For years, I abhorred anything labeled Country Music. It brought to mind pop-country nightmares like Garth Brooks and Toby Keith. I liked the occasional Johnny Cash song, but it wasn't until I discovered artists like Bill Monroe and Townes van Zandt that I finally realized there was a whole new world of country music that could actually be considered respectable.

One such classic artist is Loretta Lynn, who burst onto the scene with her 1960 single “Honky Tonk Girl.” Sixteen years later she wrote her autobiography, which was adapted into the film “Coal Miner's Daughter” in 1980. The film garnered much acclaim, winning Sissy Spacek (who actually sings in the film) an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the legend, and receiving six more Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

The film plays tonight at the Clifton Center as part of the Wild and Woolly Video Monthly Film Series. Todd Brashear, owner of Wild and Woolly, was specific about why he wanted to show the film this month: “It's my wife's favorite movie, and... Loretta is a Kentucky legend,” he says. “My wife and I went to Butcher Holler years ago and it was definitely a pilgrimage for us. Loretta's brother gave us the tour and it was amazing to actually be there.”

“Coal Miner's Daughter” plays at 7:00 this evening; a cash bar will be open at 6:00. Admission is free for Friends of the Clifton Center and $5.00 for the general public. The Clifton Center is located at 2117 Payne Street. Tickets can be bought at the Clifton Center, at Wild and Woolly Video, or at the Clifton Center's website.

Image: Internet Movie Database