When it comes to underrated country legends, Patty Loveless has to be near the top of the list.
The Kentucky native released her self-titled debut album in 1986, and became a mainstay on the country charts in the ’90s with hits like “Timber, I’m Falling In Love,” “Chains,” and “Blame It On Your Heart,” as well as hear heart-wrenching ballads like “Don’t Toss Us Away” and “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye.”
Over the years she also had hits with many other country music legends, including “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” with George Jones, “My Kind Of Woman/My Kind of Man” with Vince Gill and “Send a Message To My Heart” with Dwight Yoakam.
A distant cousin of Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle, Loveless made her career following in the neotraditional and bluegrass footprints of the countless other artists from the Bluegrass State, transitioning mainly to bluegrass in the early 2000s before largely retiring from performing in 2009.
Over the course of her career, Loveless has racked up 31 top-20 hits, including five #1s, as well as five CMA awards, two ACMs, and two Grammys.
In 2023 it was announced that Loveless would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and she still makes appearances every now and then, and every time seems to remind everybody just how incredible she really is.
There was her unforgettable performance with Vince Gill of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” at a memorial service for George Jones, and more recently she joined fellow Kentucky native Chris Stapleton for a show-stopping performance of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” at the 2022 CMA Awards.
Her catalog is full of incredible music that really never gets the credit it should – but now she’s finally getting some well-deserved recognition.
Last night, the Country Music Hall of Fame opened their newest exhibit, “Patty Loveless: No Trouble With the Truth,” which pays tribute to the life and career of one of the newest members of the Hall of Fame. Open through October 2024, the exhibit features stage wear, tour memorabilia, manuscripts, setlists, instruments, photos, videos, posters and more from Patty’s legendary career.
A well-deserved honor for one of the most underrated artists of the ’90s.
