There were some very gifted women in country music in the 1990s. They graced the airwaves and concert stages with their presence, great songs, and exquisite voices. But some of them only achieved a certain desirable milestone once. Just one golden time. I am referring to hitting the top of the charts. It's hard to do even one time, but that is where these ladies' tally of number 1 hits ended. And who knows why? We are taking a stoll back in time to hear their charmed tunes again. A hearty shout-out and thank you to Mary Chapin Carpenter, Chely Wright, and Lee Ann Womack for bringing your talent to us. You are all wonderful one hit wonders from the 90s that we still love jamming to!
Videos by Wide Open Country
'Shut Up And Kiss Me' By Mary Chapin Carpenter
Per American Songwriter, "She charted over a dozen songs through the decade, but her only no. 1 hit was 'Shut Up And Kiss Me' from 1994. The song even earned her a Grammy Award in 1995." There is more music on the horizon for her - and happily for us. According to Carpenter's web site, the five-time Grammy honoree plans to drop her 17th album, Personal History, on June 6, 2026. She is the recipient of a pair of ACM Awards and an equal number of CMA Awards. Carpenter has sold more than 17 million albums.
'Single White Female' By Chely Wright
On September 11, 1999, Chely Wright had a song that landed at the ultra-desirable number 1 spot, per The Boot. That track was on her album of the same name. According to the outlet, "...'Single White Female' earned Wright several awards nominations, including ACM and CMT nods for its music video." The tune was co-crafted by Shaye Smith and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Wright eventually left the country music world for a role in corporate America.
'One Way Ticket (Because I Can') By LeAnn Rimes
You probably thought that 'Blue' was Rimes' only number 1 hit. It does have the distinction of being a gigantic crossover smash. But guess again! Her sole chart-topper was another song, "One Way Ticket (Because I Can"), which was on her album Blue in 1996. It was co-written by Keith Hinton and Judy Rodman.
