At a time when women’s lives have never been more public, more debated, more celebrated and in many ways, more scrutinized, Woman Walk The Line: How the Women of Country Changed Our Lives arrives. A collection of 27 women writers of varying age, race, sexual orientation and occupation, these deeply personal essays reflect how one country artist served as the life pivot that shifted everything in each writer’s life.
Kentucky country music native, Loretta Lynn, suffered a stroke on Thursday, May 4th. According to her website, she is expected to make a full recovery. She recently celebrated her 85th birthday with two sold out concerts at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
American country music legend Loretta Lynn was admitted into a hospital in Nashville last night after she suffered a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
She is currently under medical care and is responsive and expected to make a full recovery.
Loretta, who just celebrated her 85th birthday, has been advised by her doctors to stay off the road while she is recuperating. Regrettably, upcoming scheduled shows will be postponed.
For information on when shows will be rescheduled, fans are encouraged to visit LorettaLynn.com.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Loretta Lynn and her family.
Kentucky country music fans will be excited to hear that Loretta Lynn will be releasing a new album. "Wouldn't It Be Great," the new album from Loretta Lynn, highlights The Queen of Country Music's original songwriting, as sharp as ever since her early days as a musical trailblazer in the 1960s. This third volume of recordings produced by Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash and recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee features 13 tracks all written or co-written by Loretta.
The follow-up to the Grammy-nominated Full Circle, mixes new compositions ("Ruby's Stool," "Ain't No Time To Go," "I'm Dying For Someone To Live For") with newly imagined renditions of timeless classics like the unforgettable "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)," Loretta's first of 16 career country No. 1 singles.
"Wouldn't It Be Great" by Loretta Lynn is set to be released on August 18, 2017. Fans can pre-order the album by clicking here to order through Amazon.com. It will be available on vinyl, mp3, and cd formats.
Loretta Lynn Wouldn't It Be Great Track Listing
Wouldn't It Be Great
Ruby's Stool
I'm Dying for Someone to Live For
Another Bridge to Burn
Ain't No Time to Go
God Makes No Mistakes
These Ole Blues
My Angel Mother
Don't Come Home a Drinkin'
The Big Man
Lulie Vars
Darkest Day
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Officials and local official cut the ribbon for the Open House.
Photo by Jessica Bray
Just a year ago, it had seemed as though that the doors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum would be closed forever. However, with the partnership of local leaders and Rockcastle County Tourism officials, there was a strong desire to come together. Soon the Rockcastle County Tourism office moved its headquarters into the Museum and hired a new manager of the museum, Avery Bradshaw. Susan Tomes Laws has been leading the reins with the Rockcastle County Tourism office. On March 25th, everyone in the community came together in support with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting with a start of a new era with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Patsy Cline Museum opens to the public Friday, April 7, adding another attraction to the “must-see” list for Nashville tourists and locals paying homage to the personal and professional life of the icon.
“In her short nine years as a recording artist from ‘55 to ‘63, she forever changed the voice of country music, the role of female artists and influenced performers across all genres,” said founder Bill Miller. “To this very day, artists still cover her hits and you’ll hear her recordings used in motion pictures and TV series. She deserved her own museum as she continues to transcend generations of fans. We are honored to work with Patsy’s children to preserve her legacy.”
It seems as though 2017 is the year of Crystal Gayle. With her recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry, as well as being featured on several tributes, she has been gaining attention in a positive way. Fans can watch her on AXS TV on March 7, 2017, as she sits down with Dan Rather on "The Big Interview." During the show, she opens up about her relationship with her older sister, Loretta Lynn, as well as doing things her own way and finding her own way.
