Tribute To Patty Loveless: Country Music’s Honky Tonk Angel

Legacy Recordings

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Patty Loveless has been a tremendous influence to the country music community and charted more than 40 singles. 

At the peak of her success, she released blends of honky-tonk, country-rock, and beautiful country ballads like “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye”

Loveless has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1988 and released what would become her most notable album that same year. Honky Tonk Angel charted five tracks and gave the superstar several No. 1 hits like “Chains” and “Timber, I’m Falling In Love”

For the next several years the singing sensation released several new albums and singles while performing on television and touring a substantial amount. After changing record companies and inking a new recording contract, Loveless went to a recording session when the producer noticed that there was something different with her voice. After visiting the doctor, they discovered she had an enlarged blood vessel and she needed to have surgery to correct the issue or her singing career would be over. She opted for the surgery and was unable to sing or talk for the majority of the next three months. 

On her 36th birthday, Loveless re-launched her career by performing at the Grand Ole Opry with a fully repaired voice. Although her voice was intact, it was noticeably different. She had a deeper, more full tone structure that helped bolster her career after that. 

With her new voice, the singer launched what would come to be known as her most notable song, “Blame It On Your Heart” in April 1993, which charted at the No. 1 position. 

 With a seemingly endless number of hits, 14 studio albums, and two Grammy Awards, it’s clear why Patty Loveless is known around the world as a legend in country music. 

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