Loretta Lynn, the second child of eight, had experienced a tremendously contrasting lifestyle as a child in comparison to the high-life she so rightfully earned for herself in light of her impeccable musical talent. Lynn grew from poverty, ultimately marrying her one-and-only husband by the age of 18, he was 21 at the time, and giving birth to 3 of her 6 children by the age of 19. Her husband, Oliver Vanetta Lynn, bought Lynn her first guitar and strongly encouraged her passion for music. Lynn became a regular performer at a variety of venues and taverns, later recording her first song “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl” and making her face one for recognition on the Nashville scene.
Lynn’s songs essentially captured the oppression of women and the profoundly unjust treatment blue collar women encountered. Some of her controversial hits included her bold songs “The Pill”, a self explanatory song about birth control, and the cheeky hit “Rated ‘X'”. However, despite her fearless messages and drive to make a statement, which she undeniably did, Lynn posed as one of country music’s most legendary artists, paving the road for those who aspired to follow in her footsteps.
The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” went on to record incredibly memorable duets with stars such as Conway Twitty, recording the unforgettable hit “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man”. However, none of these groundbreaking recordings could be initiated without her unforgettable Grand Ole Opry debut. Lynn, the ravishing beauty she’s always been, graced the stage with her charm and outstanding vocal talent. It was that debuting performance of “Honky Tonk Girl” in 1960 that continued Lynn’s reign, subsequently qualifying her achievements and name as one of the greats. Lynn admitted to Nashville’s Tennessean that she was overcome with nerves amidst this iconic opportunity, saying, “I went off stage and thought, ‘I forgot to listen to myself sing!’” Lynn also described her pride and excitement after the memorable performance, explaining, “I came out the back of the building, and I was hollering, ‘I’ve sung on the Grand Ole Opry!'”
You can listen to the song Lynn performed at her Opry debut below!