EMMY RUSSELL, AMERICAN IDOL TOP 5 FINALIST, RELEASES "REDEMPTION" TODAY

 

Stream or Download “Redemption” Here

American Idol season 22 finalist Emmy Russell has released her original song “Redemption” today. A hushed whisper that works its way into a complete explosion of self-expressed freedom, the hooky tune celebrates the best kind of love one can possibly hope for: the love of oneself.

Written by Russell, along with Lauren McLamb and Rob Sewell, the meditative song finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a trying past relationship and, more specifically, is a deep dive into how she’s come to find self-love and acceptance amid turmoil.

“I wrote 'Redemption' because I process life through music and this song is what came out of a painful breakup,” Russell says. “There was a time when I placed all my value in someone else's hands. But, eventually, I had to realize I was constantly being tossed between 'I love you' and 'I don't love you,’ I wrote this song with Lauren McLamb & Rob Sewell. This song represents my decision to no longer be the person you come back to when it’s convenient. My telling him 'it’s over,'. I found my redemption in being alone and admitting to myself, 'I don’t deserve this,' which lead me to a door I’d been craving to open… I finally realized my worth by looking to God, then letting the truth that 'I am loved,' sink in. Now I know, no guy, nor anyone else, can take that away from me. I am loved and, now, that’s my redemption.”

A 25-year-old Nashville native, Russell – a descendant of music royalty as the granddaughter of the late country legend Loretta Lynn – became an instant fan-favorite on Idol following the viral audition performance of her evocative, self-penned and incredibly revealing song “skinny.”

The winner of American Idol will be announced on May 19.

KEEP UP WITH EMMY RUSSELL

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK

"A SONG AND A PRAYER", KIM MCLEAN'S COMPANION CD TO BOOK WRITTEN WITH LORETTA LYNN AVAILABLE TODAY

Kim McLean’s A Song & A Prayer Album Available Today

Companion CD to Book Written With Loretta Lynn

A Song & A Prayer, a collection of devotions written by Country Music Hall of Fame member Loretta Lynn and Grammy nominated and Dove award-winning singer-songwriter Kim McLean, was released in May and hit the top of several Amazon charts. McLean put 10 of those selections to music, and her A Song & Prayer album is available today by BFD/Audium. 

Add/save the album HERE.

"I made this album to invite our friends and fans into a conversation,” said Kim. “It's my heart; it's Loretta's heart. That's how these songs were born. Loretta and I sang these songs together for the sheer joy of it as we wrote them. Now it's time to share them with the world. I hope this very special project honors the beautiful legacy of Loretta Lynn."

Kim, who has had her songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack and others, wrote nine of the 10 cuts on A Song & A Prayer with the Queen of Country Music and was the solo writer on “Angel In The Stone.” She also produced the album. The first single, “Long Time Leavin’,” was recently released to Country radio and streaming services. The single can be saved/added HERE.

The two like-minded ladies first met in 2018 at a writer’s night in Nashville. Loretta invited Kim, who is also an ordained minister, to her house not to write initially, but to pray. They bonded over music, God, songs and songwriting. Over the next two years, their conversations turned into songs which later transformed into devotionals and the A Song & A Prayer book.

Kim will be hitting the road with her band this fall, and fans can follow her at:

https://kimmclean.com

https://www.instagram.com/kimmcleanmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/kimmcleanmusic/


"A Song & A Prayer" Track Listing:

(All Songs Written by Loretta Lynn and Kim McLean, except “Angel In The Stone“ written by Kim McLean)

1. “A Song & A Prayer”

2. “God Has a Heart Too”

3. “Better Way to Say Goodbye”

4. “God Never Gave Up On Me”

5. “Long Time Leavin’”

6. “Somebody Else Pray”

7. “The Best Thing That Ever Happened”

8. “The World Is In God’s Hands”

9. “My Best Friend”

10. “Angel In The Stone”

NEW BOOK FROM LORETTA LYNN TO BE RELEASED POSTHUMOUSLY

Loretta Lynn’s family and estate will release a new book she completed just before her passing; A SONG AND A PRAYER, on May 23, 2023 from Worthy Books.

