Loretta Lynn photo courtesy of Interscope Records.
This fall will mark a whopping 40 years since Loretta Lynn hit radio waves with “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” but the song is enduring enough that it made news in not just one, but two different ways on Wednesday.
For starters, the book that carried the same name, Coal Miner’s Daughter, will be reissued in September by Vintage Books, which will market the autobiography as a paperback, an e-book and an audio book, narrated by Sissy Spacek. Sissy is, of course, a natural for that job, since she won an Oscar for portraying Loretta in the movie that was built around the book and even got a Grammy nomination for her own recording of “Coal Miner.” The movie, in fact, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
In the meantime, Loretta’s original version of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was recognized permanently by the U.S. government yesterday. The Library of Congress announced that the song is being entered into the National Recording Registry, which recognizes important sound recordings from music to historic speeches. “Coal Miner” is one of 25 additions to the Registry alongside Willie Nelson’s album Red Headed Stranger, Little Richard’s rock ‘n’ roll classic “Tutti Frutti,” a narration of The Little Engine That Could and Bill Cosby’s live comedy album I Started Out As A Child.
The Library of Congress established the Registry in 2003 and now has inducted a total of 300 recordings. Among the country releases already enshrined are George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” and Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison.
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I have always been a fan of Loretta Lynn's, I named my first child after her! She is now 40 and Loves the fact that she was named after a GREAT LADY!
Let's not forget about those who originated great music, etc., before they are gone.
Loretta is the greatest! She sings so beatiful,has a beatiful voice,and is a beatiful lady,inside & out.I'm 45,and Loretta has been my no 1 favorite singer since I was six.She will forever be my no.1 favorite singer!
And I'm thankful she's stil ltouring,singing & recording.Looking foward when her next Cd comes out.Keep singing Loretta.We Love you! You are God's gift to music,and all of us!
I'm with you, Greg! I'm almost 45 also, and she has been my absolute favorite since I was a very little girl. My parents and I went to her ranch when I was about 10 years old; and I met her daughter Peggy, who is about a year older than me. She gave us a personal tour. I've seen Loretta at least 15 times and would like to see her many more!
Congrats to Ms.Lynn I am fifty eight and have cherished her since I was 10 years old.Keep the music playing
I agree let's not forget about those who started it all.
That's great! I am so happy for her. The Legends of country music tend to get overlooked quite a bit lately, so I'm glad Miss Loretta is getting the recognition she deserves.