Loretta Lynn Wows Austin Crowd (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)

Considering a seemingly endless output of country music and awards that’s spanned over five decades, Loretta Lynn has no reason to give a damn these days. What makes this Coal Miner’s Daughter a living legend and a true class act is that, at the age of 83, she still does give a damn. Loretta Lynn could easily retire to a cozy home in the Tennessee countryside and reflect on a life filled with accomplishments as the First Lady of Country Music. Nope, that would be the easy out and Loretta’s never been fond of that. And how could you give up performing when you have fans as devoted as those who filled up the ACL Moody Theater in Austin on Sunday night?

There was the girl with Fist City tattooed on her fists, the older businessman who was shooed away after making a silly request for an autograph, and there was the couple who celebrated their anniversary by begging for the First Lady’s blessing (they got it and it was a touching moment). The reason for all of this was because there, in the spotlight, was Loretta, looking happy to be singing her classic songs after all these years. She was joined by her son and daughters, who serve as the country equivalent of hype men, though are all quite talented in their own right as singers and musicians. In her shiny red sequined dress, Loretta owned the stage, letting her band the “Coal Miners” handle the playing and following along with the music. She was happy just jumping in on tunes like “You’re Lookin’ At Country”, “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Be My Man)”, and “One’s On The Way/The Pill”. Even in her elder years, Loretta still put her tough attitude into these songs.

Part way through the show the singer took a seat in what looked to be the most comfortable chair in the world, assuming the role of a queen on her throne holding court over her admirers. This was a perfectly acceptable place to be both for her and the crowd, of whom seemed to get more elated by her presence with every song. Loretta’s voice was remarkably full as she crooned honky tonk favorites like “Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed” and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)”. She also took the time to crack jokes and make light-hearted jabs at the crowd, showing that she’s still got that sharp country wit. By the time she made it to the grand finale, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” of course, Loretta Lynn had the audience on their feet screaming and clapping in appreciation. She seemed almost tearful as she thanked her fans and waved goodnight, because Loretta Lynn always has and always will give a damn.

Photos by John Croxton.

Loretta Lynn Setlist The Moody Theater, Austin, TX, USA 2015

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