“Originally slated to come out in December, mom worked all summer to complete this book. It was so important to her because she had never devoted an entire book to her faith. Mom was always open about her faith but it was a deeply personal matter to her, one in which we knew at the core was the most important thing in her life. Her passing has made this project all the more special to us and we know her fans will feel the same way,” said her daughter Patsy Lynn Russell.

It’s been over sixty years since the late Loretta Lynn first rose to stardom, transforming from a coal miner’s daughter to the Queen of Country Music. Loretta knew she was blessed—to record music, to sing her songs to such great crowds, and to write books. Her final offering, A Song and A Prayer, is a collection of prayers combined with song lyrics inspired by her songwriting sessions with fellow hit songwriter and co-author, ordained minister Dr. Kim McLean.

“My writing sessions with Loretta were inspired by our friendship and faith,” said Kim. “She always told me we need to ‘write it the way we say it,’ and these are the things she felt were important to say. It is a capstone project, and a culmination of her wholehearted, unapologetic love of God, of people, and of life. We were similar in many ways and connected on a soul level, but her fans know that’s the only way Loretta ever connected – heart to heart. We laughed all the time when we wrote, sometimes argued, then laughed again. This book came about so naturally. Loretta said this project was special to her, and I’m honored to be her collaborator and friend. She was such an inspiration.”

This volume will become a cherished companion for Loretta Lynn fans and readers everywhere as they strive to live each precious moment to the fullest and happiest. Through A Song and A Prayer, readers of all faiths and walks of life will have the opportunity to bask in a month’s worth of spiritual encouragement from Loretta’s own resilient faith. In a busy world, Loretta’s lyrics and prayers remind readers that God loves them more than they could imagine.

Loretta Lynn has produced multiple gold albums and boasts an impressive 60-year country music track record, during which she has sold over 45 million albums and produced 16 #1 hit singles and 11 #1 albums. She has received numerous awards and other accolades for her groundbreaking role in country music, including awards from both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music as a duet partner and an individual artist. She is the most awarded female country recording artist and the only female ACM Artist of the Decade (1970s).

Kim McLean is a Dove award-winning singer-songwriter, twice Grammy nominated, who has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack and others. She has garnered awards from NSAI, ASCAP, and the Just Plain Folks Americana Song of the Year, and has TV/Film credits that include shows on NBC, CBS, and ABC. She is a music producer and has worked with major labels, Curb and Sony, as well as many indie artists. Kim travels extensively as a keynote speaker/singer. She was instrumental in developing a songwriting program at Trevecca University in Nashville, which she directed for over a decade. She earned her MA in religion in 2008 and is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene as well as a Doctor of Education. She has served as a worship leader and is currently the lead pastor of Music City West Church in Nashville, TN. - https://kimmclean.com

THANK YOU LORETTA ...

Country Music Hall of Fame member and legendary country music pioneer Loretta Lynn passed away on October 4 at her home in Hurricane Mills, TN at the age of 90. When the news was announced, you could almost hear a collective gasp and sigh of sadness. There was just something so special about this woman, her attitude, her determination and her influence on a genre, its artists and fans. It's something so unique that will never go away yet something we'll never truly have again. It's so obvious how loved she was by her peers. Check out some of the nice things they had to say:

England just recently lost their Queen, and today we have lost ours. It’s a very sad day for the music industry. Loretta Lynn has gone on to her heavenly home. She did more for women in Country Music than anyone. She opened up all the doors. Her songwriting was cutting edge, and she was never afraid to tell the truth. She loved her family and wrote songs about her eastern Kentucky upbringing, but her unforgettable voice and beautiful smile is what I’ll remember most about Loretta. She was an original, one of a kind.” 

- Ricky Skaggs

"What a sweet lady and an authentic country singer. She gave a voice to millions of women who would have not otherwise had one. Loretta, we miss you already." 