Saturday night, country music legend, Loretta Lynn was honored by the Americana Music Association as a salute to her living legend status. Quite a few artists were on hand to sing in tribute to Loretta Lynn at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
About two dozen music artists of multiple genres were a part of the two hour salute to Loretta Lynn. Loretta Lynn opted to not travel 2,000 bus trip from her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, and she doesn't like to fly. Instead, she wrote a letter that Brandy Clark read, thanking everyone for the tribute. Two special people were on hand that are close to Loretta Lynn - her daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and granddaughter Emmy Rose. Both performed songs in her honor as well, keeping the vocal
Here's the setlist:
“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” — the O’Connor Band
“You Wanna Give Me a Lift” — Sierra Hull
“Silver Threads and Golden Needles” — Leslie Stevens
“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” — Shannon McNally
“The Home You’re Tearing Down” — ZZ Ward
“In the Pines” — Fantastic Negrito
“Fist City” — Wheeler Walker Jr.
“Hello Darlin’” — Kesha
“I Wanna Be Free” — Jack Ingram
“After the Fire is Gone” — Ingram and McNally
“Woman of the World (Leave My World Alone)” — Lori McKenna with McNally
“You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” — McKenna and Robbie Fulks
“The Pill” — Fulks
“Whispering Sea” — Joe Henry
“Everything It Takes” — Patsy Lynn Russell with John Carter Cash
“Memaw’s Guitar” — Emmy Rose
“Lay Me Down” — Emmy Rose and Hank Compton
“You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” — Brandy Clark
Loretta Lynn with Crystal Gayle, the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo by Chris Hollo.
Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry Saturday evening at the Ryman Auditorium by her sister and Opry legend, Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut 50 years ago on the Ryman stage, singing the country classic Ribbon of Darkness at age 16. She had been publicly invited to join the Opry by fellow member Carrie Underwood in November.
“We’ve been together a long time, honey. And we’ve never had a fight,” Loretta Lynn said. “It was the greatest moment of my life when they made me a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. I know she is just as happy as I was then.” “Being a member of the Opry is just incredible,” Crystal Gayle beamed. “It’s really hard to comprehend. I have felt like a part of the Opry for all these years. Now, I’m official.”
Loretta Lynn inducting her sister, Crystal Gayle, into the Grand Ole Opry on January 21, 2017. Photo by Chris Hollo.
Crystal Gayle is an award-winning country music icon whose reign in the music business includes 20 No. 1 country hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA and the first female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales with her 1977 album, We Must Believe in Magic. Her her 1977 country-pop crossover hit song, Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, became an iconic staple and solidified her as one of the top female vocalists during the 1970s and 1980s. Her list of platinum and gold was to be matched only by her awards and accolades. CMA's "Female Vocalist of the Year," for two consecutive years, she became a Grammy Award Winner for "Best Female Vocal Performance," thanks to her beloved "Brown Eyes" - a song that she today admits she has never grown tired of singing. Crystal swept the Academy of Country Music Awards for three of their "Top Female Vocalist" statuettes.
Crystal is the recipient of three "American Music Awards," voted by the nation as America's "Favorite Female Artist." Perhaps nothing sums up Crystal's career achievements as well as being awarded with a star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame in October 2009. Also famous for her nearly floor-length hair, she was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine in 1983. She is the younger sister (by 19 years) of singer Loretta Lynn, and a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless.
Gayle also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Lynn's star. In 2008, Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
In August 2016, the Academy of Country Music honored Crystal with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award during the 10th Annual ACM Honors.
For more information on Crystal Gayle, be sure to visit crystalgayle.com
Country Music Hall of Fame member, Loretta Lynn, will soon be getting her own exhibit on display. The exhibit will showcase Loretta Lynn's artifacts, costumes, and personal items from six decades in the music business. It will open on August 25, 2017 and be on display through June 2018.
"I am so happy the Country Music Hall of Fame has asked me to be one of their main exhibits in 2017... gonna show off my 50 some odd years in country music," Lynn says of the upcoming exhibition. "They best have a big space... I have a lot of stuff!".
On her 85th birthday on April 14th, Loretta Lynn will be celebrating by performing at the historic Ryman Auditorium. In 1960, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut on the same stage. Her current album, "Full Circle," is nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Album.
