Born Loretta Webb in Butcher Holler in Kentucky in 1932, Loretta is now 86. She married 21-year-old Oliver Lynn when she was just 15 and they had six children.

For six decades or more, Loretta has been one of the best-known female singers in country music. Her story was relayed in the 1980 Oscar-nominated movie Coalminer’s Daughter, where the lead role was superbly played by Sissy Spacek.

Among her huge hits over the years were Don’t Come Home A’Drinking (With Lovin’ on Your Mind), One’s On The Way, You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man and, of course, The Coalminer’s Daughter.

Still a regular on the Grand Ole Opry, she retains an aura that marks her out as one of the pioneers of the genre. She had 21 number one singles and 11 number one albums, and is truly part of American music folklore. She always had a major following here in Ireland.

The Opry le Daniel tribute show to Loretta was recorded in the Millennium Theatre in Derry earlier this year and features Loretta’s granddaughter, Tayla Lynn, who came over from America for the show.

Also joining in the tributes are Leona Williams (ex-wife of Merle Haggard), who journeyed from her home in Vienna, Missouri, as well as Louise Morrissey and Niamh Lynn.

“I was delighted to be part of the tribute to Loretta,” says Leona Williams. “She is one of the true starts of the country scene and has always remained through to her roots. I have a special affinity with Irish audiences and it was a real pleasure to be part of this show along with all the other great artists on the night.”