Grammy-Winning Country Artist Lynn Anderson Has Died; Recording Academy Releases Statement

BroadwayWorld has learned that Country artist Lynn Anderson, known for her '70s country/pop crossover hit, "Rose Garden" has died. The Grammy Award-winner suffered a heart attack on Thursday night, July 30, at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was 67.

Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy released a statement on Friday night, saying,

"Lynn Anderson was one of the leading ladies of Nashville in the '70s, a powerful singer born into a family of music makers. "Rose Garden," which earned Lynn the GRAMMY® Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female in 1970, remains an indelible hit of its era, and she went on to chart more than 15 top 10 records on the country charts. Her passing is a sad loss for country music, and our condolences go out to her family, friends and fans."

Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on September 26, 1947, and raised in California, Lynn's love of country music can be attributed to her mother . . . songwriting great, Liz Anderson. Liz composed such hits as "The Fugitive" and "My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers" for Merle Haggard. Haggard's band, The Strangers, was named for the latter hit.

Lynn's first foray into the music world was when, as a teenager, she entered a singing contest sponsored by the Country Corners program in Sacramento. In her late teens, she became a regular on a top rated network show. When she signed with the Lawrence Welk Show, she became the only country performer featured weekly on national television. By the time she turned 20, Lynn had been with a national recording company for three years, scoring a string of hits: "That's a No No," "Promises, Promises," "I've Been Everywhere," and "Rocky Top."

Lynn's Songs and Achievements
In 1970, Lynn moved to Nashville and signed with Columbia Records; with husband/producer Glenn Sutton, she began turning out a steady stream of well-received recordings for the new label. Then one of those rare sessions occurred. Lynn entered the studio to record Joe South's "Rose Garden." What emerged was a bit of MAGIC! The song climbed to the top of both the country and pop charts, something that was completely unheard of at the time. "Rose Garden" transformed Lynn Anderson into an international superstar. The album, "Rose Garden," was released after the single in February 1971. It earned Lynn numerous gold albums worldwide and went RIAA Platinum in the United States. She received an astonishing 32 tributes for the phenomenal recording. "Rose Garden" remained the biggest selling album by a female country artist from 1971 - 1997, when Shania Twain broke Lynn's longstanding record.

After "Rocky Top" and "Rose Garden," more number ones followed: "Cry," "How Can I Unlove You," "Keep Me in Mind," "You're My Man," "Man What a Man My Man Is," "Listen to a Country Song," "Fool Me," "Top of the World," and "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues." In a career that spans over four decades, Lynn has scored 11 No. 1, 18 Top-10, and over 50 Top-40 hits. She has earned a total of 17 Gold Albums and won virtually every award available to a female recording artist: CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Academy of Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year (twice), American Music Award Favorite Female Vocalist, Record World's Artist of the Decade (1970-1980), Billboard's Artist of the Decade (1970-1980) and the prestigious Grammy Award. Her records have sold in the multi-millions worldwide, many of them becoming standards. Her most recent Grammy Award nomination was in 2004 for "The Bluegrass Sessions." Lynn Anderson is not only a singer, she's an entertainer - an entertainer who shows no sign of slowing down.

Cowboy Sweetheart Album
Lynn Anderson's album Cowboy's Sweetheart, is a collection of cowgirl/cowboy songs reflecting Anderson's love of the American West's history, tradition, and impact on the nation's people. Included on the outstanding project are songs ranging from Cole Porter's Don't Fence Me In, (with its 48 different chords) to Ian Tyson's Someday Soon to Dan Fogelberg's Run For The Roses. Emmylou Harris and Marty Stuart are guest performers.

Lynn, the Equestrian
In addition to being a multi-million selling recording artist, Lynn has been equally successful in the equestrian world. She has won 16 National Championships, four World Championships and several celebrity championships. She produced a TNN Special, "American Country Cowboy's," which benefited various handicapped groups. Lynn's philanthropic interests are longstanding ... one of her recordings was chosen as a theme song for the National Christmas Seal Campaign. She also works with horseback therapy riding programs for adults and children.

After living in Taos, New Mexico, for 20 years, Lynn decided it was time to move back to Nashville. She owns several horses and still competes at national equestrian events. She hits the concert trail two or three times a month, headlining major casinos, performing arts centers, fairs, and festivals.

Photo credit: Facebook/Lynn Anderson

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