The Recording Academy Hosts Grammy Salute To Country Music Honoring Loretta Lynn

NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - Continuing the tradition of celebrating musical excellence 365 days of the year, The Recording Academy will host GRAMMY Salute To Country MUSIC honoring Loretta Lynn, presented by MasterCard. In its sophomore year, the event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. The star-studded tribute will feature performances by some of Nashville's finest artists and will include a special presentation of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award to three-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Lynn in honor of her dynamic career and contributions to country music.

"We are delighted to be paying homage to Loretta Lynn, a true country music pioneer and cultural icon, whose distinctive musical style has confronted social issues while remaining wildly entertaining," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "It is only fitting that we celebrate Loretta at our Salute To Country Music event, as she has worked diligently to ensure that country music remains a vital part of our culture, and has paved the way for many of today's talented artists and likely for generations to come."

"MasterCard is proud to support The Recording Academy's GRAMMY events and their celebration of music's greats, such as Loretta Lynn," said Cheryl Guerin, Senior Vice President, U.S. Marketing and Global Digital Marketing, MasterCard Worldwide. "This partnership provides our cardholders with a number of extraordinary opportunities to experience some of the world's most renowned musicians up close and personal."

With a career spanning 50 years, three-time GRAMMY winner Loretta Lynn has created music infused with honesty and energy. From the beginning of her career in 1960, she introduced a strong, independent female voice at a time when women in country music were more reserved. She became an advocate for real women with such hits as "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)," "Your Squaw Is On The Warpath," and "The Pill." Her hit song "Coal Miner's Daughter," also the title of her 1976 autobiography, would later be made into an acclaimed feature film, garnering an Academy Award for Sissy Spacek, who played Lynn in the title role. In 2004, Lynn teamed up with White Stripes guitarist Jack White who produced her two-time GRAMMY-winning album Van Lear Rose, which showcased her powerful vocals and skillful songwriting and further solidified her status as one of country music's trailblazing icons. Earlier this year, Lynn was honored with a 2010 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. For more information, please visit www.lorettalynn.com.