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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

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marcoujor: Lyrical Loretta Lynn

4/6/2016

20 Comments

 
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Mom was born May 28, 1928 in Washington GA. Loretta Lynn was born April 14, 1932 in Butcher Hollow, KY. 

I learned to love country and western music, the real stuff at Mom's knee. I was the youngest in the family, and got to spend hours on end listening to Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, and Patsy Cline music with Mom ... and am drawn to their work to this day!

In my early twenties, I accompanied Mom to a Willie Nelson and a Johnny Cash concert. Both were thrilling for us! For Mom's 75th birthday, I was able to treat her to a trip to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. Mom was a giver her whole life. It was heartwarming to see her turn into a little girl before my eyes, as she drank in the sights and sounds of Nashville.

I found Mom's memories in one of her journals upon her death. I realized that I had given myself a gift of a lifetime as well...

"My greatest gift of all was my 75th birthday gift, a week's stay in Nashville. The trip was indeed a dream.

"I had traveled by train many times but always by coach. The sleeping car was an experience and the meals were delicious. And the hotel had to be seen to be believed. Our room was 18-feet high. And the bed made you feel as if you were in a cocoon. All the places I wanted to visit were there.

"I had seen the Grand Ole Opry on TV but always wondered what the stage and building were actually like. And Ryman Auditorium had been a figment of my imagination. Now I saw where Opry had its beginning. The Country Music Hall of Fame brought back so many memories of country stars that had impressed me as a teenager and my growing up years.

"Country music has always been soothing for me. Any imagined problems can be forgotten while hearing Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson and the others singing their tunes. My love of country music has never dwindled as I grow older. I think it will always remind me of youth- time passing so fast. And I never realized that Nashville was home to so much history. The tours taught us that. The General Jackson Show Boat was a delight. The buffet was very delicious and the show was exceptional. Even the bit of sun on the deck felt good. It was truly a visit I will never forget. And I will always remember Maria for making it possible."
While Mom had several of Loretta's CDs in her collection, I was immediately drawn to the Van Lear Rose album, from 2004 that I was not at all familiar with. Loretta looked like a true blue Southern belle on the cover. Known as The Hillbilly Feminist, Loretta's music told stories that Mom, and no doubt many other women of her generation, and I could both relate to.

Loretta speaks on the cover of "her little daughter Patsy Lynn (who) stayed right with me and helps me so much. I couldn't have done this without her." She went on to talk of her pride in this album (produced by Jack White of the White Stripes) because "it just goes to show you that a song can bring all sorts of people together no matter what kind of musical background you come from".
I found hard rocker (love him too...), Jack White, to be the most unlikely musical partner for Loretta Lynn.  This video interview gave me a full appreciation of what makes this duo, with a forty year age difference, work as beautifully as Loretta with Conway Twitty.
​Here is a song featuring Loretta and Jack from the Van Lear Rose album.
In 2016, Loretta Lynn returned to the studio - twelve years after Van Lear Rose.  In Full Circle, Loretta Lynn worked with John Carter Cash as co-producer...yup, that's Johnny Cash's son!

This album has new versions of Loretta's favorite childhood songs and others that span her 60-year career.  Although I already have quite a few favorites that I wish I could share with Mom, this tune featuring another favorite, Elvis Costello is the song I'll share with you.  Celebrating her 84th birthday in a week, Loretta Lynn has 'everything it takes' to win our hearts...take a listen to this ageless song bird.
Hoping you'll also enjoy these posts from a few more pro indie bloggers...
  • Friday - Dusting Like An April Fool!
  • Restoration's Journey: Book Two of the Unseen Dominion Series by Robert Roush via flashPress
​Until next week, keep a song in your heart, mar
20 Comments
Martie link
4/6/2016 11:04:07 am

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty stole my heart when I was about 12. Can't imagine Country Music without them. You got your love for writing from your mother, dear Maria. How wonderful to have her journals to read whenever you want, and how wonderful to know you have brought her only happiness :)

Reply
Maria link
4/7/2016 06:31:57 am

Dear Martie,
I got so many gifts from Mom - including her love of writing and country music.
Your words are sweet and comforting - thanks ever so much.
Love you and big hugs as I head out to class, mar

Reply
Sunshine
4/6/2016 12:01:41 pm

Love everything about this blog! The memories, the history, the country music fanfare. Our shared love for country music. XOXO

Reply
Maria link
4/7/2016 06:30:17 am

With you, dear Sunshine, I know I'm "preaching to the choir".

Love you and thanks for the visit, MM.

Reply
Mike
4/6/2016 01:45:44 pm

Hello mar - There was not music in the house I grew up in. So, I never had a chance to develop the appreciation for it that you share with us. I am so glad that you introduced to me so many artists from many genres of the industry.

Funny you publish this today as I have been working (3 minutes) on a country song:

Please come to Wal-Mart for the Springsale

They got bunches of discounts galore and room for somemore

They got pallets of stuff on the sidewalk

And I’m hoping to be a Greeter there soon

Please come to Wal-Mart

She just said "No – but you can come to Macy’s with me!

Reply
Maria link
4/7/2016 06:29:07 am

Are we looking at the next Merle Haggard...(RIP to this great who died on his own 79th birthday yesterday), dear Mike...?

