Career Timeline of Lee Ann Womack: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Lee Ann Womack

How Lee Ann Womack built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lee Ann Womack is an American singer-songwriter known for her success in country music. She achieved significant chart success, with 23 entries on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Her most notable hit is "I Hope You Dance," a collaboration with Sons of the Desert that reached number one in 2000. Additionally, five of her singles reached the top 10 on the RPM country music charts in Canada, solidifying her impact in the country music scene.

4 hours ago : Lee Ann Womack Returns With New Song; Hannah Harper Covers Her on Idol.

Lee Ann Womack released 'Middle of a Storm,' her first song in 9 years. Hannah Harper performed a Lee Ann Womack cover on American Idol, moving forward.

1995: Performing in Songwriting Demos

In 1995, Lee Ann Womack began performing her music in songwriting demos and at showcase concerts, aiming to attract attention from country music labels and publishers.

1996: Acceptance of Contract from Decca Nashville

In 1996, Lee Ann Womack accepted a contract from Decca Nashville after auditioning for MCA chairman, Bruce Hinton, who praised her talents.

1996: Signing with Decca Records Nashville

In 1996, Lee Ann Womack signed with Decca Records Nashville, marking a significant step in her early career.

May 1997: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album

In May 1997, Lee Ann Womack released her self-titled debut album on Decca. "Never Again, Again" peaked at number 23 on Billboard Hot Country Songs that month.

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1997: Emergence as a Contemporary Country Artist

In 1997, Lee Ann Womack emerged as a contemporary country artist, drawing critical comparisons to Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette. She also had her first top 10 hits with "The Fool" and "You've Got to Talk to Me" that year.

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1997: Ricky Skaggs Records Womack's Composition

In 1997, Ricky Skaggs recorded Lee Ann Womack's composition, "I Don't Remember Forgetting" for his album "Life is a Journey".

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1998: Release of "Some Things I Know"

In 1998, Lee Ann Womack's released her second and final Decca album, "Some Things I Know".

January 1999: Winning American Music Award and Moving to MCA Nashville

In January 1999, Lee Ann Womack won Favorite Country New Artist from the American Music Awards and moved to MCA Nashville Records after Decca Nashville closed.

2000: Release of "I Hope You Dance" Album

In 2000, Lee Ann Womack released her first MCA Nashville album, "I Hope You Dance", which featured a pop-influenced sound, differing from her earlier traditional country style.

2000: Release and Success of 'I Hope You Dance' Album

In 2000, Lee Ann Womack released her third album, 'I Hope You Dance', which achieved major success and produced multiple top 40 singles.

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2000: "I Hope You Dance" Reaches Number One

In 2000, Lee Ann Womack's crossover signature song, "I Hope You Dance", a collaboration with Sons of the Desert, reached number one on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

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August 2002: Release of 'Something Worth Leaving Behind' Album

In August 2002, Lee Ann Womack released her fourth studio album, 'Something Worth Leaving Behind'.

2003: Guest Appearance on 'The District'

In early 2003, Lee Ann Womack made a guest appearance on the CBS television series "The District", playing the character Haylie Adams.

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2005: Release of 'There's More Where That Came From' Album

In 2005, Lee Ann Womack released her fifth studio album, "There's More Where That Came From", marking a return to traditional country music.

2005: Return to Traditional Country Music

In 2005, Lee Ann Womack returned to recording traditional country music with the release of "There's More Where That Came From", signaling a shift back to her roots.

2006: Plans to Release Studio Album

In 2006, Lee Ann Womack announced her plans to release her next studio album on Mercury Nashville Records. The lead single "Finding My Way Back Home" was released in the late summer.

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2007: Collaboration and Soundtrack Recording

In 2007, Lee Ann Womack collaborated with Joe Nichols on "If I Could Only Fly" from his album Real Things, and she recorded Steve Dorff's "Love Will Still Be There" for the soundtrack of the film September Dawn.

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October 21, 2008: Release of 'Call Me Crazy'

On October 21, 2008, Lee Ann Womack's sixth studio album and last for MCA, Call Me Crazy, produced by Tony Brown, was released. The album included collaborations with George Strait and Keith Urban.

October 2009: Release of "There Is a God"

In October 2009, Lee Ann Womack released a cover of Trent Willmon's "There Is a God" as the lead-off single to her then-upcoming seventh studio album which never surfaced.

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October 2010: Recording "Liars Lie" and Collaboration with Alan Jackson

In October 2010, Lee Ann Womack recorded "Liars Lie" for the soundtrack of the film Country Strong and collaborated with Alan Jackson on a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire".

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2010: Chart Performance of "There Is a God"

In early 2010, Lee Ann Womack's song "There Is a God" peaked at number 32 on Hot Country Songs.

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August 2012: Departure from MCA Nashville

In August 2012, Lee Ann Womack announced her departure from MCA Nashville.

April 2014: Signing with Sugar Hill Records

In April 2014, Lee Ann Womack signed with Sugar Hill Records, an imprint of Rounder Records.

September 2014: Collaboration with John Legend

In September 2014, Lee Ann Womack collaborated with American R&B singer John Legend for an episode of CMT Crossroads.

September 23, 2014: Release of 'The Way I'm Livin''

On September 23, 2014, Lee Ann Womack's first album for Sugar Hill Records, 'The Way I'm Livin'', was released. The album consisted of cover songs.

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2015: Appearance at C2C: Country to Country Festival

In 2015, Lee Ann Womack appeared at the C2C: Country to Country festival in the UK ahead of her tour in support of The Way I'm Livin'.

2015: Release of 'Trouble in Mind' and Grammy Nomination

In 2015, Lee Ann Womack released a vinyl extended play album of cover songs called Trouble in Mind. At the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, The Way I'm Livin' was nominated for Best Country Album.

August 15, 2017: Announcement of 'The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone'

On August 15, 2017, Lee Ann Womack announced her new album 'The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone', which was released on October 27 through ATO Records.