![18 Years Ago: Gretchen Wilson Hits No. 1 With ‘Redneck Woman’](https://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2017/05/gretchen-wilson-redneck-woman-no-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
18 Years Ago: Gretchen Wilson Hits No. 1 With ‘Redneck Woman’
Eighteen years ago today (May 29, 2004) was a life-altering day for Gretchen Wilson: It was on that date that her debut single, "Redneck Woman," claimed the No. 1 spot on the charts and stayed at the top for an impressive five weeks.
"Redneck Woman" comes from Wilson's freshman album, Here for the Party, which also soared to the top of the charts and sold more than 5 million units. The song -- which says, "I'm a redneck woman / I ain't no high-class broad / I'm just a product of my raising / I say 'Hey y'all' and 'Yee-haw'" -- helped usher in a new era of women in Nashville ... perception-wise at least. "Redneck Woman," as well as Wilson's follow-up single, which was the album's title track, depicted women in Music City as less refined and more prone to partying like their male peers.
While she may have never intended to be a trendsetter, Wilson certainly raised a high bar for artists. "Redneck Woman" earned platinum status, and the Illinois native's two follow-up albums, All Jacked Up in 2005 and 2007's One of the Boys, both landed at No. 1 as well.
Wilson performed "Redneck Woman" when she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry in May of 2004. The song also earned Wilson her only Grammy Awards trophy, for Best Country Female Vocal Performance.
This story was originally written by Gayle Thompson, and revised by Annie Zaleski.
LOOK: Gretchen Wilson + More Country Stars' First Jobs
More From KISS Country 93.7
![Gretchen Wilson Hotel Incident Caught on Police Body Cam](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2019/10/gretchen-wilson-hotel-incident-police-body-cam-video.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gretchen Wilson Kicked Out of New Mexico Hotel After 911 Call](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2019/10/Gretchen-Wilson-911-Call.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![19 Years Ago: Gretchen Wilson’s ‘Here for the Party’ Goes Gold, Platinum](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2017/06/gretchen-wilson-here-for-the-party-goes-gold-platinum.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gretchen Wilson Gives First Interview Since Arrest: ‘I’m Saddened’](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/08/Gretchen-Wilson-Interview1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gretchen Wilson on Airport Arrest: ‘The Truth Shall Prevail’](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2017/03/gretchen-wilson-redneck-woman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gretchen Wilson on Her Arrest: ‘The Truth Shall Prevail’](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/08/Gretchen-Wilson-Arrested-Comment.jpg?w=980&q=75)