New Woody Guthrie Center Exhibit Highlights Women In Country Music

A new exhibit opens this week at the Woody Guthrie Center.

The exhibit is called “Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music.” From the dress Dolly Parton wore at a Grand Ole Opry performance to Taylor Swift's dress from her single debut music video, the exhibit walks you through the influence of women in country music throughout history.

It’s presented and curated by the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. 

Associate Curator Kelsey Goelz says she's excited to bring it to Tulsa since it's a rich music city, especially for country music.

The artifacts start in the 1920s with The Carter Sisters to current superstars like Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, and Mickey Guyton. You'll find dresses, instruments, and handwritten sheet music.

There are also some items specific to Tulsa. Features include rockabilly legend and Oklahoma native Wanda Jackson's pink guitar, and original pieces of Cain's Ballroom floor with posters of female country artists who performed there.

Goelz says these women have pushed boundaries in the industry writing about topics relevant today, like women's rights and worker's rights.

"These women are redefining what the country genre is,” Goelz said. “So, you know, they're fighting with their words, they're fighting for their stage and they're really expanding on the genre to make it something new and exciting."

The exhibit opens to the public on Friday and will be on display until March. The Woody Guthrie Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.