- Ray Stevens

"When my old friend, the late, great football coach Bum Phillips was asked if Earl Campbell was in a class by himself, Bum replied, 'Well, if he aint in a class by himself it for durn shor don’t take long to check roll.' Well, that’s the way I feel about Miss Loretta. Rest in peace, sweetheart. If anybody deserves it, it’s you. I miss you already." 

- Larry Gatlin

"Isn't it funny when you're SO famous you only need one name for people to know who you're talking about? Loretta. One of the incomparable archangels of country music, her name evoked deep truths with simplicity, genius distilled. Her voice was big enough to ring down any holler and carried around the world. She inspired generations of artists, was loved by the world and honored by her children. She lives on in her music and our memories." 

- Pam Tillis

"Today in the life of country music, this is one of its greatest losses. Loretta Lynn, the Coal Miner's Daughter, was the actual Rual of country music. She spoke the trueness of a song and wrote better than anyone I'd ever heard. She will truly be missed. She was one of the strongest beating parts of the heart of country music." 

- Marty Raybon / Shenandoah

"My heart sank when I heard of Ms. Loretta's passing. I don't know that I've ever met a sweeter soul. She was so kind to my family and we all loved her beyond words. Her gift was raw and real, and no one will ever match her. She was genuine in every sense of the word. The angels will be in awe of her voice. We are all saddened by the news and praying for the family. This is a great loss to the music community and she will be missed in a big way."

-Darryl Worley

“Loretta was an icon, both for what’s just and right, and what’s pure, in country music and life. She will be missed and her impact felt for generations.” 

- Aaron Lewis

"Country Music will never be the same without our beloved Loretta Lynn. I’m so grateful that I got to know her and call her my friend. When she and Conway recorded one of my songs, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Loretta lived a life of pure, raw honesty and it came through in all of her great songs which was a beautiful gift she gave to all of us and one that will live on forever. My heart and prayers are with Loretta’s family at this time of deep loss. Rest in peace, Loretta. We love you."

- Deborah Allen

"Loretta was a true original. Loved her voice, especially on her gospel records. On behalf of ALABAMA, I'd like to say the world has lost a treasure. She will be missed."

-Randy Owen / ALABAMA

"She was one of the greatest music and entertainment legends ever! She was so sweet and so smart! I will always be indebted to her for her inspiration and encouragement. My love and prayers are with her family." 

- John Anderson

"Loretta always sent me notes of encouragement. She was proud of our Kentucky heritage. She once told me, 'We were common and that's what made us special.' Loretta understood. The real deal! She understood the grass roots of all musical styles. She was not only the 'Queen of Country Music' but also the 'Queen of Down to Earth.'"

-Richard Young / The Kentucky Headhunters

“Loretta Lynn started the trail! She was the original trailblazer and will forever be an amazing rags to riches story. However, she will always be a first class lady who always treated everyone with honor and dignity, me included. Rest high sweet friend."

-Tim Rushlow / The Frontmen

"My roots in country music run deep because of may love an admiration for ‘Ms Loretta.' She was there in the '80s, when I arrived in Nashville, to encourage me and allow me to open for her on tour… and, she was there to open for me, in Aurora, IL, in 2013, which unknowingly was my last public concert before my stroke. The years in between are each gifts wrapped in respect, admiration, awe and love -- and we shopped for lots of dresses through those years!

Whenever I heard 'my Randy,' I knew Loretta was near and her kind, sweet kisses left lipstick memories on my forehead and both cheeks. I wish I could have bottled those kisses and saved them for a day like today, when I learned of her passing. An emptiness came over me as I reflected on the magnitude of Ms Loretta’s presence—in the heart and soul of country music, and the entire world--and the void now created. If your path ever crossed with hers, you immediately felt her magic. Loretta and Doolittle ‘Doo’ represented a legacy marriage with six beautiful children as proof… and, a lot of us that Ms. Loretta took under her wing. I thank God that my career overlapped with The Queen’s—it’s an honor and a privilege.

