Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Loretta Lynn, a Country Music Hall of Fame member and 2017 Grammy nominee for Best Country Album, is celebrated for her career with the exhibit, “Loretta Lynn: Blue Kentucky Girl” running through Aug. 5, 2018 at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.
By telling her own truths, and by writing about her experiences with a perspective and voice unlike any other Southern storyteller, Lynn has become an American hero and a country music standard-bearer. Her one-of-a-kind tale has been told in a feature film (with an Oscar-winning portrayal of Lynn by Sissy Spacek), two autobiographies and an American Masters public television documentary. But her fascinating journey is worthy of further exploration. Examining the Coal Miner’s Daughter through her music and her rich collection of personal artifacts will provide fresh insights into one of country music’s most important artists.
Loretta Lynn: Blue Kentucky Girl exhibition highlights include:
• Lynn’s original handwritten manuscript for her chart-topping 1970 hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
• The 1956 model 99 Singer sewing machine Lynn used to make her own stage clothes very early in her career.
• American DR-332 ribbon microphone used by Lynn at her first recording session, in Western Recorders Studio, Los Angeles, February 1960. She cut her first single, “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” and three more original songs at the session.
• Red-and-white polka-dot dress with sequins and silver-cord trim, made by Lynn when she was fourteen. Sissy Spacek wore the dress when she portrayed Lynn in the film Coal Miner's Daughter.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented to Lynn by President Obama in 2013.
• Green chiffon Lillie Rubin gown worn by Lynn at the 1972 CMA Awards, where she was named Entertainer of the Year.
• 1956 Gibson J-50, used extensively by Lynn in performance and for songwriting. It was given to her in 1961 by her husband, Doolittle “Mooney” Lynn, who made the Formica pickguard.
• Red dress embellished with beads and sequins, worn by Lynn on the cover of her 1968 album Fist City.
One of the most visited museums in the United States, with an unduplicated collection of more than 2.5 million artifacts, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017. Lynn’s installation joins a year offering revealing exhibitions on subjects including Jason Aldean and Shania Twain. An exhibition on Faith Hill and Tim McGraw opens in November.
For more information, visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org.
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Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941