Biography

Country performer. Born April 14, 1935. Real name: Loretta Webb. Country music performer, songwriter, and recording artist who broke new ground for women in country music. Rose to fame in the late 1960s. Won the Country Music Association (CMA) Female Vocalist of the Year, 1967, 1972, and 1973. Won the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year (with Conway Twitty), 1972. Won the CMA Entertainer of the Year, 1972. Her credits include “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Fist City,” and “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.” Member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1968 February 24
(30 minutes)
Country performer Loretta Lynn gives this interview during the early years of her success. Discussion includes a description of her childhood; her early musical influences; the story of the pie social and meeting her future husband; her start in the music business; discussion of her items donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame®; comments on her singing style; her first recording, “Honky Tonk Girl”; her association with the Wilburn Brothers; her friendship with Patsy Cline; comments on her songs and songwriting; and comments on the popularity of country music.