During that same summer trip to Southwestern Virginia (see the Ralph Stanley entry), John and I journeyed into Eastern Kentucky to see the birthplace of Loretta Lynn. Loretta’s brother Herman gives $5 tours of Loretta’s childhood home, though he was not available on the date we arrived and we had to settle for a few pictures taken from the road. A week later, we saw Ms. Lynn perform at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Front Royal, Virginia. I had brought my Fist City LP cover with me, though she didn’t sign any autographs after the show--I don’t think she was feeling that well.
Still wanting to get an LP signed and not knowing whether I would get it back or not, I decided to mail Loretta the cover to an album I could stand losing--I didn’t want to risk mailing my pristine Fist City cover, my favorite album of hers. The cover came back signed, though, as you can see from the picture, the marker was very dry. Ultimately, I’m still not satisfied with this autograph and may try again.
Last fall I was able to catch a very blah performance from Loretta. Afterwards I waited at her bus. She actually addressed me and said she would have her daughter bring stuff onto the bus and she would sign it. (Loretta said this too me!) Needless to say 2 1/2 hours later I waited and the bus took off without anybody coming out and taking an item for any of the 5 people waiting outside. Oh well I guess you can't win them all.
ReplyDeleteYeah, these things happen. I had a similar experience waiting around for Loretta to step off her bus. At least you saw a living legend and that counts for a lot in my book.
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