Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Loretta Lynn honored for 50 years in music business

Jack White with Loretta Lynn
Glitz and glam came to Nashville's Ryman Auditorium as Kentucky music legend, Loretta Lynn, was honored by the Recording Academy. The Grammy Salute To Country Music honoring Loretta Lynn, presented by MasterCard, happened on Oct. 12 among friends, fans, and family of the coal miner's daughter.

Reba McEntire hosted the event, as well as played "if You're Not Gone Too Long." She would highlight Loretta Lynn's earlier songs, such as "Don't Come Home a Drinkin," as well as "The Pill."

"She was my hero when I was growing up in Oklahoma, and she is still my hero," McEntire said.

Other guests of the evening included Kid Rock and Gretchen Wilson singing the Conway-Loretta duet, "You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly." Lee Ann Womack sang, "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl" and Martina McBride would sing "You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man."

Loretta Lynn was escorted by Garth Brooks down the red carpet and on stage when she received her award. The pair would then end the night with "After the Fire is Gone."

This Friday will be the 50th anniversary of when Loretta Lynn debut at the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman. In 50 years, she has released 70 albums and had 16 songs to make it to the top of the charts. Her autobiography, "Coal Miner's Daughter," would be made to a movie starring Sissy Spacek.

The short tribute to the legendary performer only lasted 45 minutes. However, the celebration will continue on November 9th, as an album of cover songs, "Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn" will be released. Loretta, Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow have revamped a newer version of Coal Miner's Daughter as one of the highlights.

Deep in the hills of Kentucky in a place called Butcher Holler, a young girl had hopes and tattered dreams. Her strong will and talent would take her throughout the world. Now fifty years later, Loretta Lynn is still woman enough to take on country music and continue to make history.