Country music hall of Famer Loretta Lynn, who died peacefully Tuesday at her ranch in Hurricane Mills at 90, was a regular in Chattanooga.
The very first record I played when I went to work for WDOD Radio in June 1965 was “Blue Kentucky Girl,” a top country song of that year.
According to “Hello Chattanooga” by David Carroll, Ms. Lynn sang at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium several times.
She also performed at Lake Winnepesaukah on April 26, 1970. Mr. Carroll wrote the chart-topper drew one of the largest crowds in the park’s history. Ms. Lynn returned 10 years later and once again packed the park.
I met Loretta Lynn during a WDOD Country Spectacular on Jan. 28, 1967. She appeared along with the Wilburn Brothers, Porter Wagoner, Norma Jean, Little Jimmy Dickens and the Chuck Wagon Gang.
WDOD’s Ray Hobbs was the “master of ceremonies” for the show, which was nearly a sellout. Hobbs had interviewed Ms. Lynn on his WDOD radio program several times.
Hobbs’ also introduced his young daughter Renee who had her picture made with the popular country singer from Butcher Holler, Kentucky.
Ms. Lynn did very little talking but sang her big hits for nearly a half hour. The crowd gave Lynn a standing ovation when she sang “Blue Kentucky Girl.”
During intermission. Lynn went to the foyer of the auditorium and signed programs for nearly 20 minutes. She was a fan favorite.
That same year she was in Chattanooga Loretta Lynn was voted Country Music Association female vocalist of the year.
Ms. Lynn was a regular singer on the Wilburn Brothers Television show which was seen in Chattanooga on WRGP-WRCB.
She made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 and became a member two years later.