Loretta Lynn's granddaughter, Tayla Lynn, has released her 2nd album to honor her grandmother, Singin’ Loretta. As part of the Opry's 100 celebrations, on May 13th, Tayla sang to honor her Memaw alongside her Aunt Crystal Gayle and cousin, Emmy Russell.
Tayla Lynn has been a singer/songwriter since the early 2000s and used to sing alongside her famous grandmother. From 2007 to 2012, she sang in the trio Stealing Angels alongside Caroline Hobby and Jennifer Wayne. She moved to Seattle when she got married and had kids, but eventually, she answered the call to perform again, often alongside her grandmother. In 2018, they moved back to Tennessee. She also launched the Twitty and Lynn duo with Conway Twitty's grandson, Tre Twitty, who were welcomed with open arms as they performed their famous grandparents' hits.
In 2021, Tayla Lynn released Tayla Lynn Sings Loretta Lynn, which featured the iconic hits "You Ain't Woman Enough, "Fist City," and "The Pill." On May 30th, Lynn released her 2nd album of her grandmother's songs with the album Singin' Loretta, which features "You're Looking at Country," "Blue Country Girl," "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'" and more. The record blends some of Loretta's most iconic hits with lesser-known gems, showcasing the stories and spirit that defined her groundbreaking career. It is produced by Tracy Pitcox and Heart of Texas Records, in partnership with StarVista.
Tayla shared, "Memaw had me start singing on her shows when I was 20 years old. It was her idea." As a young woman, Tayla worked at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she fell even deeper in love with country music. It was more important for her to keep Classic Country Music alive than it was to become a platinum-selling artist.
The thing I like so much about Loretta Lynn's music is that she tells her truth unapologetically. In "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'" she states, No, don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind/ Just stay out there on the town and see what you can find/ 'Cause if you want that kind of love, well, you don't need none of mine/ So don't come home a drinkin' with lovin' on your mind.
Tayla explained, "People thought she was trying to take a stand as a feminist in the '60s. But she was just talking about her life. She said, 'It was either about me or the girls that came to my shows.'"
At the time, Loretta Lynn's songs were considered revolutionary; however, she was simply brave enough to share her woman’s perspective with a rural point of view before anyone else did. That is why she is such an icon to so many females, especially those in country music.
As an accomplished singer and songwriter, Tayla Lynn could have easily made a career simply by singing and releasing her original music. However, I am grateful to her for honoring her grandmother's legacy by sharing these iconic tunes with a new generation.
In conclusion, Tayla stated, "Memaw has been the constant fixture in my life and the lives of millions. Thank you to Tracy Pitcox and Heart of Texas Records, along with StarVista, for believing in this album and me. I am so excited for everyone to hear this tribute."
You can follow Tayla Lynn on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and all streaming services.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
‘Singin’ Loretta’ Track List:
01. I Wanna Be Free
02. Rated “X”
03. There He Goes
04. Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)
05. When The Tingle Becomes A Chill
06. One’s On The Way
07. Blue Kentucky Girl
08. You’re Lookin’ At Country
09. She’s Got You
10. Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed
11. The Titanic