Kentucky natives, Loretta Lynn and Sturgill Simpson have been recognized with the list of nominees for the 2017 Grammy Music Awards. Most notably, Sturgill Simpson is the only country artist in the overall Album of the Year category for his album "A Sailor's Guide to Earth." That album is also up for Best Country Album, alongside Loretta Lynn's "Full Circle." Virgie, Kentucky, native, Josh Osborne is up for Best Country Song as one of the songwriters of Miranda Lambert's song, "Vice." Sturgill Simpson is also a part of the Vinyl: The Essentials Season 1 with his song "Sugar Daddy," which was also the theme song of the television show. "A Sailor's Guide to Earth" was produced by Sturgill Simpson. Geoff Allan, David Ferguson & Sean Sullivan were engineers/mixers, while Gavin Lurssen was mastering engineer.
Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards. Photo by Erika Goldring/FilmMagic
If you noticed carefully throughout the night, several Kentucky country music stars were featured on the CMA Award 50th anniversary broadcast. Here are a few of those highlights:
Keith Whitley Remembered Twice
During Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's melody of hits, they performed Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes." Then when Alan Jackson sang "Remember When" and George Strait sang "Troubadour," a photo of Keith Whitley was shown in the background as to honor the legends.
Trisha Yearwood pays tribute to Crystal Gayle & Loretta Lynn
Trisha Yearwood performed "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" as Crystal Gayle looked on in the audience beside her sister Loretta Lynn. Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks also sang "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," in tribute to Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty.
Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley Memoralized
During Alan Jackson and George Strait's duet, you will see photos on the wall in the background that included Bill Monroe and Keith Whitley among those that helped build the foundation of country music.
Ricky Skaggs & Dwight Yoakam Pickin' and Grinnin' in Opener
During the CMA Award show opener, Ricky Skaggs and Brad Paisley picked their way through "Country Boy," complete with fast guitar picking skills. We also got to see Dwight Yoakam singing "Guitars, Cadillacs" during the opener.
Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Charlie Daniels at the CMA Awards. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images.
Roy Clark looks on as Dwight Yoakam sings "Guitars, Cadillacs" at the CMA Awards. Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images
Dwight Yoakam and Chris Stapleton singing "Seven Spanish Angels"
Here is some six degrees of Kentucky: Pikeville native Dwight Yoakam performed with Paintsville native Chris Stapleton on the hit tune, "Seven Spanish Angels." That song was made famous with the performance by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. Willie Nelson leased part of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center back in the day, but has never played there. One of the co-writers of that song, Eddie Setser, is from Corbin, Kentucky, which is home of the original KFC.
Chris Stapleton Takes Home 2 Awards
A humbled Chris Stapleton took home the award for Best Male Vocalist, along with Best Video for the powerful tune "Fire Away."
Darrell Scott is Long Time Gone
Laurel County native, Darrell Scott, has made a living on songwriting and performing. He wrote "Long Time Gone" that the Dixie Chicks sang last night alongside Beyonce at the CMA Awards. Ironically the tune is about the dismay of country music with the lyrics, "Now they sound tired but they don't sound Haggard / They got money but they don't have Cash / They got Junior but they don't have Hank..."
Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle in the audience
Believe me when I say this, it was just a disgrace that Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle were only given a few seconds of screentime rather than have them up on stage performing showing how it is done.
What were some of your favorite moments of the awards? Did your favorite win?
2016 has been a great year for Loretta Lynn. The Queen of Country Music broke a decade-long gap between albums earlier this year with the release of Full Circle, her 40th Top 10 country album and her highest-charting effort on the Billboard 200.
With the Christmas season mere months away (believe it or not), Legacy Recordings is excited to announce her next album, White Christmas Blue, will be available on October 7.
It’s Loretta’s first holiday album in 50 years; her last seasonal release, 1966’s Country Christmas, was recorded toward the beginning of a career that’s seen her break barriers in country music and be inducted into more music halls of fame than any other female musician. As a tribute to her first Christmas record, White Christmas Blue features new recordings of two songs from that album: the spirited “Country Christmas” and the humorous “To Heck with Ole Santa Claus.”
The jewel of the new album is “White Christmas Blue,” a brand-new track Loretta wrote with songwriter Shawn Camp, who’s written country chart-toppers for Garth Brooks, Josh Turner and Brooks & Dunn. “White Christmas Blue” is sure to find a spot on your holiday playlists for years to come. Best of all, the White Christmas Blue album features your favorite Christmas songs as only Loretta can sing them: “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Silent Night” and more.
