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“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn” Was A Beautiful Tribute

By on October 31, 2022 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Photo Credit: Russ Harrington

Last night, CMT and Sandbox Productions, in partnership with Loretta Lynn’s family presented “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn”.  It aired live on CMT to 2000 friends and family who gathered to celebrate her life at the Grand Ole Opry, while also allowing 500 people from the general public to attend in-person.  It was simulcast on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country (Channel 59). 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: A memorial for Loretta Lynn is seen during the CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Two additional CMT commercial-free encore airings on Wed, Nov 2nd at 8p/7c & Sun, Nov 6th at 11a/10c.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Margaret Comeaux, Patrizia DiMaria, Jason Owen, Ebie McFarland and SVP of music strategy for CMT’s Leslie Fram attend CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Fans started lining up outside at 3am, hoping to get a seat to see some of the country music industry’s biggest names pay tribute through song and telling their personal stories about the iconic Queen of Country Music.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Margo Price performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

 

NBC’s “Today Show” co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager hosted the star-studded event, which included emotional messages and moving performances from Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, George Strait, The Highwomen’s Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby with Brittany Spencer, Hoda Kotb, Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Sissy Spacek, Tanya Tucker, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band +

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Darius Rucker speaks onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Larry Strickland.

On-stage guests who appeared to share heartfelt messages included Barbara Mandrell, Darius Rucker, Faith Hill, Hoda Kotb, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw, plus special messages from Lynn’s closest friends and fans: Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Sissy Spacek and Taylor Swift.

Opening the memorial, Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band + Larry Strickland delivered a chills-inducing performance of the classic hymn, “How Great Thou Art” for the night’s first standing ovation. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Tayla Lynn and Patsy Lynn Russell attend CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Host Jenna Bush Hager recalled the controversy surrounding one of Lynn’s biggest hits – a song that country radio originally refused to play, “The Pill,” sung by a spirited Margo Price.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Lukas Nelson and Emmy Rose Russell perform onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

One of the highlighted performances was from Lukas Nelson, grandson of Willie Nelson, and Emmy Russell, Loretta’s granddaughter. They received a standing ovation for their rendition of “Lay Me Down”.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Karen Fairchild seen backstage during CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT)

Jack White’s surprise appearance and powerful live performance of “Van Lear Rose,” the title track of his and Loretta’s Grammy-winning album, was a standout of the night.  Introduced by Margo Price, fans were also treated to a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Loretta ever wrote. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Jack White performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

The Highwomen’s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer performed a show-stopping finale of Lynn’s most recognizable hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Earlier in the night, Carlile also performed “She’s Got You” solo.

Lynn’s daughter Patsy Russell and granddaughter Tayla Lynn gave a moving final thank you to the attendees.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Crystal Gayle (L) seen during CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT)

Throughout the evening, more of Lynn’s closest friends and fans delivered heartfelt speeches and shared personal memories, including Sissy Spacek, who recalled being “thunderstruck” upon first meeting Loretta; Dolly Parton shared that “Loretta was the best friend anybody could ever have.” Taylor Swift praised Lynn for being an example for all songwriters, particularly females with her ‘truthful, fearless honesty’ in her writing. 

Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer for women in country music, conveying her unique honky tonk sound with clever songwriting.  Often quoted as being an artist ahead of her time, Loretta’s multi-award winning career has spanned over 7 decades, with more than 50 top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart — including 16 number ones.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Keith Urban performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Loretta Lynn passed away in her sleep on Oct. 4th.  She was 90 years old.

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Full performance list below:

 

In loving memory of the life and legacy of Loretta Lynn, The Loretta Lynn Foundation exists to establish, preserve, and promote public awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Loretta Lynn and the cultural contributions of country music as a genre and to establish, preserve, and maintain an educational and recreational facility for the general public through which to give to and serve others. For more information and to make a donation, visit foundation.lorettalynn.comor text LORETTA to 53-555. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby of the Highwomen with Brittney Spencer (CL) perform onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

“COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions; Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) are Executive Producers.

For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

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CMT & Sandbox Productions Announce “THE JUDDS: LOVE IS ALIVE – THE FINAL CONCERT” On 11/3 At MTSU’s Iconic Murphy Center

By on October 26, 2022 in In The Press, Press Releases

CMT and Sandbox Productions announce “THE JUDDS: LOVE IS ALIVE – THE FINAL CONCERT” on Thursday, November 3rd at MTSU’s iconic Murphy Center, recreating The Judds 1991 Farewell Tour for televised special.

Wynonna to headline history-making concert event with Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile.

Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Martina McBride and more, airing March 2023.

MTSU kicks off 50th anniversary milestone with Wynonna’s homecoming return for largest event at Murphy Center in over 30 years.

Tickets on-sale at 2:00PM CT here, with a portion of proceeds benefiting NAMI Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, TN – (October 26, 2022) – Today, CMT and Sandbox Productions announced country music legend Wynonna Judd will headline a history-making concert event with “THE JUDDS: LOVE IS ALIVE – THE FINAL CONCERT” on Thursday, November 3rd at the Murphy Center at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), recreating The Judds 1991 Farewell Tour for a special televised event airing in March 2023 on CMT. Wynonna’s current tourmates Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Martina McBride are also slated to join, sharing the same bill for the first time ever; additional special guests to be announced. Tickets are on-sale today at 2:00PM CT here, with a portion of proceeds benefiting NAMI Tennessee.

 

 

 

The Judds homecoming to MTSU will mark the largest concert to take place at the iconic Murphy Center since Wynonna and her mother, Naomi Judd, had their final show together on The Judds Farewell Tour  over three decades ago. The made-for-television event also serves as the kick off to the venue’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration.

 

 

The news of “THE JUDDS: LOVE IS ALIVE – THE FINAL CONCERT” was revealed earlier today by Wynonna herself during an intimate press luncheon at Fox & Locke restaurant in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, alongside CMT and Sandbox Productions event producers and representatives from MTSU.

 

 

“Stepping onstage at the Murphy Center for the first time since Dec. 4th, 1991 will be so surreal for me. It was an emotional night over 30 years ago and will be an emotional night, for different reasons, now,” said Wynonna. “I can’t wait to lean into the nostalgia with the artists who have made this tour so special, and recreate one of the most iconic nights in Judd “Herstory!””

 

 

“It’s serendipitous magic on so many levels to be able to capture Wynonna’s return to the Murphy Center, almost exactly 31 years to the date. And it’s especially meaningful as an MTSU alum to produce such a landmark event, working hand in hand with the university’s faculty and staff to have their students actively participate in the production in its entirety,” said Margaret Comeaux, Executive Producer & SVP of Production, Music & Events, CMT. “We are also extremely excited to collaborate once again with our amazing partners at Sandbox to present a true Judds event spectacular that has been decades in the making, and continue to tell the next chapter in Wynonna’s story.”

 

 

“I remember when I was 15 years old, watching The Judds 1991 Farewell Concert on repeat when it first came out on Pay-Per-View. This is such an incredible, full circle moment to reproduce that same iconic special with Wy, and having her joined by all the powerhouse women she has brought with her on tour,” said Sandbox Productions’ Jason Owen, Executive Producer. “I’m so excited for everyone to watch – and for the incredible legacy of The Judds to live on forever.”

 

 

“What is most compelling about the Judds’ music is that it captures the love between two women. The Murphy Center event will allow us all to celebrate that love. After all, it was love that built a bridge between the Judds and their audience,” added Beverly Keel, Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, MTSU. “It is love that connects the family of country music females and strengthens them as they work to make their voices heard.”

 

 

As announced earlier this week, The Judds: The Final Tour will continue for a second run into 2023, following its initial 11 date area tour with Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Martina McBride all set to return for select dates, with more special guests to be announced. For more information, visit TheJudds.com.

 

 

“THE JUDDS: LOVE IS ALIVE – THE FINAL CONCERT” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions; Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox) and Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) are Executive Producers. The Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino. Leslie Fram is Executive in Charge of Talent. Shanna Strassberg and Donna Duncan are Talent Producers.

 

 

For updates about the concert event and special air date, visit cmtpress.com and follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

 

 

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About The Judds:

Wynonna and Naomi Judd brought a fresh acoustic sound to country music, with unmistakable harmonies surrounding Wynonna’s powerful lead vocals and Naomi’s unshakable creative drive. The Judds are often celebrated for a rarely-interrupted stretch of 14 No. 1 hits when every single of theirs released by RCA landed in the Billboard Top 10; and a career that defined what it means to be individualists in the music business. The Judds dominated touring in the 80s with 20 Top 10 hits, have sold more than 20 million albums and blazed a trail for duos and women who have followed them. Together, The Judds have 16 Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum albums and longform videos, led by 2x Platinum albums Why Not Me and The Judds Greatest Hits. Their stripped-back style revived the popularity of acoustic sounds in country music and opened up the genre for more traditional approaches.

 

About The Murphy Center:

 

The Nov. 3 Judds concert will become the centerpiece of Middle Tennessee State University’s yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of its iconic Murphy Center, which opened on Dec. 11, 1972. The “Glass House” is home to MTSU men’s and women’s basketball as well as university and high school graduation ceremonies, concerts and state high school basketball championships. For more than two decades, it was the Nashville area’s premier entertainment venue, hosting The Judds’ nationally televised farewell concert in 1991, as well as five Elvis Presley performances and concerts by superstars such as Elton John, The Who, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, the Beach Boys, Johnny Cash and the Eagles. MTSU announced the completion of a $6 million renovation project for the facility earlier this month, which officials hope will better position the facility to attract future concerts.

 

About MTSU:

 

NBC News called MTSU a “Grammy-winner factory” in 2019 in the wake of alumni, students’ and staffers’ multiple nominations and wins from the industry’s top honor MTSU alumni, former or current students, and faculty from across the university have been a part of more than 134 Grammy Award nominations in the last two decades. The number of MTSU-connected Grammy winners since 2001 currently stands at 15 with a total of 37 Grammys, including nine repeat recipients, in categories from classical to pop to rock to country to gospel. MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry — and the College of Media and Entertainment that houses it — marked in 2022 the seventh year on Billboard‘s latest international list of top music business schools, once again earning acclaim for the program’s diversity, depth and longevity.

 

 

About NAMI Tennessee

 

Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. It affects one in four adults and one in ten children across the United States. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, and support, while raising awareness and building a community of hope for those in need.

 

 

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