Saturday 1 August 2015

Lynn Anderson country music legend dies aged 67

Lynn Anderson

(Sept 26 1947 - July 30, 2015 "Lynn Rene Anderson")


















Multi-Million Selling and Award-Winning Country Icon Lynn Anderson Passes


Tracks previously played on Marie Crichton’s Country Show:
“Rodeo Cowboy”, “Two Doors Down” (From CD Stand By Your Man)
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” (BBC Radio 2 Country Hits)   
“Rose Garden”, “Stay There Til I Get There2 (CD Rose Garden)
“How Can I Unlove You” (Country Ladies Label K-Tel) 
“The Worst Is Yet To Come”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” (from the album The Bluegrass Sessions)
“Listen To A Country Song” (Ladies Of Country Box Set)
“Sweet Memories” (Betty Swain Project 2013, 85-year old Betty Swain, a recent widow, rummaged through her cedar chest only to rediscover 10 song lyrics she had written nearly a half century ago)
“Turn The Hurd” 
Mary Sarah & Lynn Anderson “Rose Garden” (Album: Bridges: Great American Country Duets)
“Driftaway” (Album: Bridges 2015)  


Lynn Anderson, the country music legend who held the "Top Grossing Song by a Female Artist" for 27 years with the signature tune Rose Garden, passed on Thursday, July 30th at the age of 67 at the Vanderbilt Medical Center. She died of a heart attack Thursday night July 30, 2015 and had been hospitalized for pneumonia following a trip to Italy.
She is survived by her father Casey Anderson, loving partner and songwriter Mentor Williams, three children, Lisa Sutton, Melissa Hempel and Gray Stream and four grandchildren.
Lynn Anderson Montage CLICK to ENLARGE
Ms. Anderson was truly a trailblazer on the country music scene and her voice is recognized across Tennessee as the vocalist behind one of the iconic state songs Rocky Top. She's charted three #1 and 15 Top-20 albums, as well as 12 #1, 18 Top-10, and over 50 Top-40 singles throughout her career. As one of the first to be launched via television, Lynn's featured performances on The Lawrence Welk Show served as the only country music on network television at the time. 
Billboard recognized her as “Artist of the Decade” for 1970-1980. 
In addition, she was the first female country singer to headline and sell out Madison Square Garden in 1974. Her signature single, (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden in addition to other top hits like “Ride, Ride, Ride” (written by her mother the late Liz Anderson), “Cry”, “Top of the World” and “Someday Soon”, spring boarded Lynn into a career with over 30 million albums sold worldwide.
Lynn Anderson, left, and her mother, Liz Anderson, stand before the microphone at 
RCA Victor's Opry breakfast Oct. 22, 1967. Singer & writer Liz Anderson told the
 audience she wasn't going to sing, but just wanted to introduce her daughter, 
who appears on "The Lawrence Welk Show."  Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean 
























Lynn Anderson was born "Lynn Rene Anderson" on September 26, 1947 in Grand Forks, North Dakota and raised in California. Her parents were songwriters Casey and Liz Anderson, and Liz wrote the Merle Haggard hits "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers" and "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive."
In 1966, Lynn Anderson released her debut single, a duet with Jerry Lane called "For Better or for Worse." It failed to chart, but she went on to score her first top-5 hit, "If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)" in 1967. Anderson went on to appear on ABC's The Lawrence Welk Show as a regular in 1967 and 1968.
Liz Anderson composed such country music hits as 'The Fugitive' and 'My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers' for Merle Haggard.  Merle Haggard's band, The Strangers, was named after the latter hit.  Lynn's father, Casey Anderson, also wrote songs.
Anderson charted nearly 60 country hits and had her own CBS television special in 1977. Her career began to fade by the early '80s, and Anderson scored her final top 10 hit in 1983 with the Gary Morris duet, "You're Welcome to Tonight." She released albums sporadically in recent years with her most recent 12 track project, BRIDGES (Center Sound Records),

Lynn was married to producer/songwriter Glenn Sutton from 1968 to 1977. He produced several of her hit songs — and wrote some too, including “You’re My Man” and “Keep Me in Mind” — but the couple would divorce in 1977.