No matter where you may live, White Christmas Blue will bring a piece of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky to your home this holiday season. You can now pre-order the album just in time for the holidays by clicking here.
Kentucky country music legend, Loretta Lynn has postponed several upcoming shows, including her yearly performance at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.
From Loretta Lynn's official website:
American country music legend Loretta Lynn is at home recuperating from a recent fall that left her unable to perform on Labor Day weekend at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
Although her injuries are not serious, she will be undergoing minor surgery and Loretta’s doctors have advised her to stay off the road until she’s made a full recovery.
Regrettably, Loretta will have to postpone the following shows until further notice:
September 9: Renfro Valley Entertainment, Renfro Valley, KY September 10: The Harv at the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, Newell, WV September 17: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Bristol, TN. Renfro Valley Entertainment officials have posted on their facebook and website that Loretta Lynn's performance has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 8th, 2016.
For information on when shows will be rescheduled, fans are encouraged to visit LorettaLynn.com.
Nestled
in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, sits one of the longest lasting
barn dances in America. Renfro Valley Entertainment Center first opened
in 1939 thanks to founder John Lair. Many from around the region would
come and enjoy the weekly barn dances, as well as Gospel services.
Today, the entertainment complex host 4 weekly shows, as well as headliner
concerts, gift shop village, and RV camping. In the fall, they host the
Appalachian Harvest Festival Antique Tractor, Gas Engine, and Truck show with
the Southeastern Kentucky Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Association.
I
recently sat down with Jerred Harris, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, of
Renfro Valley about new changes this year, as well as keeping the musical
tradition alive. It is amazing that it is still one of the best family
friendly places to see a concert. It is a dry county, so no alcohol is
served at shows. Every show is fun for the entire family, and you can
make a full weekend of entertainment.
This
year in the Old Barn, there are 4 shows. There is a new Bluegrass and Classic
Country Show, as well the Renfro Valley Bandstand. It is a variety music
show that includes audience participation in what they would like to
hear. Renfro Valley also continues to host their weekly Barn Dance, as
well as Gospel Jubilee. The original Renfro Valley Barn Dance started in
1939 and was carried by WHAS-AM out of Louisville and WCKY-AM in
Cincinnati. It is no longer on the radio, but fans can enjoy it live in
person every Saturday night.
From
Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
One
of the original Renfro Valley Barn Dance cast photos
In
the past, Renfro Valley hosted a Gathering Radio Show, which began in September
of 1943 on the CBS Radio Network. It was the third oldest continually
broadcast radio program in America – only the Grand Ole Opry and Music
& the Spoken Word had been broadcasted longer. While it is no
longer broadcasted on radio, archives of broadcasts are available to listen
online at www.renfrovalley.com.
One
of the legends of Renfro Valley was recently inducted into the Kentucky Music
Hall of Fame in 2015. Pete Stamper has been one of the longest performers
at Renfro Valley. Stamper is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the
history of Renfro Valley and Kentucky music. If you ever do get the
opportunity to meet him, you will always learn something new.
From
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame
2016
presented a very unique situation with two country music legends scheduled to
perform. Don Williams was originally scheduled for two performances in
April, but were moved into the fall. Unfortunately, due to health issues,
Williams decided to retire from performing. He was always a long time
staple performing at Renfro Valley. In April, just a move before he was
to perform, country music lost Merle Haggard with his passing. Haggard
was another long time performer at Renfro Valley over the years. Even
though no one could ever fill his shoes, traditional country music singer, Josh
Turner, filled in the date in May.
Each
year, Renfro Valley brings out a variety of headliner concert series. One
of the top returning acts is the Oak Ridge Boys - and is always a delight to
see and hear Joe Bonsall talk stories along the way! Kentucky artists are
featured yearly, including this year with Steve Wariner, Exile, Loretta Lynn,
Wynonna, Chris Knight, and more.
