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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZLOVELESS, Patty(b Patricia Ramey, 4 Jan. '57, Pikeville KY) Pure-toned country singer, songwriter, guitarist. Genuine coal miner's daughter; distant cousin of Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle; performed in country duo with brother Roger from 13; replaced Loretta Lynn on Wilburn Bros show and toured with them while still in high school; married Terry Lovelace (Wilburns' drummer) and worked clubs in NC '75--83 mainly singing rock. The marriage didn't last; Roger became her manager and she moved to Nashville, songwriting for Acuff-Rose and signed to MCA '85; following critically praised albums and minor hits she made top ten with 'If My Heart Had Windows' '88; further big hits followed, 'Timber I'm Falling' and 'Chains' no. ones '89--90. Meanwhile she joined the Opry '88, married record producer and bass player Emory Gordy Jr '89; sang harmonies on Vince Gills's breakthrough hit 'When I Call Your Name' and moved to Epic '92 with Gordy as producer. She had problems with vocal cords while recording breakthrough album Only What I Feel but finally gained mass recognition, rarely absent from country top ten: 'Blame It On Your Heart' (no. 1 '93), 'I Try To Think About Elvis' '94, 'You Don't Even Know Who I Am' '95, 'You Can Feel Bad' (no. 1 '96); daring and inspired song choices paid off handsomely. When Fallen Angels Fly named CMA Album of the Year '95; she was named Female Vocalist of the Year '96. Other albums incl. Patty Loveless '87, Honky Tonk Angel '89, On Down The Line '90, Up Against My Heart '91 all on MCA; The Trouble With The Truth '96 on Epic. |