Few performers in country music have proved as influential and iconic as Loretta Lynn who became a voice of strength, independence, and sometimes defiance, writing and singing songs that spoke to the concerns of working-class women with unapologetic honesty.
As a member of the Grand Ol' Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, she has been honoured by the country music establishment so many times and now OPRY le DANIEL will honour Loretta with varied songs, written and performed, by the ‘Coalminer’s Daughter’.
TAYLA LYNN:
Performing on the night of Saturday 19th May will be Loretta’s granddaughter, Tayla Lynn, who’s life could be a country song in itself, which is no surprise considering she was born into the country music dynasty created by her grandmother and having experienced success as a songwriter and recording artist in her own right.
Tayla began singing with her grandmother Loretta at an early age while her father, Ernie, played guitar in Loretta’s band. Working with Loretta opened the door to her record deal with the trio, ‘Stealing Angels’, with the girls touring America, singing for the US troops in Iraq/Kuwait and making a record with Paul Worley (Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum, Sara Evans).
In addition to her musical endeavours, Tayla has also stepped into film and television opportunities. She wrapped her first film as the leading role in a faith based film directed by Mark Nicolosi which will be released Christmas of 2019.
Tayla is currently recording an album with grandmother Loretta Lynn, Aunt Patsy Russel at the John Carter Cash Cabin and Tayla is determined to continue the Lynn family country music dynasty.
NIAMH LYNN [pictured above]:
It has been said that Niamh, from Dublin, is to Country Music what Imelda May is to Rockabilly!
Niamh’s first single, ‘Sing Me An Old Fashioned Song’ and the accompanying video caused quite a sensation when it was released in April 2015 getting 20,000 hits on YouTube in the immediate weeks with much attention put on the accompanying video and ‘That Dress and Those Shoes’!
Niamh certainly didn’t take a backseat with her second single and video as she demonstrated her fun side, whilst maintaining a dignified tribute to the classic ladies of Country Music. ‘Got A Lotta Rhythm In My Soul’ is an early Patsy Cline song and Niamh certainly has a Lot Of Rhythm in this modern-day tribute to a classic.
Dublin City's only Country Recording artist, Niamh proudly featured at last years Harvest Country Music Festivals in both Enniskillen and Westport, appeared on the Late Late Show and The RTE ICMA Awards. And she opened shows for Emmylou Harris and Nathan Carter. The future is certainly looking sunny for Niamh Lynn!
LOUISE MORRISSEY:
Louise Morrissey grew up with a love of music and after completing her schooling, began to sing with her brothers, Billy and Norman, as the Morrissey’s Folk & Ballad Group. She made her first recording, ‘Farewell To Carlingford’, in 1978 with the group, recording several successful albums, including ‘Ireland’s Morrissey’s’ and ‘On Stage’ (Live from the Olympia).
In 1988, encouraged by the popularity of Irish singers such as Ray Lynam and Philomena Begley, Louise gave up folk music in favour of the ever-popular country and Irish and her second country music recording, ‘The Night Daniel O’Donnell Came To Town’, was a big hit for her and quickly established her as a major Irish country singer. In 1990, in Zurich, competing against 14 countries, she won the European Country Music Gold Star Award singing ‘Tipperary On My Mind’, and since then she has continued to build her reputation with fine record releases.
Louise’s video ‘Memories Of Home’ (1990) has sold in large numbers and she proved very popular on an appearance at the Wembley International Festival Of Country Music.
Her touring has seen her play venues in the USA, Denmark and the Lebanon.
In 1995, Louise toured the UK with Charley Pride, receiving glowing tributes for her singing. She is equally at home with Irish ballads such as ‘The Rose Of Allendale’, country standards like ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’ or modern songs, including ‘Achy Breaky Heart’, one of the 14 tracks she recorded on an earlier visit to Nashville.
She is the possessor of one of the finest female voices currently performing around the Irish and British country music scene and looking forward to appearing on Opry le Daniel on Saturday 19th.
LEONA WILLIAMS:
Leona Williams was destined to be a country music entertainer and at the tender age of fifteen years she was offered her own radio show on KWOS Radio in Jefferson City, Mo. simply called ‘Leona Sings’. Having moved to Nashville, Tn. in the late 60's, she became a member of Loretta Lynn's first band called the ‘Blue Kentuckians’.
Leona travelled and played upright bass for Loretta for almost a year before landing her own recording contract with Hickory Records with such hits as 'Once More', 'Yes Ma'am’, and ‘He Found Me In A Honky Tonk’. Since then, Leona has travelled worldwide and performed for countless Country Music fans , with appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and many tours coast to coast in North America and the beautiful country of Ireland.
Leona's songs have been recorded by some of Country Music's greatest artists such as George Jones, Moe Bandy, Randy Travis. Gene Watson, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith , Ray Price and many others. Merle Haggard even took several of her songs to Number One. She also teamed up with Merle Haggard for a top 10 duet called, ‘The Bull and The Beaver’.
Leona Williams was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall Of Fame, Missouri Country Music Hall Of Fame, Mobile Country Music Association , and NACMA in Pigeon Forge Tn. whilst also having been nominated “Entertainer of the year” by R.O.P.E. , (Reunion Of Professional Entertainers) and was presented with The Prestigious “George D. Hay” award.
Whether in a recording studio, dance, concert hall or on stage at the Grand Ole' Opry, Leona Williams always gives her best to her fans and her music. She will definitely presents a special class to this Opry le Daniel celebration of Loretta Lynn.
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