Oak
Ridge Boys at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Bray
Ironically,
there are several that have never played at Renfro Valley. One of them
being Dolly Parton. Another that has performed out in the festival field
was Willie Nelson. Harris recalled, "I just recently found out that
back a while ago that Willie Nelson actually was part owner of Renfro
Valley. There were a group of businessmen that had a lease to own
option. I guess when it ran out, Willie decided not to renew."
Now how wild would it have been if Willie Nelson continued to be owner?
This
year, the shops in the village have grown to a wide variety of stores.
The stores include the Grist Mill, an outdoors store, the Country Music Store,
a vareity store, Divine Boutique, Long Rider Leather, as well as Oak Factory
Furniture store. There will also be a Toys for Tots drop off area.
For a quick bite, visitors can enjoy a premium sandwich at Valley Station.
Just a tiny bit down the road is the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum,
opened on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays. It is well worth seeing the
exhibits portraying Kentucky's rich musical past.
Bittersweet
Village Shops at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Bray
Renfro
Valley Village - photo by Jessica Bray
The
Grist Mill at Renfro Valley - photo by Jessica Bray
Renfro
Valley Shops - photo by Jessica Bray
Renfro
Valley employees 16 workers during the week and about 30 on the weekends when
there are shows. Several workers have been there for over 20 years,
continuing on the tradition of good quality family entertainment.
When
asked why does he think Renfro Valley has lasted for 77 years, Harris replied,
"I believe it is because of the family atmosphere. There are many
things to offer beyond music, and it appeals to both young and old."
As far what does the future hold for Renfro Valley, Jerred said that "everyone
has a passion for it and plan on keeping the tradition alive. We hope to
have outdoor concerts, and possible continue doing the ghost tours in the
fall."
Renfro
Valley New Barn - photo by Jessica Bray
I
highly encourage you to help keep the tradition alive and well here in
southeast Kentucky. Go and patronize Renfro Valley Entertainment Center,
whether it be a Headliner Concert, or even one of the old barn shows. It
is rare to be able to see a Barn Dance these days, so be sure to take your
family to show them a tradition that has lasted multiple generations.
For
more information, be sure to check out www.renfrovalley.com.
Also, be sure to check out the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum
just a few steps away to learn more about Kentucky's rich music heritage.
Renfro Valley is back and excited for 2016 as this year marks Renfro Valley's 77th season of great classic country, southern gospel and mountain bluegrass.
For the first time ever, patrons can enjoy one of the great Renfro Valley original shows and their favorite country music headliner in the same night! Renfro Valley shows will begin at 6:30 p.m. so that patrons can see a show, grab a bite to eat, then head to an 8:30 p.m. headliner.
This year also brings two new shows to Renfro Valley, Elwood's Smooch's Hillbilly Hoedown and Renfro Valley Bandstand.
Elwood Smooch's Hillbilly Hoedown is Dollywood's most famous funny man. The Smoky Mountains most honored musical-comedy clown, brings his laughing, singing, barn burn- ing "Baptist burlap spectacular" to the Kentucky hills every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m, in 2016, beginning May 5th.
Renfro Valley Bandstand will take the audience down memory lane so they relive the music of their life from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's! It happens every Friday night starting April 29th at 6:30 p.m.
Being revitalized for the 2016 season is the Mountain Gospel Jubilee. This show features the best of southern, country, and bluegrass gospel that you are sure to leave this show with a warm heart and a big smile on your face. It happens every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. starting April 30th.
You don't want to miss the world famous Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Having started in 1939, it is America's longest running Barn Dance in the United States and the second longest running show behind the Grand Ole Opry. The Renfro Valley Barn Dance is performed every Saturday night starting April 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Renfro Valley is also proud to announce their 2016 Headliner Concert Series that includes 30 Country Music artists, kicking off on April 16th with Tracy Lawrence. Kentucky's own "Coal Miners Daughter" Loretta Lynn will grace the stage of the New Barn Theater this season along with the "big man" himself, Trace Adkins, in the Valley for the first time April 24th. Also for the first time, Renfro Valley is proud to welcome LeAnn Rimes, her career expands more than two decades with over 44 million albums sold - this will be a show you definitely won't want to miss. Renfro Valley also welcomes back some of your favorite legends such as Gene Watson, John Anderson, Earl Thomas Conley, Marty Stuart with Connie Smith, Travis Tritt and many more. 2016 at Renfro Valley is sure to be a year that you will not want to miss!
