Nearly 50 years after she first appeared on the stage of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Country legend Loretta Lynn was back on the historic stage to be honored by the Recording Academy.
The tribute, held Tuesday, Oct. 12, was the second in the Academy's Salute to Country Music series. Lynn received both the Salute to Country Music trophy and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“When I got here tonight, I noticed they had my picture up,” said 75-year-old Lynn. “I don't know what to say except, ‘Thank you.’”
The night’s featured performers included Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Kid Rock, Lee Ann Womack, Garth Brooks and tribute host Reba McEntire.
“With everything in the industry changing so quickly,” said McEntire at the night’s conclusion, “it's more important than ever to celebrate Country Music -- real Country Music.”
Not only is Lynn one of very few artists who still sing traditionally Country Music, but also she “took on the controversial subjects in country music no one else would touch,” according to McEntire.
Eight-time Grammy winner Jack White of the White Stripes produced Lynn’s 2004 Grammy-winning album, Van Lear Rose. Onstage, he recalled visiting Lynn at her dude ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
“Before I knew it, Loretta was making…chicken and dumplings,” White said. “I think she's the greatest female singer-songwriter of the 20th century.”
After a final performance with Garth Brooks, Lynn exited the Ryman stage with a crowd of admirers on their feet, cheering.
Source: CMT.com
