MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Loretta Lynn, also known as the First Lady of country music, is a country super star known for pushing boundaries with her controversial songs like “The Pill” and “Rated X.” In the 1970’s, when these songs were released, the lyrics challenged society’s beliefs about the roles of women. She gave a voice to the women who wished to step out of the role of housewives and baby makers and require justice and fairness in a male dominated world. She also bravely exposed the world to her family’s hardships while she was growing up. Her confidence and bravery was, and still is, inspiring to country music listeners. Today, 83-year-old Loretta is still taking her rebel style to the stage and even reaching a young audience. In 2004, Loretta joined with Jack White, from popular alternative rock band the White Stripes, to release her new single, “Portland Oregon.” At the CMA Awards in 2010, she sang one of her hits, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” with two well-known modern country stars Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow. In both performances, her confidence shined as she appeared on stage in her famous ball gowns. Loretta Lynn’s daring choices throughout her musical career continue to catch the attention of her listeners and fuel women to keep pushing the boundaries that society is has set for them. Although she inspired the change in the definition of what it means to be a woman, she kept her feminine image with pride by wearing her elaborate ball gowns on stage. Even more than just speaking to women, young people crave Loretta’s bold lyrics and performances because her style inspires the idea of change for the better, which is the focus of today’s generation.