Country Music Hall of Fame Rotunda - Photo by Jessica Bray
Yesterday the Country Music Hall of Fame announced their 2016 inductee class. The newest members include Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis, and Fred Foster. While all three are deserving of the honor, there are some that many feel are left out. Most importantly, there has been a serious lack of females inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
If you counted each and every member, including those in a group/duo, there are 158 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Out of that 158, only 21 are females, as in only 13.29% of the membership are females.
Here are the Country Music Hall of Fame Female Members and when they were inducted:
Connie Smith2012
Reba McEntire2011
Jean Shephard2011
Barbara Mandrell 2009
Emmylou Harris2008
Dolly Parton1999
Tammy Wynette1998
Brenda Lee1997
Cindy Walker1997
Patsy Montana1996
Jo Walker-Meador 1995
Frances Preston1992
Felice Bryant1991 (with husband Boudleaux)
Loretta Lynn1988
Kitty Wells1976
Minnie Pearl1975
Patsy Cline1973
Carter Family1970 (Sara and Mother Maybelle)
It has been 4 years since a female was inducted and that was Connie Smith. There have been very long stretches in between female inductees. Kitty Wells was inducted in 1976 and then in 1988, Loretta Lynn was included 12 years later. Another long stretch was 1999 when Dolly Parton was inducted until 2008 when Emmylou Harris was included. The first members were inducted in 1961, but the first female didn't appear until 1970 with Sara and Mother Maybelle as part of the Carter Family.
Why are women suppressed when it comes to Country Music Hall of Fame inductions? Why are the following not members yet?
Alison Krauss
Crystal Gayle
Dottie Rambo
Dottie West
Faith Hill
Janie Fricke
Jeanie C. Riley
Jean Ritchie
Kathy Mattea
Lynn Anderson
Martina McBride
Molly O'Day
Patsi Bale Cox
Patty Loveless
Sammi Smith
Shania Twain
Skeeter Davis
Tanya Tucker
The Coon Creek Girls
The Judds
Trisha Yearwood
Wanda Jackson
Many have blazed a trail doing things their own way, not minding what others may think or say. Many have done a lot of charity work off the stage within their own communities. They have stood strong, singing songs that they have written, and made a name for themselves, as well as gaining recognition around the world. Look at the instance of Shania Twain as compared to Garth Brooks, who is a member. Both have sold millions of records, performed sold out concerts, and went across genres, as well as across the pond internationally with their music. Yet, Garth was inducted many years prior to other deserving males who are still not inducted - Keith Whitley, Vern Gosdin, Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, Hank Williams, Jr. and more.
When will we see another female inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame? It is long overdue for many of these women. Who do you feel should be in the Hall of Fame?
Loretta Lynn comes full circle with her new album, titled "Full Circle." Loretta Lynn has had a long history in music ever since she was raised in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky, to when she and her husband, Mooney, moved out west.
In 2004, Loretta Lynn saw resurgence in her career to expand beyond country music boundaries with “Van Lear Rose,” the album produced by Jack White. It would hit number 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
On the Hot Country Charts, Lynn hit number 1 with sixteen songs, including “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” “She’s Got You,” “After the Fire Is Gone,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and more.
"From the moment she broke through more than five decades ago, Loretta Lynn has been an unstoppable musical force who writes and performs with a breathtaking fearlessness and honesty," said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group, which consists of Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. "As a musical pioneer, author, and inspiration to everyone from Jack White to Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn has pushed every boundary in music and is the definition of a legend. We are honored to present this award to her."
Never one to stop, Loretta Lynn continues to perform across the United States each year. On March 4, 2016, she is set to release her newest album, “Full Circle.” Produced by Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash, and recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, “Full Circle” takes listeners on a journey through Loretta’s musical story, from the Appalachian folk songs and gospel music she learned as a child, to new interpretations of her classic hits and country standards, to songs newly-written for the project. Drawing inspiration from personal memories and deep connections to American music, Lynn’s 13 new recordings capture the essence of these songs in intimate new performances.
