With a distinctive drawl and commanding vocals, Ms. Montgomery made her name in Nashville as a singer and songwriter of heartbreak and passion.

A country music singer known for her duets with George Jones, Gene Pitney and Charlie Louvin has died at the age of 86.

Country music legend Melba Montgomery has died, according to Taste of Country. The site reported that Montgomery died on Jan. 15. She was 86. Her daughter, Melissa Solomon Barrett, posted about her death on Facebook, too.

Her high harmonies put an emotional charge into her work with George Jones and others. She also had solo hits, including “No Charge,” a country No. 1.