Janis Joplin is definitely one of my biggest influences. She taught me how to feel music, and I don't think there's anyone like her that could bring such pain and emotion to a song.

2010—: Lady & Gentlemen and Spitfire
Despite singing new material at several live shows earlier in the year it was announced on May 24 2010 by Rimes via her Twitter account that her new studio album would be a cover album of country songs titled Lady & Gentlemen. The album was a departure from Rimes's previous releases as it contained more Adult Contemporary-styled music than Country. Cline showed distinctive emotional expression in most of her material.

Known for her rich vocals Rimes rose to stardom at age 13 following the release of the Bill Mack song "Blue" becoming the youngest country music star since Tanya Tucker in 1972. 3 million album sales in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan. Rimes made her breakthrough into country music in 1996 with her debut album Blue which reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart and was certified multiplatinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).