Fans will also have an opportunity to watch a new documentary about Loretta’s remarkable life and career when “American Masters — Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl” premieres nationwide Friday, March 4, 2016, 9:00-11:00 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). The film will explore the country legend’s hard-fought road to stardom. From her Appalachian roots to the Oscar-winning biopic of her life, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn struggled to balance family and her music career and is still going strong over 50 years later. Loretta Lynn has long been established as the undisputed Queen of Country Music, with more than 50 years of recording and touring to her name. A self-taught guitarist and songwriter, Lynn was one of the most distinctive performers in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s. She shook up Nashville by writing her own songs, many of which tackled boundary-pushing topics drawn from her own life experiences as a wife and mother.
For more information on Loretta Lynn, be sure to check out www.lorettalynn.com.
Loretta Lynn writing songs and baking biscuits. I love a good country
song written by Loretta alongside some fresh baked biscuits. Now if that isn't country, I don't know what
is.
Today, Billboard announced that Kentucky country music legend, Loretta Lynn, will be the recipient of the first-ever Women in Music Legend Award. The award honors Loretta Lynn’s historic contributions to the industry and artistry of American music. The honor will be presented at Billboard’s 2015 Women in Music event on Dec. 11 in New York City. The event will air on Dec. 18 on Lifetime. It is held alongside Billboard’s Women in Music list, which names the year’s 50 most powerful female executives in the industry.
Loretta Lynn has had a long history in music ever since she was raised in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky, to when she and her husband, Mooney, moved out west. She has 29 top 10 albums on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, in which 11 hit number one.
In 2004, Loretta Lynn saw resurgence in her career to expand beyond country music boundaries with “Van Lear Rose,” the album produced by Jack White. It would hit number 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
On the Hot Country Charts, Lynn hit number 1 with sixteen songs, including “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” “She’s Got You,” “After the Fire Is Gone,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and more.
"From the moment she broke through more than five decades ago, Loretta Lynn has been an unstoppable musical force who writes and performs with a breathtaking fearlessness and honesty," said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group, which consists of Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. "As a musical pioneer, author, and inspiration to everyone from Jack White to Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn has pushed every boundary in music and is the definition of a legend. We are honored to present this award to her."
Never one to stop, Loretta Lynn continues to perform across the United States each year. On March 4, 2016, she is set to release her newest album, “Full Circle.” Produced by Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash, and recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, “Full Circle” takes listeners on a journey through Loretta’s musical story, from the Appalachian folk songs and gospel music she learned as a child, to new interpretations of her classic hits and country standards, to songs newly-written for the project. Drawing inspiration from personal memories and deep connections to American music, Lynn’s 13 new recordings capture the essence of these songs in intimate new performances.
Fans will also have an opportunity to watch a new documentary about Loretta’s remarkable life and career when “American Masters — Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl” premieres nationwide Friday, March 4, 2016, 9:00-11:00 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). The film will explore the country legend’s hard-fought road to stardom. From her Appalachian roots to the Oscar-winning biopic of her life, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn struggled to balance family and her music career and is still going strong over 50 years later. Loretta Lynn has long been established as the undisputed Queen of Country Music, with more than 50 years of recording and touring to her name. A self-taught guitarist and songwriter, Lynn was one of the most distinctive performers in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s. She shook up Nashville by writing her own songs, many of which tackled boundary-pushing topics drawn from her own life experiences as a wife and mother.
For more information on Loretta Lynn, be sure to check out www.lorettalynn.com.
Kentucky country music fans will be excited to hear that Loretta Lynn will be releasing a new album. "Wouldn't It Be Great," the new album from Loretta Lynn, highlights The Queen of Country Music's original songwriting, as sharp as ever since her early days as a musical trailblazer in the 1960s. This third volume of recordings produced by Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash and recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee features 13 tracks all written or co-written by Loretta.
