Which Patsy Cline song became her first country number-one single in 1961?

Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” became her first country number-one single in 1961.

Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard wrote the song, and Cline recorded it for Decca Records. Its polished arrangement helped establish the Nashville sound, blending country songwriting with orchestral pop production. The record became a major turning point in Cline’s career after several earlier releases had achieved only modest success.

“I Fall to Pieces” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and also crossed into the pop and adult contemporary charts. Cline’s controlled vocal delivery made the song a model of early-1960s country heartbreak singing.

Listeners sometimes identify “Crazy” or “Sweet Dreams” as Cline’s first major hit because both became strongly associated with her legacy. However, “I Fall to Pieces” was her first country chart-topper. Cline died in a 1963 plane crash, but her recordings continued to receive major acclaim after her death.