After 90 years of teaching us how to live and love here on earth, we sing her home to heaven, with grateful hearts. Our thoughts and prayers follow the precious Lynn family down this road of loss and transition—thank you for sharing Ms Loretta with us. We will never have another Loretta Lynn…this world isn’t good enough for two of her."

- Randy Travis

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Loretta Lynn. I have always been a huge fan of her music and was so fortunate to get the opportunity to sing a duet with her on a TV special. That was a dream come true for me. The world has lost a legend and a beautiful person. Prayers to her family, friends and fans." 

- Aaron Tippin

"I've known Loretta Lynn for many, many years. Watched her hit the scene in Nashville in 1960 and have always been a fan of her non-apologetic attitude and country sound. I was hoping to see her and visit at the Country Music Hall of Fame inductions coming up... God Bless her family and while we will miss her here on Earth, there's no doubt in my mind she's joined that heavenly choir."

- Jerry Lee Lewis

"I am very saddened today to learn of Loretta Lynn's passing. Though she was thankfully on this Earth for a lengthy life, nonetheless, it is difficult to hear that we have lost yet another All Time Great. Her timeless songs, her unmistakable voice, and her amazing, legendary story will forever be embedded on the history of Country Music, which she greatly helped to establish and solidify to the world. We don’t have many of them left. Let us all celebrate the life and memories of a Coal Miner's Daughter. Rest in Peace, Loretta." 

- Collin Raye

"Being a friend and knowing Loretta for many, many years, I am heartbroken. We will all miss her. God Bless her." 

- Sammy Kershaw

"Loretta Lynn, no doubt, was country music royalty. The absolute queen. But, to me, she was my bestest girl!" 

- Billy Dean

Everyone knows her story, you've seen it in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter", you've heard it in her many songs but she lived it in vivid color. She wasn't scared to sing and write about subjects that were part of who she was, some of those subjects that would make an industry think twice about whether such song content should be released, but they took a chance, released them and we listened and we loved those songs and all these years later, we still listen and we still love them. She told us about her hardships, her accomplishments, her family, her relationship troubles, the loves of her life and her love OF life. No one told a story more honestly and in a more entertaining way than "Loretty" did. She just put it all out there. She was one of the strongest women to ever put a pen to paper, a voice to a recording and step on a stage. She could give a rat's ass if you liked her, but by God you were gonna listen. She was proud of who she was, what she went through and where she was going. She always knew where she was going and didn't let anyone get in her way or stop her. She stood up for women in a time where women were finding it hard to be represented in a primarily male industry. She was determined to be taken seriously and damn if she wasn't taken seriously. It was that simple, yet not so simple determination, kind heart, sense of humor and pride that gave her the opportunity to represent a a grateful audience and oh boy did she shine. When you were looking at Loretta, you WERE looking at country.  When you listen to Loretta, you ARE listening to country. Loretta was authenticity at it's best and truth at it's most honest.

Thank you Loretta for simply being you. We will miss you tremendously and will forever be thankful that you were a voice that spoke louder than most. Your voice may be silent but your impression and impact will continue to speak loudly for years to come. I hope somehow that your passing reminds the artists that you leave to carry on how special country music is. I hope it brings us back to what matters and back to music being relatable to everyone, not just certain demographics. I hope it brings us back to a common ground of respect and tradition for the foundation so many artists have fought to build. I hope you are up there smiling and that you realize the enormous legacy you have left us down here.

Rest now, your work here is done.

TAYLA LYNN DEBUTS FIRST SOLO PROJECT: "TAYLA LYNN SINGS LORETTA LYNN" - AVAILABLE NOW

Tribute Album Just Released via Heart of Texas Records;

Includes Very Special Track with Her Aunt Patsy Lynn and a Loving Greeting from Loretta Lynn

People.com Talks To Tayla Lynn About Her Darkest Days with Addiction and Celebrating Eight Years of Sobriety

PHOTO CREDIT: Tre Twitty

Tayla Lynn, granddaughter of the Queen of Country, Loretta Lynn, is officially releasing her first solo project Tayla Lynn Sings Loretta Lynn after a soft release last month via her website www.taylalynn.com.

