An iconic role model for an entire generation of women, Lynn Anderson’s brilliance reflected the two great passions of her life: the American Quarter Horse and music.

Lynn René Anderson will forever be remembered for the worldwide crossover hit that made her an international star, and the song’s title a global catchphrase, making “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden” one of the most popular and memorable songs of all time.

Rose Garden was only one chapter in a career and life marked by a string of artistic and personal achievements that created a lasting impact across decades, placing Lynn Anderson among the most important and beloved female artists of the 20th century.

An iconic role model for an entire generation of women, Lynn Anderson’s brilliance reflected the two great passions of her life: the American Quarter Horse and music. As the daughter of hit country-songwriter Liz Anderson and avid equestrian Casey Anderson, she was raised surrounded by both. A lifelong horsewoman, world-class cutting horse champion, and nationally-ranked American Quarter Horse Association breeder, Lynn was a celebrated star in the horse world years before she ever walked into a Nashville recording studio. Her love of horses and riding was as much a part of her DNA as the voice that made her one country music’s most honored entertainers. In the span of a five decade career, Lynn broke nearly as many records as she made: 52 stand-alone LP’s and nearly 100 singles. Among those 100 singles, 50 placed within the Top-40 on the national charts, 18 in the Top-10, and 12 captured the No. 1 spot.

A distinctive stylist, Lynn Anderson ranks among the top-10 most successful female country artists for all-time record sales, as well as one of the most awarded country artists of her era. She performed for the Queen of England and for four American Presidents, including a special invitation to appear at a Ronald Reagan birthday celebration at the White House. She was the first female country artist featured weekly on national television, appearing as a regular on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1968-69. She was the first female country singer to perform on The Tonight Show, first to headline & sell out Madison Square Garden, and the first to win an American Music Award for Favorite Female Vocalist during the 1970s.

In 1967, she was named Best Female Vocalist by the ACM -- an achievement that was repeated in 1970. In 1971, NARAS presented her with the GRAMMY® for Best Female Country Performance, and the CMA awarded her the coveted Female Vocalist of the Year honor. The People’s Choice Award named her Favorite Country Artist in 1975. She was honored as ‘Artist of the Decade’ (1970- 80) by Record World, a major trade publication.

Here is that famous tune, ‘Rose Garden’ by Lynn Anderson:

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Lee Ann Womack NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 24: Lee Ann Womack performs onstage during Skyville Live Presents a Tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis on August 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Skyville) (Rick Diamond)

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