Lynn, Loretta, 1935–, American country singer and songwriter, b. Butcher Hollow, Ky. One of the most successful singers in modern country music, she has a distinct voice and a style reminiscent of earlier traditional country singers. She had her first hit, "Honky Tonk Girl," in 1960 and remained on the popular music charts with a string of 22 top-ten hits in the period 1962–71. Her autobiography, Coal Miner's Daughter, was made into a film in 1980.

Lynn, Loretta

orig. Loretta Webb

(born April 14, 1935, Butcher Hollow, Ky., U.S.) U.S. country music singer. Born in a coalminer's shack, Lynn married at age 13 and bore the first of six children the next year. In 1960 she released her first single, “Honky Tonk Girl,” which became a hit. In 1962 she joined the Grand Ole Opry, and by the mid-1960s hits such as “Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'” made her one of country's biggest stars. In 1970 she released her signature song, “Coal Miner's Daughter”; it provided the title of a best-selling autobiography and a popular film (1980). Her half-sister, Crystal Gayle (b. 1951), also had a successful recording career.

Lynn, Loretta (1937– ) country music singer; born in Butcher Hollow, Ky. Married at age 13, she had her first child at 14, and was a grandmother by 28. She did not begin singing in public until her mid-twenties but in 1960 she appeared on the "Grand Ole Opry" and recorded her first hit, "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl." She went on to release over 60 singles and 50 albums with many of her own songs including "Coal Miner's Daughter," the title song from the 1980 film based on her best-selling autobiography. She became widely popular for her music and admired as a working-class woman who had triumphed over adversity.