When you think of the embodiment of the perfect woman, many will focus on the physical attributes – the hair, the eyes, the figure, and so on. But there is so much beneath the surface of a woman’s appearance that add value. Fortunately Loretta Lynn has it all, making her a staple in country music history and our #WCW.
She’s All About Family: We’ve all heard Lynn’s nostalgic anthem “Coal Miners Daughter:” it’s a remarkable tribute to her humble upbringing, working long hours and celebrating family in the Kentucky hills during the first half of the century. And if you’ve watching the Oscar-winning biopic of the same name, you’ll know that Loretta went from caring for her siblings to rearing her own children at an incredibly young age. Her children essentially helped launch her career – her husband overheard her singing to the babies and began the push to get the coy teenager to open up and on the stage. And speaking of her husband, let’s face it – he wasn’t picture-perfect. But his torrid history of adultery and alcoholism inspired some of her greatest hits (like the one below). She never left Mooney’s side and still, twenty years after his death, wears her wedding ring.
Strength: On that note, it takes a strong woman to put up with that kind of man’s bull, especially over nearly fifty years. And during that time, the Lynn’s faced a multitude of personal tragedies – Lynn’s beloved father passed away from black lung disease when her career was just starting. Her dear friend and mentor Patsy Cline perished in a tragic plane accident, along with Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins. She has outlived many friends in and out of the industry, including illustrious duet partner Conway Twitty. She has buried not only her husband, but also several of her children and, recently, a grandchild. But she has always blazed on.
Don’t Forget About the Snark: Loretta is a genuine pioneer for women not only in music of all genres, but for women in general. In a time when women were still thought to be demure and reserved, Loretta came on the scene with a lot to say and a cunningly witty way to say it. This woman sang about birth control during the 1970’s, for crying out loud. Regardless of the free-loving spirit of the preceding decade, “the pill” was still a big taboo – Loretta didn’t care.
Radio banned the single but ultimately it became one of her biggest singles and one of the most controversial in country music history. She essentially made it ok for women to be fierce, to be snarky, to be dominate. She even held her own when performing with men, making sure she was heard and seen. This hasn’t gone unnoticed – in 2015, Lynn was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Unabashedly Honest: This is a bit obvious, considering the proceeding information. But Loretta isn’t just honest in her music – she’s honest to everyone. Described as a simple country girl, Loretta had no knowledge of a demeanor women in country music needed to conduct – she burst on the scene as that simple country girl, talking unabashedly about herself and her family and music, humorously yet adoringly discussing issues and personal issues of her life.
She’s A Brand: And a hell of a good brand. Well into her 80’s, Lynn is releasing an upcoming Christmas album, has worked with the incredible Jack White, and is still performing both domestically and at her famous ranch. Did we also mention she purchased the entirety of the small town of Hurricane Mills? There’s a mill, a general store, a replica of the home Lynn grew up in, even a cemetery.