So much history passed through this woman’s life, so much history – of culture, of music, of social upheaval, of celebrity and technology – not to mention her own personal journey from poverty to fame – exists in her life. I spent yesterday watching old television clips and am swept away – as always – by the power of her voice, and the vivid-ness of her storytelling. There are times when she opens her mouth wide, to soar her voice upwards, and the sound pierces right through you. There was no one like her and she remains an almost untouchable icon. She’s “the one to beat”, to steal a phrase. Although you can’t beat her, you can just be inspired by her example.
One of the things I so love about her is that she sings her tough-minded “I’m not taking your shit anymore, man” songs with a huge bright smile.
Listen to the bluesy rhythm of that one: ^^ There’s a reason she had such wide crossover appeal, and shows – in the body of her work – the cross-pollination that was going on, and the similar source from which both sounds came. The source being the dirt.
There’s so much more where that came from. And thank you, Jack White, for your devotion to these iconic ladies born in the 1930s. Introducing them to new generations, and, in many cases, winning them Grammys and/or Billboard Top 100s (Wanda Jackson received her first of the latter because of her collaboration with Jack White.) And love the Jack White-Loretta Lynn album.
She was 90 years old. RIP Loretta Lynn.
Have loved Loretta for quite a while. She sounded amazing and made wonderful musical choices into her 90th year. She’s an inspiration in so many ways. Love that she spoke her mind and paved her own way. Love that her long marriage appeared to be full of true ups and downs and marked deep commitment on both sides. Just saw Coal Miner’s Daughter for the first time and loved that it doesn’t follow the usual biopic pattern of ego out of control and near self-destruction to redemption, but instead a more intimate journey of fame and relationship. Thanks for taking a day to celebrate LL. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on her if you ever write a longer piece! ( You do such an awesome job appreciating the unique nuances of iconic performers!)
Kristen – thank you for your lovely comment!
// loved that it doesn’t follow the usual biopic pattern of ego out of control and near self-destruction to redemption, but instead a more intimate journey of fame and relationship. //
Yes! It really is a gold-standard of the beleaguered biopic genre. And Spacek!!
Loretta is one of the figures where you knew the end was coming – same with Joni Mitchell – and you kind of have to gear up for it because … things won’t be the same once they’re gone.