On this date in 1970, Loretta Lynn was topping the charts with the song that defined her career.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” was a solo write by Loretta and was by far the most significant of her career, leading to her 4th career Number 1, 2nd Gold album and a biographical musical film of her life that won an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.
The song was immediately well received and garnered such a love and appreciation that it’s been saved in the Library Of Congress’ National Recording Registry for culturally significant works of art.
The song is about her life, referencing her raising as the daughter of a coal miner and corn farmer and a hard working homemaking mother and her raising in rural Kentucky and the hardships that came with it.
“My daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines
All day long in the field a hoin’ corn
Mommy rocked the babies at night
And read the Bible by the coal oil light
And ever’ thing would start all over come break of morn”
Its legacy is still alive and well today with Carly Pearce releasing an ode to Loretta and the song titled “Dear Miss Loretta” on her fantastic 29:Written In Stone album.
This is one of those songs that helped define country music since its release, and will continue to be its base for many, many years to come.