I'll be listening out for you on the airwaves and will be proud to say "I knew him when...!"

Reply
Ruby Fuller link
4/6/2016 04:18:41 pm

Boy, did this bring back memories. My mother loved country music. She kept a 8x10 glossy of Ernest Tubb on her dresser, I think she was in love with him. The radio was never turned off when I was growing up. I learned to love country music too, but I love all kinds of music and my radio is rarely turned off today. It's difficult for me to realize that Loretta is that old. Coal Miners Daughter is an all time favorite of mine. I'm so glad she's met this young man and they enjoy each others music. I laughed when she said, " This is my baby. " She is a precious jewel, just as your mama was. You have wonderful memories to share with us. Thank you Mar. Hugs and lots of love...

Reply
Maria link
4/7/2016 06:26:58 am

Dear Ruby,
Sounds like we had many similarities growing up.
I enjoyed "meeting" Ernest Tubb when Mom and I went to Nashville - such a memorable experience.
Glad you enjoyed the video - to really get an up close glimpse at Loretta's heart.
Lots of love to you too, mar

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
4/6/2016 09:35:04 pm

Mar,

Love this post!

Loretta Lynn's music is dear to my own Appalachian heart. So cool that you grew up with a healthy appreciation of a variety of music genres.

My thanks to your mama for ensuring you didn't miss out on one of life's greatest pleasures.

Reply
Maria link
4/7/2016 06:24:21 am

Love the universal feelings a talent like Loretta Lynn brings out in us, dear femme.

Thanks for your help, support and friendship. Hugs, mar

Reply
kimmie
4/7/2016 03:24:21 am

Music was such a big part of my growing up with Kevin and me sitting beside my mom on the piano bench, as she taught us to sing in harmony. I love Loretta Lynn and the fact your mom shared this part of her will forever be with you. A song will always go deep within your soul where love abides. Thank you for sharing Maria. So special indeed.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
4/7/2016 06:22:49 am

Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories here, dear Kimmie.

I agree that "a song will always go deep within your soul where love abides."

Love you and hugs, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
4/7/2016 12:54:27 pm

Dear Maria,

Thank you for a most heartwarming and entertaining post, and for sharing your Mom's memories of her amazing 75th birthday gift. How happy you made her by doing this. So sweet and thoughtful of you.
I've always loved Loretta Lynn and her music. Such a talented lady!
I really do believe though that our friend, Mike will be a rising star and soon have his hot country song leading the billboards for the next decade. :D
I wish you a safe and beautiful day!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
4/13/2016 05:06:37 pm

Sweet Sannel,
How cool that we both love Loretta Lynn.
I'm smiling at the thought of listening to Mike with tyou at the Grand Ole Opry...the best place for him to debut his song... :)
Thanks for your visit and sharing of this sentimental post.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Angie
4/12/2016 09:31:34 pm

I enjoyed your piece so much, Maria! How wonderful that your mother kept her thoughts in writing, knowing that she could share herself with you for the rest of her life in this way.

I grew up in a house where there was mostly country music listened to, but also bluegrass, rock, oldies, jazz, classical and even opera on occasion. I love all types of music and I think that comes from my mom's goal of exposing us to a wide spectrum. (She was not a fan of modern dance music, but I love that, too) : )

Country and bluegrass are my roots, though, as it is very representative of where I'm from.

Now you'll catch me mostly listening to "elevator music" or "spa music" more often than not - love how peaceful it is!

Hugs,

~Angie

Reply
Maria link
4/13/2016 05:13:35 pm

Thanks, dear Angie - I am grateful to have Mom's words to still ground and comfort me as she always has.

I love hearing about your childhood and your current 'likes'...your mom gave you a great gift in exposing you to so many kinds of music.

Hope you're having a great week. Hugs to you too, Maria

Reply
crazyhorseladycx
4/26/2016 01:56:00 am

howdy, ms. mar!

i'm so glad ya got to take yer momma'n such a magical trip. still tryin' to figure where ya stayed?? nashville'd be one'f my ol' stompin' grounds, lol.

that theater's quite somethin', aint it? e'en when empty, one can get a "feel" fer all those who walked 'cross that stage o'er the generations.

i grew'p listenin' to those same folks. tossin' marty robbins 'n some others into the mix :)

thanks fer the trip down memory lane :) big hugs 'n love!

Reply
Maria link
4/26/2016 06:46:39 am

It's great how you connected with this post and your love of Nashville - I'd love to hang out with you - Nashville or anywhere- to listen to this magical music, dear Lady.

We stayed at the Union Station hotel...so historical and majestic...a treat for both of us.

Love you lots and thanks for stopping by, mar

Reply
Shauna
5/13/2016 01:29:51 pm

Mar, this is such a wonderful post. From your mom's journal entry to Loretta Lynn's career that is still going strong, this post warmed my heart, put a smile on my face and a bit of swagger in my step.

What a gift you gave your mom! Thanks for sharing with us.

Reply
Maria link
5/16/2016 08:38:52 am

You are beautiful with that warm heart, smile and swagger to your step, dear Sha... oh heck, you're beautiful every day.

Likewise, you give me a great gift - your friendship. Love ya, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

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    mar  



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    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • mar's Desk
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    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me