History, News

KY Music Hall of Fame Member Profile: Patty Loveless

by Jessica Blankenship

“In the deep dark hills of eastern Kentucky, That’s the place where I trace my bloodline…” is sung with deep emotion from one of country music’s legendary female performers, Patty Loveless. Come Thursday, she will add Kentucky Music Hall of Fame into her list of achievements.

For over 25 years, Patty Loveless has gained the respect of fans and industry by singing songs deep from the heart and being the same young girl raised in Elkhorn City, Kentucky. Her way of life as a coal miner’s daughter from Eastern Kentucky is relevant in her recordings. Her albums, “Mountain Soul” and Grammy award winning “Mountain Soul II” showcased her vocal and songwriting abilities with songs infused with the sounds of country, rhythm, and blues of Appalachia.

Loveless had her own run up the charts in the 1990s with hit songs as Blame it on Your Heart, Lonely Too Long, How Can I Help You Say Goodbye, and That Kind of Girl, with the help of Tony Brown, who signed her to MCA. Her down home southern charm and music that can make you laugh, cry, or dance has influenced many of today’s country music artists.

Her journey in music started as a young woman playing in Louisville clubs with her brother Roger. Their group was called “Singin’ Swingin’ Rameys.” He eventually persuaded her to come to Nashville in 1971, where he was working for the Porter Wagoner Show. Porter would introduce Patty to Dolly Parton, who was just beginning to rise in the country music world.

Patty Loveless has charted over 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Song Charts, with five of those reaching number one. She has recorded fourteen albums, in which five have been certified platinum and two certified gold. She became the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry and still frequently appears during performances. She was inducted into the George Music Hall of Fame in 1988.

Her other achievements include being the Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist in 1996 and 1997; American Music Awards Favorite New Country Artist in 1989; Album of the Year (When Fallen Angels Fly) in 1995, Female Vocalist of the Year in 1996, Vocal Event of the Year with George Jones (You Don’t Seem to Miss Me) with the Country Music Association Awards; Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (Same Old Train) in 1998 and Best Bluegrass Album for Mountain Soul II in 2011.

One of the biggest honors will come Thursday night as she is inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame alongside Keith Whitley, Molly O’Day, Steve Wariner, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, and Larnelle Harris. Presenters confirmed for the ceremony include Crystal Gayle, John Conlee, Eddie Montgomery, Jeff Reid, Noro Wilson, Kyle Macy, Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall.

“Yeah, that’s the biggie,” Loveless said in an interview with the Lexington Herald Leader last fall. “I am so honored. And I know my brother is really proud that I’m going to become a member of the Kentucky Hall of Fame. I owe him so much. I know my whole family is very proud of this.”