More than 20 years after Gretchen Wilson released her empowering breakthrough single, “Redneck Woman,” the song continues to speak to listeners. Arguably, that’s even more true today, when identifying as blue collar, country, or, yes, redneck is worn as a badge of honor by many. But when Wilson released the song in 2004, that wasn’t necessarily the case in country music.

“‘Redneck Woman’ was just different enough at that time and authentic enough in that moment to become an anthem for women who weren’t being talked to, or talked about either,” Wilson says on Rolling Stone ’s Nashville Now podcast. “I’m a very proud woman. I actually like myself. I like the things I’ve been able to accomplish.”

Wilson, who won a Grammy for “Redneck Woman” in the Best Female Country Vocal Performan

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