Here is Carolina Cotton's biography:
Carolina Cotton, known by her nicknames theodel Ying Blonde Bombshell, Westerns' First Lady, and the All-American Girl, was born Helen Hagstrom on October 20, 1925, in Cash, Arkansas. She began her career as a young performer, joining the O'Neille Sisters Kiddie Revue and later singing, yodeling, and playing instruments with Dude Martin's Roundup Gang.
In 1944, Cotton relocated to Hollywood and joined the Spade Cooley Orchestra, where she was the featured female vocalist and yodeler. She was soon signed with Columbia Pictures, appearing in several films, including "Sing Neighbor Sing," "The Singing Sheriff," and "I'm From Arkansas."
Cotton's unique style of yodeling earned her the title of World Champion, and she became known for her fun, lively personality, which made her a favorite among Western fans worldwide. She made numerous live appearances, including parades and rodeos, and was known for her charity work, earning her the title of "Miss Good Samaritan."
In the 1940s and 1950s, Cotton toured with various bands, including Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, the Sons of the Pioneers, and Hank Penny. She also appeared on radio and television shows, including "Hollywood Barn Dance," "Ranch House Party," and "Sunset Ranch."
In the 1950s, Cotton's film career continued, with appearances in "Smoky River Serenade," "Smoky Mountain Melody," "Stallion Canyon," and "Feudin' Rhythm." She also made several recordings for MGM Records, including "I Betcha I Getcha," "You're Gettin' a Good Girl," and the spectacular yodeling tune, "Nola."
Cotton continued to perform and make appearances throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including a USO tour to Korea and the Far East. She also became involved in helping disabled children, a promise she made to herself after a publicity stunt for Alaskan Airlines went awry.
In the 1970s, Cotton moved to Bakersfield, California, where she taught at Mt. Vernon Elementary School and worked at a local department store. She continued to make music with friends at local jam sessions and attended Western Film Festivals, where she was a favorite Guest Speaker.
Cotton was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1994 and passed away on June 10, 1997. Despite her passing, her legacy lives on through her Western Swing recordings, B Western movies, radio and television shows, which are still enjoyed by fans today.
