Country Music Icon Loretta Lynn Dies At 90

Loretta Lynn died today (Tuesday) in at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. She was 90 years old. A country legend and early feminist, she may be best remembered for the autobiographical song “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and the 1980 bio-pic of the same name.

  • Born on April 14th, 1935 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky
  • Incredibly influential country singer since her debut in 1960
  • Partnered with Conway Twitty as one of the most successful duos in history
  • Wrote her autobiography The Coal Miner’s Daughter in 1976 which was made into an award winning movie in 1980
  • She is the most awarded female country recording artist and the only female ACM Artist of the Decade

Loretta Lynn was born Loretta Webb on April 14th, 1935 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky, the second of eight children to Ted and Clara Webb. Loretta wasn’t the only musical sibling in the family — brother Jay Lee Webb and sister Peggy Sue were both part of her band but eventually struck out on their own. And baby sister Crystal Gayle was quite successful in the ‘70s and ‘80s recording pop-crossover hits including the number-one “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.”

In 1948, at age 13, Loretta married Oliver Vanetta Lynn, or “Doolittle.” The couple had four children by the time she was 18, then twin girls in the ‘60s who later became the duo The Lynns.

Doo gave Loretta her first guitar when she was 18, and she immediately taught herself to play. She began performing at local clubs before catching the attention of a promoter at Zero Records, which recorded her first single, “Honky Tonk Girl,” in 1960. It became a hit thanks in large part to Doo’s independent promotion, which included driving Loretta to radio stations across the country to encourage them to play the song. “Honky Tonk Girl” also caught the attention of the Wilburn brothers, who took her on tour and encouraged her to move to Nashville.

Loretta’s strong feminist views were reflected in her biggest hits — “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” “Fist City” and “The Pill.” However, in 1971 she partnered with the late Conway Twitty and they became one of the most successful duos in history. The professional relationship produced such legendary hits as “After the Fire Is Gone,” “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” and “Feelin’s.”

Loretta’s life and early success were documented in the 1976 autobiography Coal Miner’s Daughter, named after her number-one hit. A highly succesful film starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones followed in 1980, earning Sissy an Oscar for Best Actress. In 1988, Loretta was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,and more recently she received critical acclaim for the CD Van Lear Rose, produced by Jack White of The White Stripes.

Loretta is preceded in death by her husband Doolittle, son Jack Benny and daughter Betty Sue. She is survived by four children — Cissy, Ernest, Peggy and Patsy, named after Patsy Cline.

Concert Calendar

5/07/25 – Fontaines D.C.

5/07/25 – Fontaines D.C.


This show was originally scheduled for Saint Andrews Hall, but this Irish band is blowing up right now and it’s been moved to The Fillmore on May 7.

This will be a night of high energy and intensity, even the slow songs. Get in on the action as Fontaines D.C. continues their rise. 


VIDEO:


THE FILLMORE DETROIT
2115 WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT, MI 48201
THEFILMOREDETROIT.COM | (313) 961-5451


5/10/25 | STURGILL SIMPSON

5/10/25 | STURGILL SIMPSON

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Sturgill Simpson brings his electrifying “Who The F**k is Johnny Blue Skies” tour to Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on May 10! Known for his genre-defying sound and captivating performances, Sturgill Simpson is a musical force to be reckoned with. Did you know that Sturgill once worked as a railroad freight conductor before making it big in the music industry!?! His journey from the tracks to the stage is as unique as his music. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience his incredible live show!


VIDEO:


STURGILL SIMPSON
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
MEADOW BROOK AMPHITHEATRE
3554 WALTON BOULEVARD, ROCHESTER HILLS
(313) 471-7000 | 313PRESENTS.COM

 


5/11/25 | LUCIUS

5/11/25 | LUCIUS

Get ready for Lucius LIVE at The Majestic in Detroit on Sunday, May 11, 2025. This indie pop band, led by the dynamic duo of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, has captivated audiences worldwide with their harmonious vocals and eclectic sound.

Known for their critically acclaimed albums like “Second Nature,” Lucius continues to push musical boundaries and deliver electrifying live performances. Don’t miss your chance to experience their unique blend of indie pop and emotional depth. Secure your tickets now for a night of extraordinary music and energy. 


VIDEO:


LUCIUS
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2025 | 7PM
MAJESTIC THEATRE
4140 WOODWARD AVENUE, DETROIT
(313) 833-9700 | MAJESTICDETROIT.COM

5/11/25 | MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

5/11/25 | MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

Mark your calendars for an extraordinary evening with MJ Lenderman and The Wind at the Masonic Cathedral Theatre! This show promises to be a mesmerizing blend of indie rock and heartfelt lyrics that will leave you spellbound. MJ Lenderman is not just a talented musician but also an avid skateboarder, often drawing inspiration from his skateboarding adventures for his music. Dive into the world of MJ Lenderman and The Wind!