(Daily MAIL UK) "A Great Shame
Anderson also faced multiple arrests for DUI in recent years
On January 24, 2005, a short time after her last arrest, Anderson was accused of shoplifting a Harry Potter DVD from a local supermarket in her hometown of Taos, New Mexico. Upon her arrest she punched the arresting officer. She was charged with shoplifting, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer. The assault charges were later dropped. Her next arrest was on May 3, 2006, when she was arrested on a second driving under the influence of alcohol charge following a minor traffic accident near Espanola, New Mexico. According to police, Anderson failed a sobriety test and refused to take a breathalyzer test after her car hit the back of another car. No one was injured in the collision and she was again charged and released on bond.
Lynn Anderson-Live-Durango Music Spot at
AT&T U‐Verse Fan Fair X-13 June 2015
CLICK to ENLARGE

On Friday Sept 12, 2014 the 66-year-old songbird posed for her mug shot after being cited for a DUI in Nashville. According to TMZ, the former cover girl said 'she mixed alcohol and prescription medications before crashing her car.' 
She was released from jail on a $5,000 bond and had to appear in court on November 20. 
The site also reported that she had 'a couple of' DUIs in the past. The performer had spent time at the Betty Ford Center.
In 2004 Anderson was charged with DUI in Denton, Texas. Police had found her passed out in her vehicle on the shoulder of a highway.

CHART SUCCESS
Lynn Anderson's love of country music can be attributed to her mother, country music songwriting great, Liz Anderson who died in 2011 (Mon Jan 13, 1930 - Mon 31 Oct 31, 2011).
Lynn Anderson's first foray into the country music world was when, as a teenager, she entered a singing contest, which was sponsored by the 'Country Corners' program in Sacramento.
In March 1967, Lynn Anderson saw the release of RIDE RIDE RIDE (Chart Records, 1967; reached #25 Billboard Top Country Albums Chart), which was produced by Slim Williamson, recorded during April 1966 - Jan 1967 and included four tracks which were released as singles on the country music singles chart:

'In Person', (Liz Anderson; this track failed to chart), 'Ride Ride Ride' (Liz Anderson) #36 in 1967)
'If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)', again written by Liz Anderson, #5 in 1967 and 'Too Much Of You' (written by Gene Hood) (#28, 1967)

In December 1967, Lynn Anderson saw the release of PROMISES PROMISES (Chart Records, 1967; #1 Billboard Top Country Albums Chart 1968), which was produced by Slim Williamson and included two tracks which were released as singles: 'Promises Promises' (written by Wiley Smith and Carlyle Hughey) (#4, 1967) and 'No Another Time' (written by Jerry Lane and Slim Williamson) (#8, 1968)

In July 1968, saw the release of BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY (Chart Records, 1968; #11 Billboard Top Country Albums Chart 1968), which was produced by Slim Williamson and which included one track which was a hit single:  
'Big Girls Don't Cry’ (Liz Anderson) reached #12 in 1968

In March 1969, saw the release of WITH LOVE FROM LYNN (Chart Records, 1969; #22 Billboard Top Country Albums Chart 1969), which was produced by Slim Williamson and included two hit singles:
'Flattery Will Get You Everywhere', which was written by Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 - Monday 31 October 2011) (No.11, 1968) 'Our House Is Not A Home' (written by Curly Putman and Shirley Mayo) (No.18, 1969)

In 1970, Lynn Anderson left Chart Records and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records; with the May 1970 release of STAY THERE TIL I GET THERE (Columbia Records, 1970; #28 Billboard Top Country Albums Chart 1970), which was produced by her husband, the late Glenn Sutton (Tues 28 Sept 28, 1937 - 17 April 17, 2007) which included one hit single:  
'Stay There Til I Get There' (written by Sutton) was #3, in 1970 on Hot Country songs

