Is This Really Necessary?!

No matter what type of music you listen to, it's pretty well guaranteed everyone's heard of Loretta Lynn.

Lynn became popular in the 60's and 70's for her straightforward, and at times controversial, songs.  Now it seems Lynn's past has stirred up some controversy of it's own.  According to a story by Cory Strombland, posted on Taste of Country's website, Loretta Lynn is under fire for lying about her age.

http://tasteofcountry.com/loretta-lynn-age/

I first became aware of the story from a post on Facebook.  My first thought after reading the story was, "so what, people lie about their age all the time".  From the responses I saw to the post, I'm not alone in how I feel.

Yes, the age discrepancy does affect the actual timeline for when Lynn was married, became a mother, etc.; and it changes the history of her autobiographical song and story, "Coal Miner's Daughter".  Really though, over all, it's not a big deal; let's face it, bigger things in history have been changed over the past, what's a couple of years?

The age difference didn't changed Lynn's contributions to country music in any way.  She would still have the many hits she's had, the awards, you name it.  Lying about her age had nothing to do with her ability to sing.  So again, who cares?  There are bigger things in the world to worry about than if Loretta Lynn is 77 or 80 years old.

I say, leave the woman alone, focus on the positives Lynn brought to the world, and not about how old she is.  It just doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Jaida Dreyer @ the Bing Lounge--3-9-12

Even though I'd heard the name, "Jaida Dreyer" more than a few times over the past couple years, I honestly didn't know anything about the singer/songwriter. So when I heard Jaida was going to be in the Bing Lounge March 9, 2012, I knew I had to go.

Jaida was born in Ontario, Canada, but raised in the U.S.; having lived in several states by the time she was in her teens.

During her early years, Jaida had a passion for showing horses. She became a world champion at age five, and by thirteen she was a professional.

It was a hard life for a young girl and her mom, but it's the life Jaida knew, and loved, before turning her interests to music.

This brings us to March 9, 2012, and the Bing Lounge. From the moment Jaida took the stage, she had the small crowd that gathered captivated with her stories, songs and charm.

She began her set with her soon to be released single, "Guy's Girl". At one point during the song, I thought, "wow, she kind of sounded like Dolly Parton for a moment". Turns out, I wasn't the only one who caught it, and thought the same thing.



Throughout the rest of her set, Jaida in turn sounded not only like Dolly, but at times Martina McBride, Loretta Lynn, and other notable female artists. Yet, despite the resemblances, Jaida honestly does have her own style of singing; thus not locking her into a "sounds like" status. She's been blessed with a beautiful voice, and an amazing songwriting ability for someone so young.

I'm really glad I was able to see Jaida Dreyer perform in the Bing Lounge; and I know I'm not the only new fan she gained that day. I see a bright future for this young lady in the music world.

So be on the lookout for Jaida Dreyer everyone, she's the real deal!

Kellie Pickler @ the Bing Lounge-September 26, 2011

Of all the contestants who've gone on to have musical careers after their time on American Idol, Kellie Pickler is my favorite.

It's not just her singing I like, I think she's a cool, down to earth person who doesn't put on airs; what you see with her is what you get.

At the Bing Lounge September 26th, my thoughts were confirmed. Not only does Kellie have a beautiful voice, she's very personable and will say whatever's on her mind.

Kellie started her set with one of my favorite songs of hers, "Rocks Instead of Rice". She said it was written about an ex-boyfriend of hers.


During the interview segment, Scott Simon and Jolynn Winter, from "Simon in the Morning", asked Kellie several questions and she answered all of them honestly and in detail. The audience was then asked if they had any questions for Kellie. At first not too many people asked anything; so Kellie sang some more and would then ask if the crowd had any questions.

As it turned out, several people asked questions between songs, and Kellie answered every one of them. Because of this, the show ran longer than they usually do at the Bing Lounge, though no one was complaining about that!

At one point, the usual "artist challenge" was put out. For Kellie, it was for her to sing her favorite Loretta Lynn song. Kellie accepted the challenge, doing an awesome job on Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)".


Though I was disappointed that Kellie didn't sing "Best Day of Your Life", or "Didn't I", she did do "Red High Heels" and "I Wonder"; both of which I like also.

Kellie ended her performance that evening with her current single, "Tough", from her upcoming album.


After the show attendees were given the opportunity to get Kellie's autograph and have their photo taken with her.

If I hadn't already liked Kellie Pickler before September 26th, I know I would have come away from the show a new fan. As it is, I've gained even more respect and admiration for her since then.