Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Loretta Lynn (1932-2022)

 Radio stations across the country, and the country music community, are mourning country legend Loretta Lynn today. The singer-songwriter passed away earlier today at 90.

Loretta was a consistent hit maker in the 60's & 70's, either as a solo act or with duet partner Conway Twitty. Due to the controversial at the time nature of some of her songs, such as "The Pill" and "Rated X", those tracks were banned by some radio stations, though they were played on local channels here at home.

Her autobiographical hit, "Coal Miner's Daughter", was also the title of her first memoir, and became a movie in 1980, earning an Academy Award for star Sissy Spacek. Loretta, meanwhile, dabbled in acting herself, appearing as herself on The Dukes of Hazzard, and she also landed an endorsement deal with Procter & Gamble to promote its Crisco brand.

As her songs have been covered by a diverse number of performers, it seems only fair that Loretta would do a cover herself. In this case, the Tom T. Hall-penned "Harper Valley PTA", which was a monster hit for Jeannine C. Riley before being adapted into a TV movie and sitcom.


Rest in peace.

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