainment of the theatre excerpts, "Sweet Dreams" peels back the layers of Patsy Cline's whirlwind life and explores her outstanding canon of work.  There is also much appealing archive, including TV performances by Cline just days before her death in a plane crash, at the age of 30.

   

  "When she sang a lyric she believed in, she reached out and she squeezed your heart with it. She lived every song."

  Suzi Quatro, exclusively interviewed for the programme in 2011

   

  "Sweet Dreams - Sgeulachd Patsy Cline/The Patsy Cline Story"

  BBC ALBA at 9pm, Friday 30th December 2011

  Repeated New Year's night at 11pm

  Stills copyright: Leslie Black Photography