VIDEO:


MJ LENDERMAN
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2025
MASONIC CATHEDRAL THEATRE
500 TEMPLE STREET, DETROIT
(313) 548-1320 | AXS.COM


5/21/25 | TEDDY SWIMS

5/21/25 | TEDDY SWIMS

Get ready for an unforgettable night with Teddy Swims on his “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour” at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on Wednesday, May 21st! This tour promises to be a soulful journey through his heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies, blending genres like soul, R&B, and country in a way only Teddy can. With his dynamic stage presence and incredible vocal range, Teddy Swims is set to deliver a performance that will leave you mesmerized.


VIDEO:


TEDDY SWIMS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025
MICHIGAN LOTTERY AMPHITHEATRE
14900 METRO PARKWAY, STERLING HEIGHTS
(313) 471-7000 | LIVENATION.COM


5/16/25 | MICHIGAN RATTLERS

5/16/25 | MICHIGAN RATTLERS

Get ready for an unforgettable night with the Michigan Rattlers! This talented alt-country band, known for their captivating blend of folk, rock, and Americana, is hitting the road and bringing their electrifying live performance to Saint Andrew’s Hall, where they’ll be playing their new album “Waving From A Sea.” With roots in Northern Michigan, the band members Graham Young, Adam Reed, Christian Wilder, and Anthony Audia have been friends since childhood, and their chemistry on stage is undeniable. Don’t miss your chance to experience their soulful melodies and powerful lyrics live. And did you know that all members of the Michigan Rattlers can juggle? They even have monthly juggling proficiency exams! Come for the music, stay for the fun – this is a show you won’t want to miss!


VIDEO:


MICHIGAN RATTLERS
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
SAINT ANDREW’S HALL
431 E CONGRESS STREET, DETROIT
(313) 961-8961 | AXS.COM


5/31/25 | The Head and The Heart

5/31/25 | The Head and The Heart

Get ready for an unforgettable night with The Head and The Heart as they bring their Aperture Tour to The Fillmore Detroit on Saturday, May 31, 2025! Known for their heartfelt lyrics and harmonious melodies, The Head and The Heart has become a staple in the indie folk scene. Their music resonates with fans worldwide, making them one of the most beloved bands of the decade. Secure your tickets now and be part of an incredible evening of music and memories!


VIDEO:


THE HEAD AND THE HEART
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 | 7:30PM
THE FILLMORE DETROIT
2115 WOODWARD AVENUE, DETROIT
(313) 961-5451 | THEFILLMOREDETROIT.COM


6/6/25 | MT. JOY

6/6/25 | MT. JOY

Get ready for an unforgettable night with Mt. Joy on their “Hope We Have Fun Tour ’25” at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on Friday, June 6th! This tour promises to be a celebration of their journey, filled with soulful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and the band’s signature indie-rock sound. With hits like “Silver Lining” and “Jenny Jenkins,” Mt. Joy has captivated audiences worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic live!


VIDEO:


MT. JOY
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025
MICHIGAN LOTTERY AMPHITHEATRE
14900 METRO PARKWAY, STERLING HEIGHTS
(313) 471-7000 | 313PRESENTS.COM


6/6/25 ~ Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

6/6/25 ~ Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

Mark your calendars for an electrifying night at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Friday, June 6! Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals are set to take the stage, bringing their unique blend of rock, blues, and soul to Metro Detroit. Known for hits like “Steal My Kisses” and “Burn One Down,” Ben Harper has won three Grammy Awards and sold over 16 million records worldwide. Grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable evening of music and energy.


VIDEO:


BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025 | 7PM
ROYAL OAK MUSIC THEATRE
318 WEST 4TH STREET, ROYAL OAK
(248) 399-0365 | ROYALOAKMUSICTHEATRE.COM


6/7/25 | I’m With Her

6/7/25 | I’m With Her

Get ready for an enchanting evening with I’m With Her on their “Wild and Clear and Blue” tour Saturday, June 7th at the Michigan Theater! This tour promises to be a mesmerizing journey through their intricate harmonies and soulful melodies, blending elements of folk, bluegrass, and Americana. With the combined talents of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan, I’m With Her delivers a live performance that is both intimate and powerful. Don’t miss your chance to experience their musical magic live – grab your tickets now and join us for a night of pure musical bliss!


VIDEO:


I’M WITH HER
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025
MICHIGAN THEATER
603 EAST LIBERTY STREET, ANN ARBOR
(734) 668-8397 | TICKETMASTER.COM