ROOTS of Country Music

The Professional Work of Janie Fricke

In 1975, Fricke moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she became highly sought-after background vocalist. Fricke sang background for several country music singers, including Moe Bandy, Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Eddie Rabbitt and Johnny Duncan. It was likely her contribution to Duncan's No. 1 hit "Stranger" (1977) that generated the most interest. In that song, Fricke sang the line, "Shut out the light and lead me....” People soon began to inquire who was singing those words inDuncan's song. Because of this, Fricke was able to gain a recording contract of her own from Columbia Records, where she remained for over ten years (1977 – 1989).