A tribute to her illustrious grandmother, Tayla Lynn Sings Loretta Lynn features Tayla Lynn singing 13 of her favorite Loretta Lynn hits, including “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Fist City” and “The Pill,” as well as duets on “Sweet Thing” with special guest Tony Booth (singing the part made famous by Ernest Tubb) and the song that defined her grandmother’s career, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” with her Aunt Patsy Lynn Russell. Loretta Lynn is listed as a co-writer on the project and a 14th track will thrill fans with her recorded greeting.

“I love working and writing with Memaw [as she affectionately calls her grandmother],” Tayla Lynn gushes. “Early in my career, she took me out on the road for a year and taught me how to walk the stage, sing a sad song, be funny and treat the audience like you are in their living room.”

Tayla Lynn’s first major musical project was as a member of the trio Stealing Angels (with Caroline Cutbirth and Jennifer Wayne). The group was signed to Skyville Records in 2007; over a five-year period, they toured the country, sang for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait and made a record with veteran producer Paul Worley (Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum, Sara Evans). Their songs “He Better Be Dead” and “Paper Heart” both made the Billboard country chart.

But her life up to this momentous point in her career has been anything but easy. In a just-released exclusive People.com article, Tayla recounts her decades-long intermittent battle with addiction. “There was a time when I didn’t want to wake up and see tomorrow,” Lynn admits. During those years, she told People, she was often living with her grandmother. “The way she handled it was, I wasn’t allowed to go on the road. … Going on the road with her was like heaven to me … but she wouldn’t allow it if I got myself in trouble.” Shortly after marrying and becoming a mother, the article explains, Tayla’s demons began roaring back. “You’re sitting there in the middle of this fancy neighborhood in Seattle, not being faithful in your marriage and breastfeeding your baby while you’re doing drugs and all of a sudden you wake up and say to yourself, ‘What in the hell am I doing?!’”

Fans can purchase the album HERE or www.taylalynn.com.

Tayla Lynn Sings Loretta Lynn Track Listing

You Ain't Woman Enough
Somebody Somewhere
Black Eyed Peas and Blue Eyes
Babies
Here I Am Again
Fist City
Sweet Thang (featuring Tony Booth)
God Bless The Children
Old Rooster
The Pill
Wings Upon Your Horns
It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels (featuring Loretta Lynn)
Coal Miner's Daughter (featuring Patsy Lynn)
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven Who Says God Is Dead
Greetings from Loretta

Tayla Lynn is currently on tour with Tre Twitty (Conway Twitty’s grandson); a joint album and podcast are in the works. In addition to her musical endeavors, she is also exploring acting. Her first leading role came in the 2017 faith-based film, The Least of These, directed by Mark Nicolosi. She also starred in the Amazon Prime original 2020 film Why We Breathe. Tayla lives with her husband and children at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

For more information, check out her website, taylalynn.com and follow along on her socials.

CRYSTAL GAYLE INDUCTED INTO GRAND OLE OPRY BY SISTER AND OPRY LEGEND LORETTA LYNN

Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Grammy®-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry® this evening at the Ryman Auditorium by her sister and Opry legend Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut 50 years ago on the Ryman stage, singing the country classic “Ribbon of Darkness” at age 16. She had been publicly invited to join the Opry by Opry member Carrie Underwood in November.

“We’ve been together a long time, honey. And we’ve never had a fight,” Lynn said. “It was the greatest moment of my life when they made me a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. I know she is just as happy as I was then.” “Being a member of the Opry is just incredible,” Gayle beamed. “It’s really hard to comprehend. I have felt like a part of the Opry for all these years. Now, I’m official.”

Grammy-nominated duo Dailey & Vincent is set to be formally inducted into the Opry on Saturday, March 11.

RAINEY QUALLEY OPENS FOR LORETTA LYNN

Cingle Records' flagship artist Rainey Qualley recently had another dream come true, when she opened for one of her musical idols, Loretta Lynn, at the Kirby Theater in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

CMT last week premiered the music video for Rainey's debut single, "Me And Johnny Cash," across multiple platforms. The clip is available on CMT Pure, CMT.com, CMT Artists app and on-demand. ZUUS Country also added the clip after airing a series of interviews and performances on "Live From the Couch" and "On The Rise."

