What’s so special about Loretta Lynn??
Published: October 22, 2023
Depends on who’s asking…
If you are a female country singer, you might think that you have to work a bit harder trying to find a place in what is generally a male dominated Industry, however, things were much worse in the years when Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline and their ilk were struggling — even fighting for their precious few minutes on stage. They were treated extremely poorly and subjected to many kinds of abuse including the outright theft of their performance fees.
When Loretta Lynn entered the music business with her first composition— Honky Tonk Girl — she was still a teenager (and mother) and would have withered on the vine if it weren’t for Patsy Cline assuming mentorship over the fledgling artist and, very rapidly, developing a deep and supportive friendship.
Loretta and Patsy faced the harsh realities of the music industry in their time, but their determination and teamwork helped pave the way to improved working conditions for all musicians, regardless of gender and set a precedent for the fair treatment of artists in the years to come.
Loretta Lynn stood shoulder to shoulder with Patsy Cline as the senior performer sometimes cancelled concerts before they started, publicly naming and shaming the promoters who had scooted out the back with the artists’ door take, leaving the performers with nothing. Loretta and Patsy set up a catch cry: ‘No Dough — No Show’, forcing promoters to pay up front.
These two iconic women not only paved the way for future female artists to be treated better but also gave notice to unscrupulous promoters. Through their music and their careers they inspired a generation of women singers and also gave voice to those in dire socio-economic situations, particularly those suffering from domestic violence and abuse.
Loretta Lynn’s journey from a humble upbringing in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, to becoming a country music superstar is nothing short of legendary. Known as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Loretta’s music was a raw, authentic reflection of her own experiences. Her songs, like “Fist City” and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” resonated with women across the nation who faced similar challenges in their relationships.
But Loretta Lynn didn’t stop at singing about her experiences—she actively championed the cause of women facing adversity. She opened the doors for discussions on domestic violence, offering a glimmer of hope to those trapped in abusive situations. Her song “One’s on the Way” depicted the daily struggles of mothers in rural America, shedding light on the lower socio-economic conditions many faced. Her music was a lifeline for countless women, offering them the strength to persevere.
This was often done at great expense for Loretta as some of her songs which addressed these subjects, even criticising the male part of the equation, were banned from airplay by the male-dominated Radio industry. As many as 12 of Lynn’s songs were crushed under radio’s discriminatory heel, but banning a record didn’t stop Loretta— she dug in her own heels and pushed harder.
While their musical accomplishments alone are a lasting legacy, it is their advocacy for fair treatment in the industry and accepting the mantles of champions of hope for countless women who faced economic hardships, domestic violence, and abuse that Loretta and Patsy are fondly remembered by their admirers. Their songs gave a voice to the voiceless and inspired women to stand up for themselves and their rights.
see also: https://www.facebook.com/amberjoypoulton
But what about …
LORETTA LYNN — and MOTOCROSS?
Yes!
The Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, formerly the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Championship, is held annually on Loretta Lynn‘s family ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. It is known as the world’s largest amateur motocross race. It is the final stop for amateurs before they join the professional ranks.
Suggested in the early 1980s by race promoter Dave Coombs as a national amateur race held away from the contestants “Home Ground”, the first race was held in 1982. Loretta and her husband embraced the idea and today it’s the premier race of the amateur Motocross world. The track is constructed annually at their 6,000 acres horse ranch and has room for 300 camp sites.
Contestants must qualify through a series of events organised specifically for competing in one of the Amateur National Championship’s 37 racing classes. Only the best 42 riders in each class get an invitation to compete. By design the six-day event is held the first week of August so that winners can try their hand at one of the 3 or 4 remaining events of the AMA outdoor Motocross season.
The list of winners reads like the who’s who of American motocross talent since the mid 1990s. Ricky Carmichael went pro in 1996 weeks after winning his final Loretta’s title. James Stewart Jr. won seven amateur titles from 1998-01. Mike Alessi was the 2004 star. Ryan Villopoto won at Loretta’s and turned pro in 2005. Ryan Dungey (2006), Eli Tomac, Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb and Adam Cianciarulo were all Loretta’s champions. Past Loretta Lynn’s champions include Jeremy McGrath, Travis Pastrana and Kevin Windham. (Source Wikipedia)