ROSE GARDEN
In December 1970, ROSE GARDEN was released (Columbia Records, 1970; #1 Billboard Top Country Albums Chart & No.19 Billboard Top Pop Albums in 1971), which was produced by Glenn Sutton and recorded at Columbia Recording Studio, Nashville and produced the #1 hit single and her career signature song on the Billboard Hot Country chart:
'Rose Garden', written by the late Joe South (Weds Feb 28, 1940 – Weds Sept 5,  2012).
On Dec 26, 1970 it brought Lynn her first #1 single on the Billboard country chart. It reigned number one for five weeks (Dec 1970 - Jan 1971) and reached No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart in 1971, this track featured guest vocals from The Jordanaires. The song was also a major pop hit internationally, topping the charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway and it peaked at #3 on UK Singles chart.
Lynn Anderson performs “I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden” on BBC Top Of The Pops: -




Canadian country pop group k.d. lang and the Reclines covered the song for their 1987 album Angel with a Lariat (Spotify). In 2005. Martina McBride included the song on her album of covers, Timeless.



Other artists to record "Rose Garden" include Mary Duff, Billie Jo Spears, Glen Campbell, Sandie Shaw, Jast Last, Andy Williams, Joe South, Ann Pascoe and Kate Campbell.

According to Lynn Anderson, if there had not been some time left on a 1970 recording session, her million seller, “Rose Garden,” might never have been recorded!  Lynn had heard the song on Joe South’s 1969 “Introspect” album. She repeatedly asked her husband and record producer Glenn Sutton, to let her record the song and he repeatedly turned her down.  Lynn said, “There were lines in the song which the record company thought weren’t right for me—lines like “I could promise you things like big diamond rings.” A woman just wouldn’t say that to a man-so they thought a female singer singing those lyrics just wouldn’t work.”  
But fate intervened and a Nashville recording session finished 15 minutes early and they didn’t have any other songs scheduled to record. Columbia Records had planned another song for Lynn’s next release-but label head Clive Davis happened to hear the tape of “Rose Garden” and decided it would be the next Lynn Anderson single.  According to Lynn, “I believe that “Rose Garden” was released at just the right time. People were trying to recover from the Vietnam years. The message in the song that—if you just take hold of life and go ahead—you can make something out of nothing—people just took to that.”

When Nashville's golden girl Lynn Anderson cut her sad tinged 1971 smash hit “Garden”, she never imagined her life story would become a tearjerker too. "I was called the Grace Kelly of country music," she observed. "I figured I could own the world." But, at 35, and about to revive her showbiz career by appearing in the CBS-TV movie Country Gold, Lynn sadly had lived out the experiences she once only sang about.
Just a year previous Lynn filed a counter-suit for separation from Harold "Spook" Stream, the estate manager for and scion of a prominent Louisiana family. According to news reports at the time, Anderson charged that Spook had abused her physically and once attempted to run over her with a car. "When angry, people say and do things they wouldn't normally do at other times," she said. "We were both hurt and striking out at each other." They had met four years earlier, when she was performing at a rodeo. "We hit it off immediately," Lynn said. Already once divorced, Lynn soon moved in with Spook, sanctifying their love with formal vows on Valentine's Day, 1978. They also shared a passion for horses and traveled extensively.
For Lynn the promise of wedded bliss was such that she walked away from her performing and recording career to devote herself to her husband and family. She had a child (Lisa, then aged 10) from her 10-year marriage to songwriter-producer Glenn Sutton, and she and Spook would had two of their own (William Gray, 3, and Bunny, 1). "I had been in the music business all my adult life," she shared. "I had won the awards and had a million-selling record, so I thought it was a natural progression for me at that point to change my priorities”. In retrospect, Lynn claimed she really didn't want the divorce.
Spook filed court papers barely two weeks after her departure and Lynn said: "I heard about it sitting at home with my 6-month-old baby watching the 10 o'clock news. I couldn't believe it," she says. To avoid a potentially devastating public custody fight, she and Spook came to an agreement (she retained custody of their children).