Rainey's debut EP, Turn Down The Lights, was released last month. The Asheville, NC native co-wrote all seven songs on the collection, which was produced by Russ Zavitson and John Ramey. Her debut single, "Me And Johnny Cash," is receiving significant airplay at country radio, and noted music critic Robert K. Oermann had this to say in his recent Music Row Magazine review:

"Similarly, no one even touched the hem of Rainey Qualley's gown as she swept up to the podium as this week's DisCovery Award winner. Her 'Me and Johnny Cash' rocks in all the right places. This puts pedal to the metal and boasts a delicious backbeat, plus stuttering fiddle and banjo, deep-twang guitar and a wailing, wide-open vocal. A highway song for a red-hot summer. This is going places."

Rainey heads west this week to visit radio stations and headline performances in Seattle, Sacramento, Fresno, Denver and more.

Photo: Beverly Miller

Loretta Lynn Postpones Shows to Heal Knee After Surgery

Jan 06, 2012 12:15 PM EST
www.foxnews.com


Country legend Loretta Lynn has rescheduled her first two shows of the year to give her knee more time to heal.

The 76-year-old singer underwent total knee replacement surgery in the fall and suffered from pneumonia.

Daughter Patsy Lynn Russell tells The Associated Press that Lynn's doctor thought she needed a couple more weeks of physical therapy to return to top form. Russell says her mother has been busy rehearsing with her band and preparing for her 2012 tour.

According to Russell, Lynn said she is feeling so good, she "might even put her dancing jig back in the show."

Lynn was scheduled to perform in Kentucky and North Carolina this weekend. Those shows will now take place in February and April, respectively. Lynn's next gig is Jan. 21 in Oklahoma.

1st Annual Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Prevost set for April 10th

Co-hosted by The Roys – 2011 ICM Bluegrass Artist of the Year & Tennessee Titans placekicker, #2 - Rob Bironas

Celebrities set to take a “swing in the name of charity” 

In 1982, the late Conway Twitty, with a little help from friends Loretta Lynn and The Oak Ridge Boys, had a vision to help make children who otherwise would be without a Christmas, enjoy the spirit and joyful times of the Holiday. Since that time, then known as Christmas Caravan and now incorporated as Christmas For Kids, the organization has helped brighten thousands of children’s lives during the Holidays.

Since its debut to the Nashville area, Christmas 4 Kids has had the whole community buzzing with anticipation for its annual events. Now 29 years later, in the spirit of Twitty and Lynn, Debbie Lamberson, President of Christmas For Kids, Inc., has announced the organization has created an annual golf outing to continue raising awareness and funds.

“My father toured and played for Loretta, so I have known about this organization since I was a kid,” says Lamberson. “I became the organization’s President in 1994, with one goal in mind, to find a way to help more children enjoy Christmas.”

The 1st annual Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Prevost will take place on April 10th at the Pine Creek Golf Course in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. The annual event will be hosted by the newly-awarded ICM Bluegrass Artist of the Year recipients, brother and sister duo The Roys. “We are thrilled to lend our name to such a great organization. We love giving back, and helping kids just warms our hearts. It'll be a fun day and the best part is we are helping kids have Christmas! That's magic!” says Elaine Roy.

“Being involved with Christmas For Kids for the last four years has been incredible for us. Getting to put our names on such a great event really means the world to us. Having two kids of my own I cannot imagine them not having a Christmas. We look forward to playing some golf with our friends and raising a lot of money for the kids. As Elaine said it's going to be magic!!” adds Lee Roy.

“Prevost is very proud of our long-term association with Christmas 4 Kids,” says Steve Zeigler, Director of Business Development. “Nashville is a very special community to Prevost. We are excited to expand our relationship with the organization by becoming the Presenting Sponsor of the annual fundraising golf tournament.”

This one day, April 10th, golf extravaganza will feature many stars of the music and sports world competing for a great cause.

About Christmas For Kids:

Christmas For Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree. The funds generated by the golf tournament, annual concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event are used to give children from 30 different schools, a total of more than 400 children, a day-long shopping excursion.


EVENT DETAILS:

April 10th / Pine Creek Golf Course / Mt. Juliet, TN

10:00 AM Registration

11:00 AM Lunch

Noon: Shotgun

**3 man scramble with a Celebrity added as your 4th man. This golf extravaganza will feature many stars of the music and sports world competing for a great cause.

Entry Fee: 3 man team $350.00

Team with a Hole Sponsorship $500.00

Individual Entry Fee $125.00

For more information visit: www.Christmas4Kids.org

CD Review: "Coal Miner's Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn" - Various Artists

CD: "Coal Miner's Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn"
Artists: Various (Collaboration)
Release: November 9, 2010
Label: Sony


Loretta Lynn, one of the most beloved, larger than life country performers and an enduring icon in country music for the past 50 years, has earned the title of the "Queen of Country Music" and will always been known as the original "Honky Tonk Girl". Loretta has always enveloped the meaning of country music, she's always the first name to come to mind when talking of classic country. A tribute to this beautiful lady has been a long time coming to those who love her. Now that it's here, the wait was well worth it. This tribute was done exactly as it should have been done. It wasn't cut in the traditional sense of artists trying to come as close to the original songs as possible like many other tributes I've seen. This was done in a way that has the tribute artists have made the most of Loretta's legendary music,relating individual interpretations of yesterday's classic hits to today's "not so classic" country music audience and breathing new life into old favorites. If you heard that a tribute was being done for Loretta, I can assure you that most of the artists chosen for this release would not be those that come right to mind - The White Stripes, Kid Rock, Paramore, Sheryl Crow to name a few. Well, after listening to the final release, it's clear that they do indeed go together with the name "Loretta Lynn" just fine.


Loretta has been cast as the epitome of the strong willed, fiercely protective country woman proud of the background she comes from and that is the obvious message in most of her songs. The artists bringing these songs to life have done their best to bring old songs to life with a new spin while maintaining the reverence these classic songs deserve. The very first track, "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)" is an amped up, rockabilly version of the original with a fresh take added like only a redneck woman, Gretchen Wilson, can give it whereas Lee Ann Womack takes on "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl" with total lack of originality, almost karaoke-like and afraid to take it and do something new with it. That being said, she still does a great rendition of the song in a traditional way. I've never been a huge fan of Carrie Underwood (Carrie lovers, go ahead and let it out, tell me I'm crazy), not because I don't think she can sing because she has an amazing voice, but more of the fact that I think she tends to over do some of her vocals on a few of her songs. She does not do that at all with "You're Lookin' at Country". She is spot on with this one, keeping it right where it needs to be, and not adding anymore than needs to be added. She keeps it simple and shows that while this is a tribute to Loretta, that when you listen to Carrie Underwood, you're still lookin' at country. There are also great spins on classics such as "Louisiana Woman-Mississippi Man", "Love is the Foundation", "Somebody Somewhere" and a few others you might not be as familiar with. My personal favorites on the cd are "You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man", a simple, almost acoustic version by the amazing Hayley Williams of Paramore and of course, the ever popular video favorite "Coal Miner's Daughter" by the trio of Loretta, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert.


The Tribute cd is timeless and classic, yet updated just enough so today's audience can get a feel for why Loretta Lynn is so loved and is such a huge icon. Loretta will always have my respect and my appreciation as a loyal fan of true country music. This is one of my favorite releases of 2010 and I don't think it's getting enough notice if we're being honest. I think it deserves more time in the spotlight, more promotion and more attention than it's been given. If you are a true Loretta fan, I think you'll appreciate what this tribute has to offer. If you like the cd, please tell people about it and get the word out. This cd is worth your time, your money and your attention. You can purchase the cd on Amazon, iTunes or in most record stores.