Of Note:
Wembley Festivals
Ms. Anderson appeared twice at the London Wembley Country Festivals in England. 
The first time was 1970 (March 28th) and then in 1984 in this line up: Lynn Anderson, Moe Bandy, Philomena Begley, Glen Campbell, Freddy Fender, David Frizzell, Jim Glaser, Tom Gribben, Emmylou Harris, Carl Jackson, Tom Jennings, Albert Lee, Ray Lynam, Susan McCann, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Lee Moran, The Osmonds, Vernon Oxford, Ray Pillow, Paul Richey, Jeannie C. Riley, Ronny Robbins, Ray Stevens, The Stoneman Family, B.J. Thomas, Geoff Turner, Billy Walker, Shelly West and Slim Whitman.

Twitter Photo (Left)

Mr. Brian Clough the voice of country radio in the North East of England for over 35 years and the award winning 2010 CMA International Country Broadcaster is seen here interviewing Ms. Anderson at the Wembley Festival in 1984.
#FondMemories

Lynn Anderson's HOW CAN I UNLOVE YOU (Columbia Records, 1971) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1971 and No.132 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums.

In November 1974, Lynn Anderson released of WHAT A MAN MY MAN IS (Columbia Records, 1974; #18 Billboard Top Country Albums), produced by Glenn Sutton, which produced one hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'What A Man, My Man Is' (Glenn Sutton)  was No.1 for one week in December 1974/January 1975 on Hot Country Songs and reached #93 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles the same year.

Fast forward to Tuesday Sept 14, 2004, Lynn Anderson saw the release of THE BLUEGRASS SESSIONS (DM Records, 2004), which was produced by Bill Vorn Dick and which included bluegrass versions of some of Lynn Anderson's biggest hits, including the following: What A Man, My Man Is', 'Rocky Top' written by the late Boudleaux Bryant (Feb 13, 1920 – June 25, 1987) and Felice Bryant (Aug 7, 1925 – April 22, 2003), 'How Can I Unlove You' (Joe South) 'Rose Garden', 'Paradise' (written by John Prine), 'That's A No No' (written by Ben Peters), 'Under The Boardwalk' (written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick), 'Ride Ride Ride', 'If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)', and 'Top Of The World' (written by John Bettis and Richard Carpenter)

In 2015, Anderson signed with Center Sound Records to release a new country gospel album, BRIDGES
The album featured a gospel version of the hit "Drift Away", with new lyrics by the writer. The album was released on June 9, 2015, as both digital download and limited-edition 45rpm (red) vinyl, which features collaborations with the Oak Ridge Boys and the Martins.
This project took on a uniquely special connection as it developed into a family affair. 
Liz Anderson’s song ‘My Guardian Angel’, published by her father Casey, is featured on the album and her partner Mentor Williams rewrote one of his top hits Drift Away for release as well. 
Lynn recently told Billboard, "I’ve been so blessed in my life that things have kind of seemed to fall in place for me. I just have to keep on the right path, and not jaunt off to the left or the right. I love how the lyrics of Wander's Prayer [on Bridges] speaks of asking the Lord to keep me in the right direction."
Her daughter Lisa did all the artwork and it was her idea to include the vinyl.

AWARDS
Lynn Anderson earned a Grammy Award nomination, in 2004, for 'The Bluegrass Sessions' (DM Records, 2004).

In a country music career which spanned over four decades, Lynn Anderson scored eleven No.1s, eighteen Top 10 hits and over fifty Top 40 hits.
Lynn Anderson earned a total of seventeen 'Gold' albums and won virtually every award available to a female recording artist:

1971: Prestigious Grammy Award for "Best Country Vocal Performance, Female."
1967: Academy of Country Music (ACM) 'Female Vocalist of the Year' (twice; again in 1970)
1971: Country Music Association (CMA) 'Female Vocalist of the Year' (Oct. 10, 1971, presenter George "Goober" Lindsey Photo)
1974: American Music Award 'Favourite Female Vocalist'
Record World's 'Artist of the Decade' (1970 - 1980)
Billboard's 'Artist of the Decade' (1970 - 1980).

After living in Taos, New Mexico for twenty years, Ms. Anderson decided it was time to move back to Nashville.  Lynn owned several horses and competed at national equestrian events. Lynn Anderson hit the concert trail two or three times a month, headlining major casinos, performing arts centres, fairs and festivals.

Her success in the equestrian community was equally as monumental as her music career winning 16 National Championships and four world championships across the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). She was known for raising the champion breeds as her horses captured numerous titles---Lady Phase (first AQHA World Champion and Breyer Horse Model), Skip's Challenge (two time Congress Champion and Amateur Western Pleasure), Delta (Paint Horse Hall of Fame), etc.

One of the keys to Lynn's success was that she always made her fans a priority. Since the inaugural year of Fan Fair (now CMA Music Festival) in 1972, Lynn has only missed one year due to illness as she greatly valued the direct connection to her devoted and loving fans at that event.
TV:
Alongside her singing career, she made a number of television appearances with stars including Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby and John Wayne.
She also appeared in episodes of the cop show Starsky and Hutch and in the 1990 BBC drama The Wreck on the Highway.
Good Deeds:
She has raised millions for a variety of charities throughout her career. For twenty years, she has worked with both the Roundup for Autism and the Cariety Foundation, an organization supporting families of cancer patients. Other notable contributions were made to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, The North American Riders for the Handicapped Association and military support organizations.

TRIBUTES:
Several stars have shared their thoughts on Lynn Anderson's contribution to country music, via a release sent out by her publicist.
"It has been an honor to represent Lynn Anderson for almost a decade and our sincere condolences are extended to her family, friends and a fans." said Pam Lewis of PLA Media.

"I am a huge fan of Lynn’s.  She was always so nice to me. She did so much for the females in country music.  Always continuing to pave the road for those to follow. I loved her music and her love for horses. Rose Garden was a song I sang in high school in our Kiowa Cowboys High School band. She will be missed." Reba McEntire.

"It was a pleasure to record with Lynn.  I remember the first time we saw her at the Utah State Fair.  We were playing the small stage and we finished early enough to see her on the main stage.  She owned Utah that night.  She didn't stop until she won everybody's hearts including mine. She sang her way to heaven." Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys.

"Lynn was such a sweet lady and a true classic. I loved her and I loved listening to her sing I've Never Loved Anyone More and Rose Garden. It was so great to hang out with her recently at CMA Music Festival. We will all miss her, her great smile and her sweet spirit." Phil Vassar

"Losing Lynn Anderson is a personal loss to the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI).  Lynn was family.  Her parents, Casey Anderson and the late Liz Anderson, were two of NSAI’s founding members. Her parents were given the “Stephen Foster” award by NSAI in February this year, where Lynn performed.  We will truly miss her.” Bart Herbison, Executive Director of Nashville Songwriters Association.
Crystal Gayle (L) with Ms.Anderson

I'm going to miss a good friend, Lynn Anderson. My thoughts & prayers are with her family. She was one of my favorites. Love you, Lynn! - Crystal Gayle

We are saddened today with the news of Lynn Anderson's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones - Grass Roots Promotion


Eddie Stubbs, Grand Ole Opry announcer and disc jockey for WSM-AM in Nashville, said Anderson's two-year stint as a fixture on "Lawrence Welk" made her a pioneering ambassador for Nashville at a time when country music received relatively little exposure on network television.

Mary Sarah



Martina McBride, who covered Anderson's biggest for her 2005 album, sent this statement to Billboard: "I met Lynn after I did a version of her song 'Rose Garden' on my album Timeless. She sent me roses and a sweet note. I was honored to share the stage with her at the Grand Ole Opry where we sang a version of 'Rose Garden' together. I'll never forget it. She was always so gracious and sweet to me.”

Travis Tritt tweeted @Travistritt I'm extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the great Lynn Anderson. She was always so nice & sweet to me.
Chely Wright tweeted @chelywright I'm really, truly sad to hear that Lynn Anderson has passed. She was really something.

SaraBeth tweeted @SBSwags Country Music lost a legend today.  You'll be greatly missed Lynn Anderson
with Ashton Shepherd (L)

Ashton Shepherd on Facebook #‎prayers inside this sad news of Lynn Anderson A sweet, fun, and classy lady as this picture shows‪ ‎Lynn Anderson We'll all miss you


Very sad news today about Country Queen Lynn Anderson, R.I.P. Lynn was a beautiful person! Big loss to Country Music. Sing with the Angels Lynn - Pete Kennedy (County Offaly, Irish Republic singer-songwriter & British Country Music Award winner)


BILLBOARD Tributes:  Lynn Anderson Remembered by Martina McBride, Travis Tritt & many more Country Stars

INTERVIEWS:

(February 20, 2012, Suite101) Veteran Country Music Sensation Country queen Lynn Anderson talks to Suite101 about her incredible career, Martina McBride, smash hit "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden", advice for aspiring country singers and future plans.

American Cowboy.com Interview (“Horses and music have been my life,” said the late Grammy-winner and Country Music and Cowgirl Halls of Fame nominee)

In this archived interview broadcast on June 15, 2012 on CMR Nashville ("Europe's #1 Country Music Radio Station") Mr.Lee Williams CEO of CMR Nashville / BCMAward President spoke with Ms.Anderson about her dates in Europe including Scotland and the Drangedal Sentrum in Norway. They discuss her latest album 16 Biggest Hits (Listen to album tracks) a new compilation of original recordings. Listen here:



Here in this Facebook video Ms. Anderson speaks to Cameron Tilbury (MapleStar Music & Media) in the last interview they had with her in June at CMA Music Fest 2015. She talked about her new album “Bridges” (Center Sound Records)
12 Tracks/ Time: 43:34 Gospel MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com >> Test Drive on SPOTIFY 

MEDIA
Lynn Anderson “If I Kiss You” (Will You Go Away) National Life TV show Grand Ole Opry Aug 4, 1967 - YouTube

Lynn Anderson performs "I've Been Everywhere" on The Lawrence Welk Show in 1968 >> YouTube
“Rocky Top” (her original 1970 version) Audio >> YouTube
Lynn sings her signature hit "Rose Garden" from 1973 on a US TC show >> YouTube

"I Love How You Love Me" (#22 Hot Country Songs; 1977) Audio >> YouTube

Lynn Anderson (Photo Tribute) >> YouTube

"Drift Away Gospel" >> Lyric Video (published July 28, 2015) from new album, BRIDGES See Review at Digital Journal.com

R.I.P. Ms. Lynn Anderson “Rocky Top” (her original 1970 version) Audio >> YouTube

She is survived by her father, three children, Lisa Sutton, Melissa Hempel and Gray Stream, four grandchildren and her longtime partner Mentor Williams.
Funeral services will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

On Nov 1, 2012 she released “Day One" (Showboat Records (BMI); © 2012 Liz Anderson) which was penned by her mother, legendary songwriter Liz Anderson, and it will tug at your heartstrings. The emotion in Lynn's voice is compelling, and each line reaches out to touch you. This is a song that anyone can relate to with touching words.
Please give a listen to this beautiful heartfelt ballad it’s available on Amazon UK


DAY ONE - My first day without you has begun/ Today's the day you said "Goodbye" - I've only just begun to cry/ I can't believe it's over and you're gone - DAY ONE
DAY TWO - I spent all night crying over you/ My lonely mind can't comprehend - that you're not coming back again…
Lynn Anderson Albums - Amazon UK

Find Lynn Anderson’s music on UK iTunes and SPOTIFY




Sources and Obituaries:
LYNN ANDERSON (1947 – 